[ancient_510]

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8GMDrv9R1pc/hqdefault.jpg
Pack a snorkel!
This winter looks steep and deep.

Whistler Season Pass Pricing 2017/18 is live. Think ahead and save. (https://www.revscene.net/forums/710606-ski-snowboard-16-17-thread-4.html#post8828070)

All the 2016/17 pre-season deals are gone now. I'll leave the spreadsheet up but it's kinda useless at this time.
My big spreadsheet (https://goo.gl/PUkc6W) This answers a lot of the "what is the best value" questions.

I'm not going to link to all the normal things you can just Google or find on the resort's own pages so...

Links to weather related things that you may not know about:
Cypress webcam (skier's plaza) (with real, live footage) (https://goo.gl/xFRoYC)
Cypress webcam (snow accumulation in the past 24h cleared @ 10pm nightly) (with real, live footage) (https://goo.gl/SvJg3O)
Honest and accurate forecast based on RWDI's secret sauce model at popular resorts (https://goo.gl/0wGizf)
North Shore Rescue's forecast for local hills @ 915m elevation (https://goo.gl/GXPQde)
NOAA snow probability vs accumulation (really cool) (https://goo.gl/OUM92v)
Enviroment Canada ensemble (good for looking at long term temperature trends @ YVR) (https://goo.gl/xMxC3D)

Whistler specific cool things:
Whistler status (I think it's better than WB's own app) (https://goo.gl/nW3jMT)
isthepeakopen.com (https://goo.gl/pccQ7O)
Whizzy now counts your vert based on RFID pass scans! (https://goo.gl/3pzQmk)
High resolution, geotagged, PDF maps for in-bounds skiing at Whistler and Blackcomb. (https://goo.gl/4l3FQB) Money well spent if you want to start shredding the awesome chutes and couloirs on Blackcomb, but don't have a local expert to show you around.

If anyone wants to get into ski touring or splitboarding, PM me. I'd love to go show someone new around a simple area. Take your AST1 first (https://goo.gl/0mEcKd).

[will068]

Repped for the spreadsheet.

[westopher]

Me and my wife bought a place on the north shore. This is our first few months on this side of the bridge, and its been fucking WET. I've got some high hopes. Just hoping I can find a way to prevent work from ruining my life for yet another season. 10 days or less just isn't gonna fucking cut it.

[ancient_510]

This rain is throwing a wrench into what basically was the perfect early-season.

All the pow above 1600m yesterday will be gone by the end of the day today.

http://i.imgur.com/77gMYFQ.jpg?1

[BillyBishop]

Cypress tickets page is updated to show the Niteowl rate. I would've been pretty irked if that went away. Considering the Silver Pass this year seeing as how I managed to go to about 15 times last year, mix of afternoons and nights.

Few of my buddies and I are planning to hit up Sun Peaks or Big White in December for a couple night, excited for that!

[unit]

anyone here do any ski touring?

[ancient_510]

anyone here do any ski touring?

Yes. Lots.

[mb_]

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/15110879_10150822957644977_2856421112443215789_o.j pg

HOPE THIS SEASON IS A GOOD ONE!!!

[heisenberg]

anyone know where i can pick up some new/used gear other than the big names on 4th ave? i have a couple of friends looking to upgrade their gear.

side note, anyone ever find anything good at corner sports in poco?

[underscore]

Fingers crossed this will be a good season, I've got my Big White pass already and plans to do a weekend at Fernie, possibly one at Red and one at Revy.

[prudz]

Hnnnnng can't wait for Whistler. Last year had so many amazing days.

[ancient_510]

Hnnnnng can't wait for Whistler. Last year had so many amazing days.

Opening day is tomorrow!

I'm driving up right now to wait in line for first lift :D

[westopher]

You will probably be lining up at zogs if you leave now haha.

[TOS'd]

Looking forward to this season. Probably head up to whistler on the weekend for a day, and then several times over the season.

Hoping Cypress/local mountains gets some soon so I can put that pass to use.

[6793026]

i never ever ever go to whistler on weekends, i take a sick day and do it on weekdays, so much more fun with zero line ups.

[TOS'd]

I'd usually agree, but taking a sick day isnt on option this for me at this moment.

