Spring Skiing in Whistler BC
April is here and that means time to shed the heavy snow gear and put on the t-shirt and sun glasses for some glacier snowboarding and skiing at Whistler Blackcomb BC, Canada. While most luxury ski resorts shut down around mid April, Whistler offers excellent spring skiing conditions. And while recently getting a bit more snow in late March, will make for some fresh new snow to carve up on the glaciers.
Whistler mountain, nestled away only 2.5 hours from Vancouver, home of the Whistler / Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, will remain open for spring skiing and snowboarding until late April, while Blackcomb mountain typically stays open till around early June. Though be sure to check the latest snow report and conditions before heading up. If you plan on taking a vacation to Whistler and stay at one of the many luxury Whistler accommodations and lodging, don’t worry if you miss the spring skiing. Whistler has numerous spring activities taken in by the locals and travelers and tourists.
From Vancouver International Airport, you can rent a car for the 2-hour, 15-minute drive to Whistler, or take the Perimeter Whistler Express bus (U.S. $33-58) 8:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. during peak snow season). If you are flying between the U.S. and Canada, you must have a passport. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is a 4 1/2-hour drive from the south. Train service on the Whistler Mountaineer from Vancouver is available at 888-687-7245. If you are driving between the U.S. and Canada, you must have a government-issued ID (like a driver’s license) and proof of citizenship (like a birth certificate) beginning Jan. 31. Children 18 and younger need proof of citizenship.
Dining: Eateries include steakhouses (The Keg at 4429 Sundial Place, Hy’s at 4308 Main St.), sushi (Sachi Sushi, 4359 Main St.), Thai (Thai One On, 4557 Blackcomb Way), pizza, pubs, nightclubs, coffee shops — even fondue (Bavaria Restaurant, 4369 Main St.). If you have accommodations with a kitchen, there are two grocery stores (an IGA inside Marketplace on the north end of the village and The Grocery Store (they even deliver) at Village Square midway along the village’s pedestrian mall. Next to The Grocery Store is a wine shop.
Whistler offers excellent terrain for mountain biking, and updates their pipes and parks into a mountain bike park for the spring and summer seasons. Spring in Whistler typically brings milder conditions and softer snow on the mountains. While rain is a given in Vancouver and Whistler, its usually in the form of snow at the higher elevations of Whistler and Blackcomb.
Whistler Accommodations
Condos, villas, luxury hotels and resorts (Fairmont Chateau, Four Seasons, Pan Pacific, Westin, Hilton) dominate the immediate area of Whistler Village, with prices from U.S. $243-$535 (per night during peak winter months. More standard lodging (Residence Inn by Marriott, Holiday Inn Sunspree, Listel Best Western) and some bed-and-breakfasts can be found in the village and on the periphery for U.S. $174 and up midweek (more on weekends).
The view from your Whistler accomodation will provide an exotic mountainside landscope of lush green forest, blending into snow packed runs at the peak of Whistler mountain. Even if you forgot to bring your skis or snowboard to your Whistler lodge, you can rent a pair in Whistler Village, or simply take the sky rides to the top of the mountain for some lunch at the log built lodges, which offer a beautiful view overlooking the Whistler Village. If your lucky enough, your accommodations in Whistler will have some of the equipment to use, such as bikes, skis, snowboard, fishing rods, etc. Later in the spring, as temperatures get warmer, the snow begins to melt on the lower portions of the mountains and you can no longer ski all the way down to the valley. This means you will ride the gondola back down the mountain to the Village at the end of your day. To many, this is a welcome rest after a great day of spring skiing or riding!
If lounging atop Whistler mountain or in your accommodation rentals hot tub is not your thing during the day, then be sure to take in some one of the many events happening around Whistler. Spring time in Whistler brings a variety of events between April and June. This includes the world renound Telus World of Ski and Snowboard Festival.
There are many other activities available from fishing and helicopter tours to shopping and ecotours. Whistler offers non-stop fun all year long, not just in spring.
When visiting Whistler this spring, be sure to find the right accommodation for your vacation stay that caters to your needs, because while Whistler has everything it can offer, sometimes the luxury of staying-in, relaxing in your accommodations hot tub, looking up at the stars and mountain side, makes the trip.
