Whistler Blackcomb

Located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Whistler Blackcomb Resort has one of the longest seasons in North America, skiing and snowboarding well into May and an annual average 448 in or 1138 cm of snow. However, being coastal, the snow during the Whistler Ski Season may be heavier than you’ll find at some of the interior resorts of British Columbia. You can sometimes encounter rain in the village, but trust us, ask a local as this usually means it’s bucketing snow up top. With over 5020 feet or 1530 metres of vertical and 30 lifts you can easily ski the top half of both mountains all day, including Blackcomb Glacier, before heading back to the village for après via the thigh burning Peak to Creek run.

Whistler Blackcomb webcam

 

Contact us for all your Whistler Blackcomb vacation needs.

Whistler Blackcomb ski resort is two mountains served up on the one lift pass and serviced by two interconnected villages.

 

WHISTLER VILLAGE

This is where you will find all the action. A bustling pedestrian village serving up fine dining, casual bars, artisan shops, fashion and more. There’s a ton of budget to luxe accommodation options here, accessed via foot in the village or the outer vehicle ring road serviced by a regular free shuttle bus.

 

DISTANCE

It takes approximately 15 minutes to walk (in ski boots) from the Whistler Village Gondola to the perimeter of Whistler Village.

 

BLACKCOMB VILLAGE

Blackcomb Village, by comparison, has a much smaller retail hub, yet an equally massive mountain of terrain, making it a real favourite for skiers and boarders. This village is squarely aimed at families and a quieter atmosphere for visitors. The real advantage, is the diverse offering of ski-in, ski-out accommodation. Choose from self-contained family-friendly and larger condominiums across all budgets; along with some of Whistler’s most luxurious hotels. Another plus for families is a more laid-back village square, and home of the world-renowned and easily accessible Blackcomb Kids Snow School.

 

DISTANCE

This village is a short 5-10 minute walk, or 3-5 minute free shuttle bus ride, from Whistler Village.

 

CREEKSIDE VILLAGE

Creekside is the original base of Whistler Mountain. It is an excellent option for families, because it is much smaller and more intimate, yet still offers an extensive array of accommodation options. The ‘Creek’ is an easy-going, family friendly village situated just 4.5 miles (7 kilometres) south of Whistler Village. Best of all, guests opting to stay at Creekside enjoy the best of both worlds — quick access via the Creekside gondola steps from your condo door, which provides high speed access to the mid-mountain Kids Snow School; and a quieter more intimate village lifestyle.

 

DISTANCE

Creekside is a 10-15 minute free bus ride from the centre of Whistler.

 

OUR ADVICE

If you are looking for après ski, stick with Whistler Village. If a quieter pace is important, yet still with easy access to the slopes, and you want to be just a stone’s throw from all the action, our choice is Blackcomb. For those looking for a more intimate ‘smaller feel’, and ski-in, ski-out village, Creekside is the best choice. Each village offers a range of accommodation standards, amenities and facilities.

Contact us for the lowdown on the best Whistler Blackcomb vacation packages.

There is a huge variety of accommodation to suit all budgets and requirements at Whistler, Blackcomb and Creekside. Choose from international six-star hotels including Fairmont and Four Seasons, self contained condominiums, private chalets to budget backpacker hostels and pod hotels.

Contact the Ski Holidays and Tours team to discuss our Whistler Vacation Packages.

#1. The most terrain in North America. This is a mega-resort, and yet all areas are easily linked and very accessible. Whistler is big, boasting some 8,171 acres (3,307 ha) to play in, including sixteen powder-filled alpine bowls, three glaciers, and more than two hundred trails.

 

#2. Whistler is a winter adventure destination for everyone, with an endless array of on-snow adventures. A huge choice of terrain, linked by the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola for inbound skiing and riding, plus access to glacier, back-country, and heli-skiing.

 

#3. Après ski scene. The best and most diverse in Canada; with more than 90 restaurants, bars, and cafes. From quirky late night bars, five star culinary experiences, to a burger joint, or vegetarian bistro, and everything between. Whistler is a mecca for food and wine lovers.

 

#4. Altitude and climate —The mountains are some of the biggest in North America, yet the village altitude is 2,214 feet (675 m) above sea level, so there is no time lost to acclimatize. The coastal climate provides for milder temperatures, rarely dipping below 12°F (-10°C). This is a real plus for families with children.

