The highly anticipated start to the ski season on Vancouver's North Shore has been put on hold, thanks to a combination of severe storms and unseasonably warm weather in December 2025. Local mountains, a cornerstone of winter recreation for Metro Vancouver residents, are facing significant delays in opening their slopes to the public.
Warm Temperatures and High Winds Hinder Snowmaking
The primary culprit for the delayed season is a persistent pattern of mild weather and rain. Grouse Mountain's snow cameras on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, showed alarmingly little natural snow coverage on its runs. This warm spell has severely hampered the mountains' ability to produce artificial snow, which is often crucial for building a solid early-season base. Compounding the problem have been powerful wind events, with forecasts predicting gusts up to 100 km/h for Vancouver Island, indicative of the turbulent weather patterns affecting the entire South Coast.
Broader Weather Impacts Across the Region
The disruptive weather is not isolated to the ski hills. The region is experiencing a cascade of climate-related events. This news follows reports of an unprecedented heatwave in the Arctic and comes as other winter event organizers, like those for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, also grapple with artificial snow challenges. The local situation underscores the broader difficulties faced by winter sports industries in an era of changing climate patterns.
Economic and Recreational Consequences
The delayed opening has tangible economic repercussions for the ski resorts, which rely on holiday period revenue. It also disappoints thousands of season pass holders and winter sports enthusiasts eager to hit the slopes. The situation forces a shift in plans for local families and athletes who depend on these facilities for recreation and training. While crews remain on standby, the start of the season is now contingent on a significant drop in temperatures and sustained snowfall.
Officials at the North Shore mountains are advising the public to monitor their websites and social media channels for real-time updates on conditions and opening dates. The hope is that a return to seasonal norms will allow for a rapid snowmaking and grooming effort to salvage as much of the winter season as possible.
