The lack of snow in Quebec is impacting traditional winter activities, but hopes are high for a change in the coming weeks. Southern Quebec experienced its first significant snowstorm of the season early in December, only to have it washed away by warm, rainy weather. This unfortunate turn of events resulted in being unable to open ice rinks in Montreal and many other municipalities.
The situation in Montreal is particularly dire, as only about half a dozen outdoor rinks are open, all of which are refrigerated. Normally, the city would have around 200 outdoor ice rinks open at this time of year. Unfortunately, the requirements for opening outdoor rinks have not been met, and the city has been struggling to do so for the past three years.
The snow shortage in Quebec is also affecting the popular snowmobiling season. Only a small portion of the province’s total snowmobiling trails are open, mostly in the northeast. With more snow, additional parts of the network could be opened. However, the snowmobiling season is unpredictable and varies from year to year.
Despite the recent warmer weather, colder temperatures are expected, and Environment Canada predicts a more seasonal climate in the coming weeks. Additionally, the ski industry is also being affected by the lack of snow, despite investments in snow-making equipment. The average downhill ski season usually runs from the end of November until Easter Weekend.