Whistler/Blackcomb, Canada
Freeriding

The resort is sheer powder heaven when it dumps, which is often with its Pacific Northwest climate. Natural hits spring up all over both mountains which both have amazing tree runs, marked and unmarked. On Whistler, try Peak to Creek via the Peak Chair and Bagel or West Bowl. Even better, get a local to point you to CBC trees and Khybers for a 'Clearcut' BC forest experience.The whole Harmony area is awesome, with open bowls, cornices, chutes and pillow lines galore.
Blackcomb Glacier is a must - access it via Spanky's Ladder to drop into Ruby, Diamond, Sapphire and Garnet bowls or the Showcase T-Bar to encounter the infamous wind-lip. Seventh Heaven and Crystal Chair offer pillows, cliffs, tight trees and more. Remember, if it's raining in the village it's often puking up top - don't let the sometimes damp village conditions put you off.
Freestylers
Both mountains have pristine terrain parks, with Blackcmb's beauty continually rated no. 1 in Transworld Snowboarding alongside Mammoth, CA (also Intrawest-owned). The park is split into 3 levels - pay an extra C$15 for unlimited use of the Advanced park and remember the mandatory helmet - most of the booters are an average of 40-60 ft. DJs blast an eclectic mixture of tunes from a booth on the legendary shack booter, the first in a series of similar monstrosities which take you either to Catskinner Chair or continue through the superpipe to Solar Coaster.
The park also features a wide variety of technichal rails, spine jumps, a gap jump and quarterpipe with alterations throughout the season. 90% of Canada's pro-riders reside in Whistler so watch out for cutting-edge action and lots of filming.
The Intermediate park on skier's right has the same features on a smaller scale and beginners can try the Terrain Garden (off Easy Out)or Habitat Park on Whistler. Newly- opened as part of the FIS Snowboard World Championships was the Night Superpipe located at Base 2, in conjunction with the 'King of the Rail' competition held weekly under Magic Chair lights.
Pistes
Carvers and speed freaks will love the deliciously long, wide-open groomers of both mountains. On Blackcomb, Springboard, Rock and Roll and Ridgerunner are a must and Panorama on 7th Heaven features a set of of natural, groomed rollers that will boot you to the gods. On Whistler, cruise down to Creekside via the Dave Murray downhill. The Saddle, Tokum and Bear Paw are also immaculate groomers, ripe for early morning ripping but always check the grooming maps to avoid running into mogul fields!
Beginners
The enormous and expertly-staffed Snowboard School caters for riders from 6 upwards - Super Sliders (6-8), Super Riders (9-12), Ride Tribe (13-17) and Adult Groups (up to 8 people). Private and other tailored lessons leave from all 3 bases, Whistler, Blackcomb and Creekside, and cater for every level. Beginners are well looked after on the Magic Chair (Blackcomb base) or Olympic Chair (Whistler mid-station). Whistler has the most green (novice) trails so is best for practicing riders. Freestyle programmes focusing purely on park and pipe are also available. Contact www.whistler-blackcomb.comResort 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
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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
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Image Gallery
Webcams
Resort News
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With record snowfall and technical approval, Whistler Blackcomb and VANOC are games-ready
With the backdrop of a record snowfall and the blessing of international ski officials, the finishing touches are being applied over the next 16 days to the Olympic alpine ski racing venue. Whistler Blackcomb, host venue for the men's and women's ... Thu 28 Jan 10 -
HEAVY SNOWFALL HAMMERS WHISTLER BLACKCOMB WITH 70 CENTIMETRES / 28 INCHES FALLING IN 24 HOURS
The latest storm to hit Whistler Blackcomb has dumped a whopping 70 centimetres or 28 inches in 24 hours, immersing the resort in deep winter conditions. Although the heavy snow and high winds prevented a number of lifts from opening today, the ... Sat 16 Jan 10 -
Jordan Manley crowned 'King of Storms' third year in a row at 4th Annual Deep Winter Photo Challenge, presented by Arc'teryx
For three years in a row Jordan Manley has taken top spot at the Deep Winter Photo Challenge, presented by Arc’teryx. His style and skill behind the lens was most impressive with his epic powder shots, unique angels, tree climbing and underwater ... Tue 12 Jan 10 -
Whistler Blackcomb’s Kids, Ride Tribe and Private Programs to Utilize flaik GPS Technology this Winter Season
flaik GPS provides real-time tracking information for additional safety while giving Whistler Blackcomb’s youngest guests a chance to track their day on the mountains. This season, Whistler Blackcomb is outfitting guests of the Whistler Kids, Ride ... Thu 17 Dec 09 -
One Year Anniversary Of PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola Grand Opening Chalks Up A Year Of High Points
Discovery Channel Canada to air PEAK 2 PEAK documentary December 23. December 12, 2009 marks the one-year anniversary of the grand opening of Whistler Blackcomb’s world record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. In just one short year the gondola has ... Mon 14 Dec 09 -
Bloggers will act as window to the world of Whistler Blackcomb
Friday, December 11, 2009 – Starting today, living vicariously through the life of a real Whistler local just got easier with the launch of Whistler Blackcomb’s Blogs. Featuring five individuals, each blog will provide an up-to-date and personal ... Fri 11 Dec 09
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Saturday January 9, 2010- Receive A Complimentary Red Bull Energy Shot
Red Bull Energy Shots are the perfect answer for those times when you need sustained energy for hours in a sip. Pass and Card holders plus full day lift ticket holders will receive a complimentary sample of the new Red Bull Energy shot at the base ... Fri 08 Jan 10
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Weather & conditions
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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
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Piste Map
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