 

#5. Enjoy a non-stop line up of festivals and events. Whistler boasts a rich cultural landscape — encompassing arts, first nation’s history, film festivals, the culinary Cornucopia festival, Whistler Gay Pride Week, and more. Contact us for all Whistler Deals.

DESIGNATED TRAILS

Mountain	#Trails	Beginner	Intermediate	Advanced
Whistler	100+	20%	55%	25%
Blackcomb	100+	20%	50%	30%

Base Elevation

Whistler	2140 Feet	2214 Metres
Blackcomb	675 Feet	675 Metres

Summit

Whistler	7160 Feet	2182 Metres
Blackcomb	7494 Feet	2284 Metres

Vertical

Whistler	5020 Feet	1530 Metres
Blackcomb	5280 Feet	1609 Metres

Annual Snowfall Average

Whistler/Blackcomb

448 in

1138 cm

Number of Trails

Whistler	100+ marked trails, 1 glacier, 9 bowls
Blackcomb	100+ marked trails, 2 glaciers, 7 bowls

TERRAIN: RESORT AREA

Whistler/Blackcomb

8171 ac

3307 ha

Terrain Park

Whistler	Yes
Blackcomb	Yes

Halft Pipe

Whistler	No
Blackcomb	Yes

Terrain

Whistler	4757 Acres	1925 Hectares
Blackcomb	3414 Acres	1382 Hectares

VERTICAL DROP

Mountain	Longest Run	Vertical Drop
Whistler	11 km / 7 mi Peak to Creek	5020 ft / 1530 m
Blackcomb	11 km / 7 mi Green Road down Easy Out	5280 ft / 1609 m

NUMBER OF LIFTS & UPHILL CAPACITY

Whistler	20	36,148 people per hour
Blackcomb	17	33,791 people per hour

NORDIC SKIING

Yes

Lost Lake Park

Only a short walk from Whistler Village, this venue offers over 19.8 miles (32 km) of cross country trails plus snowshoeing,and night skiing.

 

Whistler Olympic Park – Ski Callaghan Nordic Centre

Purpose built for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the centre offers Nordic skiing, tobogganing, snowshoeing, biathlon, and base boarding. Rent equipment on site and take a lesson in classic or skate skiing at a world class facility.

 

Ski Callaghan Nordic Centre

Immerse yourself in the charm and warmth of traditional ski centre culture, based at a backcountry lodge; and enjoy the great outdoors whilst you XC ski or snowshoe. Try a new experience — ski touring, fat tyre biking, or simply exercise the dog and at the end of it all cozy up to the trailside bonfire. On-site services include equipment rentals, tours, all-inclusive packages, and snowcat shuttle.

 

NIGHT SKIING

Not offered.

 

SEASON DATES & OPENING HOURS

Whistler	November – April
Blackcomb	November – May

Average Temperatures: December 0°C, January 1°C, Febuary 3°C, March 7°C, April 12°C

Winter Season: Mid November to mid May – do we differentiate between W & B? Spring skiing (Apr-May) switches between Whistler andB Blackcomb depending on summer upgrade plans, snow, etc.

WINTER HOURS OF OPERATION

9.00 am – 3.30 pm Note: These times are provided by the ski resort and can vary based on external conditions, day of the week, school, and public holidays. Contact us for all your Whistler Blackcomb vacation needs.

Whistler is 75 miles (121 km) from downtown Vancouver, British Columbia — the closest major city. Transportation to and from Vancouver airport is simple and affordable via: ground shuttles, taxis, limousines, local buses, or even helicopter.

 

DRIVE

Aptly named the “Sea to Sky Highway” — Highway 99 links Vancouver to Whistler via some of the most spectacular coastal wilderness in the world. The highway hugs Canada’s western coastline, Howe Sound, the southern-most fjord in North America, and serves up stunning views of the dramatic glaciers of the Coast Mountains. For safety in winter conditions, passenger vehicles are required to have winter tyres installed to drive the Sea to Sky Highway between October and March. Winter tyres can be requested for rental cars also. BC Law requirements for child restraints and booster seats.

