Very low temperatures, in the minus 30s Celsius, are forecast for Western Canada over the next few days, leading ski resorts in the region to limit operations.
Very cold temperatures for a few days are not unusual in the region at this point of mid-winter, it's also fairly common for temperature inversions to bring warmer weather to mountain tops and keep valleys colder.
"Based on the current forecast for low temperatures and potential wind chill, we will not be operating the Timber and White Pass Chairlifts for the next 2-3 days. The Bear Chair will be on stand-by and will open if conditions permit," a statement from Fernie in Eastern BC explained on Monday morning.
Very cold weather can cause malfunctions and operational failures of lifts and risks skiers being stuck in the air in very low temperatures.
Sometimes ski areas close entirely while the cold spell passes, however Fernie will remain open and anticipate being able to operate their fixed grip chairlifts and surface lifts during through the cold snap. These lifts include the Mighty Moose, Mini Moose, Deer Chair, Elk Chair, Boomerang Chair and Haul Back T-Bar.