It's Official - Early Open at Whistler

Monday's storm tracked further north than expected. While that's bad news for Baker it sounds like it was good news for Whistler. Whistler sent an email this afternoon that says they may announce an early open on Wednesday.

"November 12, 2007: Mother Nature has dumped over 80 centimetres (2.6 ft) of snow on Whistler Blackcomb in the last 48 hours bringing the mountain’s snow base to 108 centimetres (3.5 ft). The Environment Canada Alpine Forecast is calling for a small reprieve from the intense weather today and Wednesday before storms pummel the mountains again on Thursday and Friday with 20-40 centimetres (8-16 in) of snow.

Operations crews and all front line staff are going full steam ahead to prepare the mountains for the upcoming winter season. Official opening day is November 22 but with outstanding snowfall this week an early opening is being considered. A decision will be made Wednesday, November 14 in the afternoon."

Thanks for the update! How much spam do I have to endure to get this useful kind of info???

It's official. Whistler opening Saturday, Nov. 17

www.whistlerblackcomb.com/whatsopen/inde...ner-whatsopen_111407

The good news is that it's official that Whistler is opening early. The bad news is that the set of lifts opening early is kind of weak. You'll find all the details here.

www.whistlerblackcomb.com/whatsopen/inde...flash_opening_111407

Whistler: Lifts Scheduled to open:
• Whistler Village Gondola, Creekside Gondola, Red Chair, Emerald Chair and Franz’s (weekend only)

Early Season Conditions apply. Mandatory Download is in effect.

The other big thing to watch for is the freezing level if there is precip. Their site says "Saturday.. Cloudy. A Few Flurries. Snowfall Accumulation Trace To 5 Cm. Freezing Level 1300 Metres." This estimate suggests that the Green (Emerald) chair would be completely in the freezing and the Red would be marginal. There are fewer things less fun than skiing Whistler when half the run is in the rain, and both the Red and Green lifts are vulnerable to this.

If the Peak or Harmony lifts are not open the following weekend, can anyone suggest the best way to get to Flute and beyond? I am guessing that skinning up the Saddle to Burnt Stew trail would be the best route.

If the Peak or Harmony lifts are not open the following weekend, can anyone suggest the best way to get to Flute and beyond?  I am guessing that skinning up the Saddle to Burnt Stew trail would be the best route.

nah -- the saddle would be too much work.  Pika's Traverse, the fireroad from the roundhouse to the top of Harmony lift, is much easier.

and if the Alpine is closed you don't need to go all the way out to Flute; skin up Pika's and "poach" (i.e. if the patrol is allowing it -- if they aren't very hard to make it up Pika's unnoticed) Harmony bowl, traverse back to the Green Chair.  Great terrain and you'll get way more vert. feet of powder.