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!4.2 / 5Nov 22, 2017
BLBen L.
intermediate snowboarder
Great resort with something for everybody. Can be very expensive around the holidays so plan ahead to find cheaper options. Lift tickets can also be pricey so your best bet is to get an Edge card or pre-purchase online.... More
Good!3.9 / 5Nov 22, 2017
SCStefan C.
expert snowboarder
Great world class resort with unparalleled amount of terrain to ski on. Wet snow most of the year except in alpine where it gets soft and fluffy. Very pricey and only getting worse unftnly. Worth checking out though!... More
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Nov 21, 2017
PFPatrick F.
advanced skier
One of the best resorts In the world . If I could afford it I would be there every weekend skiing the double and triple blacks. Food is also amazing all across the mountain ... More
Superb!4.6 / 5Nov 21, 2017
GKGary K.
advanced skier
Best in the World has long runs and challenging hills. Great atmosphere with people who are coming from around the world. Great views of surrounding areas. Fast lifts and good food... More
Very Good!4 / 5Nov 21, 2017
NANiall A.
expert skier
Great variety of terrain especially if you're an advanced skier but you're not ready to hit the backcountry just yet. Can get a bit crowded during peak times but this can always be avoided.... More
Very Good!4.2 / 5Nov 21, 2017
BBBruce B.
advanced skier
We spent a week at the resort and loved the facilities, the lodging and the lift access. The variety and abundance of terrain is great. The snow can be heavy and there is often rain at the bottom. The base area is very well organized, but doesn't have an authentic feel. The nightlife was better than avaerage. For perfect snow and weather it... More
Superb!4.9 / 5Nov 21, 2017
LMLynn M.
intermediate skier
I am ftom Florida and I enjoy skiing some where different each trip, but Whistler is my all time favorite. The customer service is wonderful friendly and helpful. The mountain is convenient and there is plenty of terrain so you never get bored. The village is fun and all types of places to eat! Oversll I say this is the best!! Plus the American... More
Superb!4.9 / 5Nov 20, 2017
NNicolas
advanced snowboarder
Love it from the bottom of my hearth! From the village to the peak, great vibe and great condition on great montains. I wish to shred it as much and as longas possible!... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Nov 20, 2017
CPCourtenay P.
advanced skier
Whistler Blackcomb offers a lot of varied terrain, which allows people to spread out over the mountain. The food offered is excellent and the Village is full of great options for shopping, dining and apres. The views on a clear day are unparalleled. ... More
Superb!4.8 / 5Nov 19, 2017
MMMax M.
intermediate skier
We had such a great time at whistler last season, great snow, wonderful facilities and a very fun town, well worth the visit, even from the east coast! We'll definitely be back!... More