Thanks for this, hoping to try some of these lines next season. On a powder day, I can imagine that these are easily some of the greatest lines on the mountain!
To help people find it, cuz it’s worth it, what you’re calling the ‘bomb hole’ that is the top entrance into Sapphire Bowl is actually called the 2M Gully.
Thanks for the video😎Some of my favourite days on Blk, Spanky’s, Ruby bowl, (5) laps, 35 min/lap and down to parking lot #6. done for the day. My pass is reloaded and ready to go. lol
I love this. Despite spending a couple of seasons there, because I worked on Whistler, thats where I skiied the most. I only went up spankys once (I know!) as I didn't know my way around there, and was put off by the cliffs. Also because Harmony/Peak on Whistler are better (thems fightin words!) and thats where most of my friends preferred to ski. Such a great vid, and when I eventually get back, I'm making it a priority to explore spankys better. Question - you are releasing these amazing vids, most of which focus on blackcomb. Is that you just being kinda methodical? Or do you prefer blackcomb? Keep up the great work - hopefully your channel takes off mate
Hey Tristan, Thanks for all the positivity. We may have to drop the gloves if we run into each other at the mountain 😂😂😂 Just kidding. Theres a method to the madness and I flip around to either mountain depending on the conditions and style of skiing I'm doing that day. Both mountains have alot to offer! Blackcomb has depth in it's terrain, awesome freeskiing lines and great flow but Whistler is epic on a weekday when the skies are blue. Hard to choose one or the other.. but you'll find me on Blackcomb more often than not :)
@Tristan Cleary hey mate the snow at spankys rarely sees the sun because of its orientation and as such is always of good quality. For this reason I suggest you hit it regularly
Great video! keep it up! you're way better than the other youtube/instagram whistler guys because you show us visually what you're riding with map highlights! If you could show us a guide to khyber's pass one of these days, you would make my year! Cheers buddy!
Thanks for the support! I'm really happy people are finding these guides helpful :) As much as I'd like to make a Khyber's guide video I don't think I ever will. It's so easy to get lost in there and I don't want to encourage ill equipped people to adventure back there!
Awesome vid! Definitely need to be aware of where you are in that area I’ve seen so many people having to call ski patrol because they got cliffed out and cant find a way down
I totally agree! It's truly an experts only kind of area and it needs to be skied cautiously until you really start understanding the terrain. If it's foggy or the light is flat it's always best to take it super easy or stay away!
I am wondering if you would consider doing some guided tours of the less expert adventures? I used to go up the t-bar, climb up to the entrance to Blackcomb Glacier when I was younger. I am 61 now and would love to go there again 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 it’s so beautiful there. But I’m scared now. If you reviewed how to do it I would totally try it again. ❤❤❤ I LOVE your videos. Thank you so much for making them.
Hi Sharon, Unfortunately I can't do any guided tours. But, if you check out my how to get to the ice cave blog post or video it will tell you exactly how you can get to the glacier. riseandalpine.com/2022/01/25/how-to-find-the-blackcomb-glacier-ice-cave-in-whistler/ Hopefully this is helpful. Thanks so much for watching :)
@@riseandalpine I actually meant “guided tour” on your RUclips Channel - not in real life. I guess that sounded wrong. It would be fun to see you do that route down the Blackcomb Glacier and ski out to where it meets up with the Crystal area ( I think …) on your channel 😊
i just wanted to say. GREAT GREAT informative video. showcasing the view and the good paths. thank you. i've never been. I have one question. which one is more challenging (only counting the controlled area. And, not counting the backcountry and restricted area) between whistler and blackcomb?
Both can be very challenging, it just depends on the terrain you choose. For beginners, Whistler is always the call. But you can find some serious steeps on both sides :)
Love the vids and learning the “tricks” of Whistler Mt. Was curious out you access the terrain above the top of Crystal chair? Lots of traffic on it by the end if the day so can’t be to challenging it a hike/traverse? Any pro tips on that?
