Whistler breaks its November record for snowfall

In a ski season when the world will be watching and Olympic records may be broken, Whistler Blackcomb resort today reported its own record: the most snowfall ever recorded on its slopes in November.

The British Columbia resort will host many events of the 2010 Winter Olympics in February. The resort began lift operations last weekend on Whistler Mountain.

With 11 days remaining in the month, Whistler this morning reported 165 inches of snow in November, breaking the 2006 record when 164 inches fell the entire month. Record-keeping began in 1979.

The measurement is taken at the 5,400-foot level on Whistler Mountain. The resort's base, Whistler Village, is at 2,214 feet.

"This is an unprecedented start to the season," said Anton Horvath, Whistler Mountain weather forecaster. "The excitement of locals and guests alike is palpable, and the timing of this record-breaking event happening this year as we prepare to be a host venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, is just icing on the cake."

Storms this past week contributed 100 inches of the total, with 32 inches in just the past 48 hours. Environment Canada today is forecasting 20-30 inches of snow for Whistler Mountain in the next 24 hours, and the long-range outlook calls for snow throughout the weekend, with a possible additional 26-37 inches by Monday.

Whistler has been operating daily since Nov. 14. Today, the Whistler Village Gondola, Emerald Express, Big Red Express and Franz's Chair are operating. Full operations are expected to begin on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26.

More information: www.whistlerblackcomb.com.