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!

View Whistler Blackcomb packages

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
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Nov 12, 2017
MMarkus
beginner skier
Amazing Resort had an awesome time there with my family and friends Excellent snow conditions Definitely would recommend Reasonable prices for the offered services. The lifts were running smoothly anytime. ... More
Average!3.2 / 5Nov 12, 2017
AMAlexander M.
advanced snowboarder
The mountains is pretty good lots of terrain to cover but gets packed like crazy on the weekends or holidays so better to go during the weekdays. Other then that the resort is pretty good.... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Nov 12, 2017
EAEnrique A.
advanced snowboarder
This is one of the best resorts I have ever been to. Whether summer or winter, this place has it all. Best apres skiing in the area, best terrain in the area. No better place in the world.... More
Superb!4.5 / 5Nov 12, 2017
DPDDavid Paul D.
intermediate snowboarder
Whistler Blackcomb aka the legendary Whistraya/Pissler. Breathtaking views from the Peak-to-Peak Gondy. Highly recommend gettinf up to the Blacier bowl as it's well worth the numerous lifts, Tbar and uphill hike. On the right day you will get nice powder up there. Great night out on the town, any night of the week! Can be expensive to stay in town,... More
Superb!4.5 / 5Nov 12, 2017
HDHugo D.
expert snowboarder
Whistler is a great place, good atmosphere for everyone. Good for teaching new people, as well as new families. Normally good snow, which makes the season go on for longer. With having two mountains, there is a vast quantity of terrain for all ages. ... More
Superb!4.5 / 5Nov 12, 2017
CGColby G.
advanced skier
Every thing that you need is there ,To have fun going out to the clubs dining shopping is awesome to get new equipment rentals activities besides snow sports like SCHEDULING sip lining it is endless a beautiful place... More
Superb!4.6 / 5Nov 12, 2017
OBOliver B.
intermediate skier
Fantastic resort! There is a mind blowing amount of terrain to shred in bounds, not to mention the amount of backcountry which is lift accessed. Awesome patrol and avalanche control that inspires confidence for those that use the area. ... More
Superb!4.8 / 5Nov 12, 2017
KKristopher
intermediate snowboarder
Very accommodating and friendly place with even more anazing people filling the village. The atmosphere conducts the narrative of what Canada is. It will forever be my top 5 places in the world to revisit.... More
Superb!4.6 / 5Nov 11, 2017
JDJosh D.
advanced skier
Whistler is the top ski resort in North America. Its got ski runs for each skill level of skier. Although it may sometimes get crowded, its always best to hit a weekday rather than a weekend. The lodges provide an extravagant lunch. Then hitting the slopes once more until 3 when you wish you could go for longer. After a day of skiing you can head... More
Very Good!3.9 / 5Nov 11, 2017
BDBrady D.
advanced skier
Expensive at peak times and can be heavy upload lines on the weekends. Not very affordable for most families and snow quantity is terrific although quality it generally wet and heavy. No champagne powder here. ... More