The seasons are changing, and it’s beginning to look like winter at Whistler Blackcomb. There has already been some snow, and there’s plenty more to come. Which means, of course, Opening Day of ski season is just around the corner, slated for Nov. 29.
Photo by Tourism Whistler/Karina Erhardt
Whistler is the epitome of North American Ski Resorts. The creme de la snow creme, if you will. There are lots of snow sports and it offers a distinctly European village vibe. Then there’s the 8,171 acres spread over two mountains that you could spend your whole life exploring. But, have no fear. We’re here to break it down for you.
Learn the Ropes
The Whistler Blackcomb Snow School, considered among the top programs in North America, offers lessons for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders. Book in advance to save money. Check-in the day before your lesson, or at least an hour before on the day of your session. That’s when you’ll get your meeting location. Pick up your rental equipment if needed, then head to your meeting point 20 minutes before the lesson begins. Experienced instructors take it from there.
Tons of Runs
Whistler Blackcomb by the numbers is pretty impressive. The vast network of lifts, including the new 10-passenger gondola, can move 33,791 skiers per hour. Whistler and Blackcomb offer 200 marked trails, 16 alpine bowls and three glaciers. The longest runs are the Peak to Creek on Whistler and the Green Road at Blackcomb, both 11 km, and 6.8 miles long. The vertical rise is 5,280 feet and the mountains receive an average of almost 40 feet of snowfall each season.
Take a Ride
Use the fast Blackcomb Gondola to get to the most variety on the mountain, including several terrain parks, a superpipe and a public snow course. There are beginner green runs, several intermediate blue trails and some short single blacks for the more experienced. On Whistler Mountain, Emerald Express is the choice lift for beginners and families, accessing several mid-mountain green and blue trails, and three terrain parks. Of course, there’s a lot of black diamond runs on both mountains. Check out this trail map.
Skip the Line, Save on Lift Tickets
Don't wait ’til the season opens. You can save up to 31 percent when you order lift tickets online by Nov. 15. When you buy in advance, you get a low-price guarantee. You’ll also save when you buy multi-day passes. Tickets can be mailed to you if purchased more than 14 days in advance. And if you're an Epic Pass holder, Whistler Blackcomb is now an Epic Pass resort.
Stay on the Slope
You’re going to want to be close to the runs. Blackcomb Peaks' vacation rentals make that easy with ski-in, ski-out accommodations. Our Cedar Hollow Townhomes, for example, offer one to four-bedroom rentals with access to both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Ski access is along Village Run, which puts you right in Skier’s Plaza and both Whistler and Blackcomb gondolas. Aspens Condominiums, located on the slopes of Blackcomb Mountain, offers free ski storage, shuttles to Whistler Village and all the amenities for an amazing ski vacation.