Whitewater ski resort put the first mark on its snow accumulation chart this week.
On Tuesday, local hill received seven centimeters of snow and another five fell the next day. The blanket of white was a happy sight for Whitewater marketing and operations general manager Anne Pigeon.
“Early snow is always a good thing, and hopefully it continues,” Pigeon said.
Last year, the first snowfall came on October 25 and by the end of the season the resort built up its biggest snow pack in 10 years, with a base of 1,225 cm.
“We usually get a few good storms at the hill before Halloween,” Pigeon said. “The general rule of thumb is the third one sticks. So we might see the ground again before it really starts piling up.”
Next week the Whitewater food truck will move to its winter home at the base of the Glory Chair — but not before serving its Pow Chow at the Nelson Nordic Ski Club’s annual ski swap this Sunday.
Pigeon said crews at the hill are just putting the final touches on projects they started over the summer — including renovations at the lodge, a parking lot expansions and carving out a few new runs on the Glory side. They’re starting to look forward to staff training and getting ready for opening day on December 1.
“I know a lot of people are jonesing for a day on the slopes,” Pigeon said. “As soon as the weather starts to turn, they’re saying, ‘okay it’s time.’ They have their season’s pass and want to use it.”
Pigeon, too, is counting down the days on her calendar.
“I’m looking forward to seeing everyone up at the mountain. It’s not too long now. “
