While we have been having cold weather in the east, it looks like Whistler is missing something vital for our Christmas ski trip.....snow! It appears that not much of the mountain is open. DH is an expert skieer and is not keen on travelling across the continent for bad conditions. Our hotel is prepaid in full and is non-refundable, so we stand to lose a lot of money. Has anybody out there been skiing at Whsitler /blackcomb lately? What is the word out there on the December ski season?

It's finally started to snow at the higher levels although the village is still snow free and will probably stay that way for the next week anyways. This week is supposed to be quite rainy with temperatures in the single digits in the village which means snow higher up unless there's a temperature inversion. So there's still lots of hope.

Don't worry, be happy.... It is snowing now, and we should get 80 to 100 cm's this week. The village is still getting rain, but it WILL be a white Christmas, and the skiing will be great. If you're still worried, settle into the couch with a hot brandy , and watch White Christmas... Cheers, Al

You can also go to www.whistler-blackcomb.com for snow cams, weather reports, and current pictures of the conditions. Cheers, Al

Thanks Gary and Al for your info. Al, I checked the website that you gave me and have also been checking the weatherchannel website at http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/local/CAXX0538?whatprefs=&amp;lswe=whistler&amp;lswa=Wea therLocalUndeclared.<BR><BR>This one forecasts rain and temps in the 40's for the foreseeable future. <BR><BR>Let's hope you are right about that big snowfall this weekend.<BR><BR>Can you do a snowdance or something?<BR><BR>And as for your advice about settling into the couch with a brandy, that is exactly what I am planning to do (inbetween shopping)regardless of the ski conditions. I am the nonskier in the family and intend to do my bit boosting Whistler's economy, but the skiers in the family won't be happy.

It is presently snowing in the Village and stowing like stink up the hill...just saw it on the local news. Its supposed to warm up a bit, but the hills will continue to get snow and lots of it! enjoy!

Good job, people. Continue with those snow dances!

Took my dog for a walk on the golf course last night and it was snowing hard. It is so much more beautiful when it is covered in snow here in the village. While you are here, Waverly, get off the couch , take a cross country ski lesson , and do the lost lake loop after dark. They have it all lit up, it's a gentle ski(walk) and you can stop at the warm up hut for hot chocolate( bring a flask of peppermint schnapps)or for $45 go out to Nick North and go for a horse drawn sleigh ride( I will wave at you when you go by my house) also , make sure you get to the Mallard Bar at the Chateau. It's a great place for people watching apres ski, and they have some good musical entertainment too. Cheers, Al

You were right, guys, looks like there is a lot of snow.Al I 'll look for your house.

I'll be up there next week too and have been worried about the snow, so I've been loving the snow reports this week. Should I still be concerned that most of the snow is limited to the very upper elevations? The Whistler web site says terrain is still limited. Hope more opens up by next week so my kids enjoy the slopes. I'm not as good an alpine skier as they are, so I was hoping to do some cross-country. I've had the impression there isn't any snow in the village. Whistler Al, will it be worth taking my cross-country skis with? That lost lake loop you mentioned sounds great. Any other suggestions for activities next week will be greatly welcomed.

Barbara, I have been checking some of the websites for Whistler including this one, http://www.mywhistler.com/.<BR><BR>There is a cooking school and a Paint Your own pottery place amongst other activities. Are you going this week or Christmas week? The cooking school is closed for 3 days over Christmas. Does anyone know if most stores will be closed over Christmas and Boxing day?

Thanks Waverley, I wondered about the cooking school, but haven't been successful in contacting them. I did just speak with someone about cross-country skiing, and while there's still not enough snow in the village, there is the possibility of a guided cross-country tour on groomed trails up on the mountain. If you're interested, their web site is crosscountryconnection.bc.ca<BR>I expect more alpine runs will be opening, so at least my kids will be happy. Thanks again.

Hi Folks, I hate to say it, but it still raining hard in the village today. It snowed last night , but it supposed to be warm and rainy through till Wed at least. It is snowing on the mountain though, and should be getting better each day. I can hear the avalanche guns going off now, so they are getting a good dump up top. Last year at this time, we got 7 feet of snow in the village in one week, and the same could happen agin, if the temp would just drop a couple degrees, so yes, bring your skiis , or you can rent them here.The cooking school is very good, there are horse drawn sleigh rides on blackcomb, at night, $45 per person , that are nice; you can pay a $6 drop in fee at the rec center that has a great pool, skating rink, gym, squash courts, etc; The childrens choir is performing a couple of times in the village; and The Dublhin Gate Pub has a very good celtic/ irish band playing every afternoon, and evening. Make your dinner Reservations NOW as the village will be very busy next week, even if the weather isn't co operating. Cheers, Al

Al, Do you know anything about the Whsitler Explorer http://www.frommers.com/destinations/whistler/1268010029.html.<BR>Looks like fun.

Hi all. The snow doesn't fool around when it starts falling there!! Can't wait to arrive. While I'm relieved there will be plenty of snow (I know it's still iffy for cross-country at lower elevations), I'm also trying to plan some of the indoor activities. Does anyone have a recommendation of a spa. I thought an afternoon for my daughter and I would be nice. There sure are many to choose from. Thanks for any suggestions.<BR>Barbara

Hi Waverly,<BR> sorry to say that all passenger rail service has been cancelled here. There is talk of a private company trying to restore it , but for now, it's gone. But, the good news is, it's snowing in the village. The mountain is getting lots of snow, and the valley is starting to look alot like Christmas. Enjoy your stay. This really is a very speacial part of the world.Cheers, Al

What's it like now?<BR>