Back in the Saddle Again
Hallelujah! I'm back at it. It's been since March 2020 that I've skied Whistler Blackcomb (thanks Covid!), so I am thrilled to buckle my boots once again and hits the slopes (with a mask/face covering in all the right places, of course). For my birthday this month, I headed up the hill for some turns. There was an inversion that day—meaning it was warmer on the mountaintop than in the valley—so it was a perfect day to reconnect with our twin mountains.Because it is early in the season, some of my favorite runs/areas weren't open yet, but I still had a fabulous time, just feeling the snow against my edges and the wind on my face.I look forward to hitting some of my favorite runs soon, after more powder falls! Until then, here is the lowdown on my favorite ski spots:FAVORITE PLACES TO SKI ON WHISTLER BLACKCOMBB L A C K C O M B M O U N T A I N 7th HeavenIf the sun is out and the 7th Heaven lift is spinning, you can find me here!Crystal RidgeA little rocky right now, Crystal Ridge is a great place to escape to when the mountains are busy, as it's a bit off the beaten path. An added bonus: the cute little Crystal Hut has the best waffles in Canada and is a great place for a beer break on a sunny afternoon.Blackcomb GlacierThere is a hidden treasure on Blackcomb Mountain, a glacial cave you can find if you know where you're going. While a bit dangerous to get to and to enter, it is an absolute marvel to walk around in, even though you must do so at your own risk. It is worth the effort, but you'll need to be a decent skier to seek it out. The runs leading to and from are not for beginners. To find the Blackcomb Cave, ask a lifty or a local. :) Some snaps from my last visit:W H I S T L E R M O U N T A I N HarmonyUnknown to many visitors, it is a place you can find a lot of locals on any given day, especially after a big snowfall. It is one of the back bowls on Whistler Mountain and has a fast 6-seater lift to maximize your return. One great way to get to Harmony is via the Peak Express and down the ridge along Matthew's Traverse. The views are INSANE! SymphonyAlso one of the back bowls on Whistler Mountain, Symphony is another little treasure on a powder day. It's a fun place to be after some fresh snow and on a sunny day. Pro tip: Don't get stuck here after the lift closes! There is no ski out access from the base, so be mindful of the time. It's quite a hike out. If you'd like to see where these awesome spots are on the Whistler Blackcomb trail map: CLICK HERE
Holiday Fun in Whistler 2022
The quintessential Christmas town, Whistler is about as good as it gets during the holidays. The adornments and festivities are so vivid, copious and bright that one may mistakenly think they are at the North Pole. Our twinkling town puts on quite a doo, with fun things on tap for all ages. Below is a breakdown of some of the holiday's best this year...Ice Skating at Olympic Plaza November 25 - late March 11 AM – 8:30 PM daily (closed 1:30-2:30, 5-6, for zamboni)Each winter a special ice skating rink opens in Whistler Olympic Plaza, where you can go ice skating in the heart of Whistler Village with views of the surrounding mountains, the Olympic Rings and thousands of twinkling, festive lights. Skates are available for rent.Ski Day with SantaDecember 15Garibaldi Lift CoDress like Santa and Mrs. Claus and bring the festive fun to the slopes. Skiers and riders of all ages are invited to put on their best Santa or Mrs. Claus ensembles to spread Christmas cheer around Whistler Blackcomb. In return, a free lift ticket is gifted to the first 100 people to arrive at the Garibaldi Lift Company at the base of Whistler Mountain, in full Santa or Mrs. Claus attire. All participants upload the Whistler Village Gondola at 8 AM, then ski or ride to the bottom of Emerald Express for a group photo. Please note that lift tickets are only awarded to the first 100 in line, and not everyone is guaranteed a ticket.Charle's Dickens Christmas Carol December 157 - 9 pmWhistler Public Library Fireside LoungeJoin Whistler’s favourite characters for a dramatic reading of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic in everyone’s favourite living room, Whistler Public Library’s Fireplace Lounge. Slip comfortably into the spirit(s) of Christmas and become children once again as you listen to one of the most cherished Christmas stories. Pajamas optional. This event is free to attend, but donations to the Whistler Food Bank are encouraged. Registration is required.Wintersphere, A Whistler Winter Celebration December 17 - 31Conference CenterFreeThe ultimate winter wonderland experience awaits you this holiday season. Wintersphere celebrates this magical time of year with festive activities for the entire family! Join in the fun with visits from Santa, entertainers, a holiday café*, kids crafts, Wintersphere's signature holiday maze and much more. This spectacular, festive pop-up is a true holiday favourite for locals and visitors alike. (*Café open from 11 AM to 3 PM daily.)Laugh Out Live: Resting Grinch Face Whistler Racket ClubDecember 22 | December 298pmThe Whistler Racket Club presents LAUGH OUT LIVE, a special sneak preview of Resting Grinch Face! A VIP live performance for WRC members and friends from Dave Francis, Ira Pettle and Rebecca Mason. Holiday food and bar specials from 6:30 PM & free popcorn. Tickets are $25 and include a festive welcome treat.39th Annual Christmas Eve Service of Lessons & Carols Whistler Public LibraryDecember 246 - 7:30pmThe Whistler Children's Chorus and Whistler Singers are excited to be back in person for the 39th Annual Christmas Eve Service of Lessons & Carols! Join them for this long-running tradition to enjoy selections from the Whistler Singers and Children's Chorus, readings from familiar community members, and to sing along to your favourite carols. This year's event looks a little different as it takes place at Whistler Public Library, so space will be limited. Doors open at 6 PM and seating is first come, first served. New Year's Eve in Whistler December 31Whistler VillageA full-day of entertainment and activities that wraps up with a celebration in Skiers Plaza that includes a special edition Fire & Ice Show, early countdown and a dazzling fireworks display. A schedule of events is coming soon. No need to drive – take free public transit within the Village from 6 PM to end of service. More information can be found on the Resort Municipality of Whistler website.
Whistler Summer Over the Years
A lot has changed since Whistler was incorporated in 1975, but there's one thing that hasn't: the love of our lakes. When the sun is out, it attracts locals and tourists like moths to a flame. On summer days, you will find droves of people along the shorelines or in the water sunbathing and partaking all the wonderful things lake life offers. In Whistler, there are five lakes to enjoy. Alpha Lake, Nita Lake, Alta Lake & Green Lake are in the valley, while Lost Lake is in the Benchlands on Blackcomb. All of them offer great opportunities to cool off and connect with the water. (Pro Tip: Lost Lake has a nudie dock where clothing is optional. )Paddleboarding, sailing, and fishing are as popular as ever, but not all of these summer activities are new around here. Check out the flashback photos below, beside recent snaps on the same bodies of water.
