Good skiing in Whistler in late April? (construction, dinner) - Canada - City-Data Forum

tx2ky · 08-17-2008, 01:28 PM

Hi, I am trying to plan a trip for next april (the 3rd week) and I really want to go skiing. I know Whistler is usually open until early June or late may, but I am wondering how GOOD is the skiing and the snow at Whistler during that time? Will it be worth it to come there and plan for some good skiing for a few days?

Also, what other things are there to do during that time? I'd be coming there with my boyfriend and another couple (we're all in our early 30's) Thanks!

brokendolly · 08-17-2008, 09:01 PM

We skied on the last day of Whistler this year which was April 19th I think and the skiing was fantastic. Snow falling heavily in the morning and fresh powder on the Friday but that apparently was unusual. Winds were a little high and it was icy under the powder. By afternoon the winds had exposed the ice on the lower sections. In the morning it was -19C at the peak. Blackcomb is opened till later in the year but we didn't ski it this time. The conditions actually didn't look as good.

As to what else is to do, well we were exhausted from skiing and walking so we welcomed a lovely long dinner at nights and time on the patio people watching. Plus we had a nice double jacuzzi so............

tx2ky · 08-18-2008, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brokendolly

We skied on the last day of Whistler this year which was April 19th I think and the skiing was fantastic. Snow falling heavily in the morning and fresh powder on the Friday but that apparently was unusual. Winds were a little high and it was icy under the powder. By afternoon the winds had exposed the ice on the lower sections. In the morning it was -19C at the peak. Blackcomb is opened till later in the year but we didn't ski it this time. The conditions actually didn't look as good.

As to what else is to do, well we were exhausted from skiing and walking so we welcomed a lovely long dinner at nights and time on the patio people watching. Plus we had a nice double jacuzzi so............

Was Whistler closed that early this year because of construction (I thought I saw that on their website) or because of other reasons like conditions? Just want to clarify beause my trip would be that week of the 20th of April. Thanks

brokendolly · 08-18-2008, 08:29 PM

I don't think so. I believe that Whistler (the mountain) always closes first and Blackcomb stays open later for glacier skiing. The conditions on Whistler were fantastic but it was the same thing at Cypress this year. Record snowfall and they could have gone on for another month but as a great many of the staff are not locals or even Canadian their visas may have been up.

Honestly I think you are taking a chance if you want to ski the week of April 20th. Certainly there was absolutely no cross-country skiing. We walked around the trails and most of the snow had gone.

whistlerwinter · 08-19-2008, 06:57 PM

It all depends form year to year on how far down the mountain you will be able to ski, but there is great skiing higher up on the mountain. One mountain usually closes around the middle to the end of April, while the other mountain stays open until early June. Then Blackcomb opens for glacier skiing for the summer months.