January1, 2005, WHISTLER
1/1/05
Canada BC
2499
4
Just getting settled back in after 5 days in Whistler. Spent the first day skiing in bounds (hard-packed powder and LOTS of ice) and the next 3, under blue skies, exploring the backcountry. Access was easy after purchasing a $25 "backcountry ticket" from guest services. Just show you BC gear (transceiver, shovel, and probe) fill out an form and get one ride to the top of the mountain. Take the Gondola to the top of Whistler, then the Summit or Harmony Chair and follow the signs to Flute Bowl, skin to the top and then enter thru gates to the right to access the BC. Three large bowls are easily accessed from there.
Snow conditions were great with the cold temps keeping 12-16" of snow quite dry on top of a packed layer. Good stability with the exception of small (1-4") wind slab near the ridges. Surface hoar was also noted especially in shady areas, and those not exposed to wind.
Skiing was excellent, with lots of fresh to be had and short, easy laps in the bowls made for lots of fun. Almost no one skiing besides ourselves and a few locals, amazing considering the great snow and visibility. Coverage was great up high, however the Singing Pass trail which allows you to ski back to the base area was a little thin, especially in the thick trees, but allowed for a much longer stay in the BC without having to return to the ski area to get home.
Here are some pics from the trip......
http://home.comcast.net/~eriklewis888/Whistler_12-31_015_edit.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~eriklewis888/Whistler_12-31_009_edit.jpg
Snow conditions were great with the cold temps keeping 12-16" of snow quite dry on top of a packed layer. Good stability with the exception of small (1-4") wind slab near the ridges. Surface hoar was also noted especially in shady areas, and those not exposed to wind.
Skiing was excellent, with lots of fresh to be had and short, easy laps in the bowls made for lots of fun. Almost no one skiing besides ourselves and a few locals, amazing considering the great snow and visibility. Coverage was great up high, however the Singing Pass trail which allows you to ski back to the base area was a little thin, especially in the thick trees, but allowed for a much longer stay in the BC without having to return to the ski area to get home.
Here are some pics from the trip......
http://home.comcast.net/~eriklewis888/Whistler_12-31_015_edit.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~eriklewis888/Whistler_12-31_009_edit.jpg
Nice! 8)
Erik_L: Is that $25 CDN per day?
Very nice photos, looks like you had lots of fun.
GregL, its actually $34 Canadian, with the current exchange rate (which isn't what it used to be) I think it works out to about $28 US. Saves you about 2 hours of skinning, if you wanted you could access the same area by climbing the Singing Pass Trail, which we used to ski out.
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