Ski B.C.'s Coast and Stay Giddy
Doc Pow
This time of year, there are a lot of us who are getting giddy, feeling those butterflies when we see snow reports and scenes of snow hitting the mountains. We know what's coming and it makes us grin with glee.
You might already be booked, thinking about it, or if you haven't had the chance yet, this is your year to Ski B.C.'s coast.
The past few years B.C. resorts have been experiencing record-setting snow around the province. That means early openings for the 2017/18 season including Whistler opening a week early on Friday, November 17.
Photo:
Doc Pow
Set your sights on skiing or riding, getting a Vancouver view at one of three local ski hills, such as Grouse Mountain. Or, head up the scenic Sea to Sky Highway to the icon that is Whistler, and home to the 2010 Winter Olympic & Paralympic Games.
You'll quickly discover that skiing B.C.'s coast is incredibly unique for many reasons, and unlike anything you'll ever find in Ontario or Quebec.
Discover The Winter Within. Plan your trip today...
Since 2008, my company @SnowSeekers has been delivering valuable information about skiing and riding in Canadas west - and this story will help you navigate one of the best and biggest snow-filled playgrounds anywhere.
Here are some top tips for how to navigate Whistler and Blackcomb filled with good groomer run suggestions - plus some favourite spots for après, in a travel-friendly list. (Snap a screenshot to use when you arrive.)
Photo:
Andrew Strain
Tip #1 - Scan some helpful websites to find your favourite B.C. resort, such as @SnowSeekers. You're bound to discover a game-changing experience at Whistler Blackcomb.
Tip #2 - Stay giddy by booking a BC ski vacation now and for the next bunch of weeks, leading up to skiing or riding B.C.'s coast. So many of the resorts offer great early package booking incentives. Grab a great deal here.
Photo:
Andrew Strain
Tip #3 - Do not miss out on early-season riding and skiing. Another storm is set to move in this weekend (Nov. 10), blowing in more snow, which means an ever-deepening base and earlier opening dates. (Over the past few seasons, we've seen epic pow through late November and December...just sayin')
Want to get really giddy? Take a trip with us now. We've paired our locals top ski run tips with video and images of their favourite places. Remember, Whistler and Blackcomb are two separate ski mountains joined by the world's longest point to point gondola, called Peak to Peak. There's more skiable terrain here than pretty much all of Ontario's resorts put together.
@Crystal-Lee Ripping ski athlete @WhistlerBlackcomb (she's the gal in the pink helmet with this video)
Crystal-Lee's top three favourite runs on Whistler:
1) Frog Hollow
2) Gun Barrels
3) Seppos
Crystal-Lee's top après ideas:
1) Saddle up to the shotski: Yes, this is literally a ski covered in shot glasses for your après pleasure. Reportedly invented in B.C., you'll have no trouble finding this local favourite at the bars and pubs in Whistler. Guaranteed, you won't find this in Ontario.
2) Never heard of the Hairfarmers? You'll be a convert once you see the Whistler cult favourite après ski band for the past 20 years. This duo is heavy on the percussion and guitar, and can easily be found playing at venues around the village.
@ApresWheeler (the guy who made these videos) Social Media and video production wizard, living in Whistler's Creekside. His three favourite runs on Blackcomb:
1) Spanky's - Steep and deep
2) Ridge Runner - Groomer with side options
3) Any 7th Heaven!
Bonus: Peak to Creek run on Whistler - check out this P.O.V. video of it here.
@Doc_Pows top experiences:
1) Fresh Tracks Mountain Top breakfast - arrive early that morning to maximize the experience. Plus you get ahead of all the crowds, up and out of the village early - enjoy a delicious buffet breaky and some POW to yourself for dessert.
2) I have to agree with @ApresWheeler. To be on Blackcomb's 7th Heaven on a powder, or any day for that matter, moving through those blue cruisers, this zone certainly lives up to its name. Spend your morning here, and then ask a local about the best way to cut across to Whistler for the afternoon via the Peak to Peak Gondola.
Photo:
Doc Pow
This season, take the @SnowSeekers challenge to fly to Vancouver and get skiing the B.C. coast. Mark it on your calendar now, and stay giddy with your crew watching storm reports like this come in. Check out this snow report - over 150cms forecasted to dump on Whistler this week!
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