UNPLUGGED: Early Season Shredding in Whistler

THE WAIT IS OVER AND SHRED TIME IS HERE. The winter doldrums that include boredom, depression and longing for the slopes, has subsided. Skiing and riding season has officially begun, and the North Shore mountains as well as Whistler are now open.

Amber Turnau Nov 29, 2012 7:00 AM

THE WAIT IS OVER AND SHRED TIME IS HERE. The winter doldrums that include boredom, depression and longing for the slopes, has subsided. Skiing and riding season has officially begun, and the North Shore mountains as well as Whistler are now open. I had the opportunity to whet my shred-petite last weekend. Read on for a full report.听PLACE: Whistler Blackcomb ()听听LOCATION: Whistler, BC.听Photos by Neil Foster ()

Photo: Neil Foster

What's better than fresh, crisp alpine air filling your lungs on a beautiful day in the mountains? Not much! Whistler Blackcomb is now officially open for the winter and I had a chance to test out the goods last weekend, finally relieving me of my nasty shred fever. The early season conditions are in fine form - producing better than expected snow coverage.听Last week's storm cycle dumped more than 150cm on the slopes in just 7 days. The base is now at over 100cm with more snow at higher elevations in the long-range forecast.

The terrain park on Blackcomb offers up听Small to Large sized jib and jump features. The ski outs aren't quite ready yet, but with the cold air this week, the snow guns will ensure that it's not far off.

Photo: Neil Foster

It's about to get nice and deep this winter. Whistler-based film crew 听听(lead by freeskiing royalty, Mike Douglas) captures the powder slashes and tree exploration that make West Coast storm riding so much fun. Watch the shred-spirational fourth installment of Whistler Blackcomb's Wonder Reels film series:

http://youtu.be/lDiYnrG1pyE

One of my favourite things about Whistler is the festive atmosphere that envelopes you as soon as you step into the Village. And for the first time ever, my boyfriend and I had the chance to play in the heart of it all at the location. 听We scored the rate (which is a heck of a deal) and enjoyed the Mountain View suite that overlooks the base of Whistler Mountain for prime people watching and mountain condition scouting.

Photo: Neil Foster