great video quick question, where are you seeing this mountain map? because the one that I'm looking at is missing some of the runs that you're talking about 😄😄
Hey I drew them out myself on FatMaps - you can check my post out here riseandalpine.com/2022/01/11/how-to-ski-spankys-ladder-whistler-blackcomb-skiing-guide/
Thanks Jay! Looks like a super fun ski - just the kind of thing I'd like to rip around as a daily driver. I love having the ability to shred off piste with confidence when there isn't any pow - and then to hop right off and slay the groomers. I'll put this on my list of skis to demo this year :)
One of the most terrifying experiences i had in the ladder was when i was exploring different lines and i got stuck at the top of wild thing on a year where it looked like a straight drop down. I got down by sliding down but that was scary once i realized it was the only way down. Gotta be careful in here
This just happened to me today I thought I was gonna die there were so many rocks but I still managed to make it down in one piece despite falling once. Not the best idea to do it early April I guess…
Crossing the Garnet into the Ruby bowl is absolutely the best place to start. But, make sure you are super comfortable with skiing steep/rough terrain and can stay in complete control on black/double black runs. Lots of cliffs in Spanky's so it's always best to be cautious. Have Fun!!
It looks as if the first 50 or so vertical feet of the drop-in lines off the top are where most of the triple-black - level technical difficulty is, due to the narrowness of the entry lines on top of the steepness. Looks like while getting the rest of the way down to the valley floor unavoidably requires skiing some terrain that is intermittently nearly as steep, there are optional lines available wide enough to more generously accomodate
Totally! The entrances leave you the most exposed to technical/consequential terrain but once you are in the bowls you can choose how relaxed or burly you want to make your descent!
Ayyye first tracks on Sapphire must have been unbelievable. Didn't film this one on Monday though. The footage was before any of the recent snowfall!!!
The warning is warranted. We did Ruby’s last winter. First the easy way and then the hard way. When we were approaching the difficult entrance people where walking away from it. I knew why -they took a look and crapped their pants…
Absolutely a spot for experts! Happy you were able to successfully ski both entrances :) An extra set of underwear may be required for the high one LOL. I have the utmost respect for people who know their limits and walk out of spots they are not comfortable with. You can't progress if you spend your season recovering from an injury.
@@riseandalpine Yeah, even if they didn’t have a mishap they would be what I call “just trying to get to the bottom” sliding down and not improving their skiing or snowboarding.
Hey Oscar, I don't have one. I'm pretty sure they sell a pretty solid one at most ski stores in the village for the advanced/expert terrain but I totally forget the name.
April in Whistler can be risky. Its coastal and at relatively low elevation so you are looking at a good chance of rain. Banff is a lot higher and a lot colder if you are looking at some April skiing.
Hey Kingston, Jay is right, there is always the possibility of rain in April. It's unlikely you will get powder in April but if you have a good streak of sunshine it's a blast in the warm weather. March is usually better in terms of snowfall/conditions... But anytime at the mountain is a good time!
Great informative video. Your route into the Ruby bowl looked super steep. Also at 8:06 to left of your pole, looked like an image of man’s face in a pointy hat! Strange but true🤣
Through garnet bowl to spanky's shoulder into the Ruby Bowl is easier. Best to ensure you can confidently ride other double blacks on the mountain before heading into Spanky's because no matter the route there are cliffs. Have Fun!
@@ando4863 Yes that’s the “easiest” way. But its still like a %100 grade. When I did it last winter my ski tip caught the snow and came off. Luckily I was able to quickly turn around to face the slope and lock out my other leg and stop standing. My wife was behind me so she came down and handed me my ski. Its not fun to have too move back up a slope that steep with a ski on.
The blackcomb glacier is pretty much just one huge open bowl. My ice cave video can show you how to ski it! I could definitely work on making a more specific experts guide for all the additional satellite runs and chutes near the glacier!
Fantastic video, but you’ve got way too many animations and extra crap thrown in. And you could definitely spend more screen time on each of the maps you put up on screen, but these videos are very informative as a whole
Thanks for this, hoping to try some of these lines next season. On a powder day, I can imagine that these are easily some of the greatest lines on the mountain!
absolutely! Steep and deep makes for amazing feels on the slopes
Hey Arjun! Great thing about Whistler Blackcomb is there are epic lines everywhere!
Spanky's is always on the top of my list!
Have fun exploring :)
Man, it’s one thing to entertain and you do it like a pro. Sharing your WB playbook is awesome. Love your channel!
Thanks Michel!
this is the king of the gemstone bowls cousin that’s wild
How does this channel not have more subs? Seriously. Awesome content. And that salad!
To help people find it, cuz it’s worth it, what you’re calling the ‘bomb hole’ that is the top entrance into Sapphire Bowl is actually called the 2M Gully.
