Image Credit: Adam Donnelly / CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

HARPER MOUNTAIN NOW OPEN

New year, new snow for opening of 50th season at Harper Mountain

Jan 10, 2024 | 6:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — Blue sky and fresh snow have made for a strong return to ski season at Harper Mountain.

“We are really super excited because we had a lot of snow on the weekend and then again in the last couple of days, another 25 centimetres, which is great,” co-owner Lisa Daburger tells CFJC.

With a slower start to winter, anticipation was building around the hill’s opening date. But Mother Nature delivered, the snow is here, and Harper Mountain is open for its 50th season.

“Very exciting. We’ve got some events coming up for that (anniversary), retro events of course,” adds Daburger. “And yes, same family (ownership) for 50 years.”

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Over those five decades since the Daburger family built the lodge and lifts, the ski hill has gained a loyal following of local recreators. CFJC spoke with folks gearing up before the chairlift opened for the day on Wednesday (Jan. 10) to hear how their morning runs on the T-bar went.

“Super excited to get out here. I knew it opened on Saturday — couldn’t make it out — but after all the snow it’d be rude not to come out,” said one skiier.

Another man was about to head out for a ski with his family, and liked what he saw up the mountain.

“Looks like they got a good dump of snow here and things are looking up.”

“There’s actually quite a bit of powder. I was here on Sunday,” another skier told CFJC. “I haven’t actually gone up just yet (today) and I heard there’s 25 more centimetres so I’m assuming the conditions are going to be better than even Sunday. I’m stoked.”

The unusual winter weather resulted in a delayed delivery of powder but lifts are now turning and Harper Mountain says it is ready to welcome back those regulars, and host newcomers for a classic Canadian winter sport experience.

“If you haven’t skied or snowboarded or gone tubing or snowshoeing… it’s definitely a must-do if you haven’t done it,” adds Daburger.