Photo: Tourism Whistler/ Mike Crane
The weather has heated up and the sunshine has firmly established its presence in Whistler. The increased sunlight hours lend way to longer days on the mountain, epic patios sessions, and the rejuvenation of the natural world around us. As the snow begins to melt, the animals wake up from their slumber and the sleeves begin to shorten let’s start getting excited about this season and all of the reasons why we love springtime in Whistler.
Winter and Summer Sports Come Together
Spring is the season where all the outdoor sports and activities that make Whistler famous can be enjoyed. Spring skiing and riding in the alpine is still top notch and as the snow melts at lower elevations the biking terrain becomes more accessible. If you love golf then the courses are prepping the fairways for opening day usually in April or May, and hikers can delight in thawing trails with warmer and longer days spent exploring. Spring is the season where Whistler’s playground is truly accessible to all of the outdoor activities we love.
Festival Atmosphere
Everyday has a festival like atmosphere in Whistler during springtime. As people shed their layers, spend longer hours outside and receive massive hits of vitamin D, a sense of euphoria takes over the town. Not only this but two major festivals take place in Whistler during spring. The World Ski and Snowboard Festival (WSSF) takes place between April 8th and 18th and is the world’s biggest celebration of mountain culture. Ten days of skiing and snowboarding comps, free live music concerts in Skiers Plaza, adrenaline fused art and film exhibits, and parties each night in pubs and clubs around Whistler- WSSF really is the biggest event on Whistler’s festival calendar.
Whistler’s Great Outdoors Festival (GOFest), takes places during May long weekend and is a celebration of everything there is to love about the town. There is no better place to host a festival honouring and celebrating outdoor activities, nature and culture then Whistler, and GOFest is truly a must-attend event for outdoor enthusiasts across BC.
Après Sessions
There is never a bad time to après; however, I’m sure most of us can agree the best time to après is in the springtime on a sun-drenched patio with a cool beverage in hand and surrounded by good mates. Springtime après sessions are longer, hotter and greater then winter sessions. I don’t know what it is about Caesars- but they just taste better with sunglasses on.
Everything Comes To Life
Now that it’s springtime the flowers are beginning to blossom, the grass is getting greener and the ice is melting off the lakes. We are starting to see our first signs of animal life as bears creep out of their winter hibernation and birds delight at the sight of sun. A stroll through the Valley Trail reveals wildflowers, ferns and mosses painting a mosaic on the valley landscape. As we head further into spring the deep purple Fireweed and crimson Indian Paintbrush dot the alpine terrain. Springtime is a delight to the senses and a rejuvenation of the spirit.
So how will you spend the next few months? Make sure to add the World Ski and Snowboard Festival and GOFest to your events calendar. How about some exploration in the trails of Whistler to discover the natural world come alive? Make room for après sessions and BBQs, and if you want to board in the morning and bike in the afternoon- you can do that too.
To get the most out of springtime in Whistler be sure to get your hands on a Whistler Adventure Passport. Save over $1000 on tours, attractions, dining, and retail in Whistler. Valid for two years the Whistler Passport is a must-have companion for those living in Whistler, or who are just visiting on a holiday. Get one now and truly start enjoying springtime.