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!4.4 / 5Nov 28, 2017
PFPeter F.
advanced snowboarder
Whistler Blackcomb is an amazing resort because it quite simply 'has it all'. Everything from long groomers to brilliant back-country and world class park riding. But best of all is the Peak-to-Peak gondola which lets you switch up between Whistler & Blackcomb mountains without having to go all the way down the the mountain!... More
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Nov 27, 2017
AOAidan O.
intermediate skier
I was really impressed with the access to the lifts from the car lots, the friendliness and efficiency of the staff, the amount of ski lifts and gondolas, clever planning could result in avoiding line ups. The variation of terrain was fantastic. There is a wide variety of shops, restaurants and bars to engage in. The Travel Routes to and from... More
Superb!4.9 / 5Nov 27, 2017
MMMichael M.
advanced skier
Skiing was excellent each of the five ski days. We had fresh snow continually all the way to the base. We did have a few moments of clear sky on the peak to peak gondola. The Village is extremely large and has everything you could ask for, including a hardware store, bank, and supermarket. Five days was not even close to enough time to ski all... More
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Nov 27, 2017
ABAaron B.
intermediate skier
Whistler is indeed a jewel. You can walk almost anywhere and once you figure out the trail ststem you can walk anywhere. Everything is centrally located whick makes it great for family members that dont ski. The mountain is awesome. The terrain varries from beginner to your dead and everthing in between. Lift lines can be long at times but I can... More
Superb!4.5 / 5Nov 24, 2017
NBNoah B.
intermediate snowboarder
Really good resort and offer many ways of saving money and getting everything you paid for. No other mountain compares as there is plenty for everyone to do no matter your level of experience. I go to whistler every year when possible and will continue to do so. ... More
Fabulous!4.2 / 5Nov 24, 2017
KLKristian L.
intermediate skier
In short, Whistler is a must go destination for everyone and anyone. The fact that you can ski here your entire life and never explore all the available terrain is mind-blowing. I've had friends move here and never want to leave, and some of them have really stayed ! The lifestyle here is fun everyday minute of everyday. Everyone that comes here... More
Very Good!3.9 / 5Nov 23, 2017
KGKate G.
intermediate snowboarder
The rideable terrain is probably the best there is anywhere in North America. Gets very overcrowded on weekend even though the resort keeps installing new lifts to try and spread out the masses. The food is really good but slightly overpriced. Day lift passes are quite a bit overpriced at around $140 a day. I feel $100 is around the most someone... More
Very Good!4.2 / 5Nov 23, 2017
CGCrisostomo G.
intermediate snowboarder
Besides the price of accommodation at Whistler and maybe it's time to add one more lift from the village. It's an absolute powdered dream though. I plan on spending every weekend up there this winter. ... More
Good!3.8 / 5Nov 23, 2017
JHJeff H.
advanced skier
Great place to ski, lots of hidden gems, just a little crowded. Hard to beat on a powder day with your friends, but that West Coast cement can be tough on the legs.... More
Superb!4.5 / 5Nov 22, 2017
TDTyler D.
expert skier
Great ski town; never ending, varied terrain, easy back country access and plenty of lifts provide good value and epic days. Solid snow cover, great food options on the hills and plenty of Apres stops keep your day going well into the night. Worth a visit!... More