Average!3 / 5Jan 31, 2010
SSui
I generally like Whistler, but this past season was just a bad year.Build your Whistler Blackcomb Ski Trip
Learn more about Whistler Blackcomb
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
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
Creekside (Walk)
- Quiet and residential
- Access slopes via Creekside Gondola
- 3 mi from Whistler Village
Alpine Meadows (4-5 mi)
- 5 minutes drive from Whistler Village
- Cheaper lodging than Whistler Village
- Range of accommodation from cabins to chalets
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
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 tipsFor 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 tipsFor 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 tipsFind 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
Superb!5 / 5Jan 27, 2010
LLeigh
Has recieved top 2 or 3 rakning in several top 10 lists of best ski resortsAverage!3 / 5Jan 25, 2010
BBill
The whole place is just awesome, but a long trip from the east coast.Superb!5 / 5Jan 22, 2010
VVaughn
Besides great atmosphere, close proximity to town, nightlife, & accommodations, the snow & temperature was great too!Superb!5 / 5Nov 14, 2009
LLarry
The best overall ski resort I've ever been to. The 'absolute' favorite of our extended family.Superb!5 / 5Nov 07, 2009
WWendy
Whistler has the best terrain, terrain parks for all levels, apres, dining, international appeal and natural beauty, hands down!Very Good!4 / 5Oct 13, 2009
EEugene
I love that the conditions are high alpine but it isn't very high. No altitude discomfort.Poor!1 / 5Aug 26, 2009
AAnne
Greatly inted this year snow conditions were horrible, yet no advance info was given, & sure as hell no perks for staying!Very Good!4 / 5Aug 06, 2009
MMike
Largest amount of skiing anyone can get from one resort. And everything is walking distanceSuperb!5 / 5Jul 10, 2009
MMargaret
Friendly, helpful employees; free mountain tours; beautiful scenery; wonderful dining in town; shopping in the village.