B.C. ski hills and businesses plagued by lack of snow

B.C. ski hills and businesses that rely on snow are struggling this season as warm, dry weather continues to plague local mountains.

The North Shore ski mountains are relying on artificial snow to keep a number of runs open, but with a lack of fresh powder, business is down.

At North Vancouver’s Destination Ski, sales were down 25 per cent last month. Rental gear is also taking a beating from rocks and sticks scattered on the snowless mountains.

“We’re losing some skis physically they’re getting broken completely and into the trash,” said Paul Zirk, from Destination Ski.

Dirk said thousands of dollars worth of stock is remaining unsold due to the weather and business on local mountains is down.

“I feel really sorry for people like Mount Seymour, who really could use a snow making system but need the water access or Mount Washington who normally have 500 centimetres right now and just don’t have it,”

While Cypress and Grouse mountains have a surprising amount of runs open, they’re mostly groomed with artificial snow.

However, a lack of snow on Mount Washington has forced the mountain to strike a deal to allow their seasons pass holders access to Whistler Blackcomb until the end of January.

Luckily, sub-zero overnight temperatures on the way for the North Shore should buy the mountains some time until some real snow arrives.

With files from Ted Cherneki