Most skiers know that Whistler Blackcomb Mountains boasts of over a mile of vertical ski/snowboard runs (5445 feet-1660 meters) and the average snowfall (at 5454 feet-1660 meters) is 38 feet (11.64 meters) every winter. Over the last 14 years this has been a constant. After all, there are three glaciers on the mountains.
How much snowfall for this winter? All three of the major agencies that issue seasonal forecasts show below normal temperatures and normal to above normal snowfall. So all is good!
Besides all this new snowfall what else is new for Whistler Blackcomb? After all that skiing there is no excuse to not re-fuel at Fairmont Chateau Whistler since they offer seven different dining experiences. After a major remodel and upgrade The Portobello Deli has just reopened so you want to check that out. Executive Chef Isabel Chung keeps busy and has over 15 years culinary experience.
We certainly don’t want to slight the other powerhouse female chefs, Executive Chef Melissa Craig of Bearfoot Bistro and Executive Chef Nicole Gomes of Chuck N Cleaver.
These restaurants all serve the great Canada wines found in British Columbia. If you want to check out some of the new food and wine pairing lunches there are four new events that you can enjoy at 6000 feet (1818 meters).
What is new for skiing? Three new ski lifts, including a ten-passenger gondola on Blackcomb, will open in 2018. How about for backcountry skiers? The big news is that ground has been broken and construction started on the hut-to-hut systems at Russet Lake in Garibaldi Park and Mount Macbeth. The system, organized by Spearhead Huts Society, will be adjacent to Whistler. It is a journey that began 10 years ago, with the first hut scheduled to open in January 2019. I can’t wait!! I bet those huts would also be fun in the summer, with the added benefit of a lighter backpack. Huts will have kitchen, heat, and water and of course be nice and cozy.
Don’t ski? Canadian Whistler Adventures offer many different snowshoe trips and The Adventure Group has snowmobile tours.
Anything new in the arts? The Audain Art Museum is a great place to relax and see the current exhibit of “Stone and Sky: Canada’s Mountain Landscape. If you really want to relax you should check out their “Yoga @ the Audain.”
So much to do in the winter but you should return to check out all the things to do in the spring and summer. I know I will back.
About the authors:
Michael Fagin is a freelance travel writer who is currently touring much of the US West Coast enjoying the wine country, and covering the fine wines, dining, and hiking in the region. Also covering British Columbia wine country and exploring the rain forests, coastal regions, and the mountains. While he is not writing Michael is the operational meteorologist for West Coast Weather, LLC and provides custom forecast for all outdoor events from weddings to climbing mountains (from Mt. Rainier to Mt. Everest).
Elizabeth Fagin is a free-lance writer currently focusing on travel, food and wine, with her husband Michael. She has also written professionally for the Fresh Connections Blog - The Parfitt Way, which features points of interest and culture on Bainbridge Island, WA. She has been a Jewish Educator in the Seattle area for the last 25 years. Elizabeth and Michael live in Redmond, WA where they raised two kids and a number of cats.
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