Nick's Ski Resort Guidebook WHISTLER BLACKCOMB
Mountain Safety
Whistler Blackcomb is a very large resort with a wide variety of runs and terrain that range in difficulty and include a range of big-mountain hazards. Whistler Blackcomb also experiences a wide range of weather and snow conditions. As a result, ski safety while skiing at the resort is an important consideration and worthy of attention for any visitor.
On-mountain Emergency Assistance
In the event of a medical emergency or skiing accident on the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb, the ski patrol team is ready to assist. If you need help, call the Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol dispatch at +1 604-935-5555 (it is a good idea to add this number to your mobile phone so that you have easy access to it). Alternatively, you can ask a nearby ski instructor or resort staff member to use their radio to call for assistance.
Make sure to provide clear information about your location (which mountain, which run, location on run, etc.), the nature of the incident, and any injuries sustained to ensure a rapid and appropriate response. The Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol is equipped to handle a wide range of situations, from minor injuries to serious accidents, and has a variety of methods to bring injured skiers down from the mountain. Most of the ski patrol’s Skidoos are equipped with beepers to alert skiers as they go up or down runs.
Whistler Blackcomb mountain safety: https://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/the-mountain/more-options/safety.aspx
Cliff Loh being wrapped up in rescue sled by the Ski Patrol. Source: Cliff Loh
Whistler Village / Squamish Medical Care
In Whistler Village, the Whistler Health Care Centre, located at 4380 Lorimer Road, is a well-equipped facility providing urgent care, X-ray, and laboratory services to address immediate medical needs. Additionally, Whistler has several walk-in clinics, pharmacies, and private practices to cater to a variety of health-care needs.
For more advanced care or emergencies, the nearest full-service hospital is Squamish General Hospital, situated approximately 60 kilometers south of Whistler at 38140 Behrner Drive in Squamish. This hospital offers a 24-hour emergency room, inpatient care, diagnostic services, and a range of specialized medical services.
Trail Difficulty
The difficulty of runs at Whistler Blackcomb are color coded as follows:
Runs that are of a difficulty level beyond Double Black are sometimes called Triple Black or “proline runs”. These runs are at the very extreme edge of difficulty and should only be considered by highly experienced, expert, freeride skiers.
Whistler Blackcomb Size and Difficulty
Compared to other hills, everything at Whistler Blackcomb is a scale bigger. I have heard visitors say “Wow…that Blue was like a Black on the hill where I usually ski!” Just because the Whistler Blackcomb Trail Map says Green or Blue or Black, don’t necessarily associate that with the difficulty you’re used to on your home hill. Always approach new runs at the resort with caution and get a feel for them before committing.
Range of Blues and Greens
Please also note that there is a wide range of each type of run in the Whistler Blackcomb Resort area. In particular, some Blue runs are actually very dark Blue verging on Black in steepness and difficulty. I have even suggested to the resort that they should really have a Double-Blue designation for the more difficult Blue runs. The same goes for some Greens that are more like Lite Blue in terms of difficulty—maybe Double Greens?
The difficulty of a run also greatly varies depending on whether it has been groomed recently or not (is it smooth or bumpy?) and whether there is fresh/good snow or if it is icy/bare. A run that is a challenging Blue on a good day may be more like a Black run on a day with poor visibility or poor snow conditions. If you are new to Whistler Blackcomb, always visually check a run before skiing down it. If there are other skiers, ask if they have skied the run already and if they have any feedback on it. Know your limits and ski safely within the range of your ability.
If you are looking for easy routes to get through an area or to get down the mountain, look for the signs that indicate these routes. These signs are placed at major intersections and all along the easy Routes.
Mountain Hazards
The Whistler Blackcomb Resort includes a huge skiing area (8,171 acres or 33.07 square kilometers) with a wide range of terrain and features. Many of these are big-mountain hazards that are not normally encountered at smaller ski resorts and need to be kept in mind when skiing at Whistler.
Avalanches
Avalanches are caused by a combination of factors, such as snowpack conditions, terrain, weather, and human triggers. Snowpack stability plays a crucial role, with weak layers beneath denser layers being prone to collapse under pressure. Steep slopes, especially those between 30° and 45°, are particularly prone to avalanches. Weather conditions like heavy snowfall, rapid temperature changes, and strong winds can contribute to snowpack instability. Human activities, like skiing and snowboarding, can also trigger avalanches by adding stress to the snowpack.
