6 Whistler Vacation Tips from Locals
1. READ THE SNOW REPORT LIKE A PRO
When reading Whistler Blackcomb’s weather forecast and snow report reference this illustration to help plot the current freezing level against the terrain you plan to ski and ride.
Don’t forget, snow will fall around 200-300m below the reported freezing level.
The web cams will also give you get real time views on weather conditions at various elevations. Want to learn more about the snow report? Check out this blog.
2. GET FRESH TRACKS BREAKFAST
Set your alarm for early upload on Whistler and Fresh Tracks Mountain Top Breakfast. This huge on-mountain breakfast buffet is awesome on powder days for early access to the slopes, but also offers the best value (and the best views) for breakfast in Whistler.
Fresh Tracks tickets are good any day so buy them in advance so you don’t have to waste precious time or energy the morning of.
On big snow days Fresh Tracks often sells out so, depending on how much snow fell, plan to get in line between 6:15am and 7:00am to ensure you get up the mountain!
3. CONSIDER RENTING YOUR GEAR
Some Whistler locals own an arsenal of skis and boards designed for every kind of condition – powder, groomed, hard pack etc.
Renting gear gives you the flexibility to match the right ski or board to each day’s conditions. Demo centers on the mountain will even accommodate midday trades on your rental gear.
To save time and make sure you are on the mountain first thing, swing by the rental shop the night to get set up.
4. EARN YOUR TURNS, SAFELY
Whistler Blackcomb is known for epic backcountry access but make sure you know before you go. Backcountry guiding, free avalanche awareness tours and avalanche skills training are all ways to get up to speed on enjoying the backcountry as safely as possible.
Not up for actually leaving the ropes?
Flute Bowl on Whistler Mountain is an in-bounds, backcountry experience where skiers and riders can earn their turns with a short trek up the groomed flank of the bowl.
5. SKIP LIFT LINES BY TAKING A LESSON
Don’t get fooled into thinking lessons are just for kids. Whistler Blackcomb has the largest Snow School in Canada, attracts the best instructors, and has private lessons, small group lessons and specialty camps to fit every level and skill desire.
The best part – when you are in a lesson you don’t wait in the regular lift lines – even on powder days!
6. RACK UP AS MUCH TIME ON THE MOUNTAIN AS POSSIBLE
Get the maximum amount of skiing and riding in with an early start at Fresh Tracks or just by lining up at the lifts ten minutes before opening. The lifts often start loading early (unless it is a powder day and lift openings are delayed for avalanche control) so get in there first thing and head as high into the alpine as you can get.
Avoid “load” lifts like the Whistler Village Gondola and Solar Coaster in the morning since everyone will be uploading into the alpine. Your WB+ app can help track your vertical and map out your day so every run counts!
Eating lunch early will also help you avoid crowds in the lodges and on the slopes.
