The launch of Canada's ski season is proving to be a tale of two slopes, as highly variable weather patterns create a patchwork of conditions for resorts and enthusiasts across the nation.
A Promising Start in Some Regions
In a positive sign for winter sports fans, Optimist Hill in Saskatchewan welcomed skiers on December 14, 2025. This early opening provided a boost for local communities eager for winter recreation. However, this bright spot is contrasted by significant challenges elsewhere, largely dictated by an uncooperative climate.
Weather Woes from Coast to Coast
The national picture is far from uniformly white. British Columbia's Interior recently saw two more century-old temperature records broken, indicative of unusually warm conditions that can threaten snowpack. Meanwhile, a special weather statement for Ottawa warned of a problematic mix of 10-20 mm of rain, strong winds, and rapidly falling temperatures, a combination that could lead to icy surfaces rather than ideal powder.
This volatility is not isolated. Alberta experienced a winter storm that led to close to 200 collisions in Calgary in a single day, highlighting the dangerous travel conditions accompanying the season's onset. In Nova Scotia, a blizzard forced more people indoors, with the Main Street Project shelter noting it was "filling up a lot quicker" due to the severe weather.
Broader Impacts and Adaptations
The erratic weather is forcing adaptations and causing disruptions beyond the ski hills. BC Ferries was forced to cancel sailings and turn one vessel around mid-sailing due to rough conditions. In a more municipal response to the cold, Montreal plans to bring warming trailers to the Notre-Dame encampment to protect vulnerable populations.
For the ski industry and its patrons, the current situation serves as a reminder of the sector's deep dependence on consistent winter weather. While some regions celebrate early openings, others are left waiting for sustained cold and snowfall. The mixed bag of conditions sets the stage for an unpredictable season, where local geography and microclimates will play a decisive role in determining which slopes thrive and which struggle in the weeks ahead.
