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Whistler 2013: Some questions
 Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead

We are thinking of going to Whistler from March 16th to March 26th in 2013.
1. it is 'Spring Vacation Period' from 18th-22nd March. Does this mean Whistler will be as busy as, say, a typical French ski resort during UK half-term?
2. has anyone stayed at the Tantalus or Carleton Lodge? I have been to Whistler in the Summer, and stayed at the Sundial (lovely place, great location) and the Delta Whistler (very well appointed and decent location), but wonder what thoughts are regarding these other places?

thanks!
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 Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person

Not sure what a typical French resort looks like during half term, but Whistler is busy during US Spring break. If it is a pow day, look forward to 30 minute lift lines at a minimum. Otherwise, the standard 15 minute liftline is the norm. Can't help you with those lodgings, I usually stay at the Westin, or at Aspens on Blackcomb. Check VRBO.com for condo rentals. Since it's prime time that week, wouldn't expect any deals.
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 Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

ginjaninja,

I'll be there at that time also: in fact this is the time of year I usually go to Whistler. Like Toadman says, powder day+weekend = long lift lines. However you can expect queues to be relatively short Mon-Fri, (and likely Sunday afternoon also): certainly I wouldn't identify 15 minutes as being "the norm" even during Spring Break. For most lifts midweek, you'll not have a long wait.

I've certainly never experienced anything like a Euro lift line (think rugby scrum with Gauloises): Canadian lift lines are very well organised.

I've not stayed at either of these places - we usually rent a condo through Alluradirect.com. However, you can expect the general standard of accommodation to be high.
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 You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.

Toadman wrote:
Not sure what a typical French resort looks like during half term, but Whistler is busy during US Spring break. If it is a pow day, look forward to 30 minute lift lines at a minimum. Otherwise, the standard 15 minute liftline is the norm.


Cant help with the hotel choices either as we always stay at the Delta which as you know is near enough the lifts to walk. Leave skis and carry boots up to Summit rental to change. Why not just stay at the Delta if you know it? More space for the $
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 Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

Even when busy, if you get first-ish chair/gondola you can get many fine runs in before 9-9.30 crowds arrive. Then ski midmountain lifts, take an early lunch, and come out at noon to empty lifts everywhere. Used this tactic for years at Whistler and it's rarely failed.
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 You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.

There are tricks to skiing WB but you really have to work them out for yourself. Hint - Emerald Chair is NEVER a good place to be if there was a definition of an unimaginative punter lift that would be it.
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 Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

We went to Whistler with our school ski trip last year. It was absolutely awesome - test out the mens downhill which is easily accessible (but was really 'mogully' when we were there). We wefe there in the last week of March and we found it not overly crowded (wait time @5 mins at lifts, sometimes a little longer). It truly felt vast so wasn't overcrowded.

I'm very jealous - we had such a good time. The pupils said it felt like 'Narnia'....!!
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 After all it is free Go on u know u want to!
After all it is free Go on u know u want to!

fatbob wrote:
There are tricks to skiing WB but you really have to work them out for yourself. Hint - Emerald Chair is NEVER a good place to be if there was a definition of an unimaginative punter lift that would be it.


and Garbanzo chair is nearly always a good spot when busy, serving a fine variety of terrain Wink


Last edited by After all it is free Go on u know u want to! on Wed 31-10-12 18:48; edited 1 time in total
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 You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.

gortonator wrote:
fatbob wrote:
There are tricks to skiing WB but you really have to work them out for yourself. Hint - Emerald Chair is NEVER a good place to be if there was a definition of an unimaginative punter lift that would be it.


and Garibaldi chair is nearly always a good spot when busy, serving a fine variety of terrain Wink

Laughing Laughing Laughing Generally a great view too.

Emerald Chair is a joke but after many years of Venture Capitalists ignoring investment on the hill, as they had spent so much on borrowing money to buy the hill in the first place, it has been taken over by a much more sensible owner who has a plan. The first bit of money they get to spend is to upgrade Emerald to a 6 or 8 chair and then use the old lift over the back of the peak to open up another 2000 acres of gnarly stuff.

There is the little used Garbanzo lift that does access most of what you get from Emerald, or just go down to the Gondola mid station and after the first rush up on to the hill this is a straight walk on with no wait. Some people just like queueing Confused

At least they do manage the lift queues well and each chair goes full. Not like a French shoving and the half empty chairs as people don't want to share with others they do not know.
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 Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads

gortonator wrote:
fatbob wrote:
There are tricks to skiing WB but you really have to work them out for yourself. Hint - Emerald Chair is NEVER a good place to be if there was a definition of an unimaginative punter lift that would be it.


and Garibaldi chair is nearly always a good spot when busy, serving a fine variety of terrain Wink


Shhhh.... Please delete this reply! wink
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 snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.

Jake43 wrote:
gortonator wrote:
fatbob wrote:
There are tricks to skiing WB but you really have to work them out for yourself. Hint - Emerald Chair is NEVER a good place to be if there was a definition of an unimaginative punter lift that would be it.


and Garibaldi chair is nearly always a good spot when busy, serving a fine variety of terrain Wink

Laughing Laughing Laughing Generally a great view too.

Emerald Chair is a joke but after many years of Venture Capitalists ignoring investment on the hill, as they had spent so much on borrowing money to buy the hill in the first place, it has been taken over by a much more sensible owner who has a plan. The first bit of money they get to spend is to upgrade Emerald to a 6 or 8 chair and then use the old lift over the back of the peak to open up another 2000 acres of gnarly stuff.

There is the little used Garbanzo lift that does access most of what you get from Emerald, or just go down to the Gondola mid station and after the first rush up on to the hill this is a straight walk on with no wait. Some people just like queueing Confused

At least they do manage the lift queues well and each chair goes full. Not like a French shoving and the half empty chairs as people don't want to share with others they do not know.


...and this one!
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 And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.

gortonator wrote:
fatbob wrote:
There are tricks to skiing WB but you really have to work them out for yourself. Hint - Emerald Chair is NEVER a good place to be if there was a definition of an unimaginative punter lift that would be it.


and Garbanzo chair is nearly always a good spot when busy, serving a fine variety of terrain Wink


Now that is naughty editing it - I thought you were being subtle as the Garibaldi Lift Co is a very good bar !
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 So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much

As usual, some great advice from the Snowheads. Thanks for all the responses - really useful info.
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