Thanks for the video😎Some of my favourite days on Blk, Spanky’s, Ruby bowl, (5) laps, 35 min/lap and down to parking lot #6. done for the day.
My pass is reloaded and ready to go. lol
Amazing...That is the life. You got me dreaming of Spanky's now. Nothing beats lapping it all day long.
Thank you for making competent videos about these mountains
No Problem. Thanks for watching!
Brilliant, appreciate you taking the time to video this.
You're welcome! Have fun exploring.
Crushed flute main today, beautiful snow
I love this. Despite spending a couple of seasons there, because I worked on Whistler, thats where I skiied the most. I only went up spankys once (I know!) as I didn't know my way around there, and was put off by the cliffs. Also because Harmony/Peak on Whistler are better (thems fightin words!) and thats where most of my friends preferred to ski.
Such a great vid, and when I eventually get back, I'm making it a priority to explore spankys better.
Question - you are releasing these amazing vids, most of which focus on blackcomb. Is that you just being kinda methodical? Or do you prefer blackcomb?
Keep up the great work - hopefully your channel takes off mate
Blackcomb!
Hey Tristan,
Thanks for all the positivity.
We may have to drop the gloves if we run into each other at the mountain 😂😂😂
Just kidding. Theres a method to the madness and I flip around to either mountain depending on the conditions and style of skiing I'm doing that day.
Both mountains have alot to offer!
Blackcomb has depth in it's terrain, awesome freeskiing lines and great flow but Whistler is epic on a weekday when the skies are blue.
Hard to choose one or the other.. but you'll find me on Blackcomb more often than not :)
@Tristan Cleary hey mate the snow at spankys rarely sees the sun because of its orientation and as such is always of good quality. For this reason I suggest you hit it regularly
Great video! keep it up! you're way better than the other youtube/instagram whistler guys because you show us visually what you're riding with map highlights!
If you could show us a guide to khyber's pass one of these days, you would make my year! Cheers buddy!
Thanks for the support! I'm really happy people are finding these guides helpful :)
As much as I'd like to make a Khyber's guide video I don't think I ever will. It's so easy to get lost in there and I don't want to encourage ill equipped people to adventure back there!
I agree, this guy is good with the map!
I needed this last year so bad haha, good vid
LOL. It is so confusing when navigating it for the first time. I've been cliffed out on countless occasions hahah
Ohhhhhh BAAAABY! 1 week away from being there. Can't wait, so stoked.
me to
Unreal!!!! I
Man, you are a beast. Thanks for showing me runs I'll never experience.
Happy I could bring you along with me!
I really like you information about sparky’s!
Love your channel.
Thank you!
Spanks is one of my favourite areas on the Whistler blackcomb area
So flipping fun!
Great guide! It was great to see you last weekend up there 🤘🏼
Totally! Happy you caught some of that POW!
2M shoot was runnin well on Sunday nice to see it still is!
This video was shot before the snowfall. 2M was absolutely ideal on Monday man. I bet Sunday was bonkers too!
How long is the hike usually?
The hike is super quick like 1-2 minutes from glacier chair
Awesome vid!
Definitely need to be aware of where you are in that area I’ve seen so many people having to call ski patrol because they got cliffed out and cant find a way down
I totally agree! It's truly an experts only kind of area and it needs to be skied cautiously until you really start understanding the terrain.
If it's foggy or the light is flat it's always best to take it super easy or stay away!
I am wondering if you would consider doing some guided tours of the less expert adventures? I used to go up the t-bar, climb up to the entrance to Blackcomb Glacier when I was younger. I am 61 now and would love to go there again 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 it’s so beautiful there. But I’m scared now. If you reviewed how to do it I would totally try it again. ❤❤❤ I LOVE your videos. Thank you so much for making them.
Hi Sharon, Unfortunately I can't do any guided tours. But, if you check out my how to get to the ice cave blog post or video it will tell you exactly how you can get to the glacier.
riseandalpine.com/2022/01/25/how-to-find-the-blackcomb-glacier-ice-cave-in-whistler/
Hopefully this is helpful. Thanks so much for watching :)
@@riseandalpine I actually meant “guided tour” on your RUclips Channel - not in real life. I guess that sounded wrong. It would be fun to see you do that route down the Blackcomb Glacier and ski out to where it meets up with the Crystal area ( I think …) on your channel 😊
@@riseandalpine ok, Thank you! I watched the ice cave video. Loved it! Thanks for answering me. ❤️
i just wanted to say. GREAT GREAT informative video. showcasing the view and the good paths. thank you. i've never been. I have one question. which one is more challenging (only counting the controlled area. And, not counting the backcountry and restricted area) between whistler and blackcomb?
