Cypress Mountain to open Friday

A blast of heavy snowfall on Vancouver's North Shore mountains has Cypress Mountain ready to open on Friday.

Thewarm and wet skiseason thatplagued B.C.'s North Shore Mountains last yearforced ski operators in the area to close early.

"The good news is that we've got more snow on the ground this morning than at any point last season," Cypress Mountain reportedTuesdayon its website.

The base hasapproximately 20 to 30 cm of snow while the peak has closer to 40 cm of snow, according the ski resort's Facebook page.

Many were worried that theEl Nino and warm 'blob' off the west coastwould leave this year's ski season as yet another washout.

But for now, it appears snow lovers in B.C. are rejoicing with Whistler Blackcomband Kelowna's Big White also opening early.