Sponsored content
Whistler. The name looms large in ski mythology not just as one of the best ski resorts in Canada, but as the most exhilarating and magnetic mountain destination on the planet. Frequently labelled 'Best Ski Resort in the World', it’s one of those places you simply have to experience at least once. And if you come once, odds are you’ll want to come back again and again to relive the magic of Whistler ski holidays.
From the unusually long winter season, huge area of skiable terrain, choice of ski areas and fantastic ski schools, to the majestic sight of the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, great range of Whistler hotels and a buzzing village centre, the sky's the limit when it comes to planning your trip.
Find an unrivalled ski area at Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America and with two huge mountains, 200+ runs and more than 8,100 acres of terrain, it’s a paradise for everyone, no matter whether you are a powder hunter, cruisey carver, black diamond chaser, or looking for some technical tree skiing. From steep chutes to wide-open groomers, every day on the mountain brings a fresh adventure.
Its two distinct mountain sectors, Whistler and Blackcomb, have been joined to form this world-class ski area. The spectacular PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola links the upper slopes of Whistler Mountain with those on Blackcomb Mountain, meaning you can move between sectors without needing to go all the way back to the bottom and start again.
And those 8,171 acres of the Whistler Blackcomb ski area include 16 alpine bowls, 3 glaciers, 5 world-class terrain parks (including the 26-acre Nintendo Terrain Park), 1 super pipe and some truly epic backcountry riding. Oh, and there's heli-skiing too. But although big mountain skiing, the kind you see in freeride movies, looms large in the Whistler psyche, if you're not quite there yet, your Whistler welcome is every bit as strong.
Seventy-five per cent of Whistler Blackcomb’s terrain is green and blue (beginner and intermediate), including memorable runs such as the Ridge Runner on Blackcomb. So you can work your way up to those powder turns, or simply cruise the corduroy at your own pace, taking in the incredible views.
Access to the mountain is from three points: Whistler Village, Whistler Creekside and the Upper Village which just serves Blackcomb. From these points, four gondolas (three of them from Whistler Village and Upper Village) and two high-speed chairs take you up and a network of lifts fans out to distribute skiers around the mountains. And this is where Whistler Blackcomb scores so highly. Pretty much all of it is accessible to pretty much anyone – even the highest point of Whistler mountain, the 7,160ft Peak Lookout with its massive stone man statue (Inukshuk).
While experts can play in the steep powder runs of Whistler Bowl, one of the world’s longest blue runs, Peak to Creek, a seven-mile top to bottom descent, winds all the way down to Creekside. Going back up the Creekside gondola you get a bird's eye view of the men’s and women’s Olympic downhill runs.
Even on Blackcomb glacier, an easy blue run, the Glacier Road, allows all but the most nervous of beginners to enjoy the tranquillity of this wilder area. Green runs also allow access to the high terrain of 7th Heaven on Blackcomb and the Symphony Amphitheatre on Whistler. At the other extreme, experts also have the wilderness area of the Garibaldi Provincial Park and more than 400,000 acres of big mountain terrain they can reach via Whistler Heli-Skiing. Both mountains generally have more than enough to keep all levels of ability happy for a lot longer than the length of your average visit here.
Tip: A brilliant way for first timers to get the lie of the land is to take a free orientation tour. These are run daily for intermediates and above by the Whistler Blackcomb CIBC Mountain Host programme. They run in ability groups so no-one skis above their level.
Take advantage of Whistler's long season
Running from November to April and beyond, Whistler has one of the longest and most reliable winter seasons on the planet. Thanks to its proximity to the Pacific, Whistler Blackcomb boasts a highly enviable snowfall history, with regular big dumps throughout the winter months. Blackcomb Mountain also has two permanent snowfields, on the Blackcomb glacier and the Horstman glacier, meaning that snow conditions at altitude are seldom a problem.
Whistler for families and beginners
People invariably ask: can beginners ski in Whistler? And the answer is a resounding 'yes'! Skiing in Whistler Blackcomb really is for everyone. There are designated and extensive beginner zones on the lower slopes of both mountains, an exclusive 'family zone' midway up Whistler mountain where parents can ski with their kids, and special 'slow zones' throughout the piste area, marked yellow on the piste map, where everyone should be taking it easy.
For those all-important lessons, from first turns to more challenging aspirations, Whistler Blackcomb’s Ski & Ride School has various group programs at all three of the resort’s base locations (Whistler, Blackcomb and Creekside), along with enhanced multi-day camps with Whistler Kids, such as the Kids 5 Day Ski Adventure Camp. You can also take specialty lessons to learn park, steeps, racing and freestyle. There are even women-only camps and lessons exclusively for teens.
It's a good idea to book ski lessons in advance as peak times, such as over the festive period and spring break, can sell out quick!
And of course, ski holidays in Whistler BC are not just about the skiing. And if you're wondering 'is Whistler worth it if you don't ski?', wonder no more. One of the best things about the resort, especially for families with young children or for non-skiing visitors is that there's are loads of things to do in Whistler off the ski hill, from dogsledding to Vallea Lumina, a multi-media experience in the forest, and a fun Tube Park.
The main Whistler Village is the heart of the resort, especially for après-ski and here's where you'll find many fantastic bars, restaurants and cafes.
Whistler’s youthful energy, winter playground and amenities such as childcare and babysitting services, make it the ideal place for a family ski holiday for everyone from toddlers to grandparents.
Where is Whistler Blackcomb resort?
Whistler Blackcomb is located in the Coast Mountain Range, 120 km north of Vancouver, BC on the west coast of Canada. The drive from Vancouver to Whistler is approximately 2 hours along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99). The nearest airport is Vancouver International and transfers to the resort are available by shuttle bus, limo, SUV, and even helicopter (weather dependent).
How to plan a ski trip to Whistler
As a world-class ski resort, Whistler is unsurprisingly popular, so it's essential to plan ahead. Here are some tips to help you.
How many days in Whistler is enough?
Short answer: the more the merrier. But certainly the longer your stay, the greater your savings and the more time you'll have to explore the world class slopes and the many other activities. Staying longer means more time to enjoy your skiing and immerse yourself more deeply in the local community, and will leave you feeling refreshed and fulfilled. Lift tickets will be limited this season, so if you know you’ll ski, buy your tickets or passes in advance. Whistler Blackcomb Day Passes start from $94 CAD per day, but the more days you buy, the better value it becomes.
Can I book a package?
Of course, and the easiest way is to book direct at Whistler.com. Book a 2024/25 Winter Package now and save up to 30% on lodging, plus you'll receive a free Whistler.com Gift Certificate on stays of seven or more nights. And be sure to book ski lessons, equipment hire and even restaurants in advance, too.
Is it expensive to ski in Whistler?
It can be, but it’s also a prime opportunity to get outstanding value for money. The epic experiences you’ll have in Whistler are something you won’t find anywhere else, and the memories will last a lifetime.
If you're scanning the prices of lessons and lift passes online, remember the favourable exchange rate for British visitors means every Canadian dollar equates to just under £2. So you can roughly halve the prices you see on-screen - and on the mountain!
You can also find some great savings by booking well in advance. Booking early for winter 24/25 direct with Whistler ensures the best rates, prime accommodation choices, and peace of mind for a stress-free ski holiday.
To find out more information about this outstanding ski destination and to book your trip, go to whistler.com/winter
