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
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Oct 27, 2019
Whistler Blackcomb ReviewsRaymond Z.
intermediate snowboarder
Just a short 2 hour drive from nearby Vancouver is the world class Whistler ski resort. We enjoyed our 3 day trip to whistler! All the days were filled with wonderful snow and great vibes! Would recommend to anyone to come check out Whistler for themselves!... More
Very Good!3.9 / 5Oct 09, 2019
Whistler Blackcomb ReviewsDel H.
advanced skier
I am not a fan of big resorts with crowds of people, villages and traffic but the terrain and snow at Whistler Blackcomb is worth these inconveniences especially on a pow day.... More
Very Good!3.9 / 5Sep 30, 2019
Whistler Blackcomb ReviewsSean F.
expert skier
Pros: - Large resort with fantastic facilities. - The mountain has a huge amount of terrain for all skill levels, and an expanded side-country/back country area's with newly built huts. - Town life here is next to none, being similar to Queenstown, but on a larger scale. - The bike park in summer is world class. But if downhill biking is... More
Poor!2.2 / 5Sep 26, 2019
Whistler Blackcomb ReviewsPaige S.
advanced snowboarder
I do not like it. The snow is very heavy. It rains a lot. Most facilities are old and not kept well and cleaned. I prefer Vail. You can’t even compare the two.... More
Superb!4.6 / 5Sep 26, 2019
Whistler Blackcomb ReviewsJamie C.
intermediate snowboarder
I have ridden whistler over the last couple of years and it just keeps getting better each year. There are plenty of options depending on skill level, mood and conditions. The lifties are always super friendly and really add to the day of good riding. Yeah it has gotten more expensive over the years but the early bird deals are well worth jumping... More
Superb!4.7 / 5Sep 26, 2019
Whistler Blackcomb ReviewsChristina D.
intermediate skier
Great place with lots of activities for everyone in the family for a day of fun in and out of the snow! An eclectic food choices for every taste and price point.... More
Superb!4.6 / 5Sep 26, 2019
Whistler Blackcomb ReviewsCarlie W.
advanced snowboarder
After living in Whistler for four years and travelling around the world to many other ski towns, Whistler Blackcomb is hands down my favourite resort. Incredible terrain, great staff, high quality rentals and many great on-mountain food options. Sure, it’s a little pricey - but if you’re looking for the best all round ski resort, it has to be WB!... More
Superb!4.8 / 5Sep 04, 2019
Whistler Blackcomb ReviewsNong J L.
advanced snowboarder
Highly, highly recommend Whistler Blackcomb for any occasion: guys/girls weekend, family vacation, etc... The village is absolutely magical in the winter. Everything is festively lit, and snow-covered walks connect you with multiple squares where you will find great shopping, excellent dining, and great places to unwind after a day on the slopes. ... More
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Aug 08, 2019
Whistler Blackcomb ReviewsMatt D.
expert skier
This place is huge. Endless terrain, lots of snow, and fast lifts to get you where you want to be. While there are not many offerings for beginners, accomplished riders will never get bored with the alpine bowls and backcountry terrain.... More
Superb!5 / 5Jul 01, 2019
Whistler Blackcomb ReviewsJefferson L.
expert skier
World class mountains and resorts at Whistler. Lots of runs and plenty of things to see and do both on and off the mountain. Always friendly and accommodating staff. Always looking for opportunities to go again!... More