Upcoming water restrictions are putting a freeze on WinSport’s snow-making plans, leaving the ski and snowboard hill’s opening date up in the air.

The hill was initially scheduled to open Nov. 20, but WinSport announced in a statement Thursday that the opening date is now uncertain, as the city prepares to temporarily shut down the Bearspaw South Feeder main.

The Stage 4 water restrictions will begin Nov. 4 and last approximately four weeks, significantly reducing the amount of water that can be distributed across Calgary and restricting outdoor use.

Dale Oviatt, WinSport’s director of marketing and communications, said right now is a critical time for winter season preparations, making the water restrictions another hurdle. 

“Obviously, the timing couldn’t be worse,” he said. “In any given year, we’re battling what Mother Nature throws at us, and this just throws another wrinkle into our plans.”

WinSport is hoping to open the hill as soon as possible, but Oviatt said there are too many unknowns to commit to a date. The organization will have to weigh how long the restrictions remain in place against weather conditions and the opportunities to make snow.

The snow-making team needs temperatures of about -3 C or colder, with lower temperatures providing better conditions. WinSport plans to take advantage of any cold weather before the restrictions begin, but Oviatt said the forecast was not looking promising at the time of the interview.

“In a perfect world, Mother Nature will throw us -20 degrees in the next week and continue on until the fourth of November, but at this point, it doesn’t look like that’s in the cards,” he said. 

Oviatt said the delay is not expected to affect major events later in the season, including the 2027 X Games and Snow Rodeo FIS Snowboard Halfpipe World Cup competition. However, the hill’s opening could be pushed into December. 

The uncertainty, Oviatt said, is the hardest part, as WinSport is unable to inform seasonal staff of start dates at the moment. He said WinSport is also determining if these delays will affect season pass holders or snow school bookings. 

Oviatt said the organization is continuing to communicate with the city and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

“We wish we had a crystal ball that we can determine when the restrictions do finally come off, what the weather is going to be at that point, how long it’ll take us to get open,” Oviatt said. “Unfortunately, there are just too many factors.”

He emphasized that WinSport’s snow-making team will be ready to take advantage of opportunities when conditions allow, but that helping protect the city’s water supply is necessary.

The season is anticipated to run until March 28, 2027, weather permitting.

Catch up with the day’s headlines, curated by our editors and delivered to your email inbox at lunchtime on every business day. Sign up now for the Calgary Herald Noon News Roundup.