Just two sleeps for ski fanatics before hill opens

Saturday Nov. 15 will mark the opening day for the 2008/09 season of skiing at Marmot Basin.

Due to unseasonably warm conditions, the ski hill has been limited in its snow-making capabilities.

As a result, Marmot Basin will open the Eagle Express Quad Chair with one intermediate run, Tranquilizer, on Saturday.

Brian Rode, vice president of sales and marketing for Marmot Basin, said he was disappointed by the unseasonable temperatures in October as it means they can’t open the hill with more runs, but is happy they can open to the public this early.

They will offer half-priced lift tickets to compensate for having just one run open.

Rode believes this will not discourage skiers and snowboarders. “People have a choice,” he said. “There are a lot of people out there that will love, love to come out and to start skiing. And Tranquilizer is our signature run in our lower area. So they are going to get up here and have a great time.  There are other people that will say, ‘No, I’m going I’m going to wait until there’s more'.

“There’s no downside to the public for us opening on the 15th.”

Marmot Basin will continue to make snow during the night on Tranquilizer and then move the snow guns over to the novice areas with the hope of opening more runs as the week goes on.

“We anticipate being able to open additional runs in the lower area, before the following weekend,” Rode said.

These include Old Road, Bunny Hop and School House. 

And when will the other chairs open? “That’s the million dollar question”, Rode said.

Marmot will play host to over 85 ski racers from Edmonton on the weekend who will be more than glad to be getting out on the snow.