With more snow on the way, and a solid 85-centimetre base, area skiers are primed for Red Mountain opening its runs today.
Red is celebrating its 66th consecutive year of winter operations this season with the first lift transporting shredders to a winter nirvana from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Silverlode, Motherlode, Paradise, T-Bar, and Carpet lifts will be in full operation opening day, in addition to Red Daylodge and Paradise Lodge.
However, the Terrain Park will not be available on opening day, but will be open as soon as snow conditions permit it to operate safely. Red Mountain Lift’s opening is also subject to snow conditions but should be functioning by Dec. 21 if not sooner, while Grey Mountain is scheduled to go Dec. 20. An inaugural ribbon cutting ceremony for the new lift will take place in the later part of January.
Red Inbounds Catskiing opens Dec. 27, offering single ride cat skiing service Wednesdays through Sundays, with private rentals available Mondays and Tuesdays.
In anticipation of opening day, Rafters Bar will be serving dinner and refreshments on Friday starting at 5 p.m. Opening Night Party goes on Saturday night with DJ Stickybuds from Vancouver. Doors Open at 9 p.m. $20 at the door. See redresort.com for more info and for an update on Red’s cat skiing terrain call guest services at 362-7384.
White Water is also up and running with a healthy 137-cm base and an “early conditions” caveat posted on its website. However, it’s also offering discounted prices for the early season skiers, with Silver King and Summit Lifts open, along with Hummer handletow. Go to www.skiwhitewater.com for more info.
Salmo Ski Hill meanwhile has a tentative opening date set for Dec. 22, depending on snow conditions. Go to skisalmo.com for more info.
Red and Whitewater will also participate in the Canadian Ski Council’s SnowPass program for fourth and fifth Graders.