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Snow Seekers: Get Ready For Opening Day at Whistler-Blackcomb


As opening day approaches and we all start dusting off our ski, snowboard, and winter adventure gear, let’s take a look at some of the facts about Whistler’s snowfall and winter weather to help you prepare for the coming season.
 

Whistler Blackcomb Climate Facts

Whistler and Blackcomb are located in the Coast Mountain Range, given that name due to their proximity to the Pacific coast. Being so close to the ocean means Whistler Blackcomb is blessed with moderate winter weather. Temperatures here don’t typically go lower than -10°C (12°F) in the valley and -15°C (5°F) in the alpine during the coldest part of the year.
 
Average Alpine Temperatures for Whistler Blackcomb
 
December to February
Low: -12°C / 11°F
High: -5°C / 23°F
 
March to May
Low: -8°C / 19°F
High: 5°C / 42°F
 
Average Snowfall
465 inches / 38.7 ft / 11.8 m per year on summit
 
Of course, that doesn’t mean it can’t get considerably colder than that, so always prepare accordingly with layers that can be added or subtracted to keep you cozy and well-ventilated on the slopes or on the streets of the village.
 

Snowfall Stats

Whistler Blackcomb consistently offers some of the most reliable snow conditions in the Coast Mountain Range, receiving an average annual snowfall of around 11 meters, and 86 annual snowfall days.

It’s no secret that Whistler is legendary for its powder–but check out the chart below showing a variety of stats that might help you plan your trip around when you’re most likely to get the best conditions for shredding the slopes.

Image source: https://www.onthesnow.com/british-columbia/whistler-blackcomb/historical-snowfall

In spite of its proximity to the coast, Whistler’s snow is known for being fluffy, light, and as you can see from the chart above, plentiful. Snow on these mountains is generally dry and ready to be carved up for your board or skis.

So–itching for opening day, yet?
 

Dress For The Alpine Weather

There are a few main factors to consider when it comes to your winter weather gear. Ideally you want to hit that Goldilocks zone where you’re neither too hot or too cold–just right. 

This means having breathable materials that allow for ventilation and wicking away the moisture from your body. But you also want to have a shell that protects you from the wind if it’s a particularly cold day. 

Staying warm but not too warm is all about layers that you can add or remove as needed. And it’s always a good idea to invest in certain high quality items, especially socks and gloves. 

Making sure you’re properly dressed can mean the difference between a great day or a miserable day, so plan carefully and pack accordingly!
 
Get Your Gear Ready

If you don’t have gear or aren’t sure where to get it, here are a few options to get your gear ready: 

Whistler Winter Wear: They deliver right to your door and you can try on multiple sizes until you have exactly the right fit. They cover clothing, skis, and snowboards. 

Whistler Sport Legacies: Located at the Whistler Olympic Park, they have you covered for your snowshoes and skis, and offer both daily and full-season rentals. 

Black Tie Ski Rental: They have skis (cross country and alpine), boards, boots, and locations on both mountains, and free delivery with custom fitting. 
 

Best Times to Visit Whistler During Winter Season

For maximum excitement, consider coming for your trip in November and December. With activity on the mountains ramping up there can be quiet days with short lift lines and even cheaper accommodations, but this is an exciting time when Whistler is packed with events and holiday activities. So keep that in mind when you plan your trip! 

With events like Wintersphere and The Fire and Ice Show, and a whole lot more, any time through November and December will be a memorable experience filled with excitement for you and your family. 

For powderhounds, January and February bring some of the coldest temperatures and the driest, fluffiest snow of the winter season. Likewise, there’s a slight drop-off in visitors, so you’re likely to have somewhat shorter wait times for the lift and fewer people on the mountain. 

The Village is generally quieter during this time as well–except during spring break–so getting that reservation at your favorite restaurant should be easier too. 
 

Opening Day

For many people the countdown has already started and the date is marked on every calendar they own–November 23, 2023 is the opening day for the 23/24 season at Whistler Blackcomb.

