October 26, 2009 (Silver Star, BC) – An early winter storm has prompted Silver Star Mountain Resort to open its Nordic trails a week earlier than expected. “This is great news,” said Glenn Bond, Nordic manager at the resort. “We have the Canadian National Team waiting for us to open, so this will give them a head start on their pre-Olympic training at Silver Star.”

The resort was blanketed with more than 30 centimetres of fresh snow Monday morning, and the long range forecast called for a continuation of snowy conditions. Bond said the Nordic grooming crew are preparing the bulk of the lower trails, meaning more than 25 kilometres of groomed tracks will be open.

Visitors can expect to use Meadow trail, Sidewinder, Lower Bridal, and the Mountain View Cabin, said Bond. The early opening should also bode well for this year’s XC Camps, running from Nov. 28 to Dec. 6. Bond said the sooner they can groom the trails, the more likely the entire Nordic system will be ready for the camp.

“It’s going to be an exciting Nordic season at Silver Star. We have 10 Olympic teams confirmed before the start of the games and the early opening only adds to the buzz,” said Bond As an added bonus, Bond said tickets for opening weekend will be discounted to $15. The trails open Saturday, Oct. 31 at 8:30 a.m. and run until 3:30 p.m. For more info visit www.skisilverstar.com