Logo
    Show
    Hide
    Login
    Close

    SITE LOGIN

    • Forgot your password?

    Register

    Tailgate Industries
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
        • Skis
        • Boots
        • Bindings
        • Climbing Skins
        • Poles
        • Snowboards
      • Clothing
        • Hard Shells
        • Soft Shells
        • Insulation
        • Mid Layers
        • Base Layers
        • Gloves
        • Socks
      • Accessories
        • Safety Gear
        • Goggles and Helmets
        • Ski Touring Packs
        • Ski Boxes and Bags
        • Sleeping Bags - 4 Season
        • Technology
        • Sunglasses
        • Insoles & Braces
        • Books
      • Off-Season Gear
        • Hiking
          • Rain Shells
          • Day Packs
          • Apparel
          • Footwear
          • Safety
        • Camping
          • Backpacks
          • Sleeping Bags
          • Sleeping Pads
          • Tents
          • Coolers / Cooking
          • Furniture / Storage
          • Lighting / Power
        • Biking
        • Paddling
        • Climbing
        • Mountaineering
        • Running
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
        • Gear of the Year Winter 2024-2025
        • Gear of the Year Winter 2023-2024
        • Gear of the Year Archives
      • Best New Summer Gear
        • Best New Summer Gear 2023
        • Best New Summer Gear 2024
        • Best New Summer Gear 2022
        • Best New Summer Gear 2021
        • Best New Summer Gear 2020
      • Holiday Gift Guide
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2024
          • Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Base Layers
          • MSR Explore Revo Snowshoes
          • Fieldsheer Backcountry Heated Jacket
          • Fieldsheer Premium 2.0 Merino Heated Socks
          • MEC Hut Booties and Slippers
          • Arc’teryx Kopec GTX Shoe
          • Arc’teryx Kragg Insulated Approach Shoes
          • Gregory Verte 18 Backpack
          • Grundens Deck-Boss Ankle Boot
          • MEC Northern Light Vest
          • Montec-Scope-Ski-Goggles
          • Mountain Hardware Kor Airshell Hoody
          • Mountain Hardware Kor Alloy Crew
          • Arcade Atlas Belt
          • Dynafit Ridge Dynastretch Jacket
          • Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones
          • Buff Merino Move Multifunctional Neckwear
          • Bootdoc Foot Warmer
          • Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack
          • DPS LastBag
          • DPS PHANTOM Glide At-Home Kit
          • DPS Mission Quiver Roller
          • Dragon Amped sunglasses
          • Dragon DX3 Plus OTG photochromic goggle
          • Fuse Lenses Anclote Flashback
          • Garmin Fenix 8 Solar Sapphire Watch
          • Gregory Alpaca Gear Tote 30
          • Hotronic Boot Dryer
          • MEC Aluminum Pot Set
          • Gnara Go There Pants
          • Grundens Shackleton 2.0 Duffel
          • Jones Deeper 19L Backpack
          • Le Bent Core Midweight Crew base layer
          • Leatherman ARC
          • Montane Nordes Hooded Softshell Jacket and Pants
          • Helly Hansen Odin Everdown Hooded Jacket
          • Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0
          • Montec Fawk Ski Jacket
          • Pomoca Free Pro 2.0 Skins
          • Rab Glaceon Pro Down Jacket
          • Rab Khroma Converge GORE-TEX Ski Jacket & Pants
          • Smith Squad MAG Goggles
          • Stellar Guide Aerogel Hybrid Hood 2.0
          • Stellar Ultralight Down Hood 2.0
          • Arms of Andes Alpaca Half Zip & Wool Leggings
          • Cotopaxi Allpa 70L Duffel Bag
          • Giro Taggert Mips Helmet
          • Loonr Hi Flyer Boots
          • Paka Mountain Crew
          • Roll Recovery SUPERPLUSH Classic Shoes
          • Smartwool Smartloft Hooded Jacket and Pants
          • Ortovox Switchback 32 Ski Touring Backpack
          • Cotopaxi Allpa X 3L Hip Pack
          • Giro Sagen Ski Goggle
          • Icebreaker Ski+ Over the Calf Socks
          • MEC-Fireside-Fleece-Snap-Pullover
          • Montec Roast Mittens
          • Mountain-Hardware-Sunblocker-Hoody
          • MSR Titan Kettle 900 ml
          • Tailgate-Industries-The Gondom-Goggle-Cover
          • Wild Country Rope Tarp
          • Bootdoc Race Merino PFI 50 Socks
          • Remind Soles Destin Impact Insoles
          • Kari Traa Rose Baselayer Half Zip Top and Pants
          • Le Bent Midweight Quarter Zip
          • Ombraz Dolomite Sunglasses
          • Ortovox Fleece Rib Hoody
          • Ortovox Merino Thermovent Base Layer
          • Smartwool Intraknit Merino Tech Half Zip
          • Suunto Wing Bone Conduction headphones
          • Sweet Protection Adapter Mips Helmet
          • Sweet Protection Connor Rig Reflect Goggles
          • Zeal Optics Selkirk Glacier Glasses
          • Norrona more flex1 Pants
          • Norrona Octa Zip Hood
          • Norrona Lyngen Alpha100 Zip Hood
          • MEC Deluxe Pillow
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2023
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2022
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2021
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2020
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2019
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2018
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2017
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2016
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • NEWS
    • STORE
      • Backcountry Store Offline
      • Gear Deals
        • Alpine Touring Boots
        • Backcountry Skis
        • Alpine Touring Bindings
        • Backcountry Accessories
        • Off-Season Gear
        • Climbing Skins
    • ROUTES
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2022/23 Gear Reviews
      • 2021/22 Gear Reviews
      • 2020/21 Gear Reviews
      • 2019/20 Gear Reviews
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2020 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us
      • Newsletter
      • Contest
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
      • Clothing
      • Accessories
      • Off-Season Gear
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
      • Best New Summer Gear
      • Holiday Gift Guide
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • NEWS
    • STORE
      • Backcountry Store Offline
      • Gear Deals
    • ROUTES
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2022/23 Gear Reviews
      • 2021/22 Gear Reviews
      • 2020/21 Gear Reviews
      • 2019/20 Gear Reviews
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2020 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us
      • Newsletter
      • Contest
    Newsletter Signup

