B.C. ski resorts expecting a spring love story
What do you get when you mix a climate phenomenon, a warm winter and a ski resort? A surprisingly good spring season for B.C. skiers and snowboarders. Many B.C. ski resorts forecast improved conditions this spring after enduring a challenging winter that saw delayed openings and closures.
El Niño, the climate phenomenon that disrupted global weather patterns, has been blamed for one of the warmest winters on record in Canada, with minimal snow for many areas during the early winter months.
However, not all B.C. ski resorts suffered from the warm spell. Meanwhile, other resorts in the province enjoyed a generous dump of snow in recent weeks, partly due to that same El Niño. That promises better snow conditions in March and April, warmer temperatures, sunshine and a festive vibe. Here is what avid spring skiers and snowboarders can expect at some of B.C.’S most popular resorts over the coming weeks.
FERNIE, KIMBERLEY AND KICKING HORSE
Nestled along the iconic Powder Highway, Fernie and Kimberley have carved out a reputation for their pristine powder snow. This season, eight metres of snow has graced their slopes, setting the stage for exceptional spring skiing conditions and abundant corn snow on sun-drenched days.
“March is coming in with a roar,” says Matt Mosteller, vice-president of Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, which operates Fernie, Kimberley and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, among other B.C. hills. “We already have a good snowpack, and given massive recent storms and with March usually being the snowiest month, so don’t pack those skis away, as there are many more good turns to be had.”
Kicking Horse, nicknamed The Champagne Powder Capital of Canada and celebrated for its impressive vertical drop and steep and deep chutes, has been blessed with over seven m of snow this season. It is on track for decent spring skiing conditions with variable snow and mild temperatures.
“This winter is now breaking into the snow record books,” says Kicking Horse general manager Mike Rubinstein. “We’ve had close to four feet of new storm snow, and spring skiing is some of the season’s best when days are long and the sun is out.”
WHISTLER BLACKCOMB MOUNTAIN RESORT
North America’s largest ski resort has faced challenges providing adequate terrain offerings this season due to warmer temperatures and the impact of the recent atmospheric river. Despite artificial snow production, the resort still needs to catch up to its usual standards. However, it has taken measures to optimize and extend artificial snow-making by an additional month. That, along with the late February storm that brought more than 80 centimetres of fresh snow, should ensure a smooth connection to the valley bases until late spring.
Dane Gergovic, Whistler Blackcomb’s communications manager, remains optimistic about the recovery of Whistler Blackcomb’s terrain. “We have regained up to 7,800 skiable acres out of our total 8,171 and are still counting. We are confident that we will end the winter on a high note and offer our guests some excellent spring skiing opportunities.”
SILVERSTAR, BIG WHITE AND SUN PEAKS
While snow conditions around B.C. have been lacking, these popular Okanagan resorts have been relatively blessed. Known for its colourful village and family-friendly atmosphere, Silverstar Mountain Resort near Vernon has enjoyed excellent snow conditions lately. Its base depth is almost two m, with a total snowfall of almost six m to date.
“We’ve had a good amount of snow recently, and conditions are forecast to stay cool and sunny ... which will make for some great spring skiing,” says Megan Sutherland, Siverstar’s communications director. “It’s hard to imagine when you’re not up at the resort or in Vancouver, but there is plenty of good snow up here, and the conditions for skiing and riding are great.”
At nearby Big White, home to Canada’s largest ski-in ski-out resort village, a more than two-m base and more snow in the forecast has Michael J. Ballingall, the resort’s vice-president, echoing Sutherland’s positive outlook.
“Spring truly is the best time of year to ski, when the patios are all open, you get a goggle tan and you’re sliding on some fabulous snow,” he says. “It’s not unusual to have customers from the local valley ski, golf and standup paddle board on the same day.”
Sun Peaks, Canada’s second largest ski resort, located near Kamloops, faced minimal snowfall in November and December. But now, with full coverage on all runs and a 1.5 m alpine snow base, Christina Antoniak, director of communications, is confident that the season will end on a high note.
“Overall conditions in Sun Peaks right now are fantastic, and our grooming team is receiving rave guest reviews on the conditions of our groomed trails,” she says, adding that spring can be one of the most fun times of year to ski, with comfortable temperatures, fresh snowfall mixed with bluebird days and many events happening at village restaurants.
REVELSTOKE MOUNTAIN RESORT
Famous for its steep and deep terrain and the longest vertical drop in North America, Revelstoke has been hit with irregular weather this season. However, the snowpack has remained strong thanks to the resort’s interior B.C. location and elevation. And conditions look promising for a spring rally, with more than a metre of fresh snow in just over a week.
“Now is the time to book your Revelstoke vacation,” says Laura Meggs, Revelstoke’s communications manager. “The snow is the best it’s been all season, with fresh powder, bluebird days and incredible terrain. You can’t go wrong. Plus, you can save up to 40 per cent if you book online in advance.”