When does the Whistler ski season start? Is it just for big holiday makers or is it open all year round? The season starts in November and it ends in April, however, if you’re a keen skier, you can enjoy excellent skiing any time of the year.
Here’s a guide to when does the Whistler ski season start and ends, as well as some helpful hints on how to make the most of the resort during the off-season.
Whistler Season Starts In November
Yes, the season starts in November and it ends in April. However, if you’re a keen skier, you can enjoy excellent skiing any time of the year. Day passes at the smaller resorts are quite affordable, so you won’t have to restrict yourself to just the holiday season to enjoy your favorite hobby.
Even in November, the resort isn’t all that busy. There are still some nice day trails that are less crowded than usual, due to the chilly Canadian weather. But as the month draws to its close, the crowds will start to increase, especially at the bigger resorts. If you want to avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit during the off-season.
The Best Time To Visit Is In Spring
The best time to visit is in spring (March to May). The resort is at its bloomin’ best during these months and the weather is perfect for hiking, biking, and skiing. Especially in April, when the snow starts to melt and turn into a gorgeous green grass, it’s quite a spectacle to watch the skiers zoom past you on the mountain.
Tourists and locals alike will be hitting the slopes hard during the peak season, so you may have to fight your way onto a snowboard in the morning or suffer the overcrowded trails in the evening. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, visit the Canadian paradise in springtime.
Skiing In The Snowiest Country In The World
Whistler is the snowiest country in the world. If you thought Iceland was cold, you haven’t seen anything yet. In winter, the temperature can drop to -20°C, with the wind chill making it feel like -30°C. So even if you aren’t an experienced skier, you’re sure to have a lovely time at Whistler.
The Canadian winter is famous for its endless amounts of snow and incredible amounts of sunlight, meaning there’s always plenty to do even when the snow hasn’t turned yet. If you love being outside and want to get some fresh air, you could join the locals as they build a snowman, skate on a frozen lake, or go on a snowshoe trek. Even when the snow falls, there are still plenty of activities to keep you busy.
Visit the Canadian village of Whitefish during winter to see local farmers harvesting their winter goods. You’ll get to taste the fresh, pure mountain air during the peak season and can opt to go on a hayride or take a sleigh ride to get a closer look at the scenery. You can also make the most of the nearby golf courses, as well as take a dip in one of the many lakes – all of which are open to the public and free of charge. Winter in Canada is the best time to visit.
The Off-Season Is Awesome Too
Although the resort is closed during the off-season, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t still plenty of activities available. In fact, it’s a great time to visit because the whole resort is shut down. You won’t find many other people around, there aren’t any ski patrols, and the vibe is quite different. Most of the shops and restaurants are closed too, so it’s a great opportunity to get some well-deserved R &R.
During the off-season, you can hike, bike, or even drive up the slopes and take pictures of yourself in front of the spectacular glacier. The whole place is deserted and it’s quite an eerie feeling to be the only person on the mountain.
There are plenty of trails and parks around the village, some are open during the day and some are open all night. If you happen to be there at the right time, you can catch sight of some amazing northern lights from the top of a mountain or from inside a frozen lake. There’s always something to do in the off-season, which is one of the reasons why it’s so appealing – especially as winter sports are your passion.
Try New Things
One of the best things about the off-season is the opportunity to try new things. You can take a dip in an outdoor pool for the first time in months. Try a new restaurant in the village. Or you can even take a walk down a different ski trail than the one you usually ski on. There are hundreds of kilometers of trails around the village and hundreds of different terrains to explore. If you want to discover a new side of the resort, visit it during the off-season.
Some people even travel to different countries during the off-season to explore them. You can do this too. Book a cheap flight to another city, have a look around, and when you come back, you’ll be able to continue with your life as normal.
The snow will still be there in a couple of weeks. But if you want to be sure to enjoy the best of the season, visit the ski resort in November.