Whistler getting ready for the coming ski season

Our featured European resorts remain largely unchanged and sadly absolutely no new snow has fallen this week. Nevertheless, the sun was shining brightly on Thursday 17th November. Also, as a result of the excellent grooming efforts at the open resorts, good, fast skiing can still be easily found on numerous glaciers further enhanced by the excellent visibility.

Finally we have seen the above average mild temperatures for Europe start to drop so numerous resorts can finally start manufacturing artificial snow to facilitate skiing into their village centres. Furthermore, this means the lower temperatures will keep the piste conditions in good shape.

Unfortunately however, this has not been in time for some resorts’ scheduled opening times where operations have had to be postponed to Saturday 26th November. This no doubt means next week will see intense artificial snow making in these particular resorts, including Val Thorens in France along with Andermatt, Crans Montana and Zinal in Switzerland. Having said that Obergurgl opened for business on Thursday 17th November, showing a good sign of things to come.

Many resorts in America are scheduled to open for the season next week, with the arrival of Thanksgiving. Vail in Colorado opens on Friday 18th November and other resorts to join it will be Snowbird and Alta in Utah.

Canada’s winter is well underway too. The early opening of Whistler has been well documented and the coming weekend should be a superb way to start off the winter season. Sun Peaks also opens on Saturday 19th November and with nearly 70cm on the upper slopes already it should be a great weekend.