Real Ski Report: Snowfall in Kimberley and East Kootenay region
Paul Karchut seeks snow in the Rockies after a dry spell
Each week, CBC Calgary's Paul Karchut speaks with dozens of dedicated skiers and boarders across eastern B.C. and southern Alberta to get the real scoop on conditions at resorts, on cross-country trails and in the backcountry.
A snowfall warning in the East Kootenay region on Wednesday and Thursday blanketed Kimberley in about 17 cm of powder. Nearly Panorma got about 11 cm.
If you want to stay closer to Calgary this weekend, several resorts did get a dusting of snow earlier this week:
- Lake Louise: 8 cm has fallen since Thursday and the forecast is calling for sunshine Saturday and Sunday.
- Sunshine Village: The Goat's Eye chair has reopened! The mountain did get a couple centimetres this week, however ski reporter John Hornak thinks the resort could use another 15 to 20 cm. "There are some rocks sticking out and branches," he said.
- Norquay: About 10 cm of new snow since Thursday and 6 cm at Nakiska.
- Castle Mountain: 14 cm since Thursday but that's likely it for the weekend. The temperature on the hill is expected to hover between -10 and -15 C throughout the weekend.
There was a small surge in snowfall at Revelstoke mid-week following a wild inversion where it was actually way colder down low than it was up high.
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Now that temperatures have dropped again, ski reporters say it's become a bit icy on the steeper runs.
- Kicking Horse: The gondola is up and running after breaking down last weekend. An electrical failure forced several guests to be evacuated by helicopter.
- Fernie: Trace bits of snow continue to be forecast through the weekend.
National Ski Day
This is an affordable way to get you and your family on the hill this season.
On Jan. 9, you can ski all day at Nakiska or Panorama — for just $15. Tickets must be purchased in advance online through the National Ski Day website.
Cross-country skiing
We're hearing the conditions, especially on the West Bragg Creek trail system, are the best in over a decade.
"All the main areas: the Nordic Centre, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Ribbon Creek, Mount Shark — it's not even a matter of having to look anymore. You can just show up and just expect excellent conditions everywhere," said Mike Norton.
And Bob Truman's blog is just filled with glowing trip reports too.
If you're planning to head out into the backcountry this weekend, check in with the forecast team at Avalanche Canada.
Have photos of yourself shredding it? Tweet them to @CBCoutside or send an email to [email protected]
Follow along with the latest tweets from the mountains.
With files from CBC's Paul Karchut