Ski Season

The ski season at Whistler Blackcomb usually starts towards the end of November each year and runs to mid / late May the following year. This is of course dependent on snow conditions which may cause a later start and earlier close. Generally speaking, the ski season at Whistler Blackcomb is divided into the Early Season, Prime or Main Season and the Late Season.

Whistler Blackcomb Ski Season. Source: Nick Jones

Early Season

The ski season at Whistler Blackcomb usually starts in the last week of November each year.
Depending upon snow conditions this could be limited to a few runs / areas on one mountain (low snow) or include multiple runs and areas on both mountains (lots of snow).
November and December each year normally have some limitations around which runs / areas are open on the 2 mountains given that the season is just starting and snow base is still building up.
On some very good snow years, both mountains can be fully open by Christmas / New years.
Early season is often not that busy given limited runs / areas that are open.
The weeks around Christmas and New Years are often very busy as many people have the time off and come to Whistler for the holidays.

Events / Activities

End of November - Opening Day
Early December - Whistler Film Festival
- The WFF includes film premieres, industry summits, talent programs, parties, and special guest appearances by actors and directors. https://whistlerfilmfestival.com/
End of December - Christmas & New Years

Stat & Other Holidays

25 December - Christmas Day
26 December - Boxing Day (many people have this off as well)
1 January - New Year's Day

Average snowfall by month at Whistler Blackcomb. Source: Nick Jones

Prime or Main Season

The Prime or Main Season at Whistler Blackcomb runs from January into March.
On average, January is the snowiest month of the ski season.
January and February are considered by many to be the best time of year to find powder snow as the temperatures remain below zero through this period (that said, there can be some great pow days in March, April and even May).
March tends to start get warmer as the days get longer and there is more sunshine - many consider this to be start of Spring Skiing at Whistler Blackcomb.
Peak periods for traffic and people on the hill around around the stat holidays (e.g. Family Day Weekend, MLK Day Weekend) and during events / festivals (e.g. Pride Festival, Peak to Creek Race).

Events / Activities

End of December to April - Fire and Ice Show
- The Fire and Ice Show is a free event for visitors on Sunday evenings all winter with athletic feats, music, cultural sharing, and fireworks. https://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/explore-the-resort/ activities-and-events/winter-activities/fire-and-ice.aspx
January - Whistler Pride and Ski Festival
- The Pride and Ski Festival is a week packed with winter sport, culture, and entertainment. https://whistlerpride.com/
February - Peak to Creek Race
- The Peak to Creek Race is the longest GS race of its kind on the planet, challenging teams of
  four to race down Whistler Mountain.
  https://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/explore-the-resort/activities-and-events/event-detail-page.aspx?id=%7B168a6b2c-eb8a-4a71-8bc1-52e56c924622%7D

Stat & Other Holidays

1 January - New Year's Day (Canada / USA)
End of January - Martin Luther King Jr. Day (USA)
Mid February - Family Day (Canada)
Mid to end of March - School March Break Holidays
- Many schools in BC (and the rest of Canada) have holidays during the last 2 weeks of March and as a result, Whistler Blackcomb can be very busy with visiting families.

Some Spring Skiers at the top of Jersey Cream on Blackcomb in late May. Source: Nick Jones

Late Season

Late Season at Whistler Blackcomb starts at the beginning of April and runs to closing day towards the end of May.
Although normally there is not much new snow at this time of year, there can be the occasional snowstorm and even fresh spring pow!
This time of year is also the sunniest and warmest part of the ski season with many days above zero C.
The one downside of the warmer weather is that mornings can be icy (frozen overnight) and end of days can be quite slushy.
This a quieter time of years at the resort as many people start switching to summer activities.
They only busy time is during the World Ski & Snowboard Festival in early April and to some degree around the Easter Weekend in mid-late April.
The Easter weekend often marks the closure of one of the 2 mountains with then only 1 mountain remaining open until the end of May (normally Whistler closes first in order to get the bike park setup).
If the resort gets the bike park up and running in May, there can be days towards the end of the ski season where skiers and snow boarders are are sharing the village on their way to get up the mountain!
Closing day is normally around the Victoria Day weekend at the end of the 2nd last week of May (however closing can be earlier if snow conditions are poor).

Events / Activities

Early April - World Ski and Snowboard Festival
The WSSF is an annual spring celebration of snow sports, music, arts, and mountain culture.
https://wssf.com/

Stat & Other Holidays

End of April - Good Friday / Easter Monday
End of May - Victoria Day Weekend

A couple of snowboard ladies enjoying the sun and view from the Horstman Hut deck on Blackcomb in late May. Source: Nick Jones

Return to Home page