Whistler Blackcomb

Closed
Karl Sander
SnowPak Local Insider
Karl Sander
Pros
  • Massive variety of incredible terrain
  • Easy to access from Vancouver
  • Full of amenities and après ski to keep everyone well entertained
Cons
  • Expensive place to ski and crowds can be an issue

Overall

4.1

If you’re serious about your skiing or snowboarding, sooner or later you owe it to yourself to visit Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia. It’s consistently near the top of Ski Magazine’s annual list of Top 50 resorts as well as Forbes Top Ten Ski Resorts in North America. With a ski area of 8,117 ac spanning two mountains, it’s North America’s largest and most popular resort. The resort consists of two distinct mountains, Blackcomb Peak and Whistler Mountain, with the main village nestled between and joined by the Peak2Peak gondola, which is the highest lift of its kind in the world (1,427 ft. The staggering amount of acreage includes over 200 named trails of bowls, glaciers and tree runs. There’s plenty of variety and enough terrain to keep everyone from beginner to expert busy for days.

Best month to go

March

Whistler’s season typically begins by the end of November and usually lasts well into May. If you go in March, you stand your best chances of getting an almost-perfect combination of longer days, great snow coverage all over and temperatures cold enough to keep the snow in good shape. It also avoids the Christmas/New Year’s crunch, and the US public holidays when Americans stream over the border for world class skiing and a (usually) favorable exchange rate. Just watch out for the local schools’ spring vacation period which is a recipe for big crowds. For 2017-2018, it’s the last two weeks of March.

FLY TO

Vancouver International Airport

DRIVE/BUS TO

Whistler (2-3 hours)

Whistler Village (Walk)

  • Most popular place to stay along with Creekside
  • Made up of three main areas
  • Known for its world-class dining, nightlife and shopping

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Creekside (Walk)

  • Quiet and residential
  • Access slopes via Creekside Gondola
  • 3 mi from Whistler Village

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Alpine Meadows (4-5 mi)

  • 5 minutes drive from Whistler Village
  • Cheaper lodging than Whistler Village
  • Range of accommodation from cabins to chalets

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Niklaus North (4-5 mi)

  • 5 minutes away from Whistler Village by car or public transport
  • Cheaper lodging than Whistler Village
  • Variety of accommodation from condos to chalets

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For beginners

Whistler Mountain has more suitable terrain for beginners than Blackcomb so it's best for never evers to start off on the bunny slopes there. More experienced beginners can also get a taste of high alpine skiing on the Burnt Stew Trail!

More beginners tips

For intermediates

Intermediates have an endless choice of runs here! On the Whistler side, Harmony Ridge will offer panoramic views of the peaks in Garibaldi Provincial Park while in Blackcomb, be sure to check out Hortsman Glacier; it's not often intermediates get a chance to ski on glaciers!

More intermediates tips

For experts

Nothing screams world-class like the terrain at Whistler-Blackcomb. Test your skills on The Couloir and The Cirque, two iconic lines on Whistler Mountain. Or perhaps try out our favorite, Sapphire Bowl in Blackcomb, it's steep and packed with pow!

More experts tips

Find freshies

For in-bounds off-piste head to Lakeside Bowl or Xhiggy's Meadow or for backcountry make your way to Saphhire Bowl in Blackcomb.

Ditch the crowds

Avoid the runs below Emerald Chair and Orange Peel during peak times.

Non skiers

Whistler offers endless activities to keep non-skiers busy! From bobsledding - that's right bobsledding - to ice fishing to relaxing in outdoor baths amongst a cedar forest, there's something for everyone here!

Families

Whistler Village is renowned for its exceptional facilities and activities to keep the whole family entertained. On the slopes, the area directly below the Emerald Express is a dedicated family are so skiing together is made easy and hassle-free!

Save up to 32% when you book a Whistler Blackcomb package!

