Whistler Mountain to open early

Whistler Mountain in Canada will open for skiers earlier than expected, according to the country's tourism commission.

Anyone taking a trip to Canada over the next week will be able to access the slopes from Saturday November 17th - a week ahead of schedule.

Canada's weather forecasters have predicted a snowy, stormy period ahead for the popular skiing venue. This comes after 80 cm of snow fell on Whistler Blackcomb earlier in the week.

"We have a great leg up on the season," said Doug MacFarlane, Whistler Blackcomb Mountain manager.

"Natural snowfall and our snowmaking efforts have allowed for the early opening on Whistler Mountain that skiers and riders have been hoping for."

The Canadian Tourism Commission suggests that the skiing destination has made a host of on-mountain improvements in preparation for the winter.

Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airport both have regular flights to Canada.

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