Fall Snow Slams Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb’s forecast and meteorologist Chris Tomer agree—about four inches of snow are on the docket today. Elsewhere in British Columbia, a bit more precipitation could fall further east, and stateside, Tomer projects two inches of snowfall at Mt. Baker Ski Area, Washington. From an on-the-ground perspective, the blast of wintry but soggy Pacific Northwest weather checks out. Outside the POWDER Seattle office, the rain’s coming down in sheets.

This isn’t the resort’s first preseason rodeo. Two weeks ago, Whistler Blackcomb shared images of a less substantial high-altitude dusting. The latest ongoing storm hopefully foretells a snowy season to come. NOAA still thinks a La Nina is on the cards, which historically tends to mean more powder days in the Pacific Northwest. There’s a catch, though. This year’s La Nina should be weak (La Nina strength is determined via ocean temperatures), meaning the usual pattern may be less consistent.

Whistler Blackcomb anticipates opening on November 22nd, with a significant lift upgrade locked and loaded. This summer, crews have been hard at work updating the Jersey Cream lift, a central component of the skier transportation infrastructure on Blackcomb Mountain. Once complete, the updated Jersey Cream will be a high-speed six-seater with a 29% better uphill capacity than its predecessor.

Additional opening dates are creeping up across the Vail Resorts portfolio, with Colorado, as usual, being ground zero. Keystone is targeting a mid-October opening date—weather and conditions permitting—with Breckenridge hot on its heels in early November.

In the meantime, we Pacific Northwest folk are dusting off the umbrellas and rain boots. Fall is here. 

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