Tour Suggestions - Whistler Area

With a long weekend coming up, I'm looking to get out of Seattle and go explore somewhere new. I've never been to Whistler so this seems like as good of time as any. But while it looks like tons of snow is on the way over the next two days, the weekend looks pretty dry so we'll have to strap some skins on to find any fresh powder. Seeing as I've never skied up in those parts, I figured I'd ask the experts here where to go. Any tour suggestions?

Thanks,
Brian

I suggest staying at the fissel hut on the whistler side, it's free and there are slopes from 15-50 degrees to ski.

Or if you are staying in the village ski on the blackhomb side hike above the glacier and ski down to the seventh heaven chair the runs are never skied out. About 500' up and about 1500-2000' down untracked. I have seen alot of avalanches in area

Get Baldwin's map of the area ( www.johnbaldwin.ca/backcountry-whistler.asp ). You can also buy it at gear stores in Whistler village.

Decker Mtn out of Blackcomb and Musical Bumps out of Whistler are both good day tour spots. The Baldwin map is the way to go. You can usually get it at Escape Route. It's been awhile since I was last up there, but you can also get a single lift ticket for about 1/2 price, but you'll need to go to Guest Services and they'll want to confirm that you have touring gear (so bring it with you).

Thanks for the advice. That map looks awesome.

For the fissel hut, is there a reservation system or anything? Seems like it'd be a big bummer to get all the way up there only to find out there was no room.

Baldwin has also written a book that covers as far south as Mt Baker, Exploring the Coast Mountains on Skis. Worth every penny.

The hut in question is Himmelsbach Hut, on the N shore of Russet Lake. Fissile Peak is just SE from the hut. No reservations needed, it is a pretty basic small shelter (no heat, bring your own stove and winter sleeping bag). It sleeps 4 comfortable although it is known to sleep 12.
www.ubc-voc.com/wiki/Himmelsbach_Hut

Avy conditons for the area (Sea-to-sky ratings)
www.avalanche.ca/cac/bulletins/latest/south-coast

More local Whistler backcountry avy:
www.whistlerblackcomb.com/weather/advisory/index.htm

There is a backcountry pass available but it a lot of hassle. See this thread:
www.turns-all-year.com/skiing_snowboardi...ex.php?topic=18354.0

The Baldwin map is essential!

It looks like a major dump is heading for Whistler. Have fun exploring!