Table Mountain, pictured here in all its glory, is currently awaiting colder temperatures to begin the snow-making process. (Facebook/Table Mountain)

By Martin Martinson

In need of colder temps

Table Mountain anticipates later opening due to mild weather

Nov 23, 2023 | 5:47 PM

While a mild start to the winter temperature-wise may be nice for the morning commute, the warmer weather has led to a later start to the season for those looking to hit the slopes at Table Mountain.

Lawrence Blouin, general manager of the local area ski grounds located just 16 kilometers west of the Battlefords, said while they’d generally be gearing up to start the snow-making process by early next month, it’s likely this year’s start will have to be pushed back, with the forecast expected to flirt with plus temperatures into next week.

“Typically, we go for the first or second weekend in December, but that’s probably not going to happen this year, as we need some colder temperatures to make snow and we’re just not getting those temperatures,” Blouin said, adding they need temps between -15C to-20C at night and at least -10C during the day time, over an extended period.

“If I could get -20C for 24 hours a day it would take about 11-12 days to get all the snow made, but if it warms up a little more than that in the daytime it might take a little longer. Typically it takes about 10 days to two weeks.”

By contrast, last year saw optimal snow-making conditions much more in line with Table Mountain’s usual timeline.

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“We actually already had snow on the ground by I think November second or third and we got a cold snap about the fifth, so that allowed us to start making snow then, and we ran until about the 13^th or 14^th of November before we had to shut down for two weeks [due to the warming temperatures] before resuming after that.”

Due to the later start this year, Blouin noted they’re not sure yet if snow tubing will be returning this winter as the snow-making process will be focused first and foremost on getting the ski hills ready for operation as quickly as possible.

Other unique activities though, such as night skiing, will return again this year, starting Friday nights in the new year.

Additionally, there will also be four new structures added to the terrain park for adventurous slopes-goers to engage with. The latest updates on Table Mountain’s timeline for opening this season can be found on their Facebook page, or website.

“Stay tuned… Once we get some -20C nights and it stays to -10C during the day, we’ll get the snow guns fired up and try to get the place opened up as soon as we can,” Blouin said.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @MartyMartyPxP1