It wintered so hard at Whistler Blackcomb today that lifts had to close
We knew Old Man Winter was in full rage-mode today, and now it seems no one was spared – not even his usually close friends such as Whistler Blackcomb.
Case in point: After more than three dozen weather warnings were issued across the province today, even the resort famous for its winter terrain was forced to make a few adjustments.
The day began with things sounding very promising.
We’ve got 41 cm of fresh powder waiting for you up top #GetTheGoods
Powered by @TELUS https://t.co/Ku9TjlE414
— Whistler Blackcomb (@WhistlerBlckcmb) January 3, 2019
But then things started happening.
#WBOps Highway 99 is closed between Soo Valley and Nairn Falls between Whistler and Pemberton. There is currently no detour, check @DriveBC for updates
— Whistler Blackcomb (@WhistlerBlckcmb) January 3, 2019
#WBOps Expect a delayed opening from the valley this morning. Stay tuned for more updates
— Whistler Blackcomb (@WhistlerBlckcmb) January 3, 2019
#WBOps The Peak 2 Peak Gondola will start the day on standby due to weather conditions
— Whistler Blackcomb (@WhistlerBlckcmb) January 3, 2019
Not about to give up on the goods, the lift operations team persisted.
#WBOps The Excalibur Gondola, Excelerator Express, Fitzimmons Express, and Garbanzo Express are all currently open. The Blackcomb Gondola and Whistler Village Gondola are also open to mid-station. The Creekside Gondola is still experiencing delays. More updates to come
— Whistler Blackcomb (@WhistlerBlckcmb) January 3, 2019
#WBOps The Creekside gondola is now open. Thank you for your patience.
— Whistler Blackcomb (@WhistlerBlckcmb) January 3, 2019
As the day went on, and the winter storm continued to hammer the region with wind and snow, the resort started to feel the effects.
#WBOps The Crystal Ridge Express will remain closed today due to weather conditions.
— Whistler Blackcomb (@WhistlerBlckcmb) January 3, 2019
#WBOps The Jersey Cream Express will remain closed for the day due to avalanche control.
— Whistler Blackcomb (@WhistlerBlckcmb) January 3, 2019
#WBOps The Blackcomb Gondola and Whistler Village Gondola are still operating to mid-station only due to weather conditions.
— Whistler Blackcomb (@WhistlerBlckcmb) January 3, 2019
Some lifts opened, some closed, and some were on standby.
#WBOps The Excalibur Gondola, Excelerator Express, Magic Chair, Fitzsimmons Express, Garbanzo Express, and Creekside Gondola are currently open. The Blackcomb Gondola and Whistler Village Gondola are open to mid-station. All other lifts are on standby due to weather conditions.
— Whistler Blackcomb (@WhistlerBlckcmb) January 3, 2019
#WBOps The Big Red Express, Emerald 6 Express, Franz’s Chair, and Whistler Village Gondola upper line are now open
— Whistler Blackcomb (@WhistlerBlckcmb) January 3, 2019
Others stopped turning for the day altogether.
#WBOps Closed for the day on Whistler: T-bars, Peak Express, Harmony 6 Express and Symphony Express. On Blackcomb: 7th Heaven Express, Glacier Express, Showcase T-bar, Crystal Ridge Express and Jersey Cream Express
— Whistler Blackcomb (@WhistlerBlckcmb) January 3, 2019
#WBOps The Catskinner Express and Blackcomb Gondola upper line are closed for the day due to avalanche control and high winds
— Whistler Blackcomb (@WhistlerBlckcmb) January 3, 2019
#WBOps The Peak 2 Peak has closed for the day due to high winds
— Whistler Blackcomb (@WhistlerBlckcmb) January 3, 2019
Local ski hills affected too
Vancouver’s local ski hills also adjusted their operations today due to the weather and avalanche conditions.
At North Vancouver’s Grouse Mountain, all ski and snowboard lessons were postponed and chalet facilities and downhill area were put on standby until further notice.
At Mount Seymour, two lifts were on standby and two others (one of which was the bunny hill) remained open.
Over at West Vancouver’s Cypress Mountain, two lifts were put on high-wind standby, while another three lifts remained in operation.
And avalanche forecasters are predicting another 30 to 50 cm of snow at higher elevations on Friday, with freezing level steady around 1200 m and moderate to strong winds from the southwest.
In a bulletin, Avalanche Canada said the danger rating has been upgraded to “extreme” for treeline and alpine areas, and that fresh storm slabs formed on Wednesday night would get “soaked” with heavy rain today.
“The rising then dropping freezing level makes it hard to predict the rain/snow mix and the exact properties of the storm slabs throughout the day, but regardless, all the ingredients for dangerous avalanche conditions are there,” they added.
And while many may have been wishing specifically for a white Christmas, today’s storm proved that when it comes to the weather, Mother Nature pretty much does whatever she wants.
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