Hopes for an early start to South Okanagan ski season scuttled by weather change
PENTICTON – What looked like the potential for an early start to winter on the ski hills has melted away following a change in the weather since the beginning of November.
An early November cold snap that brought snow to the valley floor disappeared through the middle of the month, giving way to warmer temperatures and rain that have had an affect on plans for opening South Okanagan ski resorts.
Apex Mountain Resort Sales and Marketing Manager Harrison Hall says the resort has postponed its planned opening date from Dec. 2 to Dec. 9 after the change in the weather resulted in melting of some of the resort’s base.
“It started off good, but like everyone else, we got hit with the weather change. It wasn’t all bad, because the melt improved the base, but we did lose some snow,” Hall says, adding the resort is getting regular updates on the resort’s base (presently at 55 cm) from the maintenance crew.
“We’re one of the only mountains in the valley that can make snow, and we’re continuing to work hard on that,” Hall says.
The resort has been hosting teams from Japan, Australia, and the U.S. for the past two weeks as they train on Apex’s moguls course.
See the resort's website for updates.
Baldy Mountain Resort’s Tina Hesketh says the mountain received “a bunch of snow last night.” The resort is expecting 30 cms more in the coming week, according to local weather forecasts.
“At this point there is not enough to open, but we’re continuing to aim for a Dec. 8 start,” she says.
Mount Baldy has just launched a new website at: baldyresort.com
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