Last Call for Spring Skiing
There’s nothing like a bluebird day in the mountains—your skis carve through the spring snow like butter, there are no lift lineups to contend with, and a spot on a sunny patio is guaranteed. The whole vibe is more relaxed, as if the fever of the deep winter has been burnt off by the sun’s rays—leaving us happier to revel in the longer days as we take in the views, capture selfies and lap our favourite runs. This casual approach to the end of the season pays off if you’re an early bird keen to catch virgin turns on the corduroy or late powder sprinklings. The average snowfall in March is 2.5 metres (more than eight feet), which creates one of the longest ski seasons in North America, with Blackcomb Mountain open until Monday, May 21. Stock up on winter gear as the sales start, indulge in one of the restaurant specials, and take advantage of the Spring Lodging + Free Après package which includes a $20 voucher towards that all-important sunny après session. Before you head out for the first runs of the day arm yourself with sunscreen, wear some fashionable under-layers, and slip a pair of sunglasses in your pocket—unless you can rock a goggle tan. For lunch, enjoy an Udon Noodle Bowl at the Glacier Lodge, Belgian Waffles at the Crystal Hut, or go full-service at Christine’s at the Rendezvous where you can order a flight of local wines with your Keralan Fish Curry—all these options come with a sunny patio attached. After a few more laps of that buttery spring snow, it’s time to grab a Caesar at the Garibaldi Lift Co. or a signature Bulldog cocktail at the Longhorn; both boast sun-filled patios perfectly situated at the base of Whistler Mountain. Although we like to think of spring as a quieter time in Whistler, there’s still action to be had with the 5th Annual GO Fest taking place May 18-21. With four days of multi-sport activities and a free concert lineup including The Philosopher Kings, Current Swell, and The Funk Hunters, the last weekend of skiing on Blackcomb Mountain is going to be a blast.