One exciting announcement for those itching to get on the slopes this year is that Whistler-Blackcomb’s Fitzsimmons Express chairlift is being replaced this year with a high speed 8-person lift, which will reduce wait times and get you up the mountain faster.

Just another reason to have your gear ready for November 23! Need Whistler Accommodations? Click here to book your dream Whistler Vacation today!

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Cornucopia


A Cornucopia For The Senses
Aloha Whistler, November 9 – 19, 2023

Join us for an exploration of revelry and luxuriate your senses in glorious Whistler, B.C. for 10 days and nights of feast, festival, and celebration from Nov. 9 – 19, 2023. Regale your senses with food & drink seminars, signature wine tastings, a culinary stage series, and restaurant & bar events that are sure to warm your soul for the entire winter to come.

The Cornucopia, an enchanted horn of plenty containing an endless supply of delicious food and drink, was filled with fruits and flowers and presented to the god Zeus as a gift. Are you ready to receive your gift?

From ancient times until today there have been feasts and festivals celebrating the abundance of nature in premiere destinations, and it doesn’t get any better than this.

So here’s what to expect when you join us at Aloha Whistler for this one of a kind event

Culinary Stage Series

How would you like to be live on the set of a Master Chef television series where you can watch the culinary connoisseurs create their masterpieces and then sample the food yourself? Pair these appetizing creations with expertly crafted cocktails and select wines and beers, and you have a live entertainment sensory experience like no other, featuring local and national chefs, sommeliers, and cocktail artists.

Food & Drink Seminars

If you’ve ever wanted to learn the fundamentals or expand your knowledge of food and drink pairings from world-class experts, this is the golden opportunity you won’t want to miss. Choose from more than 40 seminars in a warm and intimate setting with friends, where you can learn about and sample a wide variety of wine, beer, and spirits.

Signature Tastings

No feast would be complete without a generous offering of wines, beers, and spirits chosen for their outstanding flavour profiles and exceptional quality fit for the gods. Be sure not to miss Cornucopia’s signature event, the CRUSH Grand Tasting, where you’ll sample an abundance of varietals from more than 50 regional and international wineries in a gala-inspired setting as a live DJ curates the soundtrack to your unforgettable night.

We Know Where We’ll Be On November 9, 2023. Do You?

With so much to do and see (and taste and learn), how have you not made your plans yet?

Contact our concierge service today and we’ll set you up to get the most out of “the West Coast’s premier resort-based epicurean extravaganza.”

Aloha Whistler has everything you need to relax and unwind throughout your Cornucopia experience. If you’re looking for Whistler condo or townhome rentals and luxury home accommodations during your stay, we’ve got you covered.

Come and stay with us at Aloha Whistler for your own private Cornucopia.

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RBC GranFondo Whistler Weekend


RBC Gran Fondo Weekend in Whistler

The RBC Gran Fondo is coming back to Whistler BC, and you’re not going to want to miss this family-friendly event on the weekend of September 9, 2023.

Riders of all skill levels can choose from multiple route distances, including the Forte which starts in Vancouver’s Stanley Park and follows the iconic Sea to Sky highway all the way to Whistler’s Olympic Village.

With world-class support teams and rest areas, traffic-free roads, some of the most stunning scenery in the world, and a music festival to celebrate in the Coast Mountains of Whistler, it’s no surprise this event has been voted the best Gran Fondo in North America.

When you’re finished with your ride, celebrate in Whistler’s Olympic Plaza, quench your thirst in the beer garden, take your kids to the nearby playground, and enjoy some live music with your meal. There’ll be plenty of amazing food!

After pedaling through the Rocky Mountains you might also want to take a good long soak in the hot tub at one of our professionally managed chalets or rental cabins. If you’re looking for accommodations in Whistler to help turn this event into a short weekend vacation, contact Aloha Whistler to plan your stay.

