The sudden arrival of winter has generated a lot of excitement at Silver Star Mountain Resort.
As of Tuesday morning, the resort had a snow base of 59 centimetres, including nine centimetres in the previous 24 hours.
“That storm was a nice surprise. It’s always good when you get more than predicted,” said Brad Baker, operations director.
“With the snow we received Monday and Tuesday, we now have enough to start preparing some terrain for cross-country skiing. We presently have staff starting to roll and pack some of the upper trails via snowmobile, and will start to groom with a snow cat once we receive another 10 to 15 centimetres.”
The targeted opening date for cross-country skiing is Monday.
“As long as the temperature stays below freezing, we should be able to achieve it, and the forecast looks favourable,” said Baker.
“The tentative plan for Monday is to open some limited early season cross-country terrain on our upper trail network.
The Summit chairlift will operate from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. once the trails open.
“Watch our website for updates,” said Baker.
In terms of downhill skiing, the goal is to have the slopes ready Nov. 24.