Frustratingly for skiers and snowboarders, this week has seemed to only provide the drawbacks of winter and none of the benefits of being in a top ski resort.
With minimal new snow overnight and chilly temperatures of -16 Celsius, snowsliders need to dress and be prepared for the conditions.
As of 9:42 a.m. on Thursday morning, 13 Whistler Blackcomb lifts were open, meaning not closed or on hold. Garbanzo Express, Big Red Express, Emerald 6 Express, Peak 2 Peak, Jersey Cream Express, Catskinner Express, Fitzsimmons Express, and both the upper and lower sections of the Blackcomb Gondola, Excalibur Gondola, and Whistler Village Gondola were in action.
To keep up to date, visit https://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/the-mountain/mountain-conditions/terrain-and-lift-status.aspx.
It's not an ideal day for venturing outside the resort, as winter storm warnings for Whistler and Howe Sound, as well as a blizzard warning in Howe Sound, make driving on the Sea to Sky Highway challenging with low-visibility conditions.
"Cold arctic air will continue to funnel through Howe Sound producing strong northerly winds of 60 to 80 km/h near Bowen Island this morning. Snow at times heavy will continue today with additional accumulations of 5 to 10 cm is expected," the warning reads. "The strong arctic outflow winds combined with falling snow will generate blizzard conditions."
Environment Canada recommends postponing travel until conditions improve. Those who drive but become stranded are encouraged to stay in their cars in order to protect themselves from the elements.
To monitor conditions, check shiftintowinter.ca, weather.gc.ca and drivebc.ca.