Make new friends, meet new people, and forge memories to last a lifetime in beautiful Whistler, BC. For more information and to register for the RBC Gran Fondo event, visit:

www.rbcgranfondo.com/whistler

Are you Looking for Whistler Accommodation for the GranFondoWeekend?

Check out our Whistler condo rentals, or luxury home accommodations. Our local, in-resort travel experts can help you with any questions you may have about our Whistler accommodation or the RBC Gran Fondo Whistler weekend.

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Whistler Road Conditions


Highway 99

Duringthe winter months, snow can be heavy on Highway 99.

Please check Highway 99 roadconditions before you leave and be prepared. If renting avehicle ask about all-wheel drive options for better handling inthe snow.

Better yet, hop on one of the many shuttle buses (either fromthe airport or downtown) and let someone else do the driving. Onceyou arrive in Whistler, you won’t need a car anyway.

If you stay in the Village, everything is within walkingdistance, and many of the hotels offer a complimentary shuttleservice to get you to the lifts. Whistler’s transit system makesfrequent scheduled stops throughout the Whistler Valley from 5:30a.m. to 3:00 a.m., 365 days a year. (Learn about staying inWhistler without a car!)

Highway 99 Improvements

Recent improvements to highway 99 make the travel along the Seato Sky Corridor faster, smoother and safer.

Project benefits included:

  • A straighter highway and improved sightlines, creating moreconsistent driving speeds and shorter travel times
  • 80 kilometres of new passing lanes between Horseshoe Bay andWhistler
  • Shoulder and centreline rumble strips and additional medianbarriers
  • Wider shoulders for improved safety and accommodation forcyclists and disabled vehicles
  • Enhanced monitoring of road conditions by electronic weatherstations to improve highway maintenance response during winterweather
  • If there is ongoing road work associated with the project,please allow yourself 30 to 45 minutes of extra time when travelingHighway 99.

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Spring Is In The Air at Whistler


Whistler, B.C. – Spring is in the air at Whistler, with fresh snow in the alpine, longer days, a busy events calendar and plenty of activities to enjoy. Spring brings new energy to the resort with events and activities for everyone. Extended daylight hours mean more time to enjoy it all! With plenty of family-friendly activity options, Whistler is the perfect location for a Spring Break holiday.

At this time of year, Whistler offers the best of both worlds; bring your bike for a spin on the paved Valley Trail network but don’t forget your skis and snowboards because there are still several weeks of riding left. Biking is ramping up with a variety of cross country trails, road cycling as well as recreational bike trails open and ready to be explored. Offering terrain ranging from beginners to bike aficionados, there’s something for everyone to get excited about.

Spring skiing in Whistler means longer and brighter days and that energetic Whistler vibe throughout the Village. The mountains have received 25 centimetres of fresh snow in the last 48 hours, with more forecast overnight and early next week.

Why not do it all? Only in Whistler can you kick start the morning riding an abundance of sprawling bike trials, upload the mountain just in time to join the ‘crack-of-noon club’ when the sun softens up the snow creating optimal spring skiing conditions, and top it off with a well-deserved après session in town.

With the changing of the season brings the ultimate patio après and no one does après like Whistler. With a plentitude of venues at your fingertips — both on and off the mountains — your options are endless. Spring in Whistler also offers room-only specials & accommodations.

Whistler is Canada’s premier year-round leisure and meeting destination located in the Coast Mountains 120 kilometres (75 miles) north of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Consistently rated the top ski resort in North America, Whistler was the Host Mountain Resort of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The resort offers an extensive range of accommodations totalling 10,000 bedrooms among 24 hotels as well as townhomes, condos, B&Bs and chalets. Whistler also boasts more than 100 restaurants and bars, 200 retail shops, 25 spas and countless activity options from world-renowned skiing and snowboarding, mountain biking and golf, to hiking, rock climbing, and watersports. The Resort Municipality of Whistler is home to a diverse community of more than 10,000 permanent residents.

