THE COUNTDOWN FOR WHISTLER WINTER IS ON!

With over 50 centimeters / 19 inches of snow on the upper slopes of Whistler Blackcomb, a select few expert level athletes were chosen to get their first taste of winter. The skiers were provided access to Whistler Mountain by helicopter. With perfectly fluffy snow, the professional skiers on the supervised shoot were in for deep powder turns rarely found so early in a season.

"I couldn't believe how good the snow was and today is only October 5," says professional skier Mike Douglas. "If La Nina lives up to her reputation this is just the start of an epic season in Whistler."

Whistler Blackcomb noted that is does not condone riding or skiing on Whistler or Blackcomb Mountains until the mountains officially open. They also recommend that any skiers and snowboarders entering the backcountry take necessary precautions to travel using safety best practises and carrying proper equipment such as avalanche beacons, probes and shovels. But this photos sure gets our skiing hormones jumping!

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[Photo of Cameron MacKenzie skiing Whistler Blackcomb last season courtesy of Ultimate Ski Adventures]