Real Ski Report: Snowfall in Kimberley and East Kootenay region

Each week, CBC Calgary's Paul Karchut speaks with dozens of dedicated skiers and boarders across eastern B.C. and southern Alberta to get the real scoop on conditions at resorts, on cross-country trails and in the backcountry.

A snowfall warning in the East Kootenay region on Wednesday andThursdayblanketedKimberleyinabout 17cm of powder. Nearly Panormagot about 11 cm.

If you want to staycloser to Calgary this weekend,severalresorts did geta dusting of snow earlier this week:

• Lake Louise: 8cm has fallen since Thursday and the forecast is calling for sunshine Saturday and Sunday.

• Sunshine Village: The Goat's Eye chair has reopened! Themountain did get a couple centimetres this week, howeverski reporter John Hornak thinks the resort could useanother15 to 20 cm. "There are some rocks sticking out and branches," he said.
• Norquay:About 10 cmof new snow since Thursday and 6 cm atNakiska.
• Castle Mountain: 14 cm since Thursday but that's likely it for the weekend. The temperature on the hill is expected to hoverbetween -10 and -15 C throughout the weekend.

There wasa smallsurge insnowfall at Revelstokemid-weekfollowing awild inversion where it was actually way colder down low than it was up high.

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Now that temperatures have dropped again, ski reporters say it's become a bit icy on the steeper runs.

• KickingHorse: The gondola is up and running afterbreaking down last weekend. An electrical failure forced several guests to be evacuated by helicopter.
• Fernie: Trace bits of snow continue to be forecast through the weekend.

National Ski Day

This is an affordable way to get you and your family on the hill this season.

On Jan. 9, you can ski all day atNakiskaorPanorama for just $15. Tickets must be purchased in advance online through the National Ski Day website.

Cross-country skiing

We're hearing the conditions, especially on the West Bragg Creek trail system, are the best in over a decade.

"All the main areas:the Nordic Centre,PeterLougheedProvincial Park, Ribbon Creek, Mount Sharkit's not even a matter of having to look anymore. You can just show up and just expect excellent conditions everywhere," said Mike Norton.

And Bob Truman's blog is just filled with glowing trip reports too.

If you're planning to head out into the backcountry this weekend, check in with the forecast teamatAvalanche Canada.

Have photos of yourself shredding it? Tweet them to @CBCoutside or send an email to calgaryphotos@cbc.ca

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