Whistler Blackcomb Open For Winter This Wednesday – Travel
The bull wheels will be turning for the 16/17 winter this Wednesday. Image:: Coast Mountain Photography
Mountainwatch | Travel
Whistler Mountain will begin operations for the 2016.17 winter season one day ahead of schedule on Wednesday, November 23. The head start has been made possible by recent colder temperatures and natural snowfall at lower elevations over the past week. Blackcomb Mountain will open as scheduled on Thursday, November 24.
“Our current base is sitting at 86cm (34in), as measured at the Pig Alley weather station on Whistler Mountain and we have received 84cm (33in) of snow since November 1. There is another 35cm (14in) to 45cm (18in) of snow in the forecast for higher elevations throughout the weekend and early next week leading up to opening day,” says Doug MacFarlane, Director of Mountain Operations at Whistler Blackcomb. “With recent colder temperatures, our snowmaking team has been able to give Mother Nature a helping hand in preparations for opening day. We know there are many skiers and snowboarders anxiously waiting for the season to start and are excited to get them out there.”
On November 23, guests will have the option to upload Whistler Mountain via the Whistler Village Gondola or Creekside Gondola. First upload will be at 8:30am with last upload from the valley at 2:00pm. The lifts will be spinning until 3:00pm with a mandatory download in effect on both gondolas. There will be limited terrain open and early season hazards will exist.
On November 24, Blackcomb Mountain will open with uploading via the Excalibur Gondola and Excelerator Express as well as the Wizard Express and Solar Coaster Express. First upload will begin at 8:30am with last upload from the valley at 2:00pm and skiing and boarding until 3:00pm. Mandatory download will be in effect with limited terrain open and early season hazards.
The Snowmakers are excited, and you should be too. Image:: Coast Mountain Photography
What does this mean to the Australian skiing and boarding community you might ask? Well, if you’ve already thought ahead and invested in a 365 Pass at Thredbo (#itsnottoolate), which not only gives you access to the resort year round but you’re also entitled to two days of free skiing not only at mammoth but at the 14 other destinations including Whistler that are part of the Mountain Collective.
Additionally, special early season pricing will be in effect for both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain opening days. Adult full-day lift tickets will be $79 (CDN) for November 23-24 and $89 (CDN) beginning on Friday, November 25 through the weekend.
