Whistler’s lack of snow prompts incredulity on social media
Posted December 21, 2023 7:20 am.
Last Updated December 21, 2023 7:21 am.
The North Shore resorts are struggling with a lack of snow to start the season, and skiers and boarders aren’t finding much better conditions up the Sea to Sky Highway in Whistler, with the slopes at Whistler-Blackcomb getting a lot of attention on social media.
There are plenty of posts online about how poor conditions are on the limited terrain open at the resort.
YouTuber Rise and Alpine — otherwise known as James Pavlick — has been getting a lot of views with a highly opinionated video highlighting all the slush, ice, and rocks that riders have to contend with.
“Everything is looking super sparse,” he tells his viewers. “The rain just cleared everything out. Good god! We’ve got rocks everywhere on the run. Just literally everywhere, littered everywhere.”
Pavlick — originally from Surrey — describes it as some of the worst conditions he has ever skied at Whistler-Blackcomb.
According to the Whistler-Blackcomb’s website, only 38 per cent of the resort’s terrain is open Thursday, with 106 out of 276 trails open and 19 of 27 lifts operating.
There is also a prominent warning about “early season conditions” including unmarked rocks and obstacles, urging skiers and snowboarders to stay on groomed runs and obey all signage.
However, there is some hopeful news for the days ahead. Several alpine and mountain forecast services suggest a significant dump is expected from Christmas Eve through Boxing Day.
Some predict heavy snow, ranging anywhere from 150 to 230 centimetres in total over those three days above mid-mountain.
Whistler-Blackcomb’s website predicts 40 to 65 cm in the alpine through next Tuesday.
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