Whistler Blackcomb on Track for Record Breaking Snowfall

After an early opening with plenty of fresh snow, Whistler Blackcomb prepares to open Creekside and Garbanzo Express on Whistler Mountain this weekend.

WHISTLER, BC, Wednesday, November 18, 2009 – The current storm system has blanketed the mountains with over 204 cm (80 inches) of fresh snow in the past week. Operations crews are hard at work preparing more lifts and terrain to open this weekend as conditions allow.

It may still be early in the season but don’t tell that to Mother Nature. With over 362cm’s (142.5 inches) of snow so far this month Whistler Blackcomb has more than doubled its average November snowfall of 148cm (58 inches). With almost two weeks left in the month, as well as over 100cm (40 inches) in the forecast for the next five days, Whistler Blackcomb is well on its way to the possibility of breaking the record of snow in the month of November, 416cm (164 inches).

“I’ve skied here for over 15 years and I’ve never seen this much snow so early in a season, it seems like every day’s snowfall is topping the last,” say’s Stephen Butt, Communications Coordinator and voice of the Snow Phone for Whistler Blackcomb. “We have already received one third of our average annual snowfall for the entire season and it’s only four days into the season, it’s unbelievable!”

With all this new snow, operations crews are hard at work getting ready to open Creekside Gondola and Garbanzo Express, in anticipation of what should be another amazing weekend. On Saturday, in addition to the Whistler Village Gondola, guests will be able to upload and download Whistler Mountain via the Creekside Gondola with access to Red Chair, Emerald Express, Franz’s and Garbanzo Chair.

The heavy snowfall does pose challenges for the operations crews opening the high alpine. With the current blizzard-like conditions in the alpine, crews have not yet been able to access this area of the mountain. Once crews can get to the alpine, lots of work will begin to prepare the area for skiing and riding which includes: avalanche control, and hazard marking and signage. Whistler Blackcomb appreciates guests’ patience as crews work to safely prepare the terrain before opening.

Though there is lots of snow early season conditions do apply. The Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol posted “Temporary Boundary” signs throughout the ski area indicating that the terrain beyond the ropes is not yet “ready” to ski or ride, even if that terrain is “normally” within our ski area boundary. Whistler Blackcomb would like to remind guests; though terrain may look appealing from where the ropes are, the terrain may include hazards such as ditches, exposed rocks etc. where more snow is needed before the terrain is considered safe. To see examples of signage used at Whistler Blackcomb click HERE. Whistler Blackcomb would also like to remind guests’ to be aware of tree wells. Skiing and riding in a group is always recommended.

In addition to Whistler Village and Blackcomb Base Guest Relations locations, Creekside Guest Relations and ticket windows will be open starting this weekend from 8am to 5pm.

Follow the Whistler Blackcomb Snow Report, updated 5 times daily, by calling 604-932-4211 in Whistler, 604-687-7507 in Vancouver, or free-phone at 1-800-766-0449.

Be sure to follow this and other ski holiday twitter at rocky-peak Holidays official tweet @HolidaysCanada. You can also view Whistler Blackcomb Ski Pass Rates at rocky-peak.com.

Canada Ski Resort Information

Introducing the new look Canada-Ski.com website!  Canada-Ski continues to provide up-to-date ski information on the main, and most popular Ski Resorts in Canada.  The following Canada Ski Areas in Western Canada are featured:

• Banff Norquay Ski Resort


• Sunshine Village Banff Ski Resort


• Lake Louise Mountain Ski Resort


• Kicking Horse Mountain Ski Resort


• Jasper Marmot Basin Ski Resort


• Fernie Alpine Ski Resort


• Kimberley Alpine Ski Resort


• Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort


• Panorama Mountain Ski Resort


• Nakiska Kananaskis Ski Resort

In addition to the above Canada-Ski.com also makes it easier to view the live Mountain Ski Cameras for each ski resort, view Snow Reports as well as provides Canada Ski Resources which include useful links to external sites.