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Whistler Blackcomb is Cooking Up Fresh Ideas For Hungry Guest On And Off The Mountains This Winter Season


WHISTLER, BC December 15, 2014 – Ever since Wolfgang Sterr took the reigns as Executive Chef in 2011, things have been different at Whistler Blackcomb. Food and beverage locations on and off the mountains have seen a fundamental shift, with quintessential mountain menu items like pizza and fries being complemented by fresh, healthy and locally-sourced alternatives. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are now easy to find on the mountains and changes like these are only the beginning.

“My passion is food and the environment we live in,” says Sterr. “I am fortunate that my job allows me the opportunity to focus on both. In recent years we have been able to introduce a wide variety of new, healthy options for our guests so we can fuel them up properly for their time in the mountains. We can now cater to people with all kinds of dietary restrictions and all the while we are doing what we can to reduce our impact on the environment by using locally-sourced ingredients as much as possible and participating in environmentally-focused food initiatives like the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program.”

The innovation continues this winter with Wolfgang and his team stepping things up in the Whistler Blackcomb food and beverage world even further. From new recipes, partnerships, events and tweaks to old favourites, here is the rundown on everything new and noteworthy in the Whistler Blackcomb kitchens:

Raven’s Nest: Whistler Blackcomb’s All Vegetarian Restaurant
Raven’s Nest, located at the top of the Creekside Gondola on Whistler Mountain, has undergone some major changes for the 2014.2015 winter season. It is Whistler Blackcomb’s first ever all vegetarian restaurant and one of the first of its kind at ski resorts in North America. The all plant-based menu will feature a variety of options inspired by flavours from around the world and will also include some specialty vegan dishes. Carnivores need not worry, the restaurant will have a small selection of meat options available for those who ask, however they will not be advertised on the restaurant’s menu boards. The all vegetarian concept for Raven’s Nest was the brainchild of WB Executive Chef, Wolfgang Sterr, who is a vegetarian, and fellow Whistler Blackcomb employee and vegan, Kristine Leise.

Vij’s Curry Stations at Roundhouse Lodge and Wizard Grill
New this winter, guests will be able to enjoy a selection of Vij’s curries at the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain and the Wizard Grill at the base of Blackcomb. Chef Vikram Vij is best known for his award-winning Indian restaurants in Vancouver, Vij’s, Rangoli, and his latest restaurant in South Surrey, MyShanti, as well as his time on the popular television show, Dragons’ Den. Vij will be making four sampling appearances at the Roundhouse Lodge throughout the winter season where guests will have the opportunity to meet him and try some of his curry dishes. His first appearance will be on December 20, 2014 and his second appearance will be on January 22, 2015 when he will also be preparing one of the courses for the Winemaker’s Après event happening that day in Steeps Grill and Wine Bar. The dates for the remaining two appearances are yet to be announced but will be posted to whistlerblackcomb.com once confirmed.

New Reserve Wine Lists by Samantha Rahn from Whistler’s Araxi Restaurant
Whistler Blackcomb will be introducing new reserve wine lists at Steeps Grill and Wine Bar on Whistler Mountain and Christine’s Restaurant on Blackcomb Mountain this winter. The lists were designed by Samantha Rahn, the 2013 Sommelier of the Year as decided by the Vancouver International Wine Festival, and the current Wine Director at the award-winning Araxi restaurant in Whistler. Rahn’s selections for the reserve wine lists will perfectly complement the menus at Whistler Blackcomb’s two full-service, fine dining restaurants and will elevate the dining experience at those locations for serious wine lovers. Rahn will also be making a number of Sommelier appearances at the two restaurants throughout the season. Dates for the appearances are yet to be confirmed but will be posted to the Whistler Blackcomb website once available.

Lunch with David Hawksworth
Whistler Blackcomb is excited to announce Chef David Hawksworth, of the eponymous Hawksworth Restaurant, will be bringing his contemporary Canadian cuisine mountainside in the New Year. Splitting the weekend between his two passions, cooking and skiing, Chef Hawksworth will be preparing lunch on January 10 at Steeps Grill & Wine Bar in the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain. Reservations will be required to attend the event which will celebrate the bounty of British Columbia on what should be a memorable afternoon.  Details of the event will be released as they become available towww.whistlerblackcomb.com.

