Alpine skiing opening five days early at Silver Star

VERNON – The plan was to open Nov. 26 but after nearly 150 centimetres of snowfall, Silver Star Mountain is ready to open a bit earlier.

The ski resort announced it would be opening three chairlifts and at least 25 runs starting at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 21, a full five days ahead of the original planned opening. The ski hill will be open Saturday and Sunday and then will begin full daily operations on Thursday, Nov. 26.

The alpine snow base is currently at 72 cm, with more snow in the forecast this week.

Because not all runs will be open yet, the season will start with discounted lift tickets and rentals.

Nordic trails have been open for cross country skiers since Nov. 12.

Other area ski hills have been opening early as well. Big White opened last week, two weeks ahead of schedule, and Sun Peaks is planning to open this Friday, Nov. 20, a day ahead of schedule. Whistler Mountain is also opening early, Nov. 19, while Blackcomb Mountain is planning for a Nov. 26 opening.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Jennifer Stahn at jstahn@infonews.ca or call 250-819-3723. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.