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!4.5 / 5Nov 07, 2017
JKJoanne K.
intermediate skier
Whistler/Blackcomb is our favorite resort. You can ski all day and take a new run each time or keep going down your favorite. If conditions aren't what you like just hop over to another part of the resort and you'll likely find what you want.... More
Very Good!4.1 / 5Nov 07, 2017
PCPaul C.
intermediate skier
our family has been skiing whistler for many years, our kids both went through the ski school to an advanced level,sadly for us, hotels are becoming unaffordable so we make a weekend pilgramge entailing a two hour drive.... More
Fabulous!4.2 / 5Nov 07, 2017
TNTomas N.
expert skier
I have been vacation in here for 28 years and still find nooks and crannies of the mountain I have not explored. This is a super fun place and has so much terrain.... More
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Nov 07, 2017
CFChris F.
advanced skier
Whistler is a worldwide attraction that I am lucky to live near. The town itself is easily accessible and reasonable for pricing of accommodation. I enjoy skiing here because of how much terrain there is for all levels. The resort staff is very helpful and well trained. Whistler is the best ski resort that I've been to for dining and night life.... More
Superb!4.6 / 5Nov 06, 2017
HRHarry R.
advanced snowboarder
Whistler blackcomb is an Insane place to shred and have a laugh with your buddies, loads of runs for a variety of skills. Plenty of restaurants to get your foodie side in check ... More
Superb!4.8 / 5Nov 06, 2017
DDerek
intermediate skier
Whistler is one of the best ski resorts in North America. You can never get bored at whistler, there is so much terrain to explore. It's family friendly and it's only a two drive away from of the best city to live in. #vancity ... More
Superb!4.7 / 5Nov 06, 2017
CGCharles G.
expert skier
I have skied Whistler since the days before Blackcomb, when you had to take a t-bar and hike to get to the untracked pow-pow. It has become a world class resort, with great facilities and lifts right up to the top of the mountain's best bowls. Unfortunately, that means that anybody can get to the untracked pow-pow now, and it rarely lasts beyond 9... More
Very Good!4.2 / 5Nov 06, 2017
KDKevin D.
intermediate snowboarder
Very nice place .I passed a great time . I'm sorry it is hard to speak english for me i'M FRENCH.The best ride i never done.Whistler it is probably the best snow place in canada... More
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Nov 06, 2017
TMThomas M.
expert skier
Whistler is amazing. The backcountry and the terrain are unattainable any where else, this is what makes whistler Blackcomb the best ski resort in North America and possibly the World... More
Very Good!4 / 5Nov 06, 2017
JRJacob R.
advanced snowboarder
Whistler is an exceptional ski resort. If you like to ride powder or hit the park like I do then this is the place for you. Can't wait to go again this season! ... More