Garbo’s Grill at the Base of Whistler Mountain
Garbo’s Grill, located in the Carleton Lodge at the base of Whistler Mountain, is Whistler Blackcomb’s newest food and beverage location. Specializing in customizable burgers and grab-and-go breakfast sandwiches, Garbo’s Grill, along with the grills in the Roundhouse Lodge, Rendezvous Lodge and Glacier Creek Lodge, now use only naturally raised hormone and antibiotic-free chicken and beef. Garbo’s Grill is open from 7am to 4pm daily.

Whistler Blackcomb Winemaker’s Après Events
Whistler Blackcomb’s popular Winemaker’s Après series returns this winter season with a few fresh changes. There will be four events throughout the winter and as always, they will take place at Steeps Grill and Wine Bar in the Roundhouse Lodge. The events will feature a five course meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients by Whistler Blackcomb’s executive chefs and each dish will be paired with a feature wine from British Columbia. The winemakers to be showcased at this season’s Winemaker’s Après series include: Inniskillin on January 22, featuring a special guest appearance from Vikram Vij, Robert Mondavi on February 24, Nk’Mip on March 12 and See Ya Later Ranch on April 9. More information about the Winemaker’s Apres Series is available at www.whistlerblackcomb.com/the-mountain/on-mountain-dining/winter-mountain-top-dining.

Coca-Cola Freestyle Machine at the Wizard Grill
This winter the Wizard Grill at the base of Blackcomb Mountain will be home to Whistler Blackcomb’s first and only Coca-Cola Freestyle soft drink dispenser. The machine is the only one of its kind in the Sea To Sky Corridor and allows guests to customize their own drink by mixing any of the 120+ flavours of their favourite Coca-Cola beverages. More information about the Coca-Cola Freestyle Project can be found at www.coca-colafreestyle.com/home.

Guests looking to plan a trip to the consistently rated No. 1 Mountain Resort in North America can visit whistlerblackcomb.com/deals_packages  or call 1-888-403-4727.

About Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb, the official alpine skiing venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, is situated in the Resort Municipality of Whistler located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia 125 kilometres (78 miles) from Vancouver, British Columbia. North America’s premier four season mountain resort, Whistler and Blackcomb are two side-by-side mountains which combined offer over 200 marked runs, 8,171 acres of terrain, 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers, receives on average over 1,165 centimetres (459 inches) of snow annually, and one of the longest ski seasons in North America. In the summer, Whistler Blackcomb offers a variety of activities, including hiking and biking trails, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, and sightseeing on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.

For more information, visit http://ww1.whistlerblackcomb.com/media

Posted on Monday, December 15, 2014 | Comments (0) | Category: Resort News | Permalink

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Not your average Triathlon!


The month of May is a very interesting time in Whistler. The sun is shining, the temperatures are soaring, the snow is melting, the beaches and golf courses are open, and the mountain bike trails are getting prepared for an opening in the very near future (May 17th, to be exact).
With temperatures reaching the 30’s (Mid 80’s for my American friends), it’s not uncommon to see the general population in Whistler wearing shorts, t-shirts and flip-flops, while standing beside a skier or snowboarder who’s fully decked out in gear which looks WAY too warm.

(Case in point. PS, retro one-piece suits NEVER go out of style in Spring time)

That being said, the end of May brings about a new sport – the Whistler Triathlon (I wonder if we can turn this into an Olympic sport). The Whistler Triathlon isn’t your regular run of the mill triathlon. In fact for a very short period, between May 17th (opening of the Bike Park) until May 27th (last day of spring skiing on Blackcomb) opens up a window for the die-hards. Start the day off skiing or snowboarding, followed up with a downhill mountain bike ride in the afternoon, and topped off with a round of golf or a wakeboard at Green Lake in the late afternoon. Or for those feeling VERY adventurous, you can even possibly make it to Vancouver Island in time for an evening surf session.

