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
Very Good!3.9 / 5Nov 07, 2017
DSDon S.
advanced skier
It is a great resort. I do enjoy but it becomes less affordable and less good pass packages available. However, a goood variety of lifts and convenient features. Due to prices Tend to ski less in whistler. ... More
Very Good!4 / 5Nov 07, 2017
JWJames W.
advanced skier
Best mountain in the world that I've skied. Lift tickets cost way to much for how long the mountains open. Rumour has it Vail is lessening the price so we'll see about that. Also way to crowded on holidays and weekends it's ridiculous. ... More
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Nov 07, 2017
ATAdam T.
advanced skier
I reaaally reallly wanna a pass. And it'd Just be swell if I won! I mean you got 5 you're just giving away :) Also, how am I gonna bomb down Ruby bowl without it?? I pose that humble question.... More
Superb!4.9 / 5Nov 07, 2017
GLGordie L.
advanced snowboarder
I have been going to Whistler for 30 years now and have seen it grow into a world class resort .The snow there is fantastic in the winter with all its bowls in the high alpine . The summer is also great too with many activities to do too . Staff is also very friendly with all its international employees . The only issue I have is cost of a lift... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Nov 07, 2017
KTKyle T.
advanced snowboarder
Whistler-Blackcomb truly is a great option for both multi-generational families and solo shredders alike!! With over 200 runs, 8000+ acres of skiable terrain, 37 lifts and over 460 inches of the fluffy stuff on average every year...why would you not put Whistler on your list? 10/10 would recommend.... More
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Nov 07, 2017
TBTorin B.
advanced snowboarder
Whistler has great terrain for all skill levels. Lots of snow and a great resort atmosphere. One of my favorite hills to ride. Challenging, diverse terrain keep things interesting and challenging ride after ride.... More
Superb!4.5 / 5Nov 07, 2017
TWThomas W.
advanced snowboarder
Came over from England 2 years ago and never plan to leave! I love it here and it's my home now, I'd love to explore all the resorts the epic pass has to offer but WB will always be home for me!... More
Average!2.9 / 5Nov 07, 2017
DSDerek S.
expert skier
Whistler is a great ski resort. nice ski area. My family love going there. The village is lovely to get away from city. It is also not too far from Vancouver.... More
Superb!4.6 / 5Nov 07, 2017
DQDante Q.
intermediate snowboarder
Whistler Blackcomb is the mountain and resort that will never let you down. You simply cannot explore everything it has to offer in one day. In fact, it would take several days to ski/board every available run, and a few more to enjoy everything else the resort has to offer. From dining, shopping and lodging, the resort has an abundance of options... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Nov 07, 2017
MGMarco G.
advanced snowboarder
Whistler Blackcomb is a beast of a resort. And by that I mean it's massive. The fact that there can be thousands of people and yet still find untouched pow / lifts with ZERO waits is mind boggling ... More