Canada extends ski season until the end of May 2011
To the delight of ski holidaymakers, ski resorts across North America are reporting plenty of fresh snow. In some parts of Canada, the ski season is set to run until the end of May. The ski season at the Canadian powder-snow paradise of Lake Louise is expected to end this coming Sunday, May 8, 2011, while Blackcomb Mountain will stay open until the end of May.
Canada’s largest ski region
Covering 17 square kilometres, Lake Louise is one of Canada’s largest ski regions. Its ski areas are Banff, Sunshine Village and Mount Norquay. Lake Louise lies in the Canadian Rocky Mountains in Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Skiing with a view of the breathtaking, one-of-a-kind natural scenery around Lake Louise is an experience that is sure to remain unforgettable for everyone.
Canada extends ski season until the end of May 2011
Date: 30/09/2026
Snow depths here can reach up to 10 metres. The last snowfall was recorded this past Friday. The valley still has a snow depth of 1.75 metres, while the mountain has 2 metres. Of the 139 runs in total, 137 are still open. From beginners to the world’s elite, everyone is sure to find a favourite run here. The dry, very light powder snow has made the 4 ski areas of Lake Louise famous. That is why 8 powder-snow competitions, known as “Powder Championships”, are held here. Snowboarders can let loose in the open fun park. 4 of the 8 ski lifts are still operating. A helicopter-skiing flight is also not to be missed. They are rarely offered here in Europe.
Lake Louise powder snow
The world’s best skiers regularly enjoy Lake Louise’s fantastic runs and legendary powder snow. About one-fifth of the trails are ungroomed, promising a particularly adventurous experience in deep snow. “Paradise Bowl” and “Men’s Downhill” push many skiers to their limits. This is where the world’s elite show off their skills, getting not only the spectators’ hearts racing.
Après-ski at Lake Louise is usually different from the lively slope-side scene familiar in Europe. Nightlife here tends to mean a relaxed dinner at a restaurant or an evening by the fireplace in a pub.
Snow in Utah and California
Utah and California also reported heavy snowfall last week. Almost 2.30 metres fell in a single week. Unfortunately, many ski resorts have been closed for quite some time.
In British Columbia, Canada, skiing is expected to remain available until May 30. After more than 1.30 metres of snowfall, the Blackcomb Mountain ski resort decided to extend the ski season. The Whistler Blackcomb ski resort is reporting a snow depth of 3.63 metres. At 22 square kilometres, Whistler is considered North America’s largest ski resort. It hosted the Winter Olympics last year. Blackcomb Peak Glacier also offers opportunities for summer skiing. 107 of the 126 runs are rated intermediate to difficult. This makes the Whistler ski resort less suitable for beginners.
Dagmar Tripp
