Photo: Blake Jorgenson/Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb has received the most snowfall during the 2015-16 winter to date across Ski Country—322 inches! All the snow is shaping up to provide skiers and riders with stellar spring conditions, and there’s plenty of winter left to bestow even more snow on the biggest ski resort in North America. Plus, Blackcomb Mountain is expected to keep the bullwheel running until May 23, 2016, more than a full month longer than most major resorts in North America.
Providing even more draw, Whistler Blackcomb’s spring events are nearly as massive as its terrain. In order of date, here are some don’t-miss Whistler spring events worth planning your trip around.
1. Park Rider Sessions – Halfpipe
Park Rider Sessions feature a progression of events in the Nintendo Terrain Parks on both mountains. The March 6, 2016 event welcomes halfpipe skiers and riders to throw down their best stunts on Blackcomb’s halfpipe.
Photo: Whistler Blackcomb
2. Winemaker Après Series
Delight in world-class wines paired with locally-sourced culinary delights and spectacular British Columbia vistas at the Winemaker Après Series, held at Whistler Mountain’s Steeps Grill & Wine Bar in the Roundhouse Lodge. The spring tastings are scheduled on March 10 and March 31, 2016 and will feature Robert Mondavi wines and Nk’Mip, a local Okanagan Valley wine, respectively.
3. Sunday Sessions at Seppo’s
Enjoy a Kokanee glacier-fresh beer, live music and spring vibes every Sunday at Seppo’s in the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. through April 17, 2016.
4. Robert Mondavi Mountain Wine tour
Robert Mondavi and Whistler Blackcomb celebrate their 50th anniversaries this year with an on-mountain tour de cuisine complemented by hand-picked Robert Mondavi wines at Crystal Hut, Christine’s, Raven’s Nest and Steeps. Held on Friday, March 11, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the tour is $149 per person and includes ski guides and four pairings.
5. GoPro Junior Freeski Challenge
On March 17–20, 2016, the International Freeskiers & Snowboarders Association (IFSA) event challenges skiing’s young guns, ages 12 to 18, to shred big mountain terrain while judges score them based on style, control, technique, fluidity and line choice.
6. BC Championships – Luge, Bobsleigh + Skeleton
Head to the Whistler Sliding Centre, home of the fastest ice track in the world, on Sunday, March 13to see British Columbia’s best lugers showcase their speedy skills. On March 20, 2016, British Columbia’s top bobsleigh teams and skeleton athletes descend on the Whistler Sliding Centre to battle for the championship title.
7. Whistler Blackcomb’s Fire & Ice Show
Every Sunday night at 6:30 p.m. through March 27, 2016 and on select Thursdays, Whistler Blackcomb hosts a spectacular—and free—display of ski and snowboard skill at the legendary Fire & Ice Show in Skier’s Plaza. Whistler’s best skiers and riders jump and flip through a blazing ring of fire, accompanied by fire spinners, a DJ and fireworks display.
8. Showcase Showdown
On April 2, 2016, the 19th Annual Showcase Showdown, presented by Burton, Monster Energy and Vans challenges top local riders to perform their best tricks for a spot on the podium and cash prize.
Photo: Brian Finestone/Whistler Blackcomb
9. Whistler Cup
Now in its 24th year, Whistler Cup has grown to become the largest and most important international alpine race for competitors age 11 to 14. An FIS (International Ski Federation)-sanctioned event, the Whistler Cup attracts hundreds of young athletes from 25 countries on April 1–3, 2016.
10. North American Junior Freeride Championships
Whistler Blackcomb hosts the 2016 IFSA North American Junior Freeride Championships, April 6–9, 2016.
11. World Ski & Snowboard Festival
The most anticipated event on Whistler’s social calendar, the World Ski & Snowboard Festival features 10 days of free outdoor concerts, late-night dance parties, art shows, big air competitions and, of course, plenty of spring skiing and riding. Held April 8–17, 2016.
Photo: Whistler Blackcomb
12. Mum’s Mountain Classic
This fun, annual race is open to skiing and snowboarding moms, stepmoms and grandmoms (and girlfriends of moms) of all ages. The event, held on April 14, 2016, includes morning coffee voucher, race practice, match-time race at the GMC Race Centre, lunch (with a $20 voucher included) and après-ski festivities.
13. GO Fest, Whistler’s Great Outdoors Festival
From May 20–23, 2016, the GO Fest, Whistler’s Great Outdoors Festival, celebrates outdoor adventure culture and arts across various venues in Whistler Village.
Ready to make a Whistler spring-skiing trip a reality? Our 65+ Mountain Travel Experts are standing by for your call at 800-610-8911. They will provide free advice and can book your complete ski vacation package, including lodging, discounted lift tickets, rental car or ground transportation, lessons, rentals, flights and more. You can also get started by filling out a form for a free custom quote.
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