The flakes have been flying in the Canadian Rockies lately, and as a result, Banff Sunshine ski resort is officially open as of Nov. 3 with Lake Louise soon to follow.

According to the resort, the original opening date was pegged at next week but opened a full week early thanks to recent storms, steady snowfall, and 53cm (21”) of new snow in the last seven days.
 
“This is the earliest opening day in my lifetime,” said Kendra Scurfield of Banff Sunshine. "As we were watching Snowmageddon roll in, and the snow continue to pile up, we decided that it would be possible to open a week early and get our snow cats out on the mountain to open Strawberry Chair.”

 
Right now, there has been more than 126cm (4’) of snowfall recorded, and a deep base of 68cm (27”), making Banff Sunshine look a lot like the inside of a snow globe on opening day.

On the mountain, the Strawberry Express Quad is open along with a small terrain park and six popular green and blue runs including The Dell Valley, Strawberry Face, Strawberry Surprise, Boutry’s Bowl, Snowsnake, and Rock Isle Road.

And with the first ski day of the season comes the first apres with local favourite Mad Trappers open serving up frosty pints with The Alpine Grill, Creekside Bar + Grill, and Java Lift Coffee Bar also open.

Lake Louse Ski Resort is confirmed to open on Friday, November 4 and Mt. Norquay is scheduled to open on Thursday, November 10 (weather permitting).