Whistler - 2/5

A half day today. Woke up with forecasts for 6K+ freezing levels, high winds, and lots of precipitation. Looked out the window and snowing big flakes in the upper village. None of Whistler's reporting mechanisms were giving us any hint of what would be open, so off we go up Blackcomb. Once in the Alpine, there is high winds and discover Solar Coaster and Jersey Cream will be open, but no Glacier or Crystal chairs today due to the winds. Also, Peak-to-Peak closed for the day. It was snowing hard, very wet snow. But, on the slopes, a foot of new heavy snow on top of the groomed. Perfect to cover yesterday's icy spots. Several runs on Jersey Cream until the hordes pounded the heavy powder into hard pack everywhere, so off to cycle Bark Sandwich. What a hoot as we had it all to ourselves. The snow got wetter and the wind picked up, so in for lunch at 11:30. Everything was soaked, but the Gortex was doing it's job. After a great lunch and lots of Kokanee, headed back out to find the snow changed to rain and both chairs running half speed due to the wind. One more run down Solar Coaster confirmed we were done. Back up to get the packs to head down. Raining top to bottom.

The snow level is going up even more tomorrow before it drops for Saturday. Lots of precipitation forecast, so Saturday could be the day. Hopefully, the wind will die down and they'll be able to open more of the mountain as I imagine Vancouver will empty into the mountains on the week-end. We'll be sitting out tomorrow waiting for Saturday.

Having a hard time getting out the door to sit in a rain induced traffic jam hoping to find fresh snow on a lift that probably won't be open. Other friends have already bailed. Wife balking... I could just go by myself and hope for the best - or I could be sorta smart and wait till Sunday when theres a better chance the Alpine will be open. Decisions, decisions...

Photo from Blackcomb today forwarded from a friend:

The rain that started yesterday (Thursday) at noon hasn't let up for 30 hours. Hard, continuous rain top to bottom. The picture in the previous post says it all.