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
Superb!4.5 / 5Dec 02, 2017
MHMichael H.
expert skier
I've been skiing Whistler/Blackcomb since 1996. The vast terrain of these two peaks offers seemingly endless opportunities for big mountain adventures. With many great bowls to explore and the access between the dual mountains provided by the peak-to-peak gondola the choices are limitless. Steeps, glades, open skies or groomers, these mountains... More
Good!3.7 / 5Dec 02, 2017
BBBeau B.
advanced snowboarder
Whistler is world class when the snow is good, but it can be pretty hit or miss! Everything including food is very expensive, and the cost of accommodation is out of reach for the non-affluent unless you can get staff housing through work. That being said, it is a fantastic community and the pros of living here far outweigh the cons. If... More
Superb!4.9 / 5Nov 30, 2017
MBMichael B.
advanced skier
Went to Whistler/Blackcomb for an early season trip. Snow was amazing ! Powder almost up to my knees, amazing terrain and views. Love it. Cannot wait to return when the full mountain is open. The glacier bowls and spin run to Creekside look amazing!... More
Superb!4.5 / 5Nov 30, 2017
DHDerek H.
intermediate skier
Awesome. This place is always amazing with great snow. It's a little ways away from Vancouver but it's a beautiful drive. Wish everywhere I ski could be as amazing as Whistler. ... More
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Nov 29, 2017
CChris
advanced snowboarder
Whistler blackcomb is the best of the best but with that comes expensive lift tickets and big crowds. If you can, you should go on a weekday and it's worth it.... More
Very Good!3.9 / 5Nov 29, 2017
KKarston
expert skier
The most notable change last season was the quality and the impact of the greeters at the base of the lifts. Having people who were smiling and talking as you came through the gates made the long lift lines a little less frustrating.... More
Superb!4.6 / 5Nov 28, 2017
SGStephen G.
advanced skier
Whistler Blackcomb has something for everyone. It's a MASSIVE winter wonderland for all ages and skier types. It's a grade A staple of mine, and I plan to go back each winter. ... More
Very Good!4.2 / 5Nov 28, 2017
MHMichael H.
expert skier
I have skied at Whistler-Blackcomb since 1996. The available terrain is vast and the scenery is spectacular. The two mountains offer great steep skiing with many bowls to choose from. Gladded runs are also plentiful After a day I love strolling through the village and being amongst the friendly local. There is always somebody willing to share the... More
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Nov 28, 2017
ECEddie C.
intermediate snowboarder
I learned how to snowboard at Whistler Blackcomb and now it's a place I call home. I have been to many other resorts around the world, but It's hard to compare them to Whistler. There's such a large amount of terrain to ski on, it's really hard to get bored. With world class facilities and countless bars and restaurants to indulge for apres,... More
Very Good!4 / 5Nov 28, 2017
WCWill C.
intermediate skier
Hands down the Best resort in the world. Facilities, runs, hotels, ski camps, restaurants and spas. There's something for everyone here. Try it out if you haven't already. Bring your friends and family.... More