For those looking to hit the slopes, you won鈥檛 have to wait much longer.
Brian Rode, vice-president of marketing for Marmot Basin, confirmed the ski hill will open on Nov. 23.
鈥淲e weren鈥檛 sure for a bit there, but we will be skiing and snowboarding soon,鈥� Rode said. 鈥淲e need a little bit more natural snow before we can open all the runs and lifts, but it鈥檚 still November and things are coming along nicely.鈥�
He said several runs and two lifts will be operating on opening day.
The hill was originally slated to open Nov. 11, but was forced to bump back its opening day due to unseasonably warm temperatures.
During the past few days colder weather has allowed the ski hill to start making snow, however, Rode said it just wasn鈥檛 enough to open on Nov. 18.
鈥淚f we had of gotten this cold weather a few days ago then I think it would have been possible. If it stays cold during the day then we can make snow around the clock, but we also want to have the snow groomed and the routes in good shape,鈥� said Rode. 聽
鈥淭he upper mountain is coming along really well, but right now we鈥檙e really focused on the lower mountain.鈥�
Among some of the new offerings this season is the Marmot Escape Card. For $75 the card gives people 50 per cent off聽regular priced tickets all season long. According to Rode, the response from the public has been 鈥渙verwhelmingly positive,鈥� however he also acknowledged concerns raised by several season pass holders who feel they got duped for buying their pass early. He invited those people to contact Marmot Basin to try and resolve the issue. Rode also confirmed Parks Canada made good on its promise to temporarily repair a section of Marmot Road that had buckled in several spots causing drivers to slow down or risk damaging their vehicle. 鈥淎ll those swales in the road have been evened out and it will be in good shape for the winter, but it鈥檚 definitely not a permanent fix and again my understanding is (Parks Canada) has a long-term plan to fix it in the summer,鈥� said Rode. For up to date information on snow conditions visit .Kayla Byrne and Paul Clarke
