Mountain resorts in Alberta see snowfall eight weeks ahead of schedule

Old Man Winter came a bit early this year to some ski resorts west of Calgary.

Mountain operators woke Monday morning to see their webcams covered in the white stuff typically seen in winter.

“It certainly is a bit of a surprise to get it. We’ve had a lot of precipitation in the last 48 hours, and when I saw the cams I thought it was interesting. Certainly a little dusting at the top can’t hurt,” said Dan Markham, director of brand and communications for the Lake Louise Resort.

Markham adds, the snow-making season doesn’t start until mid-October, when Parks Canada allows them to draw from the water table.

“I don’t know if it’s buzz or excitement about snow right now. We’re still in the middle of summer operations with the gondola right now and a little bit of snow may discourage people from coming out in shorts and a t-shirt,” Markham said.

Before dusting off the skis and snowboard, it’s important to keep in mind the ski resort is not planning to open until November 10th.

And the snow isn’t limited to Lake Louise. Resorts like Sunshine Village and Kicking Horse Resort saw the same type of weather.

“It’s been a snow day on the Alpine Ridge today,” Matt Mosteller from Kicking Horse said. “We usually get a dusting during the summer time, but this one came with a lot more force and power than normal and we’re seeing cooler temperatures.”

“La Nina is being forecasted which bodes well for a cold and snowy winter for us along the Powder Highway. It’s super exciting; we’re all real passionate skiers and snowboarders so we’re coming to work with smiles.”