Real Ski Report: Snowfall in Kimberley and East Kootenay region

Paul Karchut seeks snow in the Rockies after a dry spell

Image | Kimberley Mountain

Caption: The best skiing in the Rockies right now could be at Kimberley. A brief snowstorm blew through the area on Wednesday and Thursday. (Kimberley Alpine Resort)

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 and Thursday blanketed Kimberley(external link) in about 17 cm of powder. Nearly Panorma(external link) got about 11 cm.
If you want to stay closer to Calgary this weekend, several resorts did get a dusting of snow earlier this week:

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There was a small surge in snowfall at Revelstoke(external link) mid-week following a wild inversion where it was actually way colder down low than it was up high.
Now that temperatures have dropped again, ski reporters say it's become a bit icy on the steeper runs.

Image | Panorma

Caption: National Ski Day is on Jan. 9 — and that means $15 lift tickets at Panorama. (Panorama Mountain Resort)

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 at Nakiska or Panorama — for just $15. Tickets must be purchased in advance online through the National Ski Da(external link)y 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, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park(external link), Ribbon Creek(external link), Mount Shark(external link) — it'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(external link) 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 team at Avalanche Canada(external link).
Have photos of yourself shredding it? Tweet them to @CBCoutside or send an email to calgaryphotos@cbc.ca​

Follow along with the latest tweets from the mountains.(external link)