The weather folks are predicting a repeat of last year’s stellar snow conditions for the Coast Mountains of BC. November is supposed to be cold and snowy – bring it on! Could it be another La Nina season for us here in Southern BC?
According to Wikipedia La Nina means lower than average temperatures with higher than average precipitation. Low temperatures and high precipitation means, high snow levels, and that’s exciting news. Last year we had a great early season and we were out snowshoeing by mid November. The ski season stretched out into the late spring, and Grouse Mountain actually opened for skiing on Canada Day – yup July 1st, skiing in Vancouver.
It’s uncommon for the phenomenon to occur two years in a row, but I’m going to wax my snowboard early this year – just in case. Earlier this month The Province predicted the coldest winter in decades for Southwestern BC. After living in Vancouver for the past 15 years, I’m sure hoping they don’t mean anything silly like negative numbers to indicate the temperatures. One of the great things about living here in the lower Mainland means you can go out and play in the snow, but the weather is still comfortable enough to enjoy being outdoors. None of that frozen nose, frozen finger tips nonsense I remember from winters in Ontario.
The local mountains are all getting ready for a good season offering early-season deals on passes. Do you have yours yet? Deadlines are approaching fast. Here are some links
CypressMountain– boasting a new terrain park this season
Mt.Washington– with a fancy new learning centre opening this season
And for resorts south of the border, visit www.skiwashington.com
Even if you’re not a skier or snowboarder, this could be the year you fall in love with snowshoeing. It really is as easy as they say: if you can walk you can snowshoe. It’s a great way to enjoy the sunshine and amazing winter scenery without the inherent risks of downhill sports. Best part is, no trail ticket required for many of the trails. Of course there are a number of options for groomed trails where you do buy a trail ticket if you prefer to be on a maintained trail. Rentals are available at the local mountains or at MEC. Hollyburn Ridge up on Cypress is probably one of my favourite trails, but head up early. It’s a busy place if you sleep in.
Cross country or Nordic skiing is another great option for playing outside, and I hear it’s a killer workout. To me that sounds more like work and less like play. I’ll stick with the snowshoes.