[ancient_510]

You will probably be lining up at zogs if you leave now haha.

I kid I kid.

I arrived at about 6:45, uploading started at 8:15 and I got in the Gandhi at 8:30 on the money.

So much pow. Pow everywhere.
Blackcomb will be just as crazy tomorrow.

[westopher]

Looked like it was sick! Hoping to go on Sunday or Monday.

[320icar]

Does anybody have experience with the WB edge card 'direct to lift' charging? I just linked my credit card to my edge card, want to make sure 100% that it actually works. Should be going up Sunday for first season run on Monday

[westopher]

I've used it for the last 6 years, no problems.

[320icar]

Ok. My friends loaded their edge cards up, but I'm not willing to drop so much moolah up front. So I have no problem doing one day passes. Worst nightmare though is waiting all that line with my friends to just have the edge card not read or something and have to go stand in the huuuuge lift ticket line, then back into the lift line

[westopher]

If theres one thing WB will never fuck up, its making it easier to take your money haha.

[neverLift]

New to the Vancouver area, how do the Grouse/Cypress etc compare among each other for a quick evening? Cost, terrain, snow etc. When do they start getting enough snow to be decent/worthwhile?

I realize it won't compare to Whistler/Revelstoke/big mountains, but they're nice and close.

cheers

[westopher]

Depending on where you are coming from, grouse is likely the easiest. A bus takes you right to the gondola.

[neverLift]

Coming from New West, I'd likely drive. But good to know, thanks!

[prudz]

Just cashed out expiring air miles. Got 10 tickets being mailed my way for whistler lift tickets. Awyah!

[6793026]

OH, here's also what I do. I go to Cypress at 8 AM, go board for 5 hours, i then DRIVE back down to dt, eat ramen, take a nap at my friend's place who lives at DT. I then wake up, eat dinner, and drive up to board from 6-9 PM again. that's how i maximize my pass.

[dboy]

Cypress opens today. 10am-3pm
9am-4pm on the weekend.

Downhill Conditions ? Cypress Mountain Resort (http://www.cypressmountain.com/downhill-conditions/)

[westopher]

So whistler was seriously insane. We hiked into 7th and had some chest deep turns. In the steeper parts of patroller trees were probably some of the best inbounds turns I have had in 20 years of riding. Lots of hiking and getting stuck in various spots to make it happen, but well worth it.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5646/31308600545_2cca196737_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PGCLaF)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/PGCLaF) by Chris West (https://www.flickr.com/photos/westophervan/), on Flickr
My buddy probably the happiest a person can get.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5765/31193572961_62700da736_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Pwtdtt)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/Pwtdtt) by Chris West (https://www.flickr.com/photos/westophervan/), on Flickr

[ancient_510]

hiked into 7th

I think I may have seen you on the cat track. :bigthumb:

I got to ride Sudan's twice. First lap was legendary, second lap had sluff and shooting cracks and overall just a scary experience.

[hud 91gt]

I spent the day in the trees today. Me = unexperienced in waist deep powder. Could barely make it down the hill by 2pm. So effin tired, but we were still able to make 4+ runs through the trees without crossing a single track. Pretty amazing for snow that's a few days old. The groomers in-between were a godsend for my legs. ha

My buddy (He's extremely good), decided to go through a section and I should follow him. Well, from previous years I remember this being pretty sketchy. I went around. 20 minutes later we meet up again at the lift, and he was as white as the snow. He ran into a unrideable section. Decided to cross a small stream next to a 25' waterfall(into some nice sharp rock). There was a small arch of snow over the river he figured he could cross. (He's quite experienced in the backcountry with his Snowmobile/board expeditions). Anyhow, the snow broke away, and he ended up being completely balanced on a tiny tree literally on the edge of the waterfall. Managed to carefully get out of his bindings and get to the other side. I've never seen him that colour before, and i've seen him do some wild shit. Jesus. Be careful out there boys.

[westopher]

I think I may have seen you on the cat track. :bigthumb:

I got to ride Sudan's twice. First lap was legendary, second lap had sluff and shooting cracks and overall just a scary experience.It seems like we should do some laps this year at some point. Yeah we got in some dicey spots. The tree wells were ridiculous, and I took a pretty stupid entry point which tired me out breaking trail for a bit, but the turns in the good spots? My god....... If they were all I did all day it would have been worth the trip alone.

