You know ski season is really over when there are more bears on the slopes than people. And, in recent days at two Rocky Mountain resorts in Alberta grizzly bears have ruled the hills.
Lake Louise Ski Resort in Banff National Park shared photos and a video of a grizzly, affectionately known as Olivia, sauntering along some of its runs.
The rather early appearance of the bear forced the temporary closure of the front side last week as skiers and snowboarders were moved clear of the hungry bruin, fresh out of hibernation.
And, forget ski tracks. Check out these bear tracks on freshly groomed corduroy.
Local skier Tom Lopushinksy took this video of Olivia as he rode up the gondola.
Little wonder the ski hill is closing a week earlier than planned.
“With the spring weather continuing to be on the warmer side, and to ensure the best quality experience for all skiers and snowboarders, we’ve decided to make the last day of the 15/16 season May 1st,” the resort announced.
Meanwhile, visitors to Marmot Basin in Jasper National Park also caught a glimpse of a carefree grizzly at that resort on Sunday – closing day.
“A beary unusual guest joined us on the slopes for our final day of the 2015/16 season,” the resort posted to Facebook.
Mike Gere, a local photographer, captured images of the curious bear on an, um, bunny run.
“The staff maintained a bear watch, and closed lifts and runs as the bear made its way to the lower mountain,” Gere wrote on Instagram. “Parks Canada wardens arrived and herded the bear into rock gardens. It came back later, and made its way down the road.”
Closing ceremonies for the ’15/16 season @MarmotBasin this wknd. Photos by the talented Mike Gere! #myjasper pic.twitter.com/5dErSbcRQB
— Tourism Jasper (@TourismJasper) April 25, 2016
Well, at least we now know who is truly the king of the hills.
And mercifully, the only thing that was shredded was the snow.
