WHISTLER 24 - 25

[The AD]

It probably makes sense financially, but on the other hand would require you to invest in Vail...

[LeeLau]

I was a WB shareholder. It did well and paid off seasons passes.

Long lineup to get up via Blackcomb gondola but that's to be expected. Once up top the 140cms base shows well. Temps were pleasant. Well below freezing even down to mid Station of Gondola

Groomed runs ran so well. Many of the holes and ditches that didn't get filled in till mid February of last year are already covered.

Coverage is also superb. Over 180cms towards the top part of Glacier Chair with a thin wind skin forming but 35+ cms of storm snow to play on. Didn't go further.

Probably the best start in over a decade. Thanks to Patrol and WbOPS for all their work too. Lots of control going in Spankys and Glacier. Lots of thoughtful infrastructure improvements. Some of us notice those things!

[oetk2]

Looking good!

[raypruit]

Anyone tour over to bcomb glacier? How’s that looking?

[Clownshoe]

Do you know what Vail's policy on this is? I can't imagine they officially allow it but does patrol generally turn a blind eye or designate zones where inbounds touring is allowed?

A bit of info from a washed up patroller:

In bounds touring is allowed via designated uphill routes only. You can't just start skinning or booting up anywhere you want, even early or late season when zones are out of bounds.
More info here:

https://whistlerblackcombterrainmap.com/

The idea is that this map will be updated throughout the day as zones open or close. It's not a perfect system but it works pretty good. You can usually expect a few hiccups early season as the kinks are worked out.
Setting random boot packs or skin tracks can really slow down terrain openings. A random skin track heading into avalanche terrain can completely stop avalanche control work and delay terrain and lift openings for hours. (To say nothing of perhaps getting blown up or buried in an avalanche set off from above.)
Avalanche control can start at any time, including in the afternoon. Stick to the designated uphill routes and everything just works better.

There's plenty of empty backcountry where you can skin anywhere you want if you find this too restrictive.

[LeeLau]

A bit of info from a washed up patroller:

In bounds touring is allowed via designated uphill routes only. You can't just start skinning or booting up anywhere you want, even early or late season when zones are out of bounds.
More info here:

https://whistlerblackcombterrainmap.com/

The idea is that this map will be updated throughout the day as zones open or close. It's not a perfect system but it works pretty good. You can usually expect a few hiccups early season as the kinks are worked out.
Setting random boot packs or skin tracks can really slow down terrain openings. A random skin track heading into avalanche terrain can completely stop avalanche control work and delay terrain and lift openings for hours. (To say nothing of perhaps getting blown up or buried in an avalanche set off from above.)
Avalanche control can start at any time, including in the afternoon. Stick to the designated uphill routes and everything just works better.

There's plenty of empty backcountry where you can skin anywhere you want if you find this too restrictive.

To add to this. If you ask Patrol they will let you know. Things change throughout the day. For example JC had a slow opening one day due to an unexploded bomb.

[The AD]

Nice shots, Lee. Looks damn good for November.

[Clownshoe]

Excellent point Lee! You can always ask a patroller what the current status of uphill travel is. You can also come into one of the patrol buildings for an update.
Things do change throughout the day. Patrol is always aiming to open as much terrain as possible, but a change in weather, a chairlift or grooming problem, or an unexpected result on avalanche control can change plans in an instant.
This is why patrollers are generally a bit vague when you ask them for a specific time when something might open. If I tell you 15 minutes, and it's actually 2 hours (or never) I look kind of silly. If I say "I don't know" or "It'll probably open at some point", its a less satisfying but more truthful answer.

Please DO NOT call the dispatch office to ask about lift or terrain openings though. Emergencies only when calling dispatch please

[LeeLau]

Day 2. Got onto the gondola at 8.45am and walked on. Snowing lightly 1cms/hr throughout most of morning. Groomers are kn rippable corduroy shape. With no one around you can really let it fly

7th Heaven expressway open for access so we skinned to the top to poke around. Lots of SW wind gusting moderate to strong. Lots of snow to move around which is good but lots of wind also. Coupled with poor visibility expect characterbuilding snow quality up high.

Skied down to Crystal. No waffles! But snow levels are superb. Ditches covered. Trees covered. Things look good

[oetk2]

Zero lines on Blackcomb today, picked the right hill with the 6 year old in tow. Overheard multiple people saying best opening conditions in years, and to echo the points above the groomers are in better shape than the bulk of last year

[The AD]

I'm amazed it hasn't been a complete mob scene yet. The fact that U.S. Thanksgiving isn't till next Thursday may be a contributing factor. I can't believe it's still snowing! Weather looks to be dry next week, though.

[t.odd]

really great opening weekend conditions, definitely had my expectations exceeded this afternoon

[Cocximus]

The carpooling reserved parking is an awesome move.

[The AD]

Harmony opening today.

[Gcooker]

The carpooling reserved parking is an awesome move.

Unless you have 2 in the car as opposed to 4.....

[shirk]

Carpooling works well for us. Family of 4. Was nice to roll up to lot 7 and not have to worry about parking on Sunday.

There was plenty of grumbling in a Reddit thread from people that drive a midsized cars and no roof rack so they drop the backseat to stuff skis/boards in.

[The AD]

Four does seem a bit high. I'd think three is more the sweet spot, but maybe they wanted to set the bar a bit on the high side and see how it shakes out.

[LeeLau]

Harmony opened. Winter is coming!!! Err.... has arrived.

Coverage is superb. Some N winds sifted beautifully light snow on S aspects. Did not ski Robertson trees at all last year and it's already bottomless.

Crowds light. The first 2 runs were ski on then the lineups arrived (5 minutes )

Then slayed Mt Choco chips waffles at Hot Buns

Quality is acceptable

[paulster2626]

Then slayed Mt Choco chips waffles at Hot Buns

Photos of the poor conditions are always appreciated, but this is the sort of intel I am looking for.

[The AD]

The waffle looks good but the crêpe looks even better.

[oetk2]

Any rumors on peak and/or bcomb alpine? Good signs that crystal and harmony opened.

[The AD]

I predict Peak opens this weekend. Looks like the groomers have been up there. Clearly getting ready.

[LeeLau]

Any rumors on peak and/or bcomb alpine? Good signs that crystal and harmony opened.

Blackcomb may take a little longer. Nothing firm as yet.

Wow the groomers are running great. Still no lineups at Harmony. Surreal

Conditions report from Flute/Oboe area. After 4 days of the last new snow the bootpacked area on Flute accessed from the resort definitely has more than its fair share of skier traffic.

However the backcountry accessed from Flute towards Oboe Creek still has nice snow. Some tracks for sure, but surface hoar and the healthy amount of base we have makes for excellent mellow skiing

145cms of snow on the windloaded parts of Nfacing slopes of Oboe. Good coverage of the creeks too. Returned back via resort and didn't access Singing Pass

Still imo some of the best village nachos at Dubhlinn Gate

[oetk2]

^Good quality Stoke

Anyone know if you can download from base 2 into the village before uploading starts? I assume no but maybe....

[paulster2626]

^Good quality Stoke

Anyone know if you can download from base 2 into the village before uploading starts? I assume no but maybe....

Just ski there? I think I've done that before but it might be a dream. I would've been very tired at the time.