Please install Flash and turn on Javascript.

Whistler/Blackcomb, Canada

Introduction

Whistler/Blackcomb. Where to begin? Repeatedly rated as the No. 1 resort in North America and not without reason, Whistler will host the 2010 Winter Olympics and is one of the best resorts in the world. A combination of absolutely unbelievable terrain combined with Intrawest ownership has shunted Whistler to super-resort status, but glitz aside, experience the riding here for yourself to see why its so good. Two monstrous mountains cradle the purpose-built village of Whistler itself, and the year-round population of 10,000, swells to 5 times that during peak season - beware school holidays. Now almost as famous for its amazing mountain biking as its snowboarding (freestyle adrenaline-seekers on summer camps should check out the downhill park!), Whistler is a magical encounter for all ability levels.You really can ride here for years without becoming bored.

Whistler has it all - 33 lifts accessing over 7000 acres of varied and challenging terrain, amazing backcountry access, bowls, steeps, trees, 2 terrain parks and 3 pipes, 2 of them superpipes. The downside of having it all is crowding - avoid Christmas and Easter at all costs. Early Dec. or Jan. are often good for a local vibe with no crowds and lotsa pow. The village throngs with restaurants, bars and clubs. Doing a season here is an excellent way to do both the vast mountain and social scenes justice. Brits under 35 (and now non-students) can obtain a 1 year BUNAC work permit and as a result may soon be competing with droves of Aussies seeking beds in Intrawest staff housing for the winter. Party hounds should check out the annual World Ski and Snowboard Festival held every April, with pipe and big air comps, live bands and DJs. Powder hounds should  go for 'Fresh Trax' tickets to access the mountain before the crowds at 7am - if you've got any sense, leave the breakfast to the skiers and go ride those pillows lines! 

Blackcomb Glacier is home to a handful of snowboard camps in summer, including Camp of Champions and Whistler Summer Snowboard Camp. Open to all levels they can be pricey but what a way to  parallel superkid Shaun White! The summer scene is spectacular, with tons to do in the evenings, plus Whistler has its own skatepark, dirt jumps and downhill park,  all a must for the hungry adrenaline seeker.

New for season

2006/7:new Piccolo Express quad Lift will run to Piccolo peak from the bottom of Flute Bowl

2005/6: The west side of Whistler Mountain officially opens this season with 400 acres of new terrain. The resort boundary will be extended to include Flute Bowl providing 700 acres of new patrolled backcountry terrain.

Creekside base reopens after 4 years with much improved servives.

Ready for the 2005 Snowboard World Championships a new 150m night lit Superpipe will be built on Lower Cruiser in the Base II area

Resort Statistics

Online:7 register/login