On the Mountains
If you've never experienced Whistler Blackcomb, well, lucky you. Welcome to Wonderland. Pushing 8,200 acres of in-bounds terrain, more bowls than your mama's china set, a lift system that makes crowds disappear and more daily grooming than anywhere else in North America, our backyard is what your backyard would be if you were lucky enough to live here.
Big mountains mean big adventure though so be prepared. Here are a few tips:
Get oriented. Grab a trail map, or better yet one of the local guide books and study it.
Get toured. There are complimentary tours on both mountains every day. Learn the lay of the land from a friendly local; it'll make the rest of the week easier.
Get picky. Check the day's grooming if you prefer smooth to bumpy. Test the waters; our black diamonds aren't as wimpy as what pass for black diamonds other places.
Get real. See those tracks on the other side of the ropes. Yeah, you can ski out of bounds but don't go if you don't know where they're headed. One cliff can ruin your day.
Get the facts. Call the snowphone (604-932-4211) for early morning conditions and a forecast but understand this, the weather can change faster than you can ski.
So for those of you who've been here before, what's new? Glad you asked.
Want to know how your day's gone? Grab the Whistler Blackcomb Live, Powered by TELUS app for your smart phone. It'll track your runs, total up your vert and distance, and clock your top speed. Better yet, it'll let you share the info with your buds back home. Can you say jealous? Get it at whistlerblackcomb.com/app
If you're headed to snow school, you're in for a treat. The Max 4 program means there will never be more than four people in any daily adult Snow School group lesson. Fewer people, better learning. And there's smaller classes for smaller people at Whistler Kids this year.
The parks and pipes have been tweaked this season for more variety, easier access and better progression. Check out the new 14-foot pipe on Blackcomb.
And when it's time to recharge, check out what new executive chef Wolfgang Sterr has cooked up to feed the inner beast. While you're at it, enjoy the complimentary wireless at your favourite Whistler Blackcomb restaurants.
You didn't think we'd been sleeping all summer, did you?
