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Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb

(Photo: Courtesy of Vail Resorts)

Two side-by-side ski giants rise from a lush and lake-dotted valley, climbing high past tree line into a sprawling alpine arena of glaciers, crags, and awe. This is where 8,100-plus seamlessly connected acres offer weeks of intermediate cruising, expansive kid zones, the continent’s largest serving of true expert terrain, and a whole separate universe of tree skiing.
Expect big snowfall—over 450 inches annually—easy-to-manage altitude, and variable temperatures that deliver mixed blessings. At the base, the little ski city of Whistler and its car-free center buzz and hum with internationalism, vitality, and a nonstop spirit of fun. Both mountain and town are booming, with the last several seasons bringing billions in upgrades from Whistler Blackcomb’s parent Vail Resorts, the town’s big hotels, independent businesses, and the municipality itself.
The not so good? Prices have risen dramatically, particularly for lodging and lift tickets—although the favorable exchange rate and an Epic Pass dulls the sting. But with more than three million annual visitors from around the globe plus the weekend surge from Vancouver and Seattle, nothing is slowing this meteor down.

No. 21 in the West: Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.
Whistler Blackcomb Mountain Stats

Average Snowfall
Acres
Lifts
Trails

465″
8,171
37
200+

Whistler Blackcomb Pass Info
Whistler Blackcomb, B.C. is on the Epic Pass. Epic Pass holders get unlimited access with no blackout dates.

Trip Planning
Find out SKI editors’ favorite hotels, restaurants, bars, and activities on the slopes and in the villages at Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.

What’s New
The Fitzsimmons Express will be upgraded to a high-speed, eight-person lift, a first for Vail Resorts’ North American ski areas. This will reduce lift lines out of the Whistler Village base and increase uphill capacity.

Down-Day Activity
The resort operates on Lil’wat Nation and Squamish Nation land. Visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Center to learn more about the people who’ve inhabited the land way before skiing was a past time.

Bragging Rights
Ride the Peak Express to West Cirque, a double black with a dauntingly rocky entrance that gives way to a steep pitch. Not quite up for that? Detour to Peak to Creek, a 5,000- vertical-foot descent over nearly seven miles.

Slope Snack
Swing by the Crystal Hut on the Blackcomb side for legendary buttermilk waffles served hot and crispy.

Down-Day Activity
The best entertainment these days is outside, and you can switch it up from the resort by sliding the Valley Trail instead. Departing right from town, a portion of the 25-mile paved path is groomed for Nordic skiing in the winter.

Culture Club
Visit the Audain Art Museum for cutting-edge West Coast architecture and a definitive showcase of B.C. art dating back to the 18th century.

Dinner Pick
Downtown Whistler’s Sushi Village taps Pacific roots to serve the best Japanese food of any Canadian ski town.

Off-the-Map Trail
Corner Pocket on Whistler Mountain.

Après Spots
We’re partial to Alpina by Basalt, Bar Oso, or Mallard for cocktails and chef-styled snacks.

Bragging Rights
Test your limits in Saudan Couloir on Blackcomb or Harmony Horseshoes on Whistler. Then hike up and over Blackcomb’s Spanky’s Ladder to the serious expert terrain of the Gemstone Bowls. Go with a guide if it’s your first time.

Breakfast Nook 
The Dirty Bowl or a bacon-maple doughnut at Portobello.

Don’t Miss
Whistler Mountain’s year-round Peak Suspension Bridge hovers in thin air over the heights of Whistler Bowl, spanning one-tenth of a mile and proffering 360-degree views.

Whistler Blackcomb’s website

(Photo: Courtesy of Vail Resorts) Two side-by-side ski giants rise from a lush and lake-dotted valley, climbing high past tree line into a sprawling alpine arena of glaciers, crags, and awe. This is where 8,100-plus seamlessly connected acres offer weeks of intermediate cruising, expansive kid zones, the continent’s largest serving of true expert terrain, and a whole separate universe of tree skiing. Expect big snowfall—over 450 inches annually—easy-to-manage altitude, and variable temperatures that deliver mixed blessings. At the base, the little ski city of Whistler and its car-free center buzz and hum with internationalism, vitality, and a nonstop spirit of fun. Both mountain and town are booming, with the last several seasons bringing billions in upgrades from Whistler Blackcomb’s parent Vail Resorts, the town’s big hotels, independent businesses, and the municipality itself. The not so good? Prices have risen dramatically, particularly for lodging and lift tickets—although the favorable exchange rate and an Epic Pass dulls the sting. But with more than three million annual visitors from around the globe plus the weekend surge from Vancouver and Seattle, nothing is slowing this meteor down. No. 21 in the West: Whistler Blackcomb, B.C. Whistler Blackcomb Mountain Stats Average Snowfall Acres Lifts Trails 465″ 8,171 37 200+ Whistler Blackcomb Pass Info Whistler Blackcomb, B.C. is on the Epic Pass. Epic Pass holders get unlimited access with no blackout dates. Trip Planning Find out SKI editors’ favorite hotels, restaurants, bars, and activities on the slopes and in the villages at Whistler Blackcomb, B.C. What’s New The Fitzsimmons Express will be upgraded to a high-speed, eight-person lift, a first for Vail Resorts’ North American ski areas. This will reduce lift lines out of the Whistler Village base and increase uphill capacity. Down-Day Activity The resort operates on Lil’wat Nation and Squamish Nation land. Visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Center to learn more about the people who’ve inhabited the land way before skiing was a past time. Bragging Rights Ride the Peak Express to West Cirque, a double black with a dauntingly rocky entrance that gives way to a steep pitch. Not quite up for that? Detour to Peak to Creek, a 5,000- vertical-foot descent over nearly seven miles. Slope Snack Swing by the Crystal Hut on the Blackcomb side for legendary buttermilk waffles served hot and crispy. Down-Day Activity The best entertainment these days is outside, and you can switch it up from the resort by sliding the Valley Trail instead. Departing right from town, a portion of the 25-mile paved path is groomed for Nordic skiing in the winter. Culture Club Visit the Audain Art Museum for cutting-edge West Coast architecture and a definitive showcase of B.C. art dating back to the 18th century. Dinner Pick Downtown Whistler’s Sushi Village taps Pacific roots to serve the best Japanese food of any Canadian ski town. Off-the-Map Trail Corner Pocket on Whistler Mountain. Après Spots We’re partial to Alpina by Basalt, Bar Oso, or Mallard for cocktails and chef-styled snacks. Bragging Rights Test your limits in Saudan Couloir on Blackcomb or Harmony Horseshoes on Whistler. Then hike up and over Blackcomb’s Spanky’s Ladder to the serious expert terrain of the Gemstone Bowls. Go with a guide if it’s your first time. Breakfast Nook  The Dirty Bowl or a bacon-maple doughnut at Portobello. Don’t Miss Whistler Mountain’s year-round Peak Suspension Bridge hovers in thin air over the heights of Whistler Bowl, spanning one-tenth of a mile and proffering 360-degree views. Whistler Blackcomb’s website

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