Whistler/Blackcomb Jan 23- 26 2007

Ron, Jerry (Jen was out of town), and myself made our annual trip to Whistler to meet up with our friend Mack and company for some great backcountry and downhill skiing at Whistler.  With the addition of the new Symphony Express Chair at Whistler, the "geezers" were excited for the quicker access to the Flute Bowl area.  How's that old saying go?  "You pay your money you take your chances".  When we arrived at Whistler Village Tuesday afternoon it was raining in the village, on the mountain, and on the upper mountain  .  Keeping our expectations high, we thought it would cool off and turn to snow by morning or at least snow on the upper portion of the mountain.  NOT.  Trying to be optomistic about what really happened during the night we headed toward Whistler to find a very nice encapsulating crust everywhere except on the groomers.  Arriving at the top of the Harmony Express Lift, the Ski Patrol sign said "heinous" ski conditions stay on groomed runs, off piste very icy.  They were correct.  Boiler plate conditions were very evident on the groomers.  We made the best of the worst and skied until closing, taking a few more breaks than normal, for today, there would be no fun in Flute Bowl.  With the sun shining over the mountain you could see the shine reflecting over the ever so "heinous" crust. 
Day 2 we headed for Blackcomb, where we found a little better conditions, more groomed runs, and the off piste a little better but still crusty.  We worked the Crystal Chair, Glacier Express, and Jersey Cream Express hard, finding lots of great skiing available. 
Day 3 Blackcomb again, and the best day.  No new, still some crust, but we did find great snow on the upper mountain off the Blue Line from the Horstman Hut.  Looked over Coulour Extreme and Big Bang but with the current conditions and gigantic mogels we opted for the more mellow skiing down Secret Chute and surrounding area.  Temps remained in the low 20's (F) throughout the day with sunny skies, keeping the snow is great condition.  You just had to work a little harder to find the perfect spots.  We did manage that and were able to ski until closing.  Thanks to the Shell 2 for 1 ski coupons and Whistler/Blackcomb for accepting them EVERYDAY, we had a great time at half the price 

Glad to hear you all came back intact and with smiles. Jill and I are thinking it's getting close to "road trippin time".

Even though mother nature has taken away our Paradise for the time being, you guys and gals haven't let that slow ya down!  And manage to have fun no matter what, whether it be in a form of a joke(s) or that strategic placing of moss.

Zap is it really that time again. Thanks for the heads up. Can you take a picture of my face and glue it to a popcicle stick and hold it up in the background of your pictures so I can feel like I was there. I would really appreciate that.

Eric, No problem.  You'll be with us.  Would you prefer Idaho,Oregon,  Montana, Utah, Colorado or California ?   

http://lh5.google.com/image/ron.jarvis/RcDlLeFfLLI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/lCwYK0asE9o/IMG_1203.JPG?imgmax=512

Posted a few "tourist" shots HERE .

It's pretty tough to get action shots when you're always last  :

maddog, ron j, jw crew--looks like it was a great trip, despite the bullet proof "shine"...   no doubt that you all would find the best stuff to ski though.  we're heading out to whistler in a couple weeks, i really hope that weather works in our favor--however, the worst day at whistler is still better than the best day on the little hill they call a ski mountain here in VA...  :  glad you all had fun!