Larry’s Whistler Field Report: Dec 2025
- Andrea Hamilton
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
Field report – Whistler, British Columbia
Powder Poobah
December 1-12, 2025
Snow/rain recap
I know it’s been a difficult start to the ski season, but there is hope toward the middle of the week with low snow levels and new snow for most of the ski slopes of the Pacific Northwest.
Midweek will be a robust rebound after that recent nasty atmospheric river (AR) causing some melt of what little snow we had, heavy rain and flooding.
And the AR contributed no new snowfall! AR, shame on you - bad AR, go to your room. Can’t I take you anywhere?
Unfortunately, we will be hit by a moderate AR coming on Monday with high snow levels and abundant rain in the Cascades. Again, widespread havoc with possibly flooding local high water and landslide issues.
But new snow and cold are coming! Michael has details on the upcoming storms and the snow.
Meet me this Wednesday, 12/17 at Moss Bay Hall.
Details below.
Field report
It’s great to already have a dozen ski days. Snow conditions at Whistler have been and continue to be variable, ranging from firm (icy) to fun groomers to skiable off-piste – but changing every day. The problem has been the warm weather, fog and the dreaded rainfall from in the lower elevations.
The upper elevations have great coverage and fantastic skiing! W/B are only slowly opening the upper lifts (alpine/bowls) and skiing is limited, yet the coverage in the alpine is good to excellent.
There is no snow at the bottom, so you can’t ski down to the Village, Blackcomb or Creekside. There is a mandatory end day download from mid mountain. That can be congested.
I didn’t run into any significant thin spots or rocks with the snow coverage, so that is good. At times the slopes have been very busy, even on the weekdays, with occasionally very long lift lines.
Considering the cooler weather ahead I expect Whistler and all areas in the Northwest to improve next week. But first on Monday, we will have to endure another mild and rainy atmospheric river storm. Finally, by Wednesday we’ll see colder air with significant snowfall even in the lower elevations. Finally, it’s the snowfall we’ve been hoping for.
Happy Holidays to all
Larry Schick
Meteorologist and Grand Poobah
Xhiggy's Meadow info: www.WhistlerMuseum.org
Xhiggy's Meadow, a much loved area off 7th Heaven, was named for Peter Xhignesse, who began working on ski patrol on Blackcomb Mountain when it first opened in 1980 and was quickly promoted to be Blackcomb's first avalanche forecaster. He was one of the first to explore the area that would become 7th Heaven and think it skiable, becoming a catalyst in the opening of high alpine areas on Blackcomb. According to those who worked at Blackcomb in the 1980s, Peter was extremely dedicated to his job and made sure every step possible was taken to ensure the safety of staff and guests. Sadly, Peter died of cancer at the age of 33. The next time you're exploring Blackcomb, keep an eye out for a plaque commemorating Peter Xhignesse on Xhiggy's Meadow.
Meet Larry on Wed, Dec 17
Winter Forecast Gathering at Moss Bay Hall in Kirkland
If you’ve ever wanted to meet Larry Schick, the GPOP, Grand Poobah of Powder, this is your chance — and space is limited.
Expect:
Weather slides
Larry's fresh take on the forecast
Q and A
Great food, beers, skiers and riders
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