Canadian air travellers are experiencing an uptick in flight cancellations this holiday season, but airlines say weather is a bigger factor than COVID-19.

The extremely cold temperatures in Edmonton have caused the city to press pause on Phase 2 of its snow-clearing plan.

In the midst of the cold snap, the Alberta Motor Association’s website listed a wait time of up to two days for towing or winching services.

The deep freeze prompted ski hills in Edmonton and across the province to temporarily close on Boxing Day until temperatures return to seasonal averages.

Edmonton Fire and Rescue Service says one person died in the incident.