[TOS'd]

Sunday on Whistler was awesome, short lines and no lines for the whole day too!

[blkgsr]

uh can't wait for the 10th. hopefully the snow keeps coming

[ancient_510]

Should we (I) start a Revscene WB+ group?

[320icar]

so last weekend some friends and i went up to whistler for sunday overnight, and ski on the monday. 4 of us are fairly noobish, and 1 is a seasoned vet. now i've only ever been to whistler on weekends in peak season, so i was all worried and anxious about line ups, rentals (for my buddies) and all that jazz...

we left the lodge a bit late, but there was not a single soul in front of us in the guest services OR the rental place. so fucking amazing. i dont think i could ever go there again on a weekend.

pictures courtesy of Dylan K's cell phone :p

https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5612/30635905623_5a1e4393f1_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NFc2pn)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/NFc2pn) by 320iCar (https://www.flickr.com/photos/30576355@N04/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5494/30622044544_4a781b28a7_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NDXYZf)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/NDXYZf) by 320iCar (https://www.flickr.com/photos/30576355@N04/), on Flickr

https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5720/31073664830_ff96602b38_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PkSDXU)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/PkSDXU) by 320iCar (https://www.flickr.com/photos/30576355@N04/), on Flickr

https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5530/31407205586_57a9feb81b_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PRm91A)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/PRm91A) by 320iCar (https://www.flickr.com/photos/30576355@N04/), on Flickr

[ancient_510]

First dawn patrol of the year.

http://i.imgur.com/E4u18CO.jpg

[- kT]

anybody know what the roads to cypress are like as of late? icy, hard packed, slushy? hoping to go up sunday (supposed to snow saturday night i know), in a fwd with no abs/tcs, but snowies

[mb_]

anybody know what the roads to cypress are like as of late? icy, hard packed, slushy? hoping to go up sunday (supposed to snow saturday night i know), in a fwd with no abs/tcs, but snowies

When I drove up on Sunday morning when it snowed, the roads just after the lookout were snowy, unplowed

[320icar]

From cypress last tuesday. i believe im going again next tuesday. was my first time there, but had a mediocre experience. since i own all my gear, it was a breeze. but the service and staff in the rental area for my fiancee was a disgrace. unhelpful, rude and disinterested staff.

https://c6.staticflickr.com/1/732/31651676605_303ffdfbdf_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QdX7Ja)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/QdX7Ja) by 320iCar (https://www.flickr.com/photos/30576355@N04/), on Flickr

https://c6.staticflickr.com/1/33/31651665085_2152eea59f_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QdX4ix)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/QdX4ix) by 320iCar (https://www.flickr.com/photos/30576355@N04/), on Flickr

https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/780/31505515502_407a076536_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Q13189)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/Q13189) by 320iCar (https://www.flickr.com/photos/30576355@N04/), on Flickr

https://c6.staticflickr.com/1/283/31651651085_4b0ea89e84_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QdWZ9a)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/QdWZ9a) by 320iCar (https://www.flickr.com/photos/30576355@N04/), on Flickr

[mb_]

Congrats!

I actually had an opposite experience with the rental staff when I went for the first time at Cypress but doesn't matter to me now since I own my gear as well

[underscore]

Did you propose on the snow? Bold strategy.

[hud 91gt]

Especially if you drop it! Yikes!

[LP700-4]

How busy does it get nowadays? First time snowboarder looking to go up on tues. Ppl being out of school probably makes it a bit more crowded im guessing?

Hoping weekday = less crowd

[Teriyaki]

Quick question. Wheres a good economical place to get a board waxed. Last time did it on mountain at Cypress, didn't seem to last very long.

[ancient_510]

Quick question. Wheres a good economical place to get a board waxed. Last time did it on mountain at Cypress, didn't seem to last very long.

I wax, tune, and repair all my gear at home. You would be shocked at how fast you can go by simply using high quality temperature graded wax instead of the universal wax that many shops use for basic waxing. I get a kick out passing skiers on cat tracks at Whistler because of superior wax.

