Sun Peaks Resort opening delayed, Okanagan resorts on schedule

The first snowfalls of the season are building up and ski resorts in Thompson and the Okanagan are getting ready to fire up the lifts. 

Sun Peaks Resort near Kamloops has slightly delayed its opening date from Nov. 22 to Nov. 27. Anyone who bought lift tickets, rentals or lessons from Nov. 22 to Nov. 26 will be getting a refund.

The mountain only has a snow base of 39 centimetres as of today, Nov. 18. 

“Rarely do we have to postpone our opening weekend,” Sun Peaks communications officer Aaron Macdonald said in a press release. “We have a fantastic summer grooming program where we cut brush and grass to allow us to open with less snow than other areas. This year with recent mild temperatures across the Pacific Northwest we have to delay opening until we have good conditions to offer our guests.”

The forecast for Sun Peaks has some light snow coming in this weekend, but nothing significant. 

Other resorts in the area aren’t planning on opening earlier than Sun Peaks. 

Big White Ski Resort near Kelowna is supposed to open on time on Nov. 27. Big White currently has a snow base around 15 cm. The resort is forecasting up to 10 cm of snow over the weekend. 

SilverStar Mountain Resort near Vernon is set to open on Nov. 28. The resort’s webcams show snow on the ground but it hasn’t put out any numbers for snow fall yet. SilverStar is anticipating some snow today and Saturday. 

Near Penticton, Apex Mountain Resort’s projected opening day is Dec. 6. The snow report shows a base of 30 cm, and a few runs have already been groomed. 

Revelstoke Mountain Resort plans to open on Nov. 29. The resort is reporting a base depth of 71 cm and Gnorm The Powder Gnome has a nice dusting of snow on his hat. 

It’s expecting some flurries throughout the week with 30 cm expected between Friday and Monday.