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 all lit up. PHOTO ABBY COOPER

The lifts are open from 8:30 AM to 3 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.

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.

Morning Rays

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

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)

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.

Stunning. PHOTO MIKE CRANE

Know Before You Go:

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

1. You will need a reservation to ski or board
2. Face coverings are mandatory
3. Bring snacks and water
4. Make a table booking for lunch

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

As it’s essential travel only at the moment, we hope that you’re staying local and staying safe. Please take a read of our Whistler COVID-19 information page for current advisories. If you are local and heading up the ski hill in Whistler, please Ski Well, Be Well by following best practices for safe, low risk recreation.