VANCOUVER — Storms that ripped across B.C., this week, causing power outages, downed trees, flooding and general mayhem have actually brought some good news to skiers and boarders.
Mounds of new snow blanket most of B.C.'s ski resorts and several have announced early openings to take advantage of the fresh powder.
Whistler resort opens Thursday, although the adjoining Blackcomb Mountain won't fire up its lifts until next Thursday.
Cypress Mountain on Vancouver's North Shore says it has more snow than at any point during last year's dismal season, so it will open Friday boasting 45 centimetres of powder over the last week, alone.
Silver Star near Vernon and Sun Peaks, north of Kamloops, both plan to open on Saturday while Big White, outside Kelowna, opens Nov. 27.
Ski resorts across B.C. struggled with warm temperatures and a lack of snow last year, and a powerful El Nino effect is expected again this year, but forecasters have also predicted heavy snowfalls will kick off the 2015-16 season. (CKIZ, The Canadian Press)
