Spring Skiing and Snowboarding On Whistler/Blackcomb

With the slow increase in temperature as we move more into the spring season and with having the summer season just around the corner it does not necessarily mean we still cannot enjoy winter activities correct? Well those which are able to get themselves up to the Whistler/Blackcomb area do not need to hang up their skis or store that snowboard of theirs.

That is right, Whistler/Blackcomb is still open and the snow has not all disappeared yet. True, Whistler mountain is technically closed as they get ready for the Mountain Biking season but that leaves Blackcomb open for those snow junkies who do not believe their winter is over. In fact, Blackcomb stays open until June every year, though I am sure the snow in June is definitely not the easiest to go down.

This past Sunday, Robyn and I went up to Blackcomb to have a bit of fun and for me to try out my new Burton snowboard. Robyn warned me about what I was getting into and that I might find it more difficult than what I have experienced on Cypress Mountain. She also reassuring me that my runs on Blackcomb are longer than those found on Cypress. Another point of interest is that no Blue runs are created equal, she did make me aware that a Blue run on Blackcomb can be the equivalent (or harder) than a Black run on Cypress.

Our trip to up Blackcomb would be my fourth (yes 4th) time ever strapping myself into a snowboard and I thought to myself, not only am I trying out a new snowboard, I am also taking on Blue runs which are longer and steeper than any of the runs I have previously gone down.

Now once we went up on the Excalibur Gondola, then over up the Excelerator chair we were presented with the above view. Pretty breathe taking if you don’t mind me saying. Whistler Village from above is definitely an awesome view.

Strapping Myself In

The two of the Blue runs we went down (Rock and Roll, Ridge Runner) were pretty fun but the last run we did (Zig-Zag) was pretty icy and with only being my fourth time snowboarding I took it pretty easy as people zoomed past me. Robyn and I were noticed that a large amount of people were falling (both skiers and snowboarders) which got Robyn and I a bit worried. Most so because they seemed to recklessly zoom down the mountain not really paying attention.

Rest at the top, no I did not fall

Overall we had a great time. There was a time when my leg muscles decided they didn’t want to cooperate with the rest of me and I bailed, not so gracefully either, though I would probably go back up to Blackcomb once more this spring season if I had the opportunity. With the warmer temperatures coming the snow will be turning for the worse and a relatively new snowboard like myself will definitely not enjoy icy conditions. It was bad enough hearing the snow crunch (or was it ice chip?) as I tried to slow myself down.

I am looking forward to the next winter season so I can get back up on my snowboard. Now it is time for camping, hiking, sailing, kayaking and all those other fun outdoor activities.