It’s that time of year again when the ski season is upon us and you’re wondering how long the skiing will be open for this year. So let’s dive into the specifics and see how long is the ski season in Whistler.
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When Does The Season Start In Whistler?
Ski season starts in the spring and runs through to the end of the season in the fall. Whistler’s ski season is typically between April and October with June to September being the prime months. Of course, the exact dates of the opening and closing can vary from year to year so it’s best to refer to the official website of the ski resort for the latest updates.
Skiing Now, Or Catching The Ski Season On Peak Days?
Many resorts around the world have become so popular that the days where the skiing is open and the queues aren’t that long are now mostly a thing of the past. Even at smaller resorts where the snowboarder’s paradise is still the main attraction, there’s often a line of people waiting to get into the slopes on a Saturday morning. In Whistler, the situation isn’t that different. There are certainly some great days when it’s possible to ski right next to the lifts without having to wait in a line but, unfortunately, there are also days where you have to wait for the lifts to open because there’s been no snowfall for a couple of days. The good news is that if you arrive at the resort early in the morning or late at night, you can often find some fantastic deals and promotions at the resorts’ retail stores and eateries. Those are the days you want to arrive at the resort and enjoy the skiing experience (without the long lines!)
Skiing Until You Drop
A lot of skiers and snowboarders around the world only enjoy the snow for a couple of months a year and, for the rest of the time, they just stay indoors. However, in some places, the snow keeps on falling all year round and it becomes a full-time job for the residents to keep up with the demand. In Whistler, the skiing doesn’t get any easier. The runs are endless and the views breathtaking but, if you’re looking for some peace and a break from the hustle and bustle of the world, you can always retire to one of the resort’s many luxury hotels where you can take a relaxing evening stroll, play some pool, and enjoy a cold drink. If you really want to treat yourself, you can even order some room service and eat a small mountain.
Peak Season Vs. Off Season
Skiing is a demanding sport and, in some places, the resort probably won’t be open all year round just to keep up with the demand. Even at the top resorts around the world that stay open all year, there are still some days where the slopes are closed or very slow. For the rest of the year, the skiing becomes more of a luxury recreational activity rather than a full-time job for the residents.
So, what is peak season and off season in Whistler? Peak season is generally referred to as the best time to be at the resort. If you’re a skier or a snowboarder, it means the slopes are usually open and the excitement is at its peak. Peak season at resorts around the world is typically referred to as the tourist season so you’ll most likely experience a lot of other people around you as well. Of course, if you live in or around Vancouver, you’ll be seeing a lot of people already because it’s a very popular tourist destination. But even at the end of the season in the fall, there will still be plenty of people at the resort because it’s such a beautiful place to be at this time of year. During peak season, the hotels might be overcrowded and it can be hard to even find a room but, again, as long as you get to the resort early in the morning or late at night, you can find some fantastic discounts and deals. The off season is the rest of the year at a resort. It can be a good time to visit the resort but, if you’re looking for an activity to do, there might not be that much going on.
How Long Is The Ski Season In Other Resorts?
Now that we’ve covered the basics of the ski season in Whistler, let’s take a quick look at how long the season is in other resorts. Some resorts only have a couple of ski season runs while others have enough to last the whole year. Of course, the snowfall can vary from year to year so it’s not like the runs will be done for the rest of the year. In general, the ski season in Canada is shorter than in other parts of the world. For example, the season in Val d’Isere lasts from mid-June to October with a July to September peak. Similarly, the ski season in Portes du Soleil, France, runs from mid-June to October with a July to September peak. The runs at both of these resorts close in the early morning so you won’t be spending the whole day on the slopes. As mentioned earlier, the exact dates of the opening and closing can vary from year to year so make sure to check the website of the resort for the latest information.
Accommodation
Accommodation is another important consideration. You won’t find the best deals if you stay at regular hotels so it’s best to look for alternatives. After all, you’re on a travel website, after all!), There are plenty of great luxury hotels in Whistler or nearby, offering the perfect balance of a scenic view and a comfortable night’s sleep. Of course, there are also a lot of great bed and breakfasts and private individuals’ homes that you can rent which, arguably, have better reviews than many of the hotels. So, if you’re looking for an upscale but still intimate experience, you can’t go wrong.
Where Can I Eat & Drink In Whistler?
There are plenty of places to eat and drink in Whistler and its surrounding areas. You’re bound to find something that suits your taste buds. There are plenty of restaurants and bars at the base of the mountain as well as food trucks around the ski run that are perfectly placed to serve those waiting for the next lift.
For something more upscale, there are a number of wonderful restaurants at the Hotel Savoy that offer world-class dining and boast breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. There is also the Olympic Plaza which was built for the 2010 Games and now houses a mix of restaurants and bars, many with incredible views. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Italian fare or a burger and fries sort of girl, you’ll find something to indulge in at one of the venues at the Olympic Plaza.
What About The Shopping?
Shopping is one of the main draws of a ski resort. It doesn’t have to be. Many resorts make a lot of money from retail sales, especially at the peak of the season. At smaller resorts, the shopping can be a great way to enjoy the last bit of the snowfall. If you visit Whistler during the off season, you’ll find a lot of restaurants and bars but no retail stores. It’s a different story during the peak season, especially when the snow starts falling. At that point, the shopping paradise emerges, with ski gear shops, ski restaurants, and everything in between. It can be an entertaining way to while away the day and make the most of the last bit of snow.
Of course, it depends on your budget. If you have enough money to fully indulge yourself on your trip, you might as well do so. There are plenty of luxury goods available at amazing prices and it’s worth exploring. Those are the days you want to arrive at the resort and enjoy the shopping experience (without the long lines!)
In summary, the skiing season in Whistler lasts between April and October with the exact dates varying from year to year. It’s a glorious sport and it becomes even more impressive when you consider that this is mainly an outdoor activity. The runs are endless and the views breathtaking but, if you’re looking for some peace and a break from the hustle and bustle of the world, you can always retire to one of the resort’s many luxury hotels where you can take a relaxing evening stroll, play some pool, and enjoy a cold drink. If you really want to treat yourself, you can even order some room service and eat a small mountain.