Whistler's November snowfall total passed 5.5m (nearly 18 feet) by the morning of the 29th, with a 1.92m (6.5 feet) base, by far the biggest ever for this early in the season.

The good snow news isn't just restricted to the 2010 Winter Olympic host however, most of Western Canada's resorts have great snow cover, and several more resorts opened early at the weekend, or announced they'd be opening earlier than planned in coming weeks including Fernie and Kicking Horse.

Revelstoke, which now has North America's largest vertical, as well as the only heli and cat ski operations running along-side regular ski lifts from one base, opened upper slopes for a "taster weekend" and will open permanently from next weekend.

Silver Star has also opened, "To the delight of us all, the winter skies have opened up and delivered over 40 cm of the white stuff needed to make the jump from Nordic skiing to alpine. With the alpine base now over 100 cm the Comet Express, Silver Woods Express, and the Silver Queen Chair", said a resort spokesperson.

The world's attention has however been on Alberta over the weekend with Lake Louise Ski Area hosting its annual Winterstart World Cup Races. The men's races took place November 28 and 29 and the women race this coming December 4 through 6.

The WinterStart Festival takes place over the two weekends and includes the World Cup Alpine Ski Racing followed by a festival within a festival; Christmas in the Rockies, which runs December 5 and 6.

On December 5 there will be choirs, Christmas tree decorating, photos with Santa, the Santa Claus Parade of Lights, and many other free activities to get families into the holiday spirit.

New for Christmas in the Rockies, A Mountaintop Christmas Sing-Along will be taking place high atop Sulphur Mountain on December 6. Families can ride the Banff Gondola to the top of the mountain for an interactive morning with award-winning children's performers and music educators. For every adult gondola ticket purchased, one child rides for free.

This week's Real Banff Report on WinterStart: www.youtube.com

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