Whistler - late January or early March

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Hi,
A group of us are thinking of visiting Whistler for an 11 night visit in 2006. The proposed date is either late January or early March.
Which is considered the better option taking in to consideration the snow conditions and day length etc. ???
In Europe we now prefer to go in January to avoid resort level slush etc. but I'd heard that Canada can be seriously cold in the early season.
All recommendations for date and accommodation welcomed.
Thanks,
jplocknorton
 
One of the best trips of my life was Whistler in March ('99).

Although I've also heard rainy horror stories in March.

Good luck!
 
I went to Whistler for 7 days mid January last year and the snow was amazing. It never got too cold but I live in NewEngland so I am used to it.
I think last December was one of their snowiest on record.

The snowfall to date this year doesn't seem to be comparable to last as they appear to be getting less, someone correct me if I am wrong please.
 
Whistler is behind schedule this season because November was warm and snow levels were high. But its historical record is so impressive that I wouldn't worry about late January. I would still choose early March because of length of day, alpine visibility and deeper snowpack on the more extreme terrain. The lower mountain may be sloppy then, but the alpine is what makes W/B and should have the highest priority, especially for advanced skiers.

Europe is actually a good analogy. There also the high alpine conditions should have priority. I would vote March even more for Europe because its snow record isn't nearly as good as Whistler's and there's significant risk of expert terrain not being adequately covered in January.
 
I agree with your point about visibility in the Alpine, on two occasions during one week in January, visibilty was reduced to a few feet and made the steep terrain a bit gnarly to navigate.
 
Of my four trips to Whistler, the only time I didn't get top-to-bottom rain is at the end of January. I got rain in early March, in mid-February and in early February.

Whistler will generally not be artic cold in January, although it can get to -20°C. Yes, it will be nicer, with better cover, in March, but also more crowded, and with a higher risk of rain.

When I return to Whistler, it will probably be at the end of January or in early April. I will avoid weeks where a major ski or snowboard competition is scheduled, and also avoid their big spring bash.

Yes, I like my peace and quiet.
 
I think you were unlucky with top-to-bottom rain, which is fairly rare and not that variable by month. December/January have lower rain risk in the village and up to 4,000 feet or so.

Data from Whistler Roundhouse, Green Valley at Crystal Mt. Washington and Mt. Bachelor (all about 6,000 ft.) show consistent monthly snowfall November through March.

My personal decision (I will be skiing Whistler March 21-24) is driven by the alpine. If the long 4,000 ft. runs to the base are more important to you, January is probably better.
 
as has been said, it all depends on what you are looking for. the alpine in march will be at its best. there is typically a lot of precip in march, and this will be in the form of snow at the top. the lower part of the mountain is mostly groomed only for ski out and beginners anyway.
i moved up here last january, and the week that i arrived it poured rain top to bottom. go figure.
the only clear advantage to january is the number of people. march is vacation time for most families in canada and it does fill up. january, by comparison, is very quiet. it is rare to have any lineup at all mid-week in january.
 
I was there in mid January a few years ago and it was very firm and we only received 5" of snow the entire time (yikes!). I'd pick early March as a better time to go than late January.
 
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