Canada's ski season is underway with Lake Louise Ski Resort opening for the 24/25 winter season.
It claimed first in the country after its fellow Banff resort Mt Norquay postponed a planned opening on Saturday by a week.
Skiers are reported to have arrived bright and early, with the resort's Glacier Express starting up at 9am accessing Bald Eagle, Wiwaxy and portions of Easy Street runs, rated beginner and intermediate terrain. The lower Easy Street terrain park was also set up with early season features and a portion of the Learning Area was also open.
Apart from Lake Louise and Norquay at least three more Canadian ski areas are expected to open at the weekend, all in Alberta. They include the third Banff area Sunshine, Marmot Basin near Jasper to the north and Nakiska ski area, closest to Calgary. Sommet St Sauveur in Quebec also appears close to opening some terrain thanks to snowmaking but has not named an opening date yet.
The heaviest snow in the region though has been in BC, in line with the La Nina forecast predictions, with Red Mountain reporting over two feet of snow since weekend. The BC season starts at the end of next week at Sun Peaks.
(Image top credit Jill Tester / Lake Louise)