KAMLOOPS, B.C. — Predictions of slushy, El Nino-dampened ski seasons were snowed under across British Columbia this winter as many resorts celebrate one of their most successful years.
At Sun Peaks Resort, north of Kamloops, director of marketing Aiden Kelly says 350,000 people, a record number, packed the slopes and there is more to count until closing on Sunday.
He credits the low Canadian dollar, strong demand following last year's dismal season, and outstanding snow conditions for the record.
The Big White Resort, outside Kelowna, also closes Sunday, but is still enjoying fresh powder, while Silver Star Mountain near Vernon closed last weekend despite 20 centimetres of new snow before the lifts shut down.
Whistler also recieved an above-average snow load this season and logged a record 1.14 million visitors in the first two months of the season alone.
Last winter's warm and wet conditions forced many B.C. ski resorts to close early, and there was concern that a strong El Nino system this year could spell disaster for some operations.