    TOP VIDEOS

      HOTTEST REVIEWS


      Hagan Boost 99 POW Skis Garmin inReach Plus Scarpa 4-Quattro Pro 130+ Top Ski Reviews Ortovox Ravine Jacket Scarpa Maestrale RS Boots

      Ortovox
      North Valley Huts
      Avalance Canada
      ROAM
      Fritschi Swiss Bindings
      Search
      • Home
      • »
      • Forum
      • »
      • Touring Locations
      • »
      • Coast Mountains
      • »
      • Whistler/Blackcomb
      • »
      • Whistler yanking passes from backcountry skiers

      BACKCOUNTRY NEWS AND FORUMS

      Welcome to your source for the latest news, conditions, and insights on backcountry skiing and adventuring. Explore reports, gear reviews, safety tips, and more to help you make the most of your time in the wild.

      If you sign up as a member this is your chance to tell everyone about everything and anything to do with backcountry skiing. Follow the simple steps to register and WHAMMY, you’re in. If you are pulling your hair out with frustration, have a look at the help forums for answers or take a pause and drop us an email at: info (at) backcountryskiingcanada.com. We’ll do our best to help out as soon as we can (but all bets are off on a powder day, obviously).  


      Whistler yanking passes from backcountry skiers

      • RSS
      • Subscribe
      • 2011-03-08 18:44:16

        Whistler yanking passes from backcountry skiers

        Ski patrol yanking passes

        32 passes cancelled for skiers and boarders not observing closures, sneaking around signs

        By Andrew Mitchell


        A delay opening a chairlift could be the result of almost anything - a huge amount of snow to clear, avalanche bombing, a dud explosive, high winds, low visibility, mechanical problems, signs and ropes covered with ice, and even housekeeping chores like grooming.


        This season though, Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol is also attributing delays to powder hounds - people hiking or traversing past the boundary line into areas where patrollers are still working, delaying the opening of those areas.


        "This week we had people boot packing up into the Crystal Zone, and when our team gets there and sees the tracks they have to stop what they're doing and follow the tracks," said Tony Sittlinger, senior avalanche forecaster for Blackcomb.


        "They have to do avalanche control (before a lift can open) and the lift won't open until they ensure that nobody is in (the path of avalanche bombing).


        "That can cause a half hour, 45 minute, hour delay. If people are walking uphill, we can't secure those areas. We can't work.


        "At this time of year, with the snowpack we have, we're operating everything when we can. When a lift is closed it's because we can't turn it, it's not because we're saving it."


        To date, Whistler Blackcomb has suspended ski passes for 32 people - about twice as many as they would suspend in an entire year as a result of people not observing temporary avalanche lines and ropes around permanently closed areas.


        Passes are not reinstated for an entire year after a suspension, and the ban also applies to the Whistler Mountain Bike Park over the summer. As well, passes can be pulled for other offences, like skiing too fast in a Slow Zone or skiing recklessly.


        Sittlinger said that patrol might have inadvertently conditioned guests to disregard ropes and signage.


        "In the early season we have boundaries that we can't open because of the lack of snowfall, but you can still enter those areas at your own risk," he said.


        "So people think that when we're not running a lift they can hike into areas above what we're operating."


