Opening Days at Ski Resorts in Alberta, B.C. and Montana (updated)

The 2015/16 ski and snowboard season is right around the corner. Here are the opening dates for all our favourite hills.

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

banffnorquay.com, @mtnorquay

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

skilouise.com, @skilouise

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

skinakiska.com, @skinakiska

Marmot Basin (Jasper, Alberta)

Anticipated opening day: Friday, November 13, 2015.

Driving distance from Calgary: 418 km

skimarmot.com, @marmotbasin

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.

winsport.ca, @winsportcanada

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

skifernie.com, @skifernie

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

skicastle.ca, @skicastle

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

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