Ski bums all around the continent are praising the snow gods as yet another mountain has decided to open early: Whistler Blackcomb. Whistler Mountain is opening this Friday, Nov. 18th; and Blackcomb is planning on opening a week later on the 24th.

"The alpine forecast is calling for up to 35 centimeters of snow in the alpine before opening on Friday, adding to the current snow base of 55 centimeters at Pig Alley. Additionally, the Whistler Blackcomb snowmaking team has turned over 50 million gallons of water into snow so far this season, the equivalent of covering 250 football fields with up to one foot of snow."

Whistler Mountain will open from 8:30am to 3:00pm. Skiing and riding will be open on the Emerald Express, Big Red Express, and Franz’s Chair with upload access from the Creekside Gondola and the Whistler Village Gondola.