        However, said Sittlinger, those temporary boundary signs really only apply early and late season. Avalanche closures are different and entering an area that is temporarily closed by ski patrol - or a permanently closed area - is grounds for taking a pass.


        "That's 32 passes, which is 32 years of seasons that we've taken away from people already this year," said Doug MacFarlane, operations manager for Whistler Blackcomb.


        He said the unusual number of cases this year prompted the resort to contact the media and urge skiers and snowboarders to be patient. As well, he said, the people losing passes are generally younger and less experienced, adding that he would like veteran mountain users to help out patrol by explaining the situation.


        MacFarlane said the problem started early on Whistler this year, with people skiing out towards Flute and the gate to Garibaldi Park before patrollers had completed avalanche control. As a result the Symphony Chair Road is now closed until avalanche work is completed to open the Harmony Express.


        Lately, the problem has moved to Blackcomb. People are traversing from Jersey Cream to the Glacier Chair and Crystal area before they're officially open, or using the Glacier Chair to access 7th Heaven, the Blackcomb Glacier, Spanky's Ladder and other zones that are still officially closed.


        MacFarlane said it's possible to access many of those areas without crossing a fence line or coming across a sign, but said you have to deliberately avoid them.


        "If you're sneaky you can get into terrain without going past the sign line by hitting ridges, hiking up chutes into terrain, but if you get caught in a permanent closure or behind an area with an avalanche closure we're going to pull your pass," he said. "We can't put rope and sign lines around the mountain, it's physically impossible. If you're not sure then you can always ask a friend or a patroller."


        As well as potentially holding up avalanche work, MacFarlane said the mountains are concerned that someone will be hurt or killed. As well, the patrollers themselves could be endangered if people above them start avalanches, or they have to ski into an area that hasn't been controlled to stop or rescue someone who shouldn't be there.


        Accidents do happen. On Dec. 31, 2008 and Jan. 1 2009, there were avalanches within ski area boundaries on Whistler and Blackcomb that resulted in two deaths. Both victims were skiing in areas that were closed by ski patrol because of the avalanche risk.


        Sittlinger emphasized that there are usually good reasons why an area remains closed, even if it's not obvious to skiers and boarders.


        "Wednesday (Feb. 16) was a good example," he said. "We had 42 cm on Blackcomb and 35 cm on Pig Alley, and once the public was up there it seemed like everyone was following traverses to get a little higher. You couldn't glide that day, there was too much, so patrollers were breaking trail into areas and people were following. People were coming up to the patrollers and asking what was taking so long because there wasn't much avalanche activity, but from our side it was step by step - it took one of our teams an hour-and-a-half to go up Road Runner, when that traverse is usually four to six minutes for a good skier."


        MacFarlane acknowledged that communication is an issue, and that there is some frustration from the public when lifts take a while to open. However, while they want to provide more information to the public, he said it's difficult.


        "The only person with the final say on when (an area) is going to open is the forecaster of the day on either mountain, and there's a lot of moving parts trying to get that systematically taken care of," he said.


        "If there was an explosive dud it would cause a hang up, for instance. And for patrollers cycling by (the lift lines), sometimes they're doing work on one area and as such don't have all the information. We've told people it was going to be 15 minutes, but it hasn't opened until an hour later - we've been stung many times trying to give information to people in the lineups."


        Tabetha Boot, public relations coordinator for Whistler Blackcomb, said the resort is working to get more information out to the skiing public via smart phones and their Facebook page.


        "We want our Facebook page to be a source of information for people, and to provide a little more context on a daily basis as to what's going on, on the mountains - especially on heavy snow days," she said. "(Information like) what patrol is working to open, or the conditions, or wind speeds where it won't be feasible to open the alpine. We want to paint a better picture to help people plan their day on the mountains."


        More serious than the lost passes is the possibility that less of the mountains may be open in the future.


        The worst-case scenario, MacFarlane said, is that the mountains may have to change the way lifts are opened if people continue to access avalanche areas.


        "We can't be everywhere babysitting (the people) behind us, because we're ahead of them trying to get the terrain open... god forbid that it will change things and we won't be able to open terrain in the manner we are today," he said.


        For example, if people are using Jersey Cream to access the Glacier and Crystal areas, then Jersey Cream will remain closed until those areas are ready to open. If people are using 7th Heaven to access the Glacier area, then that chair may stay closed until those other areas are open as well.


        "Our mandate is to open those lifts in a safe manner for everyone," said Sittlinger.



      Ortovox
      North Valley Huts
      Avalance Canada
      ROAM
      Fritschi Swiss Bindings
      • Terms of Use
      • Privacy Policy

      Copyright © 2023-24 Backcountry Skiing Canada. All Rights Reserved.