Some B.C. ski resorts open early

November storms have been dumping snow on B.C.'s mountains, leading to an early start to ski season at some West Coast resorts.

Whistler Mountain, which will host the alpine ski events at the 2010 Winter Olympics in February will open on Saturday, two weeks earlier than planned. The resort received 100 centimetres of snow over the past seven days, and is expecting another 65 centimetres by the weekend.

On Saturday, skiers and riders will be able to head up Whistler Mountain via the Whistler Village Gondola, with Big Red Express, Emerald Express, and Franz's Chair all open. Staff warn that early season conditions mean only experienced skiers should be hitting the slopes. Skiing on Blackcomb Mountain will start on Nov 26.

In the Interior, SunPeaks near Kamloops was gearing up to open a week early on Saturday as well, with nearly 80 centimetres of snow already on the ground and more on the way.

Much further north at the Powder King Resort near Dawson Creek, the runs have been open since Nov. 7. The resort is reporting an 80-centimetre base.

In theOkanagan, Silver Star Mountain near Vernon had already opened its cross-country ski trails and is planning to open its downhill areas on Nov. 28, while Big White near Kelowna is still planning a Dec. 5 opening.

Staff at Mt. Washington on Vancouver Island said the resort has received some snowfall and they are evaluating conditions daily, but no opening date has yet been set.

Further east at Revelstoke, the resort is reporting about 80 centimetres of snow, with opening day still scheduled for Dec. 5, while the Whitewater resort in Nelson is reporting 150 centimetres of snow, but still no opening date confirmed.