Season draws to a close with fresh powder
Ski and snowboard areas may be closing down across Alberta and B.C. — and we're discouraged from visiting B.C. — and our weekly Snow Scene may be publishing for the final time until next winter, but there's still a lot of time left to get in some turns at Lake Louise.
The Banff National Park is set to be open until May 2, so you've still got a couple weeks left to take advantage of all it's got to offer. But that doesn't include indoor dining due to provincial COVID-19 restrictions that are in place, but with temperatures rising by the day it's not like the resort is short on outdoor space to relax and have a meal.
Guests should make sure they take time to review all the COVID -19 safety protocols before they visit — and reserve their time on the mountain, which is a must. The last seven days brought 30 cm of awesome spring powder and the season total now sits at 584 cm.
For anyone who is already thinking ahead to next year, season's passes are on sale now. www.skilouise.com twitter.com/skilouise
NAKISKA
The plan was for Nakiska to shut down for the season this weekend. Mother Nature decided to pitch in and give skiers and snowboarders a little gift though, and the Kananaskis Resort is now planning to stay open for April 24 and 25, as well — although weekday operations will end on Sunday.
While spring skiing is generally a time for relaxing runs and laidback days, there's no reason you can't get some learning in, too. Nakiska is currently offering 50 per cent off all lessons between now and the end of the season, so a little last minute trip to the mountains can be rewarding for next season's turns, too.
The resort is following all provincial guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and has strict rules and regulations in place. Anyone making the quick drive to Nakiska should make sure they take a few minutes to familiarize themselves with what they can expect when they arrive. Nakiska's had a terrific 36 cm of new snow in the past week and the season total is now sitting at 334 cm. www.skinakiska.com twitter.com/skinakiska
COP
The winter ski season is officially over at Canada Olympic Park and the focus has turned to summer. While we're still a couple of months away and provincial COVID -19 restrictions are constantly changing, Winsport has got summer camps for all sorts of outdoor adventurers. There are programs for everything from mountain biking to trail blazing, which are excellent ways to stay strong and healthy and be ready for the 2021-22 ski season. www.winsport.ca twitter.com/winsportcanada
NORQUAY
In last week's Snow Scene, we noted that this coming weekend was the final chance for skiers and snowboarders to rip down the slopes at Mount Norquay before the season ends. But things have changed. Norquay has now extended its season for two weekends and will be open from April 23-25, as well as from April 29 to May 2. That's perfect for anyone looking to get some sunshine in and appreciate all that this winter has had to offer on the mountains with a final couple of runs.
Anyone heading to the mountain should make sure they're aware of what to expect, though. Lift tickets need to be purchased in advance before you make the trip. Social distancing is mandatory and masks must be worn in lineups and on lifts. Visit Norquay's website and review what they've put in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Norquay had 19 cm of new snow fall on the mountain in the past week, bringing the season total to 395 cm. www.banffnorquay.com twitter.com/mtnorquay
CASTLE MOUNTAIN
With spring in full bloom — maybe that's an exaggeration, but it's getting warmer — Castle Mountain is officially closed for the season. Just as a note, Castle had 132 operational days this season, the longest in its history.
For anyone who knows that they're going to want to rip it up at Castle next year, the resort is already selling season tickets. They're going on a tiered-pricing schedule, so it's smart to jump on getting your pass as soon as possible. www.skicastle.ca twitter.com/skicastle
MARMOT BASIN
There's still lots of time to get up north to Jasper and explore everything that Marmot Basin has to offer.
The resort isn't planning on closing down for the summer until May 2, so Calgarians needing a little change of scenery can still make the quick trip and get those turns in.
The resort has actually added some new terrain this spring, too. While it's not an expansion, they've opened a massive high-alpine section right off the Knob Chair that will present a challenge for every level of skier.
Conditions are phenomenal with 18 cm of new snow falling in the last four days, and the season total is now sitting at 486 cm. www.skimarmot.com twitter.com/marmotbasin
ACROSS THE B.C. BORDER
The B.C. government discourages non-essential travel across the B.c.-alberta border.
Panorama: Closed
Kicking Horse: Closed
Fernie: Closed
Kimberley: Closed
Big White: Closed
Revelstoke: Closed
Sun Peaks: Closed
Silver Star: Closed
Red Mountain: Closed
Whistler Blackcomb: Closed