La Nina Winters are the Best
What does this October snowfall mean for the winter ahead?
After a few, glorious fall days many us of in Whistler were pleasantly surprised to wake up to a blanket of snow. The first of the La Niña weather pattern has made an appearance and is getting us excited for a season of abundant fresh powder. So, what is La Niña and what can we expect for the winter ahead?
La Niña brings about colder than usual winters, as a result of “below-average sea surface temperatures extending across the central and eastern Pacific Ocean,” The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center. This directly effects the waters off B.C.’s coast, increasing precipitation and colder temperatures, equating to more snow in Whistler.
La Niña tends to occur every three to five years. This winter meteorologists are predicting a 75% chance of this weather phenomenon happening this winter. Considering the last three La Niña’s have brought the 1st, 4th and 7th highest snowfall totals of the past twenty years, we have high expectations for a very, very snowy winter this year. As a bonus, it is very possible we will receive some late season snow in April and May.
Historically, during the month of November, La Niña has provided the most amount of snow. With Whistler Blackcomb’s official opening day set for November 26th 2020, we are excited to begin the countdown to hitting the slopes! If we are lucky, they may even open the mountain early … and it feels like luck is on our side.
So how can you be ready for the season?
1. Be sure to pre-purchase either an Epic Pass or an Edge Card (BC & WA Residents only) before December 8. Also, 1-day passes can be purchased online as of November 6.
2. Lock in your early season accommodation before December 1 to ensure you receive the best savings of the season with the most flexible cancellation policy ever.
Words: Tilly McCrystal
