People talk about Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia in winter tones. It’s all deep powder days and storm skiing and February bragging rights. But ask locals, seasonnaires and the people who return year after year to this world famous town a mere two hours from Vancouver, and many will say spring might actually be the best season of all.
Come March there’s a definite energy shift, and not just because the month traditionally receives the most snowfall of the season, but because you can smell longer spring April days ahead. The pressure to chase first chair every single day gives way to something more balanced, a slower kind of travel instilled with the energy of spring.
You still ski one of North America’s biggest resorts with more than 8,100 acres, 200-plus ski runs, 16 alpine bowls and terrain spread across two mountains connected by the iconic PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. But spring lets you enjoy it differently.
Lunch is there to be lingered under a sun-filled sky on al fresco decks with incredible views, DJ mountain pop-ups and free village gigs dictate the vibe and mountain life takes precedence over ticking off terrain. Sign us up.
Here’s why spring skiing at Whistler Blackcomb might just ruin winter skiing forever.
1. You can see why people fall in love with Whistler
There’s a saying in these parts – “winter storms create legendary skiing, spring creates legendary views” and Whistler has both in spades. With more sunny days the true beauty of Whistler reveals itself from the peaks of the Coast Mountain range to the dramatic stratovolcano known as Black Tusk in the Garibaldi Provincial Park.
Ride the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola between Whistler and Blackcomb for a 360 degree view of the valley to the mountains. If you time it right you’ll find yourself in the gondola that boasts a glass bottom so you can witness the skiers and the forests below.
2. Your wallet gets a holiday too
With more than 200 cafes, lounges and bars in Whistler, you can expect some seriously good dining from poutine to traditional Italian, fresh seafood and fine dining.
Come spring and it’s the battle of the menu deals as dining establishments offer seasonal set menus, happy hours and spring discounts. Expect gourmet flavours with two for one deals, set spring menu offers and happy hour apps under a twilight sky.
3. Big March snow leads to spring skiing gold
Locals know March is often when Whistler Blackcomb quietly delivers some of its biggest snowfall totals. Then spring arrives and lets skiers and snowboarders enjoy the rewards. By April, much of that snowpack has consolidated into smoother, more forgiving conditions that corn snow lovers wait all season for.
The result? Soft turns and confidence-building conditions a.k.a “hero skiing”. And because Whistler Blackcomb offers 1565metres of vertical terrain, you’ll always find what you need in the higher alpine laps every time.
4. Spring events go large
From the famous Slush Cup during the World Ski & Snowboard Festival, when skiers and boarders dress up and ski a steep run into a purpose built pond of water in the hope of making it to the other side, to the festival’s mix of music, art, film and more, Whistler’s spring event schedule comes into its own.
Every day there’s something happening on the mountain, whether terrain park competitions or DJs spinning disks at the Umbrella Bar for afternoon après. Pack your Hawaiian shirt or favourite cowboy dress up, locals here celebrate spring by skiing in outrageous clothing from retro onesies to T rex outfits.
5. Forests take main character energy
Spring is a great time to lean more into nature in Whistler. Start your day with tree lined morning alpine ski laps, take a zipline through the forest between the two mountains, hike on the Valley Trail at nearby Nita Lake or wander the forest lined walkway from Whistler to Blackcomb over the covered bridge across Fitzsimmons Creek.
Best of all? Take a silent soak in the woods at Scandinave Spa for hot and cold water therapy surrounded by nature and end the day amongst the storytelling forest lights of Vallea Lumina multi-media night walk.
Fancy hitting up Whistler in Spring? Check out all the inspo here.
