Real Ski Report: Lake Louise and Sunshine bask in deep powder

Paul Karchut's Real Ski Report tells us where to find the best downhill and cross-country conditions at Alberta and B.C. ski hills this week, saying Rocky Mountain resorts are basking in the best November ski conditions on record.

The CBC's Paul Karchut says these are the best November ski conditions on record for the Rockies

The Calgary Eyeopener · CBC News · Posted: Nov 20, 2015 5:00 AM EST | Last Updated: November 20, 2015

Paul Karchut delivers his first Real Ski Report of the season. (Bill Joyce/Facebook)

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.

There has been a lot of hollering and high-fiving at Lake Louise and Sunshine this week.

Skiers and boarders have been burning turns through knee-deep powder — something both mountain resorts rarely see in November.

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The early start to the season brought more than 130 cm of fresh snow to both ski areas by Thursday, with more expected early next week.

Lake Louise

The resort is hoping to open all of its lifts by Saturday, giving riders access to heaps of untouched powder under the Paradise chair.

Solid coverage on this hill thanks to a 54-cm dump earlier this week. More snow expected Monday and Tuesday, adding up to anywhere from five to 10 cm. The weekend forecast calls for a high of –6 C on Saturday and 0 C on Sunday with bluebird skies.

Sunshine

Although it hasn't puked snow since Tuesday night — "there's still some some fresh powder to be had," said Real Ski Reporter, John Hornak.

"It's nice and champagne. It was thick the first weekend but right now it's really soft and fluffy and good."

Sunny and a high of –1 on Saturday and sunny with a mix of clouds on Sunday, high of –6. Light snow in the forecast for Monday and Tuesday.

Staff confirm that they will have Angel and the new Tee Pee town lifts open on Saturday. Of course, people are really excited about Tee Pee town because the old, rickety two-seater has been pulled out and a new quad complete with heated seats took its place.

Nakiska and Norquay

Although Nakiska received 60 cm of fresh snow this week, it's still only open Friday through Sunday until Dec. 4. The Spirit Lift, Cascade Lift and Sundance Carpet are up and running daily at Norquay.

Revelstoke: Nov. 28 is opening day.
Kicking Horse: Bonus weekends Nov. 28- 29 and Dec. 5-6. Regular season opens Dec. 11.
Fernie: Dec. 4. is opening day.
Panorama and Castle Mountain: Both mountains open on Dec. 11.
Kimberly: Dec. 12 is opening day.

X-Country skiing

Conditions are amazing pretty much everywhere — Kananaskis Village, Peter Lougheed, Banff, Lake Louise, the Canmore Nordic Centre and even Bragg Creek.

"It's just a matter of how many they can get trail-ready for the weekend with all the deep snow they've had to contend with," said Bob Truman, the man behind skierbob.ca.