 

SNOW HOW TIP

Enterprise Car Rental are our preferred car rental company, purely based on positive past experiences, and offering a fleet of vehicles with winter tyres. Look for the snowflake symbol on the tyre. There are a number of public parking areas in addition to the free parking day-lots; each charges based on length of stay. Hourly rates range from $1 to $4. Flat rates, 24-hour and evening parking available in some lots. Electric Vehicle Parking Stations are available under the Whistler Conference Center, and motorcycle parking available in the Whistler Conference Center and Marketplace.

 

GETTING AROUND WHISTLER

Getting around the Whistler Blackcomb Mountain Ski Resort is easy. The Village is based around the pedestrian-only Village Stroll which allows easy walking access between shops, restaurants, ski lifts and accommodation. When you want to explore further afield, use the Valley Trail or the transit services to get where you want to go.

 

TAXI

Ride sharing services Uber and Lyft are now available in Vancouver and Whistler. Whistler Taxi and Resort Cabs operate 24/7.

 

BIKE

Whistler is extremely bike friendly with over 24.8 miles (40 km) of paved trail and boardwalk that connects Whistler’s neighbourhoods from Function Junction to Emerald. Open year-round with sections suitable for cross country skiing and fat biking in winter. Contact us for all your Whistler Blackcomb vacation needs.

Getting some air, Blackcomb Terrain Park. Credit: Brian Finestone

 

Learn to fly, jib, and slide in Whistler Blackcomb’s expertly designed and maintained terrain parks. Choose between five parks over 99 acres (40 ha) with more than 150 features and 40 jumps; a Superpipe, and a Snow Cross track.

 

SNOW HOW TIP

Thirteen dedicated groomers care for the parks; 24,000 + hours are spent each season grooming the terrain parks and each park is groomed twice every 24 hours.

 

BLACKCOMB

Proudly boasts three terrain parks, a halfpipe and permanent snowcross track. Blackcomb Terrain Park is jam-packed with intermediate and advanced features. The Big Easy Terrain Garden is the perfect playground for beginners with smaller rails and rollers, looking to get some air, yet stay close to the ground. To complete the trio is The Highest Level Park, with mega jumps, rails and jibes of Olympic training standard. Add to this playground, a Halfpipe with a vertical rise of about 1,020 feet (310 m) from top to bottom, and a permanent Snow Cross Course. Note: Helmets are mandatory in this zone.

 

WHISTLER

The School Yard, is the coolest school hangout we know. It is a great place for kids to ski and ride and learn the skills necessary for terrain park riding. Continuing the family friendly theme at Whistler, this is a Family Certified zone in the Learning Area on Whistler Mountain. Whistler Mountain is home to the Habitat Terrain Park, which offers both beginner to intermediate section (S-M) and an intermediate to advanced section (M-L). The terrain park crew groom both parks with snow jump features, and nature inspired tree jibs, rails and more. Contact us for all your Whistler Blackcomb vacation needs.

Both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains have their own dedicated Snow School, offering a diverse and interesting variety of lesson packages. Choose from private, semi-private, and group lessons; a multi-day camp or clinic to hone your skills, and focus on areas you want to develop — steeps, bumps, or powder. The Snow School, has multi-lingual, and specialist adaptive-trained instructors available upon request. The terrain is ideally suited for all lesson types, giving the instructors great flexibility to take group and private lessons to the right runs to suit your comfort and skill level.

 

COVID-19 Policy: The resorts’ products, programs and prices may change or vary for the upcoming 2020/21 season as they continue to act in accordance with the instructions of the BC Ministry of Health and other Government officials.

 

SNOW HOW TIP

Making advance reservations during Holiday periods is a must to guarantee your preferred lesson type/time. Check your ability level to help you enroll in the right Whistler Blackcomb Snow School program to make the most out of your lessons.

