British Columbia's ski season got underway earlier than expected at the weekend with coastal Cypress Mountain opening about 10 days ahead of its planned date (pictured).
The centre said it had had 35cm of natural snowfall and temperatures cold enough for snowmaking on top.
At least three more BC ski areas – Big White, Silver Star and Sun Peaks – are planning to open at the end of this week, some earlier than previously planned after above average November snowfall and consistent cold weather. Silver Star already has cross country runs open.
They join five Albertan ski areas that are open already, including Lake Louise, Sunshine and recently opened Nakiska, Marmot Basin an Norquay.
Temperatures have also dropped on the Eastern side of the country allowing snowmaking systems to fire up, although there has been little or no natural snowfall there yet.