BOW VALLEY – Due to extreme cold in the Bow Valley and Alberta, three local ski hills have halted operations and one remains open with limited lift access.
Kananaskis Country's Nakiska ski area and Banff's Sunshine Village closed Thursday (Jan. 11) and will remain closed Friday (Jan. 12). Mount Norquay remained open Thursday with limited lift access, however, the resort announced it will be closed Friday (Jan. 12).
Nakiska and Mount Norquay have yet to confirm whether lifts will be operational on Saturday (Jan. 13). Updates for both will be provided on their respective websites, https://skinakiska.com/, https://banffnorquay.com/.
Sunshine spokesperson Kendra Scurfield said they're predicting a delayed opening on Saturday (Jan. 13). Updates can found on the ski resort’s social media and website.
“On Saturday, at this point in time, it looks like we will open but have a delayed opening. Of course, everything can change with Mother Nature,” said Scurfield.
Temperatures are expected to drop to near minus 50 degrees Celsius with wind chills in the Bow Valley and Kananaskis in the coming days, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Lake Louise Ski Resort remains the only ski hill open, with limited lift access.
At Lake Louise, only Glacier chair, Juniper chair and the learning area are open Thursday and are predicted to be open Friday as well. Saturday and Sunday operations have yet to be confirmed. Updates can be found on the ski hill’s website.
Due to the extreme weather conditions predicted over the next couple of days, we will unfortunately be closed Thursday 11th and Friday 12th January - Saturday 13th is TBC. Stay tuned into our snow report for the most up-to-date information, and stay safe! https://t.co/IenFVXxzG2 pic.twitter.com/2T7I9ZLv2L
— Nakiska Ski Area (@SkiNakiska) January 10, 2024
Scurfield said that skiers and snowboarders riding in the cold should be layered with warm clothing, take frequent breaks and monitor how their body feels.
“Always ride with a buddy so if there is white spot on your face, you can address that, go inside and really dress for the weather,” she said. “But make sure that you are staying safe and listening to your body.”
