Campers ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at them with snowstorm forecast for Alberta foothills

Some Albertans are braving the chilly start to the summer season as they head off for a camping weekend.

Campers like Colin Peter are in a hurry to soak up any sun they can this May long-weekend because it doesn’t figure to last.

“As a traditional Albertan, I think we’ve come to terms with the fact that May long is always, always a crapshoot,” says Peter.

“We’re banking on probably some bad weather along the way. But like I said, we always hoped for just a couple hours of good sun.”

Victoria Day weekend does not bring ideal camping weather, with snow expected in the foothills, with rain and thunderstorms in the forecast for the parts of Calgary and southern Alberta.

Austin Neelin has already battled the elements, Thursday dealing with strong winds.

“It was about, I’d say, around 80 kilometre wind gusts,” said Neelin.

“It took probably around two hours to get it all set up.”

The elements are no match for Luke Morgan and his family, who emigrated from Wales three years ago – and now live in Cochrane.

“it was a pretty long winter. It was just nice to get out with the family and enjoy the, the weather and the mountains and the river and everything, its great,” said Morgan.

“Yeah, we feel like we’re kind of prepared for any kind of bad weather coming in. You know, we got a good 4x4 and we have got some warm clothes for the evenings and that kind of stuff.”

On Friday, MacLean Creek said that weekend cancelations were quickly being snatched up.