Marmot Basin opens Nov 12 with great conditions, euphoric skiers

There simply might never be an opening day as anticipated as opening day 2021 at Alberta ski resorts. Heavy snowfall, high social tensions and the longest offseason we’ve ever experienced all conspired to make this November 12 especially euphoric at Marmot Basin. 

Welcome to winter in the wide-open spaces of Northern Alberta, which are sure to bring you joy. 

This season, you can experience any of these destinations with a series of #SkiNorthAB incentives. All you need to do is decide where you want to go and quote #SkiNorthAB to get in on the deal.

As we have all experienced over the past two weeks, winter has arrived and shows no signs of allowing fall to really have its time in the spotlight.

At SnowSeekers, we always welcome winter full on. Those at the world-famous Lake Louise Ski Resort sure aren’t sitting around watching the snowfall thinking of what they should do. Rather, they are busting their chops to OPEN THURSDAY, Oct. 29, and I was there!

Check out this Facebook live so you can see what it looks like.

YES! It Is happening!

We don’t have to look far for signs of winter because here @SnowSeekers we are stoked that this recent gift of snowfall in western Canada and the Alberta Rockies means we can ski or ride – like tomorrow.

@MntNorquay opens Saturday, Oct 24 - the earliest opening in their 95-year history.

“It’s said we carry our ancestors wherever we go. Knowing I was in this special place, where I know my ancestors have been and being able to talk with them in this magical setting,” says Myia Antone, co-founder of Indigenous Women Outdoors, of her backcountry skiing experiences.

The ski and riding season is going to look a little different this year. But hey, nothing is getting in the way of our excitement for snow-filled days at our favourite western Canada resorts. We’re happy to follow the resorts’ Covid-19 protocols for the sake of some sweet bluebird days on the slopes. We’re seriously counting down the days, buying up early bird passes, tuning our boards and skis – and stealing a few moments during our workdays for a peek at resort webcams. Shhh, don’t tell the boss.

This year got off to a pretty unprecedented start, and it meant a lot of ski resorts closed in early March. Lucky for us, the end of the year looks much brighter for skiers and snowboarders who are ready to hit the slopes.

Exploring the great outdoors isn't limited to the warmer months. It's just as fun, and just as good for your body, to get outside during winter. We're especially stoked on this upcoming season, and we want to share just a few reasons why this is the year to spend more time outside in the snow. 

A lot has happened in Alberta and British Columbia since last season, and there's so much to know as we prepare for the upcoming winter! From early bird deals at your favourite resorts, the winter weather forecast, and the chance to work on the hill, we've got everything you need to know. 

It might only be August but it looks like folks throughout Alberta and British Columbia are just as stoked to hit the hills as we are! Here are a few posts, snowfalls, and announcements to get you excited for the upcoming season. 

This year was an amazing ski and snowboard season before it was cut short. Let’s make sure we don't miss out in 2020/2021.

Try these ideas to support your local hill, help the industry recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, and give yourself a reason to #StayStoked.

Nothing beats seeing a happy doggo running through the snow. Jaw dragging, mouth open and scooping snow like a backhoe. Of course, when you add that the dog is at work, the awwww factor soars. We did a little Instagram trolling to find some happy puppies at work and play.

Wow, wasn’t that the week that felt like a lifetime. With the barrage of bad news about the Coronavirus from every corner of the planet – cancelled trips, self-isolation, social distancing, panic shopping and toilet paper hoarding (??!!) – we’re seriously thinking about only one thing: how to escape this madness.

When the announcement was made that Powder King was on its way to hitting over 1,000 cm of total snow accumulation for this season, it was a no-brainer that it was time to go find this snowy resort.

Vermilion, AB - Access is everything, whether you are going skiing or sledding, and the effort to get there draws the line between a day adventure or an odyssey.

The giant Saamis Tepee fades from view as I exit the highway and head into Medicine Hat’s historic downtown. On past visits, I’d whizzed through “The Hat” unaware the river valley hub is buzzing with an energetic culinary, cultural and recreational scene. 

The gateway to the legendary Powder Highway, home to four mountain ranges and eight ski resorts (plus 35 heli- and cat-skiing operations), can be found in Cranbrook, B.C. Whether you drive or fly to Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC), you can ski two fantastic resorts in one weekend.

A historic rock cairn, rimed and grey, looks out over Lake Athabasca. With her gloved hand, Hanna Bishop brushes the hoar shards from the bronze plaque, revealing the historic majesty of the Canadian north. Where we are standing is the spot on which stood the North West Company’s most important trading post, Fort Chipewyan, founded in 1788.

Archer is ready to go skiing. He’s so excited his body is shaking. As he moves from one to the other of our group, he nudges us, looking at us imploringly, as if to say, “Are you ready now? Are you ready now?”

Quesnel is a town of about 10,000 people and 13,000 more in the surrounding area - a lot larger than we expected, and there’s a reason for that. 

Running and cycling all summer is great but it’s not the only exercise that will keep you ready for ski season. Use the next few months to ramp up the squats, lunges, agility and balance so your legs and mind are ready for the slopes. Here are some interesting ways to build up those quads and glutes without a gym membership.

You’d have to be a knucklehead to think that there’s any skiing near Powell River. At least, that’s what North Vancouver adventurer, Ean Jackson thought before tagging along with the SnowSeekers crew to explore a rumoured “Pow Town” backcountry zone at the upper end of the Sunshine Coast.