Early openings for Alberta mountain resorts in the Canadian Rockies ushered in last year's record breaking snow. This year, snow is already piling up and the World Cup race that traditionally kick starts the ski and snowboarding season is several weeks away – even as some resorts plan to open in early November.

New developments at the six big mountain resorts include improved snow making to ensure the best possible snow coverage during early season, as well as base lodge decks that will afford stunning views of the Rockies when you want to take a break beneath blue skies and sun.

We'll take a look at how the World Cup races and the family-friendly Winterstart Festival in Banff National Park during November can provide the stage for a great winter holiday – and we'll touch on what's new at each of the six mountain resorts.

Early bird deals for lift ticket and accommodations are already available and you can find them at the mountain resort websites on SkiCanadianRockies.

Record World Cup Season for Canada

The Lake Louise Bombardier World Cup at Lake Louise Mountain Resort is the first on the 2007/8 World Cup calendar, and the first of several Canadian stops for the Alpine skiing circuit during 2007/8. The World Cup is being held in Canada a record three times as technical ski racing also returns to Panorama and Whistler, both in British Columbia.

Lake Louise has been hosting World Cup races since 1989 and this year the Men's Downhill and Super G races get underway Nov. 24-25, while the Women's Downhill and Super G races are scheduled for Dec. 1 and 2.

The races are a great opportunity to rub shoulders with the fastest skiers on the planet as they all stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, set at the foot of one of Canada's most photographed vistas, and right near Lake Louise Mountain Resort.

While the races are underway, you can also ski at the resort, so you're at the heart of the action. It's an opportunity to get the jump on your ski or snowboarding season at great prices while enjoying early snow that is almost always excellent.

Winterstart Festival

Christmas in the Rockies and the Santa Clause Parade of Lights in Banff are family-friendly events during the weekend of Nov. 24-25, the same weekend as the Men's World Cup at Lake Louise Mountain Resort. Both the town of Banff and village of Lake Louise are in Banff National Park and within an easy hour's drive of each other. The Santa Parade is part of the WinterStart Festival with activities throughout the afternoon, including crafts, games and Christmas caroling.

Next weekend, check out the 4th Annual CP Rail Jam and Street Party in Banff, as well as the Women's World Cup at Lake Louise. The Rail Jam features top amateur and pro snowboarders and skiers who compete against each other for cash prizes as they test their boards and twin tips on rails set up in the heart of Banff. Winterstart action in downtown Banff is at the 200 Block of Banff Avenue from about 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on both days.

Skiers and riders will enjoy the continually upgraded terrain parks offered at Alberta's six mountain resorts. Here's a look at what else is new at the resorts this year.

Lake Louise Resort Enlivens

Lake Louise Mountain Resort aims to open Nov. 9 and provides many early season deals for both accommodations and lift tickets.

Lake Louise Mountain Resort was recently named one of the Top Resorts in North America by two prestigious US magazines, SKI and Skiing. It is praised for its extensive and varied terrain and unbelievable views, while being light on crowds.

A new winter interpretive program provides educational signage throughout the mountains so you can more thoroughly enjoy the scenery at the resort. The Lake, as it is affectionately known, is consistently voted by magazines as among the most scenic ski resorts in the world. Also this year, there are equipment upgrades to boost snow, and improvements in food service areas.

Click here to read more about skiing in the Canadian Rockies.