Both can be very challenging, it just depends on the terrain you choose.
For beginners, Whistler is always the call. But you can find some serious steeps on both sides :)
@@riseandalpine Thank you for insightful reply!! i'm going to try both!
INDEED ISSA BEAUTIFUL DAY. Was up there on Sunday and couldn't see a single thing but the powder was absolutely dumpin
Wicked Sunday
Jealous you got some of those freshies on Sunday!
@@riseandalpine Fingers crossed for this Friday too!!
Question, As An intermediate Skier myself , Can I go into Spanky Ladder ?? I mostly do Black and Blue Run . Thank you 🙏
If you can confidently ski Whistler Bowl on Peak chair or Pakalolo you should have no problem with Ruby Bowl in Spanky's.
love your vids. what camera are u using? thinking of buying one. Thx.
Thanks Jay!
I'm currently using a Go Pro Hero 7 Silver.
Lots of better camera options out there now but I find it gets the job done well :)
Love the vids and learning the “tricks” of Whistler Mt.
Was curious out you access the terrain above the top of Crystal chair? Lots of traffic on it by the end if the day so can’t be to challenging it a hike/traverse? Any pro tips on that?
That's called the Grey Zone. I've got a few guides on the www.riseandalpine.com website that map it out!
riseandalpine.com/2022/01/29/whistlers-8-best-hike-accessed-powder-stashes/
great video quick question, where are you seeing this mountain map? because the one that I'm looking at is missing some of the runs that you're talking about 😄😄
Hey I drew them out myself on FatMaps - you can check my post out here riseandalpine.com/2022/01/11/how-to-ski-spankys-ladder-whistler-blackcomb-skiing-guide/
Loving the content & your energy dude. Hey what skis are you on? What do you think of the Elan 86cti Wingman?
Thanks Jay!
Looks like a super fun ski - just the kind of thing I'd like to rip around as a daily driver.
I love having the ability to shred off piste with confidence when there isn't any pow - and then to hop right off and slay the groomers.
I'll put this on my list of skis to demo this year :)
Sorry, James but I can’t quite figure out which would be the easiest way down Spanky’s could you please advise?
Easiest is lower ruby 👍
@@riseandalpine thanks
@@riseandalpine thank you sir. Hope to see you in the slopes this winter
One of the most terrifying experiences i had in the ladder was when i was exploring different lines and i got stuck at the top of wild thing on a year where it looked like a straight drop down. I got down by sliding down but that was scary once i realized it was the only way down. Gotta be careful in here
Wild thing is no joke! It's crazy how much snow certain Spanky's lines need to be skiable.
This just happened to me today I thought I was gonna die there were so many rocks but I still managed to make it down in one piece despite falling once. Not the best idea to do it early April I guess…
Guess you got your ski back then....good stuff!
I did!!! Huge shout-out to Blackcomb Ski Patrol. Those guys are the best. I'll include the wipeout and ski release in an upcoming video!
Another great video and really helpful... haven't skied spanky's yet so maybe Garnet bowl is a good start
Crossing the Garnet into the Ruby bowl is absolutely the best place to start.
But, make sure you are super comfortable with skiing steep/rough terrain and can stay in complete control on black/double black runs.
Lots of cliffs in Spanky's so it's always best to be cautious.
Have Fun!!
It looks as if the first 50 or so vertical feet of the drop-in lines off the top are where most of the triple-black - level technical difficulty is, due to the narrowness of the entry lines on top of the steepness. Looks like while getting the rest of the way down to the valley floor unavoidably requires skiing some terrain that is intermittently nearly as steep, there are optional lines available wide enough to more generously accomodate
Totally! The entrances leave you the most exposed to technical/consequential terrain but once you are in the bowls you can choose how relaxed or burly you want to make your descent!
Love spankys
Spanky's = My Heaven
Hey we saw you on crystal chair when you were filming this day, we got lucky and got the first tracks on sapphire that day
Ayyye first tracks on Sapphire must have been unbelievable.
Didn't film this one on Monday though. The footage was before any of the recent snowfall!!!
