Big smiles, less layers and laid-back vibes – it’s spring skiing in Whistler! Spring’s mild temperatures, combined with a great snow base and an extra dose of daylight make for excellent skiing and riding conditions on Whistler Blackcomb.

Whistler Mountain bathed in sunshine
Whistler Mountain all lit up. PHOTO ABBY COOPER

The lifts are open from 8:30 AM to 4 PM, so there’s plenty of time to find all your favourite snowy stashes and it’s less busy (especially midweek), so you can glide right onto the lifts and have fun on wide-open slopes. There’s also a mentality shift as we pack away the puffy jackets and don our sunglasses; things become less frantic and we take the time to stop and savour the moment.

Skier on a groomed run in the sunshine in Whistler.
Savouring the sun. PHOTO BEN GIRARDI

We’re big fans of the spring sunshine, so much so that we’ve made a game plan for those who want to chase the sun from mountain to mountain, from slope to slope. Here’s how to follow the sun when spring skiing in Whistler.

INSIDER TIP: Don’t forget your sunscreen. The sun reflecting off the snow will leave more than just a goggle tan if you don’t lather up!

Morning Rays

A man drinks coffee at the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain overlooking the mountains at sunrise.
Grab your coffee before heading up Whistler Blackcomb this season. PHOTO ABBY COOPER

Start your day on Whistler Mountain and head into the alpine. Peak Chair has epic mountain views year-round, but early uploads in the spring provide the perfect perch to watch the sunshine paint the surrounding mountains. From here, go southeast to soak up some rays by lapping Harmony and Symphony Express chairs. 

Ski Runs for First Light: Green – Pika’s Traverse, Blue – Harmony Ridge, Black – Dappers Delight (full Whistler Blackcomb Trail Map)

Midday Sunshine

A red Peak 2 Peak Gondola cabin makes its way across the valley from Whistler to Blackcomb Mountain.
The sunny commute from Whistler Mountain to Blackcomb Mountain via the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. PHOTO MIKE CRANE

Book your lunch at the Roundhouse Lodge (via the EpicMix app, day of) and wrap your morning on Whistler Mountain before taking the PEAK 2 PEAK over to Blackcomb Mountain for the afternoon. Enjoy views of the entire Fitzsimmons Valley in full light as you make the commute across to Blackcomb Mountain. 

Ski Runs for Midday Light: Green – Green Line, Blue – Upper Peak to Creek, Black – Blackcomb Glacier (full Whistler Blackcomb Trail Map)

INSIDER TIP: Strategically eat lunch early or late and make the most of the sunniest time of day you’ll feel like you’re on a private mountain.
A group of skiers enjoy the fresh corduroy in Whistler.
Corduroy sunshine laps. PHOTO JOHN ENTWISTLE

Afternoon Glow

Your sun-seeking strategy will reward you with a sunset of epic proportions if your ski legs last all day. You’ll notice the following favourite runs are all accessed from 7th Heaven Express on Blackcomb Mountain – that’s because it has the most sunshine in one long, consistent pitch with such incredible views across to Whistler Mountain and in the distance, Black Tusk. 

Ski Runs for Last Light: Green – Sunset Boulevard, Blue – Hugh’s Heaven, Black – Xhiggy’s Meadow (full Whistler Blackcomb Trail Map)

Pro Tip: Snag the last ride up 7th Heaven and enjoy Sunset Boulevard in all its glory. Riding down to either base at the end of the day via this route will leave your sun-seeking soul fulfilled as you milk the last rays.

Soft snow, warm temperatures and relentless views, there’s no doubt that individually those things are worth celebrating, but scoring them all on the same day?! A perfect spring skiing trifecta.

A pinky purple alpenglow in Whistler.
Stunning. PHOTO MIKE CRANE

Know Before You Go:

The four key things you need to know about Whistler Blackcomb this season are:

  1. Face coverings are required in gondolas and indoor settings
  2. Proof of vaccination is required to dine indoors
  3. Bring snacks and water
  4. Make a table booking for lunch

COVID requirements

For more information on changes at Whistler Blackcomb this season, take a look at Know Before You Go: Skiing and Snowboarding at Whistler Blackcomb.

For the best rates on accommodation for the late spring and summer, plan a longer stay or consider staying midweek. Stay 3+ nights to receive a free $100 Activity Voucher and up to 25% off. It's easy to book your vacation when you have the freedom of Whistler.com's Flexible Cancellation options backed by their Book With Confidence program.
Author

Abby Cooper is a Whistler-based photographer, splitboarder and dog mom who is always looking for new adventures to take her farther and higher. You can usually find her in the backcountry, surrounded by good people (and dogs).