We hope you like the new look Canada-Ski website and any comments or suggestions please post them here.

Thank you for reading the Canada Ski Blog!

Perfect Ski Conditions!

Now the snow storm has passed through, all that is left is PERFECT SKI CONDITIONS at the ski resorts in Western Canada.

The above shots were taken from the Sunshine Village Live Webcam at 9:15am today (THU FEB 26).  What are you waiting for?!!

Sunshine Village Open 2008

Sunshine Village is open, with a rockin’ 60-cm base of pure, natural snow!

Date: November 13 2008

It’s early-season conditions. The Strawberry lift will open at 9 a.m., and two quads – WaWa and Standish – will be in operation by noon. Guests are advised to ski and ride with care, because terrain will be somewhat limited and there may be some natural unmarked hazards.

More runs are expected open Saturday, as crews finish preparing runs. Early season discounts apply, with Friday’s rate at $55.95, plus GST.

It’s also a great time to stay on the mountain, at Banff’s only ski-in, ski-out hotel. The Sunshine Mountain Lodge, formally know as the Sunshine Inn is offering discounted rates, with packages starting at $139 per person including next day skiing. Some restrictions apply. Please contact rocky-peak Ski Holidays for details.

You can call Sunshine Village's 24-hour snow phone at 403-760-SNOW (403-760-7669).

Information provided by Sunshine Village.

Ski Mountain Cameras

Great early snowfall bodes well for early November opening of Sunshine Village! To check how the resorts are doing, see for yourself by visiting rocky-peak Ski Holidays. They have live mountain ski cameras as well as information and ski specials.

Hurry as most early-bird ski specials end November 15 2008!

Sunshine Village Powder - May 09 2008

Snow Report - Sunshine Viilage
Friday, May 09, 2008

Conditions:
With 50 cm of new snow in the past 36 hours they are currently sitting at 55 cm in the past 4 days! Goats Eye Express chair will re-open today for your skiing and riding pleasure. Visit their website at Skibanff.com to see the line-up of their weekend outdoor concerts happening every weekend until May 19th!

Past 36 hours: 50 cms
Past 4 days: 55 cms
Base: 206 cms

Today's Forecast:
Snow Showers
High 0 °C
Low -10 °C

Tomorrow’s forecast:
Light Snow
High -1°C
Low -7°C

Mountain Status:
12 of 12 lifts open
64 of 107 trails open

Sunshine Village Powder - April 19 2008

With 45 cm of new snow in the past 24 hours Sunshine Village is currently sitting at 64cm in the past 2 days!

You have got to love April Powder days!!

Winter Storms Leave Plenty of the White Stuff at WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

Consistent snowfall spoils skiers and riders

WHISTLER, BC, February 07, 2008 – Whistler Blackcomb receives an average of 33.5 feet of snow each year but this season is shaping up to surpass that mark once again. Since the beginning of the winter season Whistler Blackcomb has received 734cm/24 feet of snow and more than 20 days with over 10cm of new snow.

Over the past seven days Whistler Blackcomb has received 51cm/20 inches of new snow. The five day forecast is calling for a possible 85+cm by Sunday as a strong frontal system hits the coast. The long-range forecast is calling a series of disturbances to pass over the area bringing even more snow to the Coastal Mountains by the end of the week. The snow base is currently sitting at 289cm at mid mountain on Whistler and there is more snow on the way.

“The freezing level has stayed consistently low and with all this snow it means great conditions all the way to the village,” says Ryan Proctor Whistler Blackcomb Public Relations Coordinator. “I’m not sure when the last time that I had to look for powder was, it feels like we’ve been getting fresh snow almost everyday.”

Incredible snow conditions and great events mean February is shaping up to be one for the books. February 12 is the two year countdown mark for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Also, make sure to check out the Canadian National Snow Sculpting Team showcasing their work on Whistler Mountain, February 27-29.

Book your ski holiday now with rocky-peak Holidays!