Too much of a good thing
Saturday November 28, 2009 - Email this article to a friend

Whistler has now had over 5m of fresh snow this month. 530cm at the last count. It beat the largest ever November snowfall last week, with 12 days of the month remaining.

As resort officials in the Alps watch some of their early season promise disappear with the warm temperatures melting the snow at the moment, they can only dream about the levels of snow Whistler has received.

But it comes at a price.

Work awaitsFor a start the avalanche patrol has a job securing the slopes and then just as they have done so more snow may fall.

Some areas are still unsecure and once teams get there much work will be needed to prepare the area for skiing and riding. That includes avalanche control, and hazard marking and signage.

Whistler Blackcomb has issued messages thanking guests for their patience and understanding as the crews work to prepare the terrain before they can open it up.

It is hard and dangerous work clearing the slopes and setting off controlled avalanches.  The final decision about whether to open an area is not taken lightly and brings with it huge responsibility.

The Ski Patrol has posted "Temporary Boundary" signs throughout the ski area indicating that the terrain beyond the ropes is not yet "ready" to ski or ride, even if that terrain is "normally" within the ski area boundary.

Breaking the rules in EuropeBut the resort also needs to remember that if people can get to a slope, a very small minority ill duck under it whether there is a rope or not. There is therefore a degree of moral responsibility.

Heavy snowfall also brings problems for the areas away from ski resort with roads closed, electricity supplies down and other problmes.  We reported on some of these other problems last winter here on PlanetSKI with the record levels of snow in The Alps.

Finally the resort is issuing a warning for all off piste riders to be aware of tree wells. 

That is the empty area that can surround the trunk of a tree in the backcountry in deep snow, so that just as you ski near the tree you drop into the ski well and can't get out.

We love snow here at PlanetSKI but it causes a few problems too.

Bookmark this page

Related Articles