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| 24hr Snow | 0 cm | 7 Day Snow | 6 cm | Snowbase | 181 cm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Temp | -1 °C | Valley Temp | +3 °C | Conditions | Hard Packed |
The last 2 days I have had a blast skiing Whistler and Blackcomb. I spent yesterday on Whistler with a few buddies, and we hiked Flute Bowl which had some amazing snow – there was still quite a lot of fresh stuff to be found (around Lesser Flute). We haven’t had any snow for over a week, yet there were plenty of fresh turns to be had. It was actually really nice powder too – not quite the same as overnight fresh, but great nonetheless.
We also took some time out to dig a pit and check out the snow base for ourselves (first time this season). We were shocked at the bottom layer of sugar crystals (approx 3-4mm in size, and the depth was around 10cm) with absolutely no cohesion in it – no wonder the avalanche danger is so high. We also found 3 weak layers in the snow above it. All within a snow pack of only 95cm. Apparently the sugar crystal layer has bridged better in deeper snow packs, but still – very scary. It was literally a layer that ‘dissolved’ with the slightest touch.
We had quite a few nice lines around Harmony chair, and to top off an exciting day, we (well Mike) helped ski patrol toboggan a snowboarder who had a suspected broken ankle out of VD Trees / Upper Grand Finale. It was a bit of an eye opener to see how much hassle it was to get the t-bog down Grand Finale – a bumpy, steepish pitch.
Overall some great off piste skiing, and I heard from friends that the groomed runs were also fantastic (they had opted to use carving skis).
Today was Blackcomb, and much of the same. Off piste the snow is still soft, and a lot of fun almost everywhere. Once again my favorite run was the Blackcomb Glacier (as usual – my favorite zone on both mountains). We also did a few laps around Horstman Glacier, and over on 7th Heaven, but ended the day with yet another run through Blackcomb Glacier.
I think it was on our second trip through it we saw a skier on a line called (I think) ‘Asian Pussy’ – possibly an offensive name, so sorry if it does. You can see the line taken in the picture below. Basically it is a very thin ‘traverse’ run that is situated above a cliff the whole way – not the place to take a fall. You need to click on the picture for a bigger version to see where I have circled the line skied. There were actually 2 maybe 3 lines in the end, so either a bunch of crazies, or one really insane 
person did it more than once.
Asian Pussy Ski Run
The temperatures also rose a lot today, with a very comfortable range of just below zero. Just the way I like it – I don’t need to suffer extreme colds to have a great skiing day 
I have noticed a few comments about the forecast next week, and as Nathan mentions, the weather can change a lot very quickly – but to me, next week looks like it is going to be awesome !! The current predictions I have read result in a rain/snow mixture in the village, with snow for the top two-thirds – and lots of it !!
I don’t have any pictures from yesterday, as my camera died but my friends managed to get some decent pics and a nice video of the snow pit releasing under a skier jump test. I will try and get a copy of them soon and put up on the site.
Overall, the last few days have been a lot of fun – great snow and no one on the mountains. At times we have felt like the only ones out there (even on some of the ‘busy’ groomed runs).
Love your blog been reading it alot this month. I voted for you! We are coming the 21-28 I think the conditions will be good. Thanks for the info! Kim
Thanks Kim, I hope the conditions are great for you too ! The forecast does look promising.
I have been reading your blog for about three months now and have really enjoyed it. I look every day. I am coming up there next Thursday for the first time and am really looking forward to it. Any suggestions if I am looking for the part of the mountain to ski on if I am just used to skiing the blues and looking for some powder where I can find it? First time to Canada skiing but bringing the entire family. Very excited
John, check out 7th heaven and the Blackcomb glacier. Lots of good cruising, and there should be a tonne of powder after this week. You’re going to have a blast.
John, hard to say as it really depends on your ability – but overall I recommend people check out Emerald and Red chairs on Whistler first.
If you feel comfortable there, then head over to Harmony (and access Symphony which is easier terrain – similar to Emerald chair) before proceeding to the steeper Peak chair.
Also, if you feel comfortable skiing Red chair region, then head over to Blackcomb and try out Crystal, 7th Heaven and the Blackcomb Glacier zones.
If you find all that not challenging enough, do some of the steep lines off the Peak chair on Whistler mountain – or check out Spankys Ladder region on Blackcomb.
If you a capable of skiing off piste, you will be able to find some powder, and if the current forecast holds true, you will HAVE to ski powder no matter where you are
Basically, grab a trail map, and follow my rough guide, and you should be able to find some nice runs that suit you ability and fun factor levels.
As a ‘blue’ skier – individual runs I suggest are : Hughs Heaven and Cloud Nine (7th Heaven), Ridge Runner and Rock n Roll (Crystal), Blackcomb Glacier – on Whistler, check out Lower Franzs and Peak to Creek (Creekside), Orange Peel and Fish Eye (Red Chair), Tokum and Ptarmigan (Garbanzo) and most of Symphony zone.
Josh, thanks for the advice, and I agree with what you said.
Greg, love the site. I’m heading to Whistler tomorrow (from Toronto), and I’ve been checking your site non-stop for the past two months. Can’t wait for a big powder week!!
Great timing Josh, the snow today was awesome, and there is more snow forecast for every day
Just got back to Toronto – what an amazing week! 150cm in 1 week. Ridiculous. It was my best ski trip so far.