Local Lingo

“Dust over crust” is one of many slang terms used to describe snow conditions on the slopes, which you may catch “ear of” around Whistler Village. When you hear people in the lift line say, “It’s dust over crust today,” don’t be fooled by the seemingly great powder (dust) on top. Not far beneath, you’ll likely find a layer of hard-packed, icy snow (crust). This condition occurs after periods of colder weather and little snowfall, when the snow on the ski runs has been compacted and frozen solid. Should a storm then drop 20 or 30-cm of fresh powder on the mountain, the dust sits on top of a hard and often mogul-ridden base.

While the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb look tempting with fresh snow, it’s good to know—before you hit the hills with the added confidence the soft stuff instills—that the powder may not be as fluffy and bottomless as it may appear (your knees will thank you later). Occasionally you’ll also hear the term “dust over crust” flipped around. When a sudden, deep freeze causes an icy layer to form on top of soft, fluffy powder, we call it “crust over dust.”