Canada's world-class ski resorts are gearing up for a winter without international tourists.
Canada's borders have been closed since March, but resorts are optimistic that locals will be eager to hit the slopes and go some way to make up the lost earnings.
On Friday Justin Trudeau announced that Canada's border closure to non-essential travel was to be extended until Dec. 21.
Ski resorts are trying to attract Canadians on long-term stays by rolling out flight deals and discounts. Others are expecting locals to take full advantage of no tourists by skiing more often. And some are even hoping for a boost from Canadians relocating on a long-term basis, due to the rise in remote working and desire for more space.
Whistler's mayor, Jack Crompton, told Reuters that it will be an unusually good year for locals because the mountain will be missing so many skiers. “One of the big advantages of Whistler is that when you’re here you’re very close to no one,” he said.
Which ski resorts are open right now?
Five of the seven ski resorts in Alberta are already open: Lake Louise, Marmot Basin, Mt Norquay, Nakiska Ski Area and Sunshine Village.
Banff Sunshine Village has had 90cm of snow in the last week. The resort posted fresh powder pics on Facebook today with the caption: "This is some of the best early season conditions we've seen in years!"
The Lake Louise Ski Resort & Summer Gondola posted today: "10cm overnight here at the Lake, All of the recent snow has allowed us to open up new runs nearly every day this week and we expect to open 16 more today bringing our total run count to 106!"
Other big-name resorts expecting to open their doors over the next couple of weeks include Sun Peaks, Whistler Blackcomb, Big White, Revelstoke and Tremblant.
See all projected ski resort openings