@@riseandalpine Ahhh, well it was such a sick day
The warning is warranted. We did Ruby’s last winter. First the easy way and then the hard way. When we were approaching the difficult entrance people where walking away from it. I knew why -they took a look and crapped their pants…
Absolutely a spot for experts!
Happy you were able to successfully ski both entrances :)
An extra set of underwear may be required for the high one LOL.
I have the utmost respect for people who know their limits and walk out of spots they are not comfortable with. You can't progress if you spend your season recovering from an injury.
@@riseandalpine Yeah, even if they didn’t have a mishap they would be what I call “just trying to get to the bottom” sliding down and not improving their skiing or snowboarding.
do you have a map of all of the unmarked runs of whistler/blackcomb?
Hey Oscar, I don't have one. I'm pretty sure they sell a pretty solid one at most ski stores in the village for the advanced/expert terrain but I totally forget the name.
@@riseandalpineyeah i got a book on advanced and expert terrain and it has most of the stuff you have in your videos
@@lol-em6bj Perfect!
@@lol-em6bjwhich store?
Going to whistler, is april a good month to go?
April in Whistler can be risky. Its coastal and at relatively low elevation so you are looking at a good chance of rain. Banff is a lot higher and a lot colder if you are looking at some April skiing.
Hey Kingston,
Jay is right, there is always the possibility of rain in April.
It's unlikely you will get powder in April but if you have a good streak of sunshine it's a blast in the warm weather.
March is usually better in terms of snowfall/conditions... But anytime at the mountain is a good time!
why is that part permanently closed?
My guess is because it would be an overhead avalanche hazard to a skier standing below or something... Looks like a great line though :(
@@riseandalpine ooh thanks. That makes alot of sense. And yeah that does look very nice to ski.
Great informative video. Your route into the Ruby bowl looked super steep. Also at 8:06 to left of your pole, looked like an image of man’s face in a pointy hat! Strange but true🤣
omg I totally see it. like a little elf dude image in the lower rock!
Oh man. I'm never going to stop seeing that mans face on the slopes LOL.
@@riseandalpine hilarious! With new snow or wind, he may disappear
@@riseandalpine Maybe his eyes followed you as you skied past! Like the horror picture hanging on the wall! 🤣🤣
Well done
All the scraped out steeps reminds me why 2 sheets of metal is required. Leave the Bent Chetlers for pow day.
Totally! Bent's don't play so nice on the hard stuff.
yessirr
Powder, Crud or Ice... Spanky's always rocks!!
Another GREAT Vid Brother. No hot sauce?????
Sometimes I gotta give the my poor belly a rest 😂😂😂
Want to see you snowboarding
I could be convinced!
What's the easiest bowl for snowboarders?
Far left, the Ruby bowl, but take the lower entrance, don't hike, that's sketchier.
Cereal bowl.
Through garnet bowl to spanky's shoulder into the Ruby Bowl is easier. Best to ensure you can confidently ride other double blacks on the mountain before heading into Spanky's because no matter the route there are cliffs.
Have Fun!
@@ando4863 Yes that’s the “easiest” way. But its still like a %100 grade. When I did it last winter my ski tip caught the snow and came off. Luckily I was able to quickly turn around to face the slope and lock out my other leg and stop standing. My wife was behind me so she came down and handed me my ski. Its not fun to have too move back up a slope that steep with a ski on.
do a guide for blackomb glacier, i've heard it gets good snow
The blackcomb glacier is pretty much just one huge open bowl. My ice cave video can show you how to ski it!
I could definitely work on making a more specific experts guide for all the additional satellite runs and chutes near the glacier!
@@riseandalpine oh cool yeah i'll check that vid out :p
6:50 McConkey rolls over
LOL
SPANKYS SPANKYS SPANKYS
POW POW POW
Helpful video, but SO ANNOYING!
What did you find annoying Alan?
Always looking for ways to improve :).
Fantastic video, but you’ve got way too many animations and extra crap thrown in. And you could definitely spend more screen time on each of the maps you put up on screen, but these videos are very informative as a whole
Glad it was helpful!
Beautiful to watch but definitely not my cup of tea,😀😀
Haha. Thanks for tuning in! It's always important to know your limits on the ski hill and ride runs that you are comfortable with and can have fun on!
@@riseandalpine definitely man, beautifully said 🙌🏻