Say it ain’t snow! Local mountains gear up for ski season, drivers warned of slick conditions

Overnight snow has led to some concerns on the roads in some parts of B.C., but also a delight for some soon-to-be skiers in Metro Vancouver.

Whistler became a winter wonderland over the weekend, after temperatures dropped and an onshore flow moved into the Sea to Sky area.

Environment Canada issued a special weather statement with 5 to 10 cm falling by Monday morning, and a look at the village in the aftermath hints ski season could be right around the corner.

A snow-lovers delight Monday morning as Whistler Village is transformed following a significant fall snowfall. (whistlerblackcomb.com)

Seymour Mountain in the District of North Vancouver also had a major makeover in the last few days.

The mountain reported a snowfall of 30 cm, and many posted on social media that they were surprised with how fast autumn turned to winter.

I can't believe what I'm seeing. THIS WAS GREEN AND SNOWFREE 48 HOURS AGO. Mt. Seymour. #BCStorm #ShareYourWeather pic.twitter.com/N3spOVACwc

— Brad604 (@Brad604) November 8, 2021

It’s clear that excitement for the 2021/2022 season is already in full swing, even with no opening date announced yet for any of the mountains.

Seymour Mountain says it has sold out its season passes already.

While snow has now arrived at Grouse Mountain, the resort’s resident grizzly bears Coola and Grinder were ready for the shift into winter a few weeks ago when the pair went into hibernation. A live camera of the bear den shows they are already in the midst of their long winter sleep as a blanket of snow wraps around the mountain resort.

For the non-furry guests, Grouse Mountain is asking passholders to submit their proof of vaccination ahead of Nov. 15 in order to avoid having to show their B.C. Vaccine Card each time they visit.

Grouse Mountain is the only local mountain to require guests to be fully vaccinated. Under B.C.’s current health orders, ski resorts are not required to issue a vaccine mandate.

A snapshot of the live stream of Grinder and Coola’s hibernation den. (grousemountain.com)

Cypress Mountain has been popular all summer long for its hikes, but those who head out this time of year are warned that weather conditions can change quickly and the temperature in Vancouver is not the same as conditions in the North Shore.

One hiker posted a look at their hike on Sunday, writing, “It’s crazy to think that there was no snow on the ground yesterday morning!”

Short hike in #CypressMountain (Yew Lake loop) this afternoon. Moderate #snow mixed with ice pellets at times. It's crazy to think that there was no snow on the ground yesterday morning! And it's not over yet!❄️????️#BCstorm #Vancouver @Cypressmtn pic.twitter.com/swsqTYsgtk

— Thierry Goose (@ThierryGooseBC) November 8, 2021

Snow tires required on B.C. highways 

The fall snowfall is not as welcomed for those who use the highways for work or non-essential travel.

A snowfall warning was in effect for the Coquihalla between Hope and Merritt Sunday, but has since ended.

DriveBC says drivers should still expect snow and slush, and be prepared to drive carefully.

The sun has risen on the Coquihalla, imagery below from Zopkios and the summit area. The #Coquihalla currently has areas of compact snow with slushy and slippery sections. Be prepared and drive carefully. #BCHwy5 #HopeBC #Merritt pic.twitter.com/EPc8cvBkBZ

— DriveBC (@DriveBC) November 8, 2021

A look at the Sea to Sky highway Monday morning also demonstrates the change of seasons, and why snow tires are required until March 31 on the highway as well as other mountain passes.

A new poll conducted by Leger finds that more than half of British Columbians are already complying with those rules.

The findings of the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada’s 2021 Canadian Consumer Winter Tire Survey show 57 per cent of B.C. drivers cite protecting their family as their top reason for investing in winter tires.

Hwy 99, in Whistler at looking east on Village Gate Blvd. (Drive BC)

While more than 20 per cent say the winter tire law was their top reason.

However, not everyone is comfortable on the roads in the snow. The biggest reason respondents said they are not getting winter tires is because they think all-season tires are good enough.

Almost 30 per cent of respondents list the cost of new tires as their reason.

Not to be ignored is the pandemic is also keeping people off the road. Last year, more than 60 per cent of respondents said they drove less because of COVID-19, and while 25 per cent plan to return this year, many say they aren’t ready yet to face the crowds.

A survey of 1,521 Canadians was completed online between October 1-3, 2021, using Leger’s online panel. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/-2.5%, 19 times out of 20.