MAX4 Group Lessons	Less is More – having just a maximum of 4 people in a group lesson creates the perfect environment to build your confidence while you learn & discover Whistler Blackcomb’s incredible mountains. Available in full day and half day afternoon options at both Whistler and Blackcomb.
The Camp	This is a multi-day ultimate ski experience; open to intermediate skiers able to ski with poles in parallel turns on blue terrain to expert skiers wanting to take their skiing to the next level. Each Camp starts only on Mondays, offering 3-4 days of coaching. Instructors are committed to seeing results in your skiing whether on groomers, bumps, in the gates, deep in powder or the steeps. They will not rest until your skills have improved!
Extremely Canadian Steep Ski Clinics	The name says it all. A two day Steeps clinic, with an intense focus of skiing steeps techniques. Spend one day at Whistler, one day at Blackcomb. These clinics are geared to advanced-intermediate to expert skiers. With an average ratio of 4 skiers per coach. As a fitting conclusion, Merlin’s Bar and Grill “decompression sessions” will provide you with the perfect stage to tell your best super hero ski stories. Not for the faint-hearted.
Women’s Ski or Snowboard Weekend Camps	Two days with top female coaching, in a safe and motivating environment. Join like-minded women keen to master confidence at any level of skiing or snowboarding.
Extremely Canadian Back Country Adventures	A full day of mind-blowing guided backcountry snowboarding, telemarking or skiing, Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) will share techniques and tactics to hone your skiing, boost your safety knowledge, and heighten your awareness in big mountain terrain. Minimum Intermediate skier level.
Momentum Moguls Clinics	The clinics are geared for advanced recreational to competitive skiers of all ages. Unlock the simple mystery of skiing bumps and become an all-round more versatile skier. Must be an advanced skier on the flats, able to do short radius parallel turns.

 

KIDS PROGRAMS

Whistler offers the largest choice of Kid Friendly programs anywhere in Canada. The Magic Castle on Blackcomb and Tree Fort on Whistler are great for families of little ones to check out while exploring the mountains. The Snow School incorporates these magical and fun outdoor adventure playgrounds in their learning programs. The Snow School instructors perfectly blend playtime with ski instruction for young children as they gain confidence and have loads of fun. Whistler Blackcomb provides quality childcare for infants and toddlers ages 18 months to 4 years. Locations are: Westin Whistler (Whistler Village) and Blackcomb Base.

Adventure Camps for Kids 3-4 year olds and 5-12 year olds

The go to group lesson program for kids. It’s all about having a great time; the camp is jam packed with fun events, themes and activities. Your kids will quickly be at ease, as they have the same instructor allocated all week, allowing enhanced learning progression, measurable results and lasting friendships.

Contact us for all your Whistler Blackcomb snow school needs.

Whistler Ski and Snowboard Rentals offer the latest gear and take the hassle out of having to travel with your own gear. By renting your gear, you also have the flexibility to change it up every day, or even during one day. Choose the ski or snowboard that is right for each day depending on conditions — powder, carving, or all-mountain. With six locations in Whistler Village, six locations at Blackcomb Upper Village, and one location at Creekside; convenience is the theme of your ski and snowboard rental gear. Their free overnight ski storage adds even more value. Organizing your rental gear is convenient and easy. Pick-up your equipment after 4 pm the day before your first rental day and avoid the morning rush. Most locations are open till 9.00pm daily.

 

SNOW HOW TIP

Whistler’s White Glove rental service can provide any of the rental products offered by Whistler Blackcomb. Delivered direct to your accommodation, along with lift passes, retail items, and anything else you may need.

Whistler is a shopper’s delight, and a destination in itself. The pedestrian village stroll around Whistler Village creates the ideal atmosphere for window and serious shoppers alike. With fine artwork and fashion, jewelry, the latest outdoor sports wear and equipment and luxury items all on offer. Season pass-holders and EDGE Cardholders save up to 20% off shopping at many locations. Contact us for all your Whistler Blackcomb vacation needs.

As the sun sets on Whistler, the après ski season comes alive. Ski right up to slope side bars and enjoy a Bloody Caesar (Canadian Bloody Mary with Clamato juice) and live music to get you dancing in your ski boots. This award winning resort is also renowned for its huge array of culinary delights. Whistler’s culinary festival for all things food, Cornucopia, is held every November, and celebrates the best of food and drink from Whistler, British Columbia and beyond. Expect everything from Cow’s ice creamery, to family friendly Italian trattorias, to five star dining at restaurants of the calibre of Araxi, The Wildflower and Bearfoot Bistro. Vegans will love The Green Moustache, coffee addicts Mount Currie Coffee Company, pie lovers head to Peaked Pies and those who love a home cooked artisan baked good head straight to Pure Bread. On the mountain? Get yourself a famed waffle at Crystal Hut.

 

SNOW HOW TIP

Whistler Tasting Tours takes you on a journey through Whistler Village to visit some of the resort’s most fabulous restaurants – all in one night. Each delicious course of the dinner happens at a different venue. Contact us for all your Whistler Blackcomb vacation needs.