If you have the space, think about waxing your own gear. A homemade jig, a waxing iron, and a brush will last basically forever. A block of Swix CH10 (good North Shore wax) and a $3 scraper will last for a couple seasons.

How long is "not very long" to you?

How busy does it get nowadays? First time snowboarder looking to go up on tues. Ppl being out of school probably makes it a bit more crowded im guessing?

Hoping weekday = less crowd

Cypress is a bit weird. There can be cars backed up on the highway for an hour but there will be super short waits for lifts. Even on the weekend. I don't know where the people are. Are they all in the restaurant and rental shop? Are they all driving up alone?

But yes. Weekdays are definitely less busy. But if you own your own gear and head up at 8:30 am, there is no bad day to go.

[JSALES]

How are the roads going up to cypress right now? Are they plowed?

[AzNightmare]

^I would like to know too as I plan to head up to Cypress this weekend.

Not sure whether to drive my lowered car with snow tires or my other car with only all seasons tires.

:pokerface:

[ancient_510]

Roads are fine. Super busy, but fine.

[AzNightmare]

Roads will still be ok after today's dump??

[Port Man]

How are predictions for mountains tomorrow and Monday?

Good bcuz hungover party goers or still busy with everyone on vacation

Thinking Cypress Monday should be decent as its the farthest one to drive to

[saveth]

Cypress just lost power

[saveth]

Powers back

[AzNightmare]

I was at Cypress. The roads were completely plowed.

The sun was out and the snow was great for most of the day. But suddenly around 4ish, it got very windy, especially near the top. Every time I went on a lift, my snowboard caught the wind and felt like it was just going to fly off my bindings.

http://i.imgur.com/kXuLWDL.jpg
You know it's windy when the ski racks get blown over.

I left around 5:45 or so, so I must have just missed the power outage.

[saveth]

I was at Cypress. The roads were completely plowed.

The sun was out and the snow was great for most of the day. But suddenly around 4ish, it got very windy, especially near the top. Every time I went on a lift, my snowboard caught the wind and felt like it was just going to fly off my bindings.

http://i.imgur.com/kXuLWDL.jpg
You know it's windy when the ski racks get blown over.

I left around 5:45 or so, so I must have just missed the power outage.

How was the snow? I may try again on Monday if all that powder hasn't turned I to ice yet.

[AzNightmare]

How was the snow? I may try again on Monday if all that powder hasn't turned I to ice yet.

It was still powder for the most part when I was on my last run. But the snow did have some icy patches forming.

[heisenberg]

anyone have any tips to riding switch? my current binding stance is +15/0. should i change it to like +15/-3? or +15/-6?

[TOS'd]

Definitely change up your stance to any of the ones you mentioned. Pretty much have to give them a try and see which feels best for you.

[6793026]

anyone been to baker yet?

[AzNightmare]

anyone have any tips to riding switch? my current binding stance is +15/0. should i change it to like +15/-3? or +15/-6?

lol, can be even more aggressive and do +15/-15 duck stance.

I'm not that experienced, but when I started learning, I wasn't sure whether I was goofy or regular, so I just used that stance. A few seasons later, I'm still using that set up cause I feel I don't need to fix what isn't broken and I learnt how to go down the mountain both ways.

I like to butter and spin (given if my skills allow) and I think using duck stance gives me a slight advantage in doing it easier.

[JSALES]

Will changing up your stance help me to learn how to carve better? I'm still a bit new to snowboarding lol

[westopher]

Not necessarily. Experimenting will help you find whats more comfortable for you, but its not like cranking your binding duck stanced is going to make you learn to ride switch, carve better, or do backflips all of a sudden.
I ride 21/-9
I also snowboard regular, and skateboard goofy. Made learning to ride switch real easy.

[LYC]

anyone been to baker yet?

Baker was all time last week. Spent most of last Wednesday in the Baker slackcountry. Soo deep! Double over head pow turns most of the day.

Also I ride -9/+12. I use to ride 15/15 but my old man knees didn't like it anymore. The secret to riding switch is just to do it as much as you can. I would ride switch on cat tracks all the time. I knew if I decked it, it would be a lot of skating back to the lift so it kind of pushed me to not suck at it lol.

