BANFF-LAKE LOUISE, Alberta, Canada – The world-famous Delirium Dive opened yesterday – the earliest opening in its ten year history!

 

As one of Sunshine Village’s three freeride zones, the Dive offers some of the most extreme in-bounds terrain in North America.

 

This week it was named one of the ‘World’s Scariest Ski Slopes’ by MSN, to add to its many other accolaides.

 

“We’ve had fantastic snow this season enabling us to open the Dive earlier than ever before.  Expert skiers and snowboarders will be very happy!” said Dan Markham, of Ski Banff-Lake Louise-Sunshine.

Delirium Dive at Sunshine Village. photo: Richard Hallman.

 

Within the Dive’s 600 acres of terrain, natural features include 20 metre cornices, frozen waterfalls, stepped pillow drops, jagged rock spines, and 25 metre cliffs. These natural hazards are unmarked and exist throughout the area.

 

Skiers and snowboarders need to use good judgment, know their skill level, and understand that mountain conditions may change quickly. Entry is only permitted for those with a shovel, transceiver and buddy.

 

The Dive’s opening adds to the expert terrain already available at The Lake Louise Ski Area and Mt. Norquay.  Whitehorn 1, A Gulley and Ptarmigan Shoots are just some of Lake Louise’s terrain already open for expert skiers and riders, with great powder conditions.  Last weekend Mt. Norquay held a special early opening of the North American chair, offering access to the resorts infamous double-black diamond runs. 

 

With some of the best snow in 30 years, the conditons at all three resorts are great on beginner and intermediate terrain too.

 

After opening in October for weekends only, Mt. Norquay is opening full time tomorrow.  Preparations are well underway for the the new, family-fun Tubing Park, due to debut on December 19.

 

The Lake Louise Ski Area is proud to host the FIS Winterstart World Cup Women’s Races this Friday to Sunday.  The races are free to watch, plus there’ll be music and celebrations all weekend long.  This is the chance for everyone to come out and cheer on Olympic hopefuls as they fine tune their skills at Lake Louise!

 

Winter is definitely here in Canada’s Protected Playground, Banff National Park.