Slopes thirsty for snow as warm weather in central Alberta keeps them dry

Marmot Basin in Jasper says warmer temperatures have forced it to pause snow-making operations. It hopes to resume Friday.

With central Alberta seeing milder-than-normal temperatures for November, those wanting to hit the slopes are keeping a close eye on the weather.

Marmot Basin in Jasper postponed its opening date while the region has seen a warm stretch and lower precipitation than in years past.

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Natalie Hasell with Environment and Climate Change Canada said Jasper would typically see 36.2 millimetres of precipitation in September, but saw 22.7 in 2025.

But the main cause of the untypical balminess is a ridge of warm air sitting over the southwestern part of the U.S. making its way up to Alberta, said Hasell.

But she said not to fret: a chill and flurries are on the horizon.

“The temperatures are shifting … we are clearly moving towards cooler temperatures that we’ve seen now so any future precipitation will likely be snow and it will likely stay on the ground,” said Hasell.

The popular Jasper ski resort said it will probably start up snow-making on Friday and hopes to open some time the following week.

On Wednesday night, Parks Canada said a winter storm is expected to hit Jasper National Park and the north part of Banff National Park on Thursday, bringing upwards of 30 centimetres of snow.

The storm may cause closures for avalanche control on the Icefields Parkway between Parker Ridge and Saskatchewan Crossing as early as Thursday. Motorists are advised to check 511 Alberta for road conditions before travelling.

CTV News Edmonton’s chief meteorologist Josh Classen is forecasting a slight chance of flurries or rain in the Edmonton region Thursday evening with a cooldown starting Friday. Temperatures are expected to be right around average going into next week.

Snow-making operations have begun at Rabbit Hill Snow Resort in Edmonton with a tentative date for opening in late November.

The Edmonton Ski Club said it begins making snow with consistent temperatures at -6 C.

“Warmer than that, we are not really creating a product that is what we require,” said an email from the club’s manager Greg Suess. “We are watching the weather apps like crazy these days over here, as are all the other ski hills I’d imagine.”

Ideally, they would like to open on Nov. 28, but are at the mercy of the weather, he said.

President of Sun Ridge Ski Area Ian Bakker is also unsure of an opening date but with the cold stretch looking to start Friday, he said snow guns will be on the hill that evening.

“If the long term forecast is correct, with below zero temperatures through next week, we may be able to open a few runs by the week of Nov. 24,” said Bakker in an email.