Late October Pacific storm blankets Vancouver to Rockies

Early this week a storm blew in off the Pacific, blanketing ski resorts from Vancouver to the Rockies, bringing ski resort opening days closer than ever. Just look at that Castle Mountain storm board (above), reporting 30cm over 48 hours!

It’s a horse race now, counting down to opening day. Which ski resort will open first? Check out the recent snowfall here, then head to our contest page and enter your best guess for a chance to win lift tickets to the Alberta or BC resort of your choice.

It’s nearly here! Soon we shred.

Mount Seymour, Oct 24

Join us in celebrating Mount Seymour's first snowfall of the year! Those first snowfalls are always special. And a sign of all good things to come...

Mount Washington Alpine Resort, Oct 24

First snowfall at #MyMW too!


And that's not all... the storm kept blowing into interior BC.

Sun Peaks Mountain Resort, Oct 24

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Oct 24

RED Mountain Resort

It's snowy and cozy at the Constella Cabins up at RED, and you could win a stay and ski trip here, get the details here.

Apex Mountain Resort, Oct 24


But the storm didn't stop there, making its way into Alberta.


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Mount Norquay, Oct 24

Will Norquay be first to open? Opening day is tentatively set for November 3, but nothing is set in stone yet. Check out our opening dates for regular updates, and enter your guess in our Opening Day Sweepstakes contest for a chance to win two single-day adult lift tickets to the Alberta or BC resort of your choice!

Nakiska Ski Area, Oct 24

And doesn't this look cozy?

Sunshine Village, Oct 24

It's time to start doing those snow dances and you can join other dancers at one of the first parties of the season at Lake Louise Ski Resort this Thurs, October 26 for a pre-season party and movie night.

From Lake Louise, it's an easy jaunt over to the Banff Mountain Festival, another great way to get your pre-game on with all the visual stoke and mountain folk you could hope for.

Let's collectively send a message to Ullr—we're ready to shred!

While some of these spots look good enough to ski, a gentle reminder: don't yet. While it might look ready, early season conditions are unpredictable and there's avalanche risk. When it's safe and ready, the resorts will open.

Until then, get your pre-game on with these tips. 

Pre-season gear checklist

  • ski fits: look for things like rips or tears, make sure your gloves are in good shape and everything is clean (hopefully you did that before storing it away)
  • helmet: check your helmet in case your head has grown (jk - look to be sure all the clips and dials are working, no big dents)
  • boots: buckles, dials or laces in good shape and functioning; for ski boots, if you had any custom fitting done to the shell of your boot, it may need a quick refresh—something most shops will be able to help you with

Tune your skis and snowboards

As for your planks, we have some tips on tuning you may want to check out.

While you're tuning and gearing up, if you want some tunes to enjoy check out this playlist from Doc Pow—title couldn't be any better, eh? #MoreCowbell

Ski resort opening dates 

Tentative dates are out now, and the season could start as early as November 3, 2023. Read up on opening dates for ski areas across Western Canada here.

Think you know who will open first?

Enter our Opening Day Sweepstakes contest

We're offering up a pair of adult one-day lift passes to one lucky enews subscriber who guesses which resort will open first. Enter the contest here.

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