WHISTLER, BC — Whistler Mountain will be opening one week ahead of schedule on Thursday, Nov. 19.

The early opening has been made possible thanks to favourable early season conditions, including natural snowfall and prime temperatures for snowmaking. Blackcomb Mountain will open as scheduled on Nov. 26.

“Since Nov. 1, we have received 98cm (38.5in) of natural snow as measured at our Pig Alley weather station on Whistler Mountain and we have another 45cm (18in) to 75cm (29.5in) in the forecast at higher elevations over the next few days,” says Doug MacFarlane, Director of Mountain Operations at Whistler Blackcomb. “What Mother Nature has brought us so far has been complemented by our snowmaking team, who have converted over 26.5 million gallons of water into snow since the start of November. We are excited conditions have allowed us to get the season started ahead of schedule this year for all those eager skiers and snowboarders out there.”

When Whistler Mountain opens on Nov. 19 it will have five lifts running, including the Whistler Village Gondola, the Creekside Gondola, Emerald Express, Big Red Express and Franz’s Chair.