Whistler/Blackcomb, Canada

Zoes view

British Olympic Boarder-X

Host to snowboard world cups and world championships for the last decade and of course events at the 2010 Olympics which are based in Vancouver

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.

Wallride on one of Whistlers terrain parksWhistler 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

2008/9:December 12, 2008 marks the launch date the world record breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. The gondola is the first of its kind in North America and will revolutionize the way visitors experience Whistler Blackcomb. During the winter, skiers and riders will enjoy infinite opportunities to experience Whistler and Blackcomb mountains in one day. In the summer, the PEAK 2 PEAK will bring sightseers and hikers into the high alpine.


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

Hotel search

Choose from over 73,000 hotels at great prices.
Where: Whistler/Blackcomb, Canada Or  other:
Arrive:  
Depart:

Resort Statistics

Resort Type:  Alpine
Winter: Dec to May
Summer: June to August

Lifts

Total Lifts: 33
Gondolas: 3
Chair lifts: 18
Drag lifts: 12
Max people per hour: 59,000
Board Leashes required: No

Mountain

Total pistes/trails: 230
Total ride area: 7071 acres
Longest run: 7miles (11km)

Top lift: 2284m
Vertical drop: 1609m
First lift: 675m

Piste suitability

Green runs: 20%
Red runs: 55%
Black runs: 25%

Lift Passes

  Low Season High Season
  CAD GBP CAD GBP
Day Pass - - - -
6-Day Pass - - - -
6-Day Linked area Pass - - - -
  CAD GBP
Season Pass: - -

Lift Passes: 
1 Day pass - $70
6 Day pass - $378
Season pass - $1639

Lift times:7.00am to 3.30pm

Snowfall

Average annual snowfall: 9.14metres
Artificial snowmaking coverage: 35%

Facilities

  CAD GBP
Days Rental of Board & Boots: - -
4hr Group Lesson (full day): - -
4hr Private Lesson (full day): - -

Snowboard Schools: Half day Group $135 Full day $205
Private Half day $399 Full day $599

Snowboard Hire: Board and Boots 1 Day $36
5 Days $150

Night Riding: Thursday, Friday and Saturday the Super Pipe is open $15 5-9pm

Other activities

Heliboarding: 3 runs of 1400/2300M $640pp
6 runs of 2700/4600M $940pp

Snowmobiles: $99 for begginers trip
full day @$229

Further information

www.whistlerblackcomb.com
Email:wbres@intrawest.com

Please install Flash and turn on Javascript.

Summary
Major riding for all styles and all levels, especially backcountry and amazing park and pipes.But take note: lift queues can be very long, especially at Easter and Christmas. Great summer riding on Blackcomb Glacier.

ON THE SLOPES: Amazing
OFF THE SLOPES: Something for everyone
MONEY WISE: Expensive but worth it. To save on lift tickets stop at 7/11 in Squamish on the drive up - the deal here is not available in Whistler itself.

Terrain & parks

HALFPIPE: Yes - 3
TERRAIN PARK: Yes - 2
BACKCOUNTRY/OFF-PISTE:Yes
TREE RUNS:Yes

Please install Flash and turn on Javascript.

Related pages
Image Gallery
Whistler.jpg
 »» Featured Blog
Snow Watch
“Snow creeping to Whistler village”
Tue 21 Oct 2008 by Steve Dowle
Webcams
Highslide JS Highslide JS Highslide JS
Resort News

World snow update 17th Feb 17Feb10
>> more news on Whistler/Blackcomb ...

* Content provided by an external source. All links open in new a window.

* Content provided by an external source. All links open in new a window.

Weather & conditions
  • Terrain Parks Report by Brian Finestone - March 9, 2010
    Parks photos and a new Terrain Park Report posted by Brian Finestone posted in the Parks Section. Ski And Snowboard Cross Presented By Powerade goes off this weekend on Blackcomb. Follow our Twitter updates @whistlerparks. ... Wed 10 Mar 10
  • Latest Terrain Parks Highlight Video - January 2010
    Park Riders and Skiers, check out the Terrain Parks latest video: January Highlights. Stepped Up - New features, jibs and jumps. Check out the action in the Nintendo Terrain Parks at Whistler Blackcomb. Video by: Nick Hickling. Music: F*RNR The ... Sun 31 Jan 10
  • Latest Terrain Parks Highlight Video now Online plus new Photos
    Park Riders and Skiers, check out the Terrain Parks latest video: December Highlights. Jump Line highlights and jibs from both Whistler and Blackcomb Terrain Parks. Music Track: Take a Minute to Think by Western Union. Edit by: Nick Hickling. ... Sun 03 Jan 10
  • Whistler Blackcomb Terrain Parks
    Hey Park riders, Finestone here with a Holiday Park update. It has been a stellar week with a perfect temperature inversion keeping the valley snow cold for after hour urban sessions while the Parks are all warm and sunny with ideal snow ... Wed 30 Dec 09
  • Whistler Blackcomb Terrain Parks
    There's been lots of activity on both Whistler and Blackcomb. Check out the new picnic table culvert combo, super fun tree bonk plus a new Cougar park line on Whistler. Blackcomb has opened the Terrain Garden and added new features and jumps on ... Sat 26 Dec 09
  • Terrain Parks Highlight Video for November
    Park Riders and Skiers, check out the Terrain Parks latest video: November Highlights. Featuring jibs and jumps from the Blackcomb Terrain Park and Highest Level Park. ... Mon 14 Dec 09

* Content provided by an external source. All links open in new a window.

Piste Map

Click to expand