Construction to Fortress will result in 35% more terrain (an increase of 248 acres of skiable terrain). This was a happy surprise after a summer of negotiating whether the mountain would even open for skiing and riding this season. After lengthy debates, RCR took to the public outcries and announced that Fortress will be open for the 2003-2004 season with limited hours (Wednesday through Sunday).

Meanwhile, good news came from Fernie with the opening of the entire mountain on Friday, December 12th. Over 228cm of snow has fallen in Fernie to date, resulting in a snowpack of 144cm and some of their best early season conditions ever. On Friday, 8 of 10 lifts will be open and regular season ticket prices will be in effect.

While too much snow is blamed for delaying the opening of Fortress, we can at least be thankful for the snow down in Fernie. It was only a year ago that we were skiing on rocks and grass patches and downloading the bottom chair at Fernie until Christmas. I guess we can wait another week for Fortress.