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| 24hr Snow | 7 cm | 7 Day Snow | 48 cm | Snowbase | 184 cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Temp | -11 °C | Valley Temp | 0 °C | Conditions | Hard Pack with Powder layer |
Firstly, I didn’t end up doing the Extremely Canadian course today. They phoned me late last night, and asked if I didn’t mind postponing until a later date. They claimed I was the only person booked, and since I was a local, it would be better for them if I would join a group some other time. I could’ve insisted, and they would’ve obliged (which I suggest you do – partly because it is unlikely you could reschedule, but also it would be great to have an instructor/s all to yourself) – but since it is a lean season, I didn’t want to burden a local business any more than they already are (it takes more than 1 employee to run a course). Besides, the forecast was for high winds (which eventuated – see video below) and the off piste was frozen yesterday (today it was surprising good) so I decided it would be best for everyone if I waited (again). I don’t mind, since I would rather do the course with ideal conditions, and it saves them paying multiple wages for just 1 customer.
Okay, as for the snow conditions – I heard that yesterday the snow was ‘frozen solid’ and that off-piste was a nightmare of cut-up snow that had become ‘bulletproof’. So, I wasn’t expecting anything fantastic today – but the 7cm of fresh snow overnight worked some magic, and today the snow was awesome. Off piste was great, and the groomed runs – while being really hard packed – were lots of fun since they were smooth and consistent.
Peak2Peak View
View from Crystal Hut
The weather was a bit mixed – with brilliant sunshine (as you can see in above photos) being combined with cold temperatures (-10 to -15C) and topped off with extremely HIGH winds. The forecast was for a steady 40klm/hr with gusts up to 80klm/hr – well it was at least 40-60 with some gusts that must’ve reached 100 (it seemed). Once again I was touch and go with a frostbitten nose (I get it a lot). So overall, the wind and cold made for an uncomfortable day, but the sunshine gave perfect visibility. Obviously the wind wasn’t a factor on the lower mountain, where some great skiing was to be found. In fact the skiing itself was awesome all over the mountain, I just preferred to stick to out of the wind on the lower slopes.
You can see how strong the wind was in the video below. It was taken just outside the Blackcomb Station of the Peak to Peak gondola, and you can see the Jersey Cream Bowl in the background.
Aghhh, bummer about the course not having anyone booked. I think I’m going to bite the bullet and sign up for the Mon/Tue on the 16/17. I really wanted to know what the free beer and nachos at Merlin’s on the last day meant. Having Extremely Canadian pay for my beers to start off the St. Patrick’s day celebration would be cool.
That wind looks crazy – but looks to be pushing lots of snow over to 7th Heaven. If tomorrow isn’t windy it should be nice over there.
Anyhow, if you sign up for the 16th/17th, they won’t cancel it, because I will be booked!
Hi Greg,
First off, great blog! I have read it every day since I found out about it last November. Now, I know that you’re not a meteorologist, and you’re certainly not God, but I have a weather question for you: given that Whistler claims to average about 10 meters of snow per year, and given that totals thus far for Nov – Feb are around 580 cm, do you think there’s a good chance that we’re in for an epic March and April? I hope so. I’ll be coming out in mid-April and I’m hoping for something special. Thanks for your great blog; I voted for you at Lonely Planet. Oh yeah, last thing: are you wearing a beacon in bounds?
Paul – the E.C. apres is upstairs at Merlins. When I did it a few weeks ago there were only 3 of us in the course, our coach, and another staff member. They bought us a couple app. plates and 2 or 3 jugs that we all shared…
Paul, I might just join you on that course – will let you know if I do. From what I have heard (and Kyle says the same) they give you a few appies (nachos etc) and approx 1 pitcher per person (depending on how many total and how big the party gets). You also get a T-shirt !
John, I certainly hope we have a big March / April. Our last bad season was 2004/5 when we only got a total of 685cm of snow – but that season March was the best month with 197cm. As for wearing a transceiver, I was earlier in the season when the avalanche risk was high, but not anymore (except just after the big dump a week ago). If it snows hard again, I will – since the new snow just isn’t bonding well.
Kyle, thanks for the info !
Do it Greg – it’ll be St. Patricks Day so we’ll pressure the E.C. guys to buy us extra beer. I also just got a POV camera today, so we’ll get some good footage which you can then post on the site. It’ll be my contribution to help repay you keeping me in the loop for the past few months.
Also when you wear your beacon, don’t forget the shovel and probe to go with it!
I am still trying to arrange to have Tuesday off – if I can manage it, I will book into the same course.