Conquer The Ski Slopes At Whistler

Only two hours north of Vancouver, Whistler is the biggest ski area in North America and is very popular among Europeans, Japanese and Australians. A huge array of pistes and perfect snow, coupled with advanced, high-speed lift systems and friendly staff make Whistler/Blackcomb one of the world's top ski destinations.

Whistler is a purpose-built, yet traditional-looking resort village with full facilities and a pedestrianised centre. There are ski shops and rentals with repairs and lessons, bank machines, medical and dental clinics, physiotherapy and massage therapy, a beauty salon, library, museum, art galleries, and even church services available here.

Both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains combine to offer 216 runs over a whopping 3,200 hectares of diverse terrain and a vertical drop of 1,632m. There is also some great off-piste and the Peak of Whistler Mountain is better suited to experienced sliders. There are 33 lifts altogether, include high-speed gondolas and quads, with an hourly uplift capacity of 59,000 people, and a longest slope of 11.2kms. Blackcomb also boasts a specialist park for snowboarders.

The ski season at Whistler ski resort extends from November to April, and reduced rates can be had up to December 20, throughout most of January, and in April. The most convenient means of transport is to fly to Vancouver and take an airport shuttle; Helijet service is also available.

Skiing in Whistler

Located to the north of Vancouver and host to the 2010 Winter Olympics, the 216 runs at Whistler and Blackcomb are spread across both mountains and divided into 15 per cent beginner slopes, 55 per cent intermediate, 15 per cent advanced and 15 per cent for experts.

Altogether, there are 3,200 hectares of skiable terrain and a longest run of 11.5kms. Thirty-three lifts provide slope access. In addition, snowboarders have the excellent terrain park at Blackcomb and cross-country skiers can enjoy 45kms of trails.

There is a massive range of lodgings here in mountain inns, homes and chalets, lodges, hotels, and log cabins - with condo properties alone totalling 4,500 units.

The November to April ski season at Whistler/Blackcomb Mountains has its best snow in February/March and cheapest rates up to mid-December, in January and at the end of the season. Flying to Vancouver and taking a return airport shuttle, or using the convenient Helijet service, is the most practical travel option for getting to Whistler.

Après-ski in Whistler

Lodging varies from dorm bunks and European-style bed-and-breakfasts to luxury hotels to condos. Prices are expensive, though off-season lift-and-lodge packages are available.

Non-ski activities are extensive and there are 17 on-slope restaurants and nearly a hundred more in the village. The nightlife is supplemented by 14 bars and five nightclubs. For those travelling with little ones, a nursery receives children from two to five years.

Other activities and facilities at Whistler and Blackcomb include: ice-skating, snowmobiling, snowcat riding, tobogganing, snowshoeing, horse-drawn sleigh riding, dog-sledding, heli-skiing and boarding, and mountaineering. There is also a sports centre with swimming and indoor tennis, as well as extensive spa facilities. Après-ski is lively and exciting, with numerous restaurants, bars and clubs.

Facilities in the village of Whistler are second-to-none, with excellent ski services, countless shops, art galleries, medical services and a museum. Away from the slopes, interesting and scenic airplane sightseeing tours can be had around the region. Situated between a beautiful harbour and breathtaking mountains, cosmopolitan Vancouver is well worth a visit for its great shopping, vibrant nightlife and a rich arts community.

Transportation in Whistler

Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains ski resort is 125kms north of Vancouver on the edge of the Garibaldi Provincial Park, and is directly accessible by road and rail. Driving is very straightforward if coming from Seattle or Vancouver; while overseas travellers should fly to Vancouver and transfer by car or shuttle bus.

If you are driving, Whistler is accessible via the scenic highway 99 (two hours). Seattle is a 350-kilometre journey via I-5 and highway 99 (four hours). By rail, there is a daily service between north Vancouver and Whistler, with one morning departure to Whistler and one return evening trip.

Vancouver International Airport is the gateway to Whistler, with arrivals from many world cities on most major airlines. Perimeters Whistler Express shuttle buses run between the airport and Whistler nine times a day. Whistler Star Express also runs between the airport, Vancouver and Whistler. By car, highway 99 runs alongside the airport all the way to Whistler.

Alternatively, Helijet flies twice daily from Vancouver International Airport to Whistler, departing at 11:50 and 14:40; each flight is a scenic 35 minutes. Float planes also leave from Coal Harbour in downtown Vancouver at 09:30 and 17:00 daily, returning to Vancouver at 08:30 and 16:00.

Greyhound buses also operate from Vancouver Airport and the main Vancouver bus depot in downtown Vancouver to Whistler; while Whistler Air offers a twice-daily bus service between downtown Vancouver and Whistler. For transport at the Whistler/Blackcomb Mountains ski resort, free shuttles loop around the village, taking passengers to and from the mountains all day.

Whistler Partners & Resources

Whistler Bed & Breakfast Accommodations
Durlacher Hