After officially surpassing its 10-year average annual snowfall of 1,163cm (458in), Whistler Blackcomb has decided to extend its ski season by an additional week, pushing the closing date of Blackcomb Mountain to 30 May, 2016. Whistler Mountain’s last day of winter operations will remain as 17 April.
Whistler Blackcomb has received 1,177cm (463in) of snow so far this winter, and has a current snow base of 339cm (133in). It will now only be closed for 12 days before re-opening for summer glacier skiing. Whistler’s great snowfall totals have been shared by other ski areas in Western North America and other area have also announced extended ski seasons. Squaw Valley in California says it will be open later in to May now and hasn’t set a season end date.
“We couldn’t be happier with how the season has unfolded,” says Doug MacFarlane, Director of Mountain Operations at Whistler Blackcomb, who added, “We have received consistent consecutive storm cycles combined with low temperatures, creating great conditions for skiing and snowboarding. So far in March alone we have seen 292cm or 115 inches of snow, which is well above the March average of 241cm (95in).”
(Image above credit: Mitch Winton – Coast Mountain Photography – March 18)