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Whistler Blackcomb Reviews

Fabulous 4.4 / 5
based on 329 reviews

How well the resort caters for beginner skiers / boarders

Beginners

How well the resort caters for intermediate skiers / boarders?

Intermediates

How well the resort caters for advanced skiers / boarders

Advanced

How accessible and convenient it is to get to this resort from a major destination

Accessibility

Quality of the off-piste terrain

Side/Backcountry

Overall value for money of the resort

Value for money

Quality of lifts, lift speed and lift layout in the resort

Lifts

Quantity and quality of the snow

Snow

How uncrowded is the resort

Uncrowded

Après ski and dining options

Town

Services and facilities e.g. child care, tubing, health care, equipment hire

Facilities

How family friendly is this resort?

Family Friendliness
Good!3.9 / 5Nov 19, 2017
ASAndrew S.
intermediate snowboarder
It is a great resort but with any great one, the prices can be higher and it is busy. They have lots of stuff to do, whether it's snowshoeing, snowtubing, ziplining, etc.... More
Superb!5 / 5Nov 19, 2017
KZKirill Z.
advanced skier
First time at Whistler and it was amazing. Lifts are always running and can accommodate large crowds. Easy to get to the top. Skiing from the top of the mountain is amazing, snow is fresh, and sunny. No cold winds weather is just right to ski. Spend all my days at Whistler skiing from morning to evening. Beautiful view and just amazing town. ... More
Very Good!4.1 / 5Nov 19, 2017
JHJeff H.
expert skier
It is about a 1.5 hour drive from Vancouver but once you are up there it has everything you could need in the village. The mountain is great for skiing with a vast array of difficulties to accommodate skiers and boarders of all levels. The only negative would be that it does tend to get very busy which leads to long lift lines and waits in the... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Nov 19, 2017
CBCoco B.
advanced skier
Atmosphere im was so good. If I get the pass I'm going back in January. Already started looking at flights when I saw this deal I'm that excited. Whistler was so friendly and great snow made the experience good in every way... More
Average!2.5 / 5Nov 19, 2017
KCKevin C.
expert snowboarder
It's an expensive resort that has priced out local families. Passes are too pricey and WB likes to nickel and dime its clients. It has great apres facilities and the restaurants are second to none.... More
Superb!4.8 / 5Nov 19, 2017
RRuslan
advanced snowboarder
It is one of the best Resorts I've ever visited in my life. It has all facilities that will make you feel the atmosphere of a professional ski base. It fits for all levels of riding, from beginners to experts. The only ski base that I loved the same as Whistler is Karakol ski base in Kyrgyzstan.... More
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Nov 18, 2017
LFLucas F.
expert skier
Wonderful place to ski. Great side country. Busy on weekends and holidays. Both mountains deliver endless powder zones and alpine bowls. Town is fun with all the usual resort amenities.... More
Very Good!4.2 / 5Nov 18, 2017
OPOliver P.
advanced snowboarder
Whistler Blackcomb is a must visit destination. Massive terrain choices that cover all levels. Opening Day 2017 was epic with runs fully covered with fresh snow. We had to wait an hour and a half to get on the first lift but it was well worth waiting to ride again. ... More
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Nov 18, 2017
LALouie A.
intermediate snowboarder
Whistler mountain is a perfect place for beginners to start snowboarding (or ski). During the peak snowfall of the season magic chair is open for public at a discounted rate. You are able to only pay ($10-$20) for this individual lift, separate from the complete package that you normally get from a seasons or edge pass. It's a perfect place for... More
Average!3.5 / 5Nov 18, 2017
JCJenny C.
intermediate skier
Wow.. crowds. We went over Presidents Day weekend and oh my gosh. It took us from 9am - 11am just to get up to the top of the mountain and by then is was already lunchtime. Being on the coast Whistler's snow is a big wet compared to what we're used to in Colorado and Utah. Still a fun village with lots of restaurants and activities.... More