Ski resorts in Thompson-Okanagan struggle to open thanks to lack of snow

Big White Ski Resort near Kelowna is opening tomorrow but it will be a very limited opening thanks to the lack of snow so far this winter and other resorts in the region are facing similar issues. Big White https://www.bigwhite.com/ announced on social media today it will be opening tomorrow, Dec. 7. This is the latest opening date the mountain has seen in years and although the mountain will be open soon, not all of the runs will be accessible. “Mother Nature has graced us with over 20 centimetres of fresh Okanagan powder in the past 24 hours, and now we're ready to safely open a selection of our green and blue runs,” the resort posted on social media. Only the Ridge Rocket, Plaza Chair and Lara's Gondola will be operating. “Please stick to the open runs only,” the resort warned in it's post. “It's early season, and conditions are evolving, so ski and ride with utmost caution.” Many who have purchased season passes have been eagerly waiting to get up on the mountain. In an apparent remedy to skiers’ potential disappointment, the resort is extending the season until Sunday, Apr. 14, 2024. It is also offering a 50% discount on lift tickets until further notice. “Weather is unpredictable, but we are committed to making this season monumental,” the resort said. SilverStar Ski Mountain https://www.skisilverstar.com/  near Vernon has also had to push back its opening date until Dec. 8, due to a lack of snow. “Due to current snow levels our management team has made the decision to delay our alpine opening,” the resort announced on social media. “While Mother Nature is usually reliable with our early season snow, she is taking her time this year.” Sun Peaks Resort https://www.sunpeaksresort.com/explore/news-updates/winter-2023-24-opening-update?fbclid=IwAR3vYNRPoi4Eb7qiD73CWUeqOaP4UmTLBOpYrdYLWp2ppR0j96foIsJcw3c  near Kamloops has had a little more luck and was able to open on Wednesday, Dec. 6. Only the Sundance Express chairlift is currently in operation and access to the mountain's terrain is limited. To compensate, the resort is offering half price lift tickets for the first two days of the season in limited quantities. Apex Mountain Resort https://apexresort.com/  near Penticton will also be delaying its opening until Dec. 9 with only two intermediate runs open off a T-bar. The mountain will also be offering 50% discounted rate while the skate rink, tube park and magic carpet beginner area all remain closed. To contact a reporter for this story, email Georgina Whitehouse mailto:gwhitehouse@infonews.ca  or call 250-864-7494 or email the editor mailto:news@infonews.ca . You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom mailto:tips@infonews.ca  and be entered to win a monthly prize draw. We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here https://infotel.ca/newsletter .