Whistler Life / How to Spring Ski in Whistler Like a Local

Back to All Posts

How to Spring Ski in Whistler Like a Local

spring skiing in whistler

That’s right, spring skiing and snowboarding are back on the table for Whistler! After two years of disruption to operating hours, Whistler Blackcomb is running full steam ahead with its regular schedule, and we couldn’t be more excited. In celebration of our beautiful mountain town getting back to normal springtime activities, we wanted to share tips with you on how to spring ski in Whistler like a local!

Mountain Hours & Schedule

This year the mountain will resume normal springtime hours and schedule. But what does this mean? All lifts on Whistler & Blackcomb Mountain (including the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola) will be open from 8:30 am to 4 pm until April 18th. On April 19th, Whistler Mountain will shut down for the season, but Blackcomb will remain open until May 23rd from 10 am to 4 pm! This is a great time to enjoy springtime conditions, work on your goggle tan, and revel in the reduced lineups and amount of people on the ski hill. One of our local pro-tips is to make sure you purchase your tickets ahead of time online to lock in the cheapest rates!

Where to Ski on Blackcomb

Since Blackcomb stays open until closing day, we thought we’d give you some tips on where the best skiing will be throughout the spring on Blackcomb. Known for its stunning views and unlimited sunshine, we highly recommend heading over to 7th Heaven for some epic springtime laps. This time of year, you’ll likely want to stay on piste, depending on how high the temperatures creep up in late April and May. Since 7th Heaven gets the most amount of sun, off-piste can get a bit dicey late in the season! So stick to the epic, rolling groomer laps, and then enjoy a magical ski-out at the end of the day down Sunset Boulevard. This long cat-track wraps around the side of Blackcomb Mountain, showing off stunning views of Whistler Mountain and the surrounding mountains and valley. You won’t regret your time spent on 7th Heaven!

Where to Après

If you want to Après like a local, the Upper Village is where you’ll find us in the spring! There are three pubs you’ll find the locals frequenting on the beautiful, springtime days after a morning skiing or boarding Blackcomb Mountain. First up is a local favourite, Handlebar, for pizza and locally sourced craft beer (or cider for our gluten-free folks!). This low-key pub has a great vibe and patio seating for soaking up the last rays of sunshine. Our second go-to pub is the coziest pub in Whistler – The Fitzsimmons Pub. This locally owned bar with indoor and outdoor seating is one of our favourites. While the Fitz offers a full bar, they don’t have food, but you can always bring to-go food over from Portobello’s and snack on poutine while you enjoy the local pub. For those who want the most diversity in food options for apres, RMU in the Upper Village is another local’s springtime apres spot. Their large patio is great for enjoying drinks and music late into the evening, and they’re even open earlier in the day for coffee and breakfast before you head up the mountain.

spring skiing in whistler apres

Gaper Day

Have you heard of the famed Gaper Day in Whistler? This is the affectionately named last day of the season, where locals dress in costumes, jean shorts or retro-ski suits to add a little flair to the last day on the hill. Obviously, opening day is our favourite day of the year, but the way we celebrate closing day makes it just as fun! Local pubs generally have Gaper Day specials & parties, so grab your 1970s ski suit and join us for one of the most fun days of the year!

Where to Stay

We highly recommend staying on Blackcomb Mountain during the spring for ease of access to skiing. The Aspens is a wonderful slopeside resort that offers two-bedroom condos located directly off-piste on Blackcomb Mountain, and are a quick ski (or walk) to the high-speed gondola waiting to whisk you up the mountain. These cozy accommodations also happen to have a year-round outdoor heated pool and hot tub, perfect for relaxing at the end of the day!

Woodrun Lodge is another fantastic option for those who want to stay slopeside! Woodrun Lodge has a boutique hotel feel and offers the perfect location for the ultimate family vacation. It’s situated near the base of Blackcomb Mountain, just a few short yards up the slope from the Blackcomb Gondola. These units are ideal for families, featuring massive two and two-bedroom plus den condos with fully equipped kitchens.

 

Want to learn how to save money on your Spring Skiing or Snowboarding adventure in Whistler? You can check out our special offers for spring skiing here.

Related Posts