British Columbia

First snowfall for Vancouver's North Shore Mountains

It's November 1 and it's snowing on the North Shore Mountains!

Grouse Mountain received 5 centimetres of snow by the afternoon of November 1

The Rusty Rail BBQ at Grouse Mountain covered in a dusting of snow on November 1, 2015 - the first of the ski season. (Grouse Mountain)

B.C.'s North Shore Mountains received their first dusting of snow for the ski season. 

Grouse Mountain reported it received 5 centimetres of snow by 3 p.m. on November 1.

"We cannot wait for the start of skiing and riding season and the arrival of the first snowfall means we're that much closer to hitting the slopes," said alpine operations manager, Grant Wahl, in a statement.

The resort said it has spent $500,000 in "snowmaking infrastructure" which it expects will increase snow making by 40 per cent when the ski season does open.

The investment comes after an unusually warm and wet ski season that plagued B.C.'s North Shore Mountains, forcing some to close early.

Nearby, Cypress Mountain also received snow.

At this point, Grouse Mountain says they do not have an estimated opening date yet. 

For those itching to strap on their boots, Whistler Blackcomb opens on November 26

They received 25 centimetres of fresh powder over the weekend.

Two weeks prior to its opening, ski resort Whistler Blackcomb reported receiving 25 centimetres of snow over the weekend of October 31. (Mitch Winton/Coast Mountain Photography)