Whistler followup

I just returned from my second mountain trip and first trip to Whistler.
It was quite a difference from the local 300'-400' hills.

The bottom of the mountains were bare when I arrived. Rain fell in the
village. There were one or two trails that still had snow (ice, slush,
rocks) to the base. It was possible to ski/board from peak to base, but
only if you were willing to sacrifice some board base to rocks.

The top has snow. Lots of snow. 30cm fell Thursday night. Avalanche
control ran until about noon on Friday.

Due to the weather and to thank/compensate those who still visited, food
in the lodges was 1/2 price through Thursday. A Seattle's Best latte at
6,000' was a perfect way to take a break.

Due to several trails and lifts being closed there were a lot of people
on the open ones. Add the rocks and trees (and fog on Blackcomb) to the
100 people per square meter congestion and I was very happy to be
wearing a helmet. Lots of people from many countries were wearing
helmets.

Sometimes the fog on Blackcomb around mid-mountain was so thick I could
only see a few feet, mainly the two below me.

Both of my Helijet trips between Whistler and the Vancouver airport were
canceled due to the weather. I had been looking forward to some
sightseeing. Thankfully the Vancouver airport has volunteers who help
confused travelers. Thanks to them, upon arrival at Vancouver I quickly
learned that Helijet had canceled and found the Perimeter bus. They even
provided coins for telephone calls.

I returned home to find rain and rapidly melting snow. February in
Wisconsin is supposed to be brutally cold.

Dean