Interior BC Just Got Hammered with Feet of Fresh Snow
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The start of December 2025 delivered exactly what skiers and riders across British Columbia had been hoping for: a monster storm system. This powerful Atmospheric River—often dubbed a "Pineapple Express"—slammed into the West Coast. Ultimately, this storm proved to be a double-edged sword for the region.
While coastal mountains like Whistler Blackcomb dealt with a mix of precipitation, including rising snow levels and some rain at lower elevations, the interior resorts were the clear winners. Colder air funneled into the Canadian Rockies and the Interior Ranges, transforming the incredible moisture into high-quality, base-building powder.
Interior Resorts: Feet of Freshies and Rapidly Deepening Bases
The interior of British Columbia was absolutely nuked over the last four to five days. The early-season totals are eye-popping, and they confirm that the 2025/2026 season is kicking off with a bang.
- Revelstoke Mountain Resort had an exceptional start, reporting 42 cm of snow in a 48-hour window. The resort already had a seasonal total of 374 cm (147 inches).
- Whitewater Mountain Resort was also primed for its opening, receiving 37 cm of snow in 48 hours and boasting a season total of nearly 300 cm (117 inches). Further accumulation is forecasted over the next few days.
- Panorama Mountain Resort received significant snowfall, with 40 cm falling in the 48 hours leading up to the storm’s peak. This heavy overnight snow even caused scattered power outages in the area, a testament to the storm's intensity.
- Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, which also opened this week, had a healthy 137 cm (54-inch) base, thanks in part to 27 cm of snow in the last 48 hours.
This is the kind of early-season base that backcountry explorers live for. These totals mean that natural hazards like rocks and stumps—which are often barely buried this time of year—are starting to get covered in deeper terrain.
Coastal Conditions and the Week Ahead
Whistler Blackcomb, though facing some warmer temperatures and fluctuating snow levels at lower elevations, still saw notable accumulation in the alpine. The resort reported 6 cm in the last 48 hours, with significant accumulation and a strong frontal system expected to bring more snow starting late Saturday and early next week.
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A Critical Warning: Avalanche Danger is High
With significant new snow comes an increased risk, and it is absolutely vital to keep your stoke in check. Avalanche Canada and the B.C. government have issued urgent warnings, urging all backcountry adventurers to exercise extreme caution.
- The Pump is Primed: The new snow load is falling onto a variety of pre-existing weak layers in the snowpack. This creates a situation where slabs can tip easily and the potential for a slide to step down to deeper layers is high.
- High Danger Ratings: Avalanche danger has been elevated, with ratings up to "High" (4 out of 5) at or above treeline in some areas.
- Practice Conservative Travel: Backcountry users are strongly advised to make conservative terrain choices. This means sticking to lower-angle slopes and exposing only one person at a time to avalanche terrain.
Always check the Avalanche Canada forecast before heading out and ensure you have the essential safety gear and training.