[Nulified]

I know it's a bit late in the season, but does anyone know if there's a purchase group open with access to early bird pricing for season passes to Cypress Mountain? The Vancouver meetup one ended on 12/31.

[meme405]

I was -21/-6 before. Switched to -18/-15. WAAAAAAAAYY easier on my knees and made my switch feel more natural.

[ancient_510]

I've concluded that it's nearly impossible to beat vertbag... even when you consider only one day at a time.

http://i.imgur.com/SbFLsUt.png

[westopher]

Whistler was sick today. 15cms of fresh, and nobody bothering to ride any of it. Got untouched parts all day.
Drive up was fucking dicey though.

[JSALES]

https://www.facebook.com/tom.oye.9/videos/1364035546950637/

Crazy

[ancient_510]

https://www.facebook.com/tom.oye.9/videos/1364035546950637/
Crazy

Stop/slash on a convex wind loaded slope when AviCan specifically warned about wind loaded slopes? Lucky he had technology to back him up.

But less about that guy and more about me. Me me me. All about me.
Things are absolutely off the chain in Rogers Pass. Crushed two decent size tours back-to-back. 1600m and 2000m a day... and then drove home to Vancouver the same night. I'm dead at work today. Pic of Ursus Minor with my buddy belaying the guide into the couloir we were going to slash so he could do a quick snow profile.

http://i.imgur.com/Ru1vkPs.jpg

[gilly]

Any of you guys been to Hemlock Ski Resort before? How is the mountain? Fast lifts?

Thinking of going there on Feb 4. About same distance as Whistler but cheaper lift tickets than Whistler

[mikemhg]

Any of you guys been to Hemlock Ski Resort before? How is the mountain? Fast lifts?

Thinking of going there on Feb 4. About same distance as Whistler but cheaper lift tickets than Whistler

Yup we've been there quite a few times now. I recommend checking it out, the drive out there is pretty cool, especially if you rarely ever go out to that area.

The lifts are pretty slow, keep that in mind, I think there's only one fast chair on the mountain.

The far left and right sides are my favorite, especially the black run "Heaven".

I'd recommend only going out there if they get a good dump of snow, that's when the mountain is good times.

[AzNightmare]

Is the route to Whistler plowed, free of snow?

[a90a93]

Thanks my generous Bosses, we're all going cat skiing tomorrow. Any body been lately? It's going to be my first time!

[westopher]

I went last year on a huge pow day. One of the best experiences of my life.
I rode yesterday at whistler. My first peak to creek run of the day was unreal. Whistler gets tracked so fast though. I knew where to keep getting it but didn't feel comfortable taking my wife some of those spots. Nonetheless we had a sick day, and it was her first real pow day knowing what she was doing. Was awesome to see her riding so hard.
Have fun, and pay attention. Even though cat is way more controlled than just heading out in the backcountry, it's fucking serious out there. Listen to your guide and keep the headphones out. You need to hear things, and be aware.
Have a great time!

[a90a93]

Ya, I heard it was amazing on Whistler yesterday! Thanks for the warnings. I'm so excited, hope I can sleep tonight!

[ancient_510]

Looks like Whizzy (eww, Vail) dropped pricing info for 2017/18 season passes and epic passes (https://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/purchase/tickets-and-passes/season-passes/winter-17-18).

The Epic pass is cheaper outright but the Whistler pass has some extra frills and gimmicks that the Epic pass doesn't; most notably food discounts.

Without going too in-depth with the drilldown:
Whizzy - $1290.45 incl tax CAD
Epic - $1161.50 not taxed CAD (assume 0% forex card (https://www.chase.com/credit-cards/mobile/canada/amazon.touch.html), else $1190.54 for a market standard 2.5%)

So that's a $128 savings to not have the extra benifits. Assuming that you don't take lessons, heli-ski, use their special hotel perks, spend money at CanSki... you would have to spend $644 on food in the resort for those savings to be realized.

I don't think I'm going to drop a G on a season pass regardless of how it's branded. 5-Day Egde card and Cypress Silver will still be my go-to mix.

[ancient_510]

Winter 2016/17 forever.

http://i.imgur.com/mg5eHpK.jpg