December 10-17 2005, Whistler/Blackcomb

Well what can be said for a week's skiing at Whistler, even though there seemed to be a lack of new snow during our stay, we managed to have a great week with great friends. Thanks to Mack, one of our long time skiing friends and originator of our "Wild Hearts" group, he pulled some really BIG strings and our accommodations this year were at the Mountainside Lodge, within walking distance of the Gondola lift at the Whistler/Blackcomb base area . Without trying to imitate Telemon's report, which was right on we were able to get some fantastic skiing done on the Blackcomb Glacier. Our first day was spent on Blackcomb, with hard icy groomers, which were scraped off very quickly. The off piste was the place to be. The temps were very cold which helped keep that snow in super fine condition. Day two was spent at Whistler, skiing Harmony Ridge, and some of the runs that Telemon mentioned. We met up with Lara and company for a few runs over the next couple of days, and Peter, and east coast friend. Chad a former Crystal Mountain instructor was always willing to lend a helping hand on how to deal with ice. Towards the end of our stay, the weather turned to cold, clear sunny skies which kept the top of the mountain, and the Blackcomb Glacier in spectacular form. The run-out from the glacier was better than expected with only a few rocks here and there on the trail. On our last day, Ron, Jerry and I decided to go out with a bang and knock out both mountains. First it was off to the Blackcomb Glacier right after opening, then skiing to the mid base Gondola, downloaded, changing to the Whistler Gondola and off to Harmony Ridge. What a great week! Like Telemon said, hopefully some snow will fall before the Christmas break. We did find the snow better for the most part on Whistler than on Blackcomb, except for the Blackcomb Glacier and the Showcase T-Bar. One thing is for certain though, there is a really great solid hard base set in for whatever falls on those groomers. Whistler/Blackcomb is doing a fine job keeping as many runs open as possible and keeping their snow making going on the lower mountain. By the time our week was ending, you could ski all the way to the Blackcomb base. Jerry had his video camera running the whole time, which we viewed every night. You can see a few still photos Here .

Great times with great friends is what life's all about, eh?<br>More pics posted at Jeanette's depository HERE .

Is Peter from the east coast? I believe I rode Glacier Express with this guy first thing Fri morning.

Is Peter from the east coast?

<br>Yes he is, and you probably did ride the Glacier Express with Peter because we were all meeting at the top to ski the Blackcomb Glacier .<br>

Thanks for the TR, Mad Dog...yes, it was fun, but spending all that $$$ on icy conditions made me turn around after just a couple of days. Big bummer to have all that time off from work and no pow. Oh well, still doing the dance, begging for more.<br><br>Great pics!<br><br>~Lara

Looks like a great time! With a super crowd! <br>Thanks for sharing the pics and report.<br>Happy Holidays!<br>Joe