Spring Skiing in Whistler

It’s hard to imagine April snow considering people are already wearing t-shirts and shorts around the city. I’ve been travelling for work and thought I had completely missed out on the ski season but when I heard Whistler was still open and has one of the longest ski seasons in North America, I jumped at the chance to experience what spring skiing at one of the world’s finest resorts really means! (Sidenote: Yours truly has a special penchant for Whistler given this is where I tied the knot two summers ago at the beautiful Cedarstone Estate!)

What I love about skiing is the great workout, the fun, the exhilaration, the gorgeous views, the unlimited. What I don’t like is queuing for lifts, sitting on the lifts or being up at 7,500 feet freezing my butt off despite many layers – and that’s where spring skiing comes in.

The warmer days mean you don’t need to worry about layering and carrying bulky clothing, all you need is a baselayer, a jacket and you’re good to go. What you do need however is to bulk up on your SPF – the sun is fierce and the reflection off the snow will quickly barbeque your face. At this time of year, you also avoid the winter break crowds so you ski almost straight on to the lifts, you find seats at lunch with ease and most importantly, you have the whole mountain to yourself – unlimited as I said.

Off the slopes, the après-ski activities start long before the sun sets so you can enjoy your well-deserved pint of beer on the patio, stroll comfortably in your shorts around the village and rejuvenate your body at the outdoor Scandinave spa all under the sun. On our last day coming off the slopes at midday, there were plenty of happy runners and bikers in t-shirts and shorts (in contrast to our full-on ski-gear) getting their fitness fix. With the variation in temperature comes different activities and different gear all of which can only be experienced at this time of the year.

A Whistler getaway in springtime is a must for Vancouverites as well as those in Asia who have a two-week Easter break. Get over here quick! Time is still on your side if you want to take advantage of spring skiing this year as Whistler Blackcomb has extended the season to the 27^th of May with special rates for lift tickets. Check out Whistler Blackcomb for more details.

Need to knows

–        Whistler is only a 1h30m drive from downtown Vancouver making it easily accessible to Vancouverites and international travellers.

–        I stayed at the beautiful Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort. Blog post to follow shortly!

–        Make sure you check the Tourism Whistler and Whistler Blackcomb pages and take advantage of other activities Whistler has to offer. Until 21^st of April, Whistler is hosting the World Ski and Snowboard Festival with tons of music, art and ski/snowbaording festivities around the village. Summer and mountain biking season opens in a month’s time so get ready for a whole host of more thrilling activities Whistler has to offer. Can’t wait to go back in the summer, so who’s gonna join me?! ; )