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Weather patterns looking good for winter season in Fernie

Minimal snow so far is nothing to be concerned about according to FAR’s resident weather expert
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Skiers on the Boomerang Chair at Fernie Alpine Resort. (Scott Tibballs / The Free Press)

The weather’s turning and it’s getting cold, but while there isn’t so much snow on the ground yet, Fernie Alpine Resort’s resident weather expert says there no need to fear for the ski season just yet.

“We’re not that far off from normal conditions,” said Robin Siggers, who is a ski patroller at FAR.

“Conditions can range quite a bit at this time of year.”

Siggers described the snow base on the resort as little better than ‘a coat of paint’ for the time being, but he was optimistic for the season to come.

“We’re setting up for another La Nina year in the Pacific Ocean - that sets up well for us, keeps us on the cool side of things with plentiful snowfall.”

That same weather pattern - La Nina - didn’t quite deliver in the late season last year, but for the early season there was plenty of time yet.

“Last year we might have had a little snow in November, but the season didn’t get going until Christmas.

“Where we really want to see snow starting is by the second week of November. It’s nice to have an early season winter base.”

The season at FAR begins officially on December 4 (a Saturday, so be ready), conditions permitting.

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