Extreme cold stops many lifts at Thompson-Okanagan ski resorts

Photo: Sun Peaks Resort webcam

The view from the top of Sun Peaks Mount Morrisey on Wednesday, where temperatures of -46C are being recorded.

Extremely cold temperatures in the Thompson-Okanagan have forced area ski resorts to scale back operations Wednesday.

At Sun Peaks Ski Resort outside Kamloops, the top of Morrissey Mountain was recording a dangerous -46 C as of noon. As a result, the Morrissey Express lift is closed.

Also closed today include the Burfield, Crystal, Sundance and Orient chairs. Just two chairlifts are turning today.

At Big White Ski resort outside Kelowna, Lara's Gondola, Plaza chair, Ridge Rocket and Powder chair are the only lifts currently spinning due to extremely cold temperatures. The resort is reporting -30C.

Vernon’s Silver Star resort has closed the Putnam Creek area, including the Powder Gulch and Home Run T, this week between Tuesday and Thursday due to dangerous temperatures currently at -29C.

Apex Ski Resort outside Penticton has closed its Quad and Triple chairs—the vast majority of the mountain—for the day. Temperatures at Apex are currently at -28C.

At Baldy Mountain outside Oliver, both the Eagle chairlift and Sugarlump Quad are turning, although they had a delayed start due to the cold. It is currently -23C there.

The extreme cold temperatures are expected to stick around for at least another day before rising somewhat on Friday.