In a secretive effort to make us Whistlerites jealous and incredibly anxious for winter, our neighbours at Lake Louise are opening this weekend! Here's what they have to say...

Lake Louise Mountain Resort will kick off the 2007/08 ski season on Saturday November 10th when the resort opens for skiers and riders. As is traditionally the case, Lake Louise will be among the first ski resorts in North America to open. The Resort is also preparing to host the world for the Annual Winterstart World Cup races scheduled for November 24-25 (Men) December 1-2 (Ladies).

This season will start on Saturday, November 10th with the opening of the Glacier Express Quad Chair, scheduled to open at 9am, and tentatively, the Magic Carpet/Learning Area. Terrain access will be limited to the main Wiwaxy run from the top of the Glacier Chair, and beginner terrain at the base of the Resort. As of opening day, the Resort is scheduled to be operating 7 days a week for the balance of the ski season.

Says Matt Mosteller, Senior Director of Business Development for the Resort, “Our crews have been working extremely hard to get the mountain in shape for ski season. We’re looking forward to being among the first to kick off the ski season in Canada!”

Snow is in the forecast this week for the Lake Louise area, which will add to the 20+ centimetres that have already settled on the upper mountain. Snow fencing/farming efforts and ongoing snowmaking are providing a positive outlook for additional terrain openings in the near future. Skiers and riders are advised that early season conditions do exist, and to ski and ride with care.

The adult lift ticket price on Saturday will be $36+GST. All facilities, including the Lodge of the Ten Peaks Café, Powderkeg Lounge, Slopeside Café, Daycare, Ski School, Rentals and Retail Shop will be open.

For more information about Lake Louise Mountain Resort, please call 1-800-258-7669 (SNOW). For up to date information, please visit www.skilouise.com or call the RCR Snow Phone at 244-6665.

Now is the time to purchase your Canadian Rockies Louise Card. For $79.95, the Canadian Rockies Louise Card offers 3 free ski days, as well as daily discounts off lift ticket purchases up to $26. Visit www.3freedays.com for more details.

Lake Louise Mountain Resort is getting ready to host the world with the Lake Louise Winterstart World Cup, presented by Bombardier. The Men’s Events will take place on November 24 and 25, and the Women’s Races will take place December 1 and 2. Come out and cheer on the world!