B.C. ski resorts on track for record season
Western resorts aided by a lack of snow in eastern Canada and parts of Europe over the holidays
An early dump of snow and the low U.S. dollar are helping ski resorts in B.C. set some record numbers this season.
At Apex Mountain Resort near Penticton, manager James Shalman says the early snowfall in November allowed the resort to open a week earlier, and since then business has been booming.
"We set records every day throughout the holidays in rental shops, snow schools, lift ticket sales. All around the resort numbers were phenomenal." said Shalman.
It's much the same at SilverStar near Vernon where marketing manager Erik Kalacis says American visitors are up 35 per cent from last year.
"I think we are trending towards having one of the best seasons on record, said Kalacis.
The Whistler Blackcomb Resort is also setting records, with a record number of visits logged for this time of year.
Better than elsewhere
While the amount of snow at the western resorts is not setting any records so far this season, they have also been aided by a lack of snow in eastern Canada and parts of Europe over the holidays.
The Association of Western Canada Ski Areas agrees most resorts across B.C. are having banner years.
But despite being on the mountain every day, Shalman says he hasn't got many ski sessions in himself this winter.
"It has been a dream winter season. [It] has been very busy — a lot of work. I'm ready for an afternoon off."