If you’re chomping at the bit to get out on your skis or snowboard, here’s a list of opening days to look forward to. Keep in mind that for a lot of resorts, especially the ones that open in November, early-season conditions apply, meaning snow will still be pretty sparse and not every run is going to be open. That said, early-season skiing is still a fun way to get outdoors and enjoy the mountains. All dates listed here are tentative and snowfall dependent. Follow your favourite resorts on Twitter for up-to-the-minute info about opening dates and conditions.
Opening in November
Norquay (Banff, Alberta)
If the temperatures are low enough for the snowmaking equipment to create a sufficient base, Norquay will open as early as October. This year they opened Thursday, Nov. 5 and will run weekends through early November, moving into full operations later in the month.
Driving distance from Calgary: 112 km
Lake Louise Ski Resort (Lake Louise, Alberta)
Anticipated opening day: Friday, November 6, 2015.
If you’re young and crazy mark your calendar for the season-opener party sponsored by Unlimited Skate and Snow on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at the resort’s Lodge of the Ten Peaks. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. You have to be at least 18 years old to get in. Doors open at 10 p.m.
Driving distance from Calgary: 184 km
Nakiska Mountain Resort (Kananaskis, Alberta)
Anticipated opening day: Wednesday, November 11, 2015 (partial operations).
Nakiska is part of the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies group, which has launched a free app this season providing up-to-date info on snow conditions, weather reports and general resort info. Other regional RCR resorts covered by the app include Fernie Alpine Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. The app is available on iTunes and Google Play.
Driving distance from Calgary: 83 km
Marmot Basin (Jasper, Alberta)
Anticipated opening day: Friday, November 13, 2015.
Driving distance from Calgary: 418 km
Sunshine Village (Banff, Alberta)
Anticipated Opening Day: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015.
Driving distance from Calgary: 135 km
skibanff.com, @sunshinevillage
Winsport Canada Olympic Park (Calgary)
Anticipated opening day: Saturday, November 14, 2015.
Located within the Calgary city limits, along the Trans Canada Highway heading west.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort (Revelstoke, B.C.)
Anticipated opening day: Saturday, November 28, 2015.
Driving distance from Calgary: 413 km
revelstokemountainresort.com, @revelstokemtn
More ski resorts anticipated to open in November
Big White Ski Resort (Kelowna, B.C.), November 13, 2015; bigwhite.com, @bigwhite
Sun Peaks Resort (Kamloops, B.C.), November 20, 2015; sunpeaksresort.com, @sunpeaksresort
Silver Star Mountain Resort (Vernon, B.C.), November 26, 2015 (Nordic ski trails anticipated opening November 12); skisilverstar.com, @skisilverstar
Whistler Blackcomb (Whistler, B.C.), November 26, 2015; whistlerblackcomb.com, @whistlerblckcmb
Big Sky Resort (Big Sky, Montana), November 26, 2015; bigskyresort.com, @bigskyresort
Opening in December
Fernie Alpine Resort (Fernie, B.C.)
Anticipated opening day: Friday, December 4, 2015.
Driving distance from Calgary: 303 km
Whitefish Mountain Resort (Whitefish, Montana)
Anticipated opening day: Saturday, December 5, 2015.
Driving distance from Calgary: 423 km
skiwhitefish.com, @skiwhitefish
Castle Mountain (Crowsnest Pass, Alberta)
Anticipated opening day: Friday, December 11, 2015.
Driving distance from Calgary: 255 km
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort (Golden, B.C.)
Anticipated opening day: Friday, December 11, 2015; preview weekend December 5 and 6, 2015 (conditions permitting).
Seats on the very first gondola of the season are being raffled off (one ticket for $2/three tickets for $5), with funds donated to the Food Bank for the town of Golden.
Driving distance from Calgary: 270 km
kickinghorseresort.com, @kickinghorsemtn
Panorama Mountain Village (Invermere, B.C.)
Anticipated opening day: Saturday, December 5, 2015.
Better than expected early season snow means the resort is opening early with a “powder preview” weekend.
Driving distance from Calgary: 311 km
panoramaresort.com, @panoramaresort
Kimberley Alpine Resort (Kimberley B.C.)
Anticipated opening day: Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015.
Driving distance from Calgary: 412 km
skikimberley.com, @skikimberley
More ski resorts anticipated to open in December
Whitewater Ski Resort (Nelson, B.C.), December 4, 2015; skiwhitewater.com, @WH20
Apex Mountain Resort (Penticton, B.C.), December 5, 2015; apexresort.com, @apexmountain
Bridger Bowl (Bozeman, Montana), December 11, 2015; bridgerbowl.com, @bridgerbowl
Red Mountain Resort (Rossland, B.C.), December 12, 2015; redresort.com, @redresort
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort (Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C.), December 18, 2015; fairmonthotsprings.com, @fhsresort