Image: Tourism Whistler/Mike Crane
Skiers and snowboarder rejoice, the moment you’ve been waiting for since closing day is finally here. The 2018/2019 winter season at Whistler Blackcomb starts November 22nd. With opening day coming up fast, there’s a lot to do in order to make the most of it. By planning ahead, an easy and memorable day of fun-filled mountain activities is within your grasp. So get out your gear, buy your lift pass, and book your accommodation, here’s how you should be preparing for opening day!
Prepare Your Gear
Get all your winter gear out of storage, it’s going to be in the constant weekend rotation from now forward. Once it’s in front of you, its time to do some maintenance. This can mean tightening bolts and waxing your board or skis in preparation for the early season conditions.
Get Your Lift Ticket
Everyone is excited about opening day. Consequently, there’s going to be a rush of people trying to get lift tickets on the day of. Avoid the lift lines by purchasing your lift ticket or season pass prior. At the Listel Hotel, we can even help you load your pre-purchased pass on to a card. That way, you can leave the lobby and go right to the hill.
Photo: Tourism Whistler/Mike Crane
Book Your Accommodation
Opening day is an experience unto itself. You’ll want to be here for when the lift cracks and your fellow snow lovers whoop and holler in response. You’ll also want to celebrate at the end of an incredible day during après. So book your accommodation for the weekend and breathe in every moment like it’s the first of the season. Booking early also provides you with the opportunity to package your stay with other activities such as a visit to the Scandinave Spa or the Ketel One Vodka Ice Room.
Plan Your Day
Whistler Mountain or Blackcomb Mountain? Favourite runs? Lifts you just have to ride? Before you ski or snowboard, plan your day for a seamless and fun-filled first one of the season. Even down to when you’ll break for lunch and where to meet if everyone gets separated. It can also help to have the group you’re going up the with organized prior to the morning of. This can eliminate a lot of unnecessary stress.
Get Excited
Once all of the practical things are taken care of, you can sit back and dream about the snow that you’ve been missing since the end of last season, the feeling of your skis in powder, and the joy of the wind hitting your face as you cruise down your favourite run.
Opening day is almost here!