Sampling the goods as Blackcomb launches a new 6-person chair.
Words :: Feet Banks // Photos :: Courtesy Joern Rohde
“What is this—the 1990s? So deep!!!”
That was the general sentiment on Whistler Blackcomb Staff Ski Day, which saw mountain employees shredding parts of Blackcomb Mountain in what almost everyone agrees are the best season opener conditions in recent memory. It was deeeeeeeppp.
Mountain Life was on site for the official opening of the new 6-person Jersey Cream Express. The fourth lift upgrade on WB since 2022, this new six-pack will reduce wait times in the longtime favourite Jersey Cream/Glacier Creek zone (who remembers when it was called “Chair 6”?).
After an opening ceremony and cedar rope dropping with key mountain staff, the mayor of Whistler and ambassadors from Squamish and Lil’Wat Nation, we hopped on and got into the goods. The new Jersey Cream features comfy bench seats and a smoother, more kid-friendly action on the safety bar (and don’t worry, it’s a regular safety bar, not like the Emerald 6 pack). The terrain is as kick-ass as ever and already looking quite filled in. Winter is here and people are stoked.
Other new developments on WB this year include the ability for riders and skiers to store their ski pass on their phone with the My Epic app. The tech, tested last season in Vail’s US resorts, means you can use your app-enabled smartphone as your main pass (make sure your battery stays charged) or as a backup if you leave your printed pass in your other jacket.
Alongside the regular summer “grooming” (removing rocks, sticks, and hazards from runs) WB teams also cut a new “easiest route” over by Catskinner to give ski school and beginner riders a mellower, less busy access route to the chair, as well as a new run connecting the top of Excelerator to the bottom of Catskinner without having to hike up around that tree island. This makes it easier to meet up with your friends (or make a dash for the alpine after 7th Heaven opens).
Director of Mountain Ops Adam Francis says even though it’s a nice deep opening, it’s important for everyone to be cautious, especially off the established runs, as there are still rocks, stumps and logs under there. “Everyone’s stoked for opening day but you don’t want to get injured and lose your whole season. Be very aware of where you’re going and the snow conditions. Use caution, obey signage and rope lines, and have fun all season long.”
Senior Manager of Patrol, Adam Mercer adds, “Anytime you are on the mountain, physical and mental preparedness is important, but especially early season. Make sure you’re physically and mentally fit, and don’t be afraid to stretch!”
With snowmaking teams operating as high on the mountain as the freezing line allows, and more natural precipitation in the forecast, Whistler shredders are optimistic about the days ahead. But Mercer says it’s important to keep your wits about you and be prepared.
“Be in the moment when you’re riding this terrain,” he says. “Also, check your equipment before you come up. Do your boots fit right, are your bindings in working order? All that stuff matters. Check the conditions report, try to understand and visualize what the conditions are going to be under your skis or board. Stop and read signs, read the waiver, know the skier’s and boarder’s responsibility code.
Ask yourself a lot of questions and know what you are getting yourself into. And if you don’t have answers, ask a mountain staff member or patrol. We encourage people to come see us at the patrol shacks. If you have questions you or your group can’t answer, we are here to help. There’s a page on the My Epic App that you can click a button and it will call dispatch. Don’t make assumptions, these are big mountains and we’re here to help.”
Huge thanks to both the Adams for spending their time with us on WB staff ski day. Here’s to an incredibly awesome and safe season for all!!
Blackcomb Mountain opens to the public today (November 21, 2024) with Whistler Mountain opening tomorrow (Nov. 22).
Get more information or the My Epic app at whistlerblackcomb.com
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