It was the earliest opening of the Peak Chair for public riding in the mountain's history and it didn't disappoint. With near 13 feet of snow in the month of November and conveniently sunny skies Saturday, powder hounds who waited patiently for their piece of the pie were well rewarded. Although favourites like West Bowl were rightfully off limits because of yet-to-be-covered rocks, there was enough snow to offer up fall line face shots on Surprise. Yeah, the lift lines were long and it didn't take much to track the most popular places out, but no other mountain offers more to those that are loyal. I've been listening closely for a while and got word on some secret spots that offered up all I could handle on the busy weekend. The best part about it? It was just myself and a few other rowdies simply slipping straight on to a lesser-known chair for round after round of rippers. Thanks for giving Whistler mother. Back again soon. Count on it.