Have been a regular at Whistler since 1990 and now in retirement base myself there each winter season start December through to Easter. Unfortunately this may be my last Whistler season: Vail has torn the heart out of Whistler - basically too crowded and very dangerous on piste. My local friends are selling up and moving to inland areas such as Sun Peaks , Red and Whitewater. I too avoid Whistler during the busy periods and decamp to Sun Peaks. Whistler is a fantastic Hill with great runs but the out of control busy areas are frightening.