To avoid avalanches, educate yourself on avalanche safety, assessing snowpack conditions, and recognizing potential hazards. Regularly check local avalanche forecasts to understand the risk level in the area. Choose terrain and routes wisely, considering slope angle, aspect, and terrain features. If you go into avalanche prone areas, carry essential safety equipment, such as an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe, and know how to use them. Travel with a partner and practice safe travel techniques, like skiing one at a time on avalanche-prone slopes. If you are going to be skiing in avalanche-prone areas, I highly recommend taking an avalanche
safety course if you plan to venture into the backcountry or alpine Environments.
Avalanche basics information: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/avalanche-basics.html
Avalanche safety training: https://themountainschool.com/product-category/avalanche/
Avalanches & avalanche debris visible in the Saudan Couloir.
Source: Nick Jones
Cornices
A cornice is a large overhanging mass of snow and ice that forms along the edge of a ridge, cliff, or other elevated terrain feature. Cornices are created by the accumulation of windblown snow that adheres to the leeward (downwind) side of the ridge or slope. Over time, the snow compacts and forms a projecting ledge that can extend horizontally outward from the terrain.
Cornices can pose a significant hazard to skiers, snowboarders, and mountaineers. They may be unstable and can break off suddenly, causing an avalanche or a fall. It can also be difficult to determine the exact edge of a cornice, as the overhang might be obscured by snow. To minimize the risk associated with cornices, it is important to maintain a safe distance from the edge of a bowl or cliff, approach edges with caution, and avoid traversing directly beneath cornices.
Cornice hazards overview: https://www.mountainskillsacademy.com/cornice-hazards-need-know/
Cornices hanging over the Horseshoe Bowl in the Harmony Express Chairlift area of Whistler. Source: Nick Jones
Steep and Difficult Terrain
Steep terrain can pose a significant danger to skiers, as the increased slope angle heightens the risk of falls, avalanches, and losing control. On steep slopes, even a minor mistake or loss of balance can result in a high-speed fall, potentially leading to serious injuries or collisions with obstacles such as rocks, trees, or other skiers. Additionally, steep slopes are more prone to avalanches, with slopes between 30° and 45° being particularly hazardous. In the event of an avalanche, the steepness of the slope can significantly contribute to the speed and force of the snow, increasing the risk of injury—or even fatality—for those caught in the slide.
To avoid the hazards associated with steep terrain, you should take precautions including:
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Ensure that you have the appropriate skill level and experience to tackle steep slopes safely. Gradually progressing to steeper terrain as your skills and confidence improve can help prevent accidents caused by skiing beyond your ability.
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Choose routes wisely, considering slope angle, snow conditions, and potential avalanche risk. You should familiarize yourself with the terrain by studying maps, consulting guidebooks, or seeking local knowledge.
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Skiing with a buddy or a group provides additional safety, as partners can help each other identify hazards and assist in case of an emergency.
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Ensure that you have the proper equipment such as helmets, avalanche beacons, a shovel, and a probe.
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Maintain a strong awareness of your surroundings, including other skiers and potential hazards, to help reduce the risks associated with skiing on steep terrain.
Tree Wells
Tree wells are hidden hazards that skiers and snowboarders may encounter, particularly in areas with heavy snowfall and dense tree coverage. They form when snow accumulates around the base of a tree, creating a cone-shaped depression underneath the branches. The tree’s branches and foliage prevent snow from packing tightly around the trunk, leaving the area around the tree loosely packed or hollow. This concealed depression can pose a significant danger to skiers and snowboarders. Falling into a tree well may result in injuries from the fall, entrapment, or even suffocation if the individual becomes buried and unable to move.
To avoid the hazards posed by tree wells, you can take several precautions:
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Always ski or snowboard with a buddy when venturing into areas where tree wells are likely to be found. This ensures that someone is available to help or call for assistance if one person becomes trapped. Additionally, maintaining visual contact and establishing a communication plan with your partner can help ensure a quick response in case of emergency.
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When skiing or snowboarding near trees, be aware of the potential presence of tree wells and maintain a safe distance from tree trunks. Maintain proper technique and control while skiing or snowboarding to prevent falls and minimize the likelihood of ending up in a tree well.
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In case of a fall near a tree, try to avoid going headfirst and use your arms to create an airspace around your face to prevent suffocation. Carrying a whistle or other signaling device can help alert your partner if you become trapped.
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Familiarize yourself with basic tree well rescue techniques and regularly practice them with your partner in order to improve your ability to respond effectively in case of an emergency.
Tree well dangers overview: https://blog.whistlerblackcomb.com/2016/02/safety-first-what-you-need-to-know-about-tree-wells/
A very illustrative shot showing a skier who has fallen into a tree well and is almost fully consumed by it. Source: Shahram Afrasiabi
On-Hill Signage
Whistler Blackcomb employs a variety of signs on the two mountains to inform skiers of risks, run conditions, and other important safety issues. Watch out for signs and obey them. Examples of signs include:
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CLOSED: These signs mark off areas that are closed for use. If you cross into a closed area, you risk losing your pass if you are caught by the ski patrol.
