Whistler has a long ski season. It stretches from November through to May, and as the days get longer with the sun creating creamy, soft snow conditions, Whistler locals know that it’s all about the spring skiing.

It’s not a new thing, since the 1920s, Whistler pioneers have known that the spring is a key time of year, with the sun high in the sky and a solid snow pack to play on. However, more recently, with the addition of the World Ski and Snowboard Festival, and Whistler’s growing list of activities (golf anyone?), there’s a lot you can pack into a spring day in Whistler.

Alongside the Whistler Museum team, we decided to take a look back at how skiers and boarders have revelled in Whistler over the spring — be sure to bring your best sunnies, wackiest onesie and jodhpurs, as they seem to be an essential part of the dress code.

A tot skier in a pink outfit takes to the slopes in Whistler.
Whistler Mountain Ski Corporation collection circa 1980s. PHOTO WHISTLER MUSEUM

Don’t worry about clashing colours — anything goes for spring skiing.

Black and white image of three male skiers in the mountains in sweaters, socks, and sunglasses.
George Bury Collection – Ski touring in Garibaldi Provincial Park in 1939. PHOTO WHISTLER MUSEUM

Back in the ’30s there was none of this newfangled, GORE-TEX malarkey, you relied on your best woolly jumper over a jaunty, collared shirt.

An instructor with a distinctive 80's bowl cut teaches a group of skiers.
Blackcomb Mountain Collection – 1990. PHOTO DAVID STOECKLEIN / WHISTLER MUSEUM

The first thing to know when tackling a run like Whistler Bowl, is that a bowl cut is required.

Black and white image of female skier in a bikini on the snow.
Jane Ferris from the Whistler Mountain Ski Corporation Collection circa 1970s. PHOTO WHISTLER MUSEUM

It might be warm enough for a bikini, however you do run the risk of snow burn in some sensitive places.

Greg Griffith Collection – circa early 1990s. PHOTO WHISTLER MUSEUM

Spring skiing is definitely all about the Lycra.

A black and white shot of a man and couple on the ski slopes in Whistler in 1960's attire..
Franz Wilhelmsen and unidentified woman circa 1960s. PHOTO WHISTLER MUSEUM

Forget Lycra, maybe it’s all about the jodhpurs?

A group of skiers stand in the sun on Blackcomb Mountain.
Blackcomb Mountain Collection – mid-1980s. PHOTO WHISTLER MUSEUM

Nah, definitely the primary colours.

A black and white shot of three male skiers in the backcountry not wearing very much.
Whistler Question Collection for the week of August 14, 1980. PHOTO WHISTLER MUSEUM

When backcountry skiing, you want to travel light. Nothing says “efficient” like using your equipment (rope in this case) as clothing.

A black and white image of a woman enjoying the sunshine on a chair lift on a spring day in Whistler.
Whistler Question Collection, May 11, 1980 near the roundhouse. PHOTO WHISTLER MUSEUM

Spring skiing is all about slowing down and taking in the rays between laps.

One of the best parts of spring skiing? A sunny patio for après. What are you waiting for? Grab your best outfit and retro sunglasses, and join us for some spring action up here in Whistler.

If seeing these images have made you nostalgic, or intrigued by Whistler’s history, head to the Whistler Museum.

Spring is also a great time of year for deals on accommodation and activities, so check in with the Whistler.com team to make sure you take advantage. Coming from BC or Washington? Sign up for the free Whistler Rewards program to get access to some awesome perks you won’t get anywhere else. 

A skier pouts into the sunshine on Whistler Mountain.
Wife getting her own back on husband sending her ski photos while she’s at work. Circa 2019. PHOTO ANDREW TUCKER, SUBMITTED BY OUR WEB EDITOR

You gotta pucker your lips like ‘dis.

Author

You can often find Dee exploring all Whistler has to offer with her three-kid crew in tow. Originally from the UK, Dee enjoys balancing out high-thrills adventures with down-time basking in the beauty of the wonderful place she now calls home.