Whistler Ski Resort, Canada

Overview of Whistler

Whistler is one of the most sought-after and exciting resorts in the world. The scenery is spectacular and the two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, combine to form the largest ski area in North America. Whistler has been purpose-built with all facilities and amenities clustered around the base of the pedestrianised resort. The resort has an attractive West Coast style featuring cobbled pathways and contemporary architecture. The lift system is ultra-modern, with a total of 36 lifts transporting skiers and riders all over the mountains, including via the now legendary Peak2Peak gondola.

Whistler is proud of its “Commitment to Zero” sustainable business practices – a movement to achieve net zero waste to landfill, net zero emissions and net zero impact to the forests and lands on which it operates by 2030.

3 Things We Love About Whistler Blackcomb

1. 8,171 acres of ski terrain - Across the two mountains of Whistler Blackcomb - the largest skiable area in North America. 3 glaciers, 200+ marked trails and a whopping 16 alpine bowls, covered in 12 metres of snow annually.
2. Amazing dining - With over 60 bars and restaurants in the village and a further 18 on the mountain, featuring food from all over the world.
3. Family entertainment day and night - Available throughout the European-style pedestrianised village - including a tubing park and ice rink.

Skiing and Boarding in Whistler

Skiers and boarders benefit from a superbly integrated network of high-speed lifts - including the record-breaking Peak2Peak Gondola, which whisks you to any selection of over 200 marked trails, 3 glaciers and 16 alpine bowls. There are also a large number of dedicated snowboard areas.

Terrain difficulty across both mountains averages out at 17% beginner, 55% intermediate and 28% advanced.

Beginners will revel in the excellent ski school and Family Zone, featuring the Emerald Express chairlift.

Intermediates will be able to ski and board a vast array of runs - many tree-lined and in great scenery, such as the gladed runs on Blackcomb off the Catskinner chairlift.

Advanced skiers and boarders should head for the bowls and make the most of the longest vertical drop in North America (1,600+m) back to the village.

For a world-class mountain orientation, guests can make use the free CIBC mountain tours on both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, every day.

If you're heading to Whistler and looking for either your first dip into the heli-skiing arena or simply just to get a bird’s eye view of this incredible mountain range, give our dedicated sales team a call and they will be more than happy to talk you through your helicopter-tour options.

Lift Passes in Whistler Blackcomb

Booking in advance will always get you the best discounts on your lift passes. Whistler often operate an early booking and a super-early booking offer in roughly June and September, respectively. In addition, you can make cumulative savings with multi-day tickets, so it becomes better value to go for longer. Lift passes are priced according to different seasons – it’s more expensive during peak than off-peak season for example. Get in touch with our Ski Specialists (0330 102 8004) for an accurate quote.

If you’re planning a trip to Whistler of any length, it may be in your interest to consider purchasing an Epic Pass – a season-long lift pass which gives you access to over 40 ski resorts in 7 countries. Find out more about The Epic Lift Pass here. It might be the cheapest option!

Activities in Whistler

• Horse-drawn sleigh rides – Kick-back like royalty under a cosy blanket and get a private guided tour of Whistler in an authentic sleigh.
• Snowmobiling – explore the wilder side of Whistler with an evening snowmobile tour.
• Meadow Park Sports Centre - An easy 15-minute bus from the village and featuring indoor pool, fitness centre, indoor skating rink, fitness studio and squash courts.
• Zip trekking - Experience The Sasquatch; a mind-blowing 2km zipline (longest in North America), taking in spectacular views and pure exhilaration!
• Scandinave Spa - Relax outside in the various hot tubs and take in the view of the mountains, or enjoy a top-class spa treatment in one of the many treatment rooms.
• Vancouver day trip - The cultural capital of the Canadian west coast is an exciting day out and easily manageable being only a couple of hours drive down the Sea to Sky Highway.
• Helicopter tours – Enjoy an exhilarating aerial tour of Whistler and the surrounding mountains by helicopter!

Après Ski in Whistler

There are more than 200 shops within Whistler ranging from souvenir shops to North American retail chain favourites, many open well into the evening – shopping is a popular après activity!

Whistler is one of the liveliest resorts in North America, with over 100 bars, nightclubs and about 80 restaurants catering for all tastes and ages. Some worth a mention include:

• The GLC – A lounge-style restaurant and bar with big sociable tables and a top notch bar. Rated one of North America's best après bars by SKI magazine, this place is a Whistler staple and worth visiting at least once.
• Dusty’s – Located at the base of the famous 2010 Olympic downhill ski run in Creekside, the sun-trap patio is a local’s favourite and features a delicious BBQ menu to accompany the array of drinks on offer – especially during happy hour!
• Merlin’s – At the base of Blackcomb, Merlin’s is as close to the raucous dancing-on-tables classic Alpine après you’ll find in North America. Let your hair down, enjoy a frosty brew and get rocking.

Places to Eat in Whistler

With around 80 eateries in Whistler, you’re incredibly spoilt for choice. A few fan-favourites include:

• Creekbread – Located in Creekside, they focus on natural, organic produce such as free-range chicken and nitrate free meats. All-natural pizza cooked in a primitive wood-fired oven is their delicious speciality – perfect comfort food after a day’s skiing.
• Sushi Village – An icon among the locals, with a casual vibe and always-fresh sushi plus a variety of other traditional Japanese dishes. Don’t miss a legendary sake margarita!
• Araxi – One of the top fine-dining restaurants with rave reviews across the board. Begin your experience in the oyster bar before indulging in some of the finest cuisine the Pacific northwest has to offer.
• Fresh Tracks – The wildcard of the pack; an early morning trip up the Whistler Village gondola for a typically massive Canadian breakfast buffet at the Roundhouse Lodge, followed by the first fresh powder or groomed-piste turns of the day, before the mountain is open to the public.

Family Options in Whistler

As well as the fun non-skiing options in the Activities tab, Whistler Blackcomb also offers the following amenities for families:

• Whistler Kids Childcare - Four fully-licensed childcare programs for children aged 18 to 48 months and 3 to 5 years old.
• Magic Castle and Tree Fort – Two memorable adventure areas tucked away in the forest that your kids will love.
• Adventure Camps – Whistler’s name for their week-long ski school programs.
• Gaming Lounges - On-mountain gaming lounge sponsored by Nintendo, located in the Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb Mountain.