Outlook: Ski Season 2021/22

DESTINATION BC/INSIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

With winter right around the corner, the local mountains are getting ready for the upcoming ski and snowboard season. However, the unusual weather has caused uncertainty as to when the mountains will fully open. 

Cypress has opened for the skiing season, but not all of its runs are open due to unreliable snowfall levels. Meanwhile, Seymour remains closed. 

The 2021-2022 season has had a slow start in December thus far. People are still wondering what the season will hold, especially after last year’s early opening to the slopes.

According to both Global News and CBC News, it is predicted to be one of the warmest winters in decades due to the second year of La Niña, as well as the impacts of climate change. Alongside the rain that has caused many suburban municipalities to flood, many highways have been damaged and rendered impassable. Upon major highways being blocked off, people are unable to reach popular skiing resorts such as Whistler and Big White. Furthermore, some highways are not expected to be repaired until Summer 2022. 

Mountains have also shown discrepancies in their COVID safety protocols. Some mountains, such as Cypress, require proof of vaccination, while other mountains, such as Seymour, only require a face covering. It is unclear how dining halls will adapt to be COVID safe. COVID-19 variants make it more crucial that skiers and snowboarders follow safety protocols on the slope.