The highly-anticipated Lake Louise Audi FIS Ski World Cup had to be cancelled due to overnight snowfall yesterday.
The race was also due to mark the return of the World Cup tour to North America after a two year break due to the pandemic.
While fans and racers were disappointed by today's cancellation, resort guests and powder hounds were, "ecstatic at the incredible early season conditions, getting to ski and ride some of the best snow in the world this time of year," a spokesperson for Banff Tourism commented.
New snow totalled 27cm (11") at Lake Louise Ski Resort, 13cm (5.5") at Banff Sunshine, and untouched terrain opening at Mt. Norquay's Mystic Chair over in the past 24 hours.
The Lake Louise Audi FIS Ski World Cup are now working hard to get the racing course ready if possible for the second day of Men's Downhill races on Saturday and Men's super-G event on Sunday.
However another weather system is due to move in on Saturday night bringing more snow, up to 25cm, through Sunday morning, which may not bode well.
Meanwhile the women are due to race in Killington, Vermont, which has also seen snowfall recently after a largely warm and dry Autumn.