Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb, Canada

Rated: 5/5 (from 6 ratings)

Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler is known worldwide for great skiing, a high-speed lift infrastructure and a vast array of off-slope activities and facilities.

Summary

The Canadian ski resort of Whistler Blackcomb is at an altitude of 680m2,231ft.

Whistler Blackcomb has direct access to 216 marked pistes, served by a total of 33 ski lifts.

With ski lifts as high as 2,280m7,480ft, snow cover is generally reliable.

Snowboarding

Whistler Blackcomb is very highly rated by Snowboarders and there are a variety of Snow and Terrain Parks in Whistler Blackcomb.

Notable Ski Runs

The longest possible descent in Whistler Blackcomb is 11km7 miles long and the most difficult run is the 'Couloir Extreme (48 degrees)'.

Skiing

Whistler and Blackcomb mountains combine to form the largest ski area in North America.

The area's lift system includes thirteen high-speed quad chairs, four gondolas that are faster still and there are five different base areas from which to access it all. Despite having the most skier/'boarder visits of any North American resort this powerful lift system has helped the resort win awards for also having the shortest lift queues. There's a vast choice of terrain of course, steep powder chutes, challenging mogul fields, secluded tree skiing and endless smooth groomed cruisers. Runs are up to 7 miles (11km) in length on both mountains.

Whistler for Beginners

Beginners have easy trails and dedicated learner areas directly above Whistler village and can ride gondolas or chairs up one of the mountains to take an easy run down.

Whistler for Intermediates

About half the terrain is ranked intermediate and there can be few better choices for non-stop opportunities at this level of skiing.

Whistler for Experts

On mountain, Expert skiers have around 60 black trails on piste to enjoy, more than almost anywhere else, including the Couloir Extreme run on Blackcomb mountain, with a 48 degree pitch.

Experts can also opt for heli-skiing excursions, enabling them to clock up 8 - 10,000 feet (2500 - 3000 metres) of virgin powder. A range of packages including heli-orientation, guide services - and even gourmet lunches is available.

Ski Schools

Whistler has a wide variety of specially designed tuition programs. Ski and Ride Esprit is designed for all levels of skier wanting three or four or five days of tuition in a group. There are also Women Only ski and snowboard classes and Dave Murray Ski Camps using state of the art demo skis for intermediate to advanced level skiers who wish to chalk up around 5 hours of on-hill training per day in a fun atmosphere.

Daily group lessons and private classes are of course also available. Apart from downhill skiing and 'boarding, guided back country powder tours are offered through Whistler Alpine guides.

Cross Country

In addition, there are 87 kms of cross-country trails available in and around Whistler Village (55km at Whistler Olympic Park and 32 kms Lost Lake).

There are a variety of pistes to suit all levels of skier ability, from Beginner to Expert.