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Ski Area Boundary: These signs mark the edge of the Whistler Blackcomb ski area. Anything beyond these signs is unpatrolled and may include significant risk if entered.
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SLOW Zone: These are large yellow banners stretched across some runs to indicate that the area is a slow-skiing area for beginners. Please respect the slow zones for your safety and that of the other skiers.
For more information about Whistler Blackcomb signage, visit:
https://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/the-mountain/more-options/safety.aspx
Alpine Responsibility Code
Whistler Blackcomb has a clear code of conduct that skiers and snowboarders on the two mountains are expected to follow. The Whistler Blackcomb Mountain Safety Team, Ski Patrol, and Terrain Park Rangers will stop and let you know when you are not following the code. Failure to follow the Alpine Responsibility Code could result in a range of consequences, including losing your pass. At the most extreme, you could face a lifetime suspension from Whistler Blackcomb.
Snow Conditions
Snow conditions at Whistler Blackcomb can change dramatically hour to hour and day to day, significantly impacting skiing conditions. Weather patterns, sunlight, temperature fluctuations, and wind can all contribute to these rapid shifts. Fresh snowfall overnight can create a delightful layer of powder for eager skiers in the morning, only for the snow to transform into heavy, wet, and challenging conditions by the afternoon due to rising temperatures.
It is crucial for skiers and snowboarders to be aware of changing snow conditions so that they can adapt their plans and ensure that they have the best possible experience on the slopes.
Different types of snow: https://www.exceptionalstays.com/explore/ski-weather-perfection-different-types-of-snowconditions/
Weather
Whistler Blackcomb is known for its varied and changing weather conditions. On any given day, skiers and snowboarders can experience a wide variety of weather, ranging from clear, sunny days with bluebird skies to heavy snowfall, fog, and even rain at lower elevations. Temperatures at Whistler Blackcomb can vary significantly, with the base area generally experiencing milder conditions and the alpine regions being considerably colder. In the winter months, temperatures can range from 5°C to 10°C and can drop as low as -25°C or lower at higher elevations. Wind speeds can also be unpredictable, with gusts reaching up to 120 kilometers per hour or more during intense storm systems, resulting in reduced visibility and wind-chill effects.
The weather experienced at Whistler Blackcomb during the winter season is influenced by several factors. The resort’s location in the Pacific Northwest exposes the area to moist, maritime air masses originating from the Pacific Ocean. These air masses often bring significant precipitation, which falls as snow in the colder months, contributing to the resort’s abundant snowfall. The topography of the Coast Mountains also plays a crucial role in shaping the local weather patterns. As moist air is forced to rise over the mountainous terrain, it cools and condenses, resulting in the formation of clouds and precipitation as rain or in winter as snow.
Temperature inversions are another notable weather phenomenon at Whistler Blackcomb, caused by cold air getting trapped in the valley while warmer air remains at higher elevations. This can lead to cooler temperatures in the base areas, with more pleasant conditions in the alpine regions. Lastly, the resort’s latitude and proximity to Arctic air masses can result in colder temperatures and more extreme weather systems during the winter months. These factors combine to create the dynamic and ever-changing weather conditions experienced at Whistler Blackcomb, making it essential for skiers and snowboarders to be prepared for a wide range of conditions.
For a list of the best weather sources for Whistler Blackcomb check out the Weather section of this website.
Avalanche Control
Avalanche control is an essential safety measure undertaken by the Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol to protect both guests and employees. This activity is focused on reducing the risk of avalanches by intentionally triggering smaller, controlled slides to remove unstable layers of snow. The ski patrol team works diligently to assess and monitor snowpack stability, utilizing a variety of tools such as explosives, ski cutting, and cornice drops. They also analyze weather data, snowpack history, and recent avalanche activity to make informed decisions about potential hazards. Regular avalanche control efforts allow ski resorts to maintain safe terrain and reduce the risk of large, destructive avalanches, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone on the mountain.
Unexploded avalanche control bombs pose a rare but serious hazard to skiers and snowboarders venturing off-piste (away from controlled terrain). These devices may have failed to detonate during avalanche control operations and can remain hidden under the snow. To avoid encountering unexploded ordnance, it is crucial to adhere to resort boundaries, obey all posted signage, and respect any closures or warnings.
If you happen to come across an object resembling an unexploded rocket or bomb while skiing or snowboarding, it is critical to maintain a safe distance and avoid touching or disturbing it. Immediately report the location and description of the suspicious item to the Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol (604-935-5555) to ensure proper handling and disposal by trained professionals.
Avalanche control: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avalanche_control
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