Mild weather and minimal snowfall have created some challenges and some opportunities for businesses in Calgary.
This year, window washing is keeping Wipe Clean Window Cleaning busy at the moment, as opposed to their usual winter snow removal jobs.
“We can clean windows typically in that – 5 C to – 10 C range. We’re rolling with window cleaning and even doing some deject pressure washing at this time,” Jacob O’Dell, the operations manager of Wipe Clean, said.
O’Dell said it’s a relief to have a strong start to 2025 after expected profits were cut in half last year due to water restrictions.
“Even the uncertainty that Calgarians faced in the summer to whether they could use the service really affected how much business we ended up doing,” he said.
“So getting able to get out there much earlier, clean more windows and get a good jump on what we’re planning to do this year.”
On the other side of the coin, the lack of snow is taking away a big chunk of business for companies that supply winter sports equipment. Revenue from rentals is down 30 per cent at Kananaskis Outfitters.
“It’s the lowest snowfall we’ve had in 18 years since we opened the business. It’s impacting us quite significantly,” Chelsea Cook with Kananaskis Outfitters said.
While most cross-country skis and snowshoes remain on the shelves, more microspikes are getting used, but not enough to make up the difference.
“It’s impacting us a lot of ways in terms of rentals and the tours we are able to do. Even retail, to be honest. People aren’t buying winter jackets because it’s 5 C,” Cook said.
The business is still running tours, though some have been altered.
“We have a 15-passenger van that we’re able to take people down into Peter Lougheed Provincial Park with, so that’s great. They have more snow than we do here. If the snow’s not coming to us, we might as well take people where the snow is,” Cook said.
Cook said conditions have also been favourable for fat biking and stargazing tours.
Although the temperatures have been mild, there have not been rapid shifts, which makes avalanches less likely.
“Just the fact the weather has been similar for a long time tends to move us to better stability,” said Brad Christie with Avalanche Canada.
Most of the mountain areas along the Alberta-B.C. boundary are currently at a low or moderate risk for avalanches. But experts say anyone heading into the backcountry should always have training and proper equipment and check conditions before heading out.