You know you’re in a sports oriented town when these are serious discussions, of how many different sports you can accomplish in one day!

Maybe this is why no one seems to age in this town 😉

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Blake Jorgenson Whistler Gallery


One of my favourite Whistler photographers has released his first set of photos in his Whistler 2013 gallery.

A few of my favourites below:

(Harmony Chair)

 

(James Heim standing on top of the world….ok, 7th Heaven)

 

(Dana Flahr killing the powder on Blackcomb)

To view the entire gallery, click HERE

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Whistler Film Fest. Happening now!


That’s right, 5 days and 75 films, along with many many specialevents on the go, Whistler Film Fest is getting right into thethick of things!

Night One was was a success with two films being screened, andfrom everything I’ve heard it was nothing short of perfect!

Day and Night Two are chock filled with 15 films being screened,as well as a special Trailblazer Award and Intimate Conversationwith award winning actress and producer, and one of my favourite’sto watch on TV, Rashida Jones (The office, Parks & Rec).

And she’s not the only famous name in town right now. Mr. DanielRadcliffe (Harry Potter) and Channing Tatum (Magic Mike) have bothbeen cruising the Village Stroll, much to the ladies delight.
Julia Stiles (The Bourne trilogy) and the legendary Canadianfolk/rock guitarist Bruce Cockburn are also in the village thisweekend. Hopefully I can run in to good ol’ Brucey, and have himwrite me into his next song. Pipedream, maybe??

Ok, back to the movies!
SO many choices. With 15 happening tonight, and another 58 overthe next three days and nights, I’m really at a loss of which totry and catch. It seems all of the movies are THE ones to watchthis year.
Makes it a little difficult to be in so many places at once. Hmmm,time to find a scientist and build myself a few clones that can gowatch all the movies, and relay it all to my mind atonce.

On second thought, that sounds like a brain overload. I think I’lljust stick to hoping that I’ve picked the best ones!

(My favourite, Rashida Jones)

(Daniel Radcliffe. Spotlight and Q&A – Nov. 30 – MilleniumPlace)

(Magic Mike himself – Channing Tatum)

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The 16 days of Opening Day (almost better than Christmas): Day 1 – Opening Eve


The 16 days of Opening Day (almost better than Christmas): Day 1 – Opening Eve

On the 1st day of Opening Day, my truelove gave to me….pure, utter, unadulterated excitement!

As Whistler and Whistlerites gear upfor the start of another amazing season, in the 16 days leading upto Opening Day, I’m going to give you 16 different ideas of someawesome things to do this winter season!

With Whistler Mountain opening early, the buzz around the villagehas been electrifying. Add in a whole bunch of fresh snow, and allof the locals are absolutely giddy!

Blackcomb Mountain is still scheduled to open TOMORROW, Thursday,November 22nd.

Let’s round out this list!

NUMBER 1:

Exploring the mountain!
Map out your wonders. Get stoked. Have an amazing season!

It’s that time of year again, where there’s one main thing on mostpeople’s minds. And that’s which run should I ride next? With anendless choice of runs to choose from, and a seemingly endlesssupply of snow for the next 6-7 months, you’ll have plenty of timeto hit your favourites, some hidden gems, some that you’ve onlyever heard about, or perhaps this is your first time on themountain, and pretty much EVERYTHING is left to be explored!.

Which ever it is, the start of the year so far has beenincredible, and leads me to believe that we’re in for one heck of asnowy year.
I’m secretly wishing for each month to be comparable to lastMarch, where we got 14 feet of snow throughout the month. 14feet! Every day was a fresh powder day!
Perhaps it’s a pipe dream to wish for that every month, but onecan hold out hope, no?

In the mean time, I’ll keep dancing my snow dance for MotherNature, and try to convince her to send it all this way again!

**Photo Courtesy: Jeremy King | AlohaWhistler Accommodations

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