CAROLYN GRANT
With opening day scheduled for December 12, management at the Kimberley Alpine Resort is waiting for a little help from Mother Nature to make the call on whether the lift will run this Friday morning.
Unfortunately, Mother Nature does not appear to be in a cooperative state of mind at the moment.
After a couple of seasons of great snow for opening day things are a little more tenuous this year as above-average temperatures and rain are forecast to continue through to Sunday.
"Kimberley Alpine Resort team is working around the clock to do whatever we can to get resort open," said Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Matt Mosteller, Wednesday. "We still need some more support from Mother Nature and we waiting to see what happens with the storms this week. Right now we have not made any decision."
In addition to the rain, warm temperatures mean no snowmaking.
The Resort did announce this week that they will push back the annual Community Day, a free day of skiing and riding for locals, to January 11, 2015.
Burgers will be available for $2 supporting a local charity - residents can go to Guest Services and receive a voucher that will entitle them to a hamburger for only $2. TELUS Winter Sports School invites beginner skiers or snowboarders to a complimentary lesson. There will be a total of 20 ski and 20 snowboard spots available, with 1 hour lessons starting at 10:30am and 1:30am. Space is limited and guests must pre-register at Guest Services at 250-427-4881. Lessons will include a voucher for FREE equipment rentals at the Rental Shop! Please note that these lessons are for new skiers and snowboarders only.
Please note that Photo ID and proof of local residency (driver's license, pay stub etc.) are required to receive the lift ticket. Tickets are only valid on January 11th and snow cheques will not be issued on complimentary tickets. Complimentary tickets are available to residents of Canal Flats, Skookumchuck, Meadowbrook, TaTa Creek, Kimberley, Marysville, Wasa, Wycliffe, Moyie, and Cranbrook.
A huge thanks goes out to barbecue sponsors including Sysco, Heinz, Maple Leaf, Vitality, Saputo.