Whistler has been repeatedly voted the Number 1 ski and snowboard resort in the world by virtually every ski/snowboard magazine and guide book. The place is immense. It is the only North American resort that can compete with the scale of the major European resorts, but also benefits from awesome snow falls that you get in western Canada. Compared to the Rockies, the snowfalls in Whistler tend to be significantly larger, meaning you should enjoy deep snow conditions on a much more regular basis.
THE MOUNTAIN
The area is made up of two awesome mountains- Whistler and Blackcomb. Even on there own- either one of them would represent a larger, more varied and fun hill than virtually every other resort in Canada. Together they offer some of the best skiing and snowboarding on the planet, and they also have one of North America’s most sophisticated lift systems.
The terrain at Whistler is ideal for all standards of rider. Some of the best ski and snowboard professionals have made Whistler their home due to the extreme options available and a deep, stable snow pack. It is also perfect for us mere mortals with a huge range of long, interesting trails ranging from gentle greens to more challenging blues and blacks.
WHISTLER BLACKCOMB STATISTICS
- AVERAGE SNOWFALL 10 METRES PER YEAR
- AREA SIZE 8100 ACRES
- RUNS, 200+
- VERTICAL DROP 1 MILE
- NUMBER OF LIFTS 38
- FRESTYLE PARKS 5
- HALFPIPES 3
- LONGEST RUN 7 MILES
The statistics paint a pretty impressive picture but they don’t tell you about the sheer quality of the skiing and snowboarding. Words and numbers just can’t do justice to this place- you’ll have to come and check it out for yourself. More than anything else- the mountains at Whistler are fun!
THE TOWN
The town of Whistler is the perfect place to live whilst doing a season or taking part in an extended ski or snowboard course. Many ski resorts, although great for a week, can become pretty claustrophobic, even boring, after a while but Whistler has an unmatched diversity with loads going on off the slopes.
Although Whistler is one of the most popular destinations for skiers and snowboarders, it has managed to avoid many of the problems associated with development. It remains an attractive resort that is fantastically well organised and managed in every way. Furthermore, it has better facilities than any other resort we have visited. There is a great choice of cool, independent cafes for chilling out, some fun bars and clubs with live bands or DJs for the odd night out and loads more:
- Gym
- A cinema and theatre
- Museum and library
- Climbing wall and Ice wall
- Spas
- Wildlife viewing
- Regular ski/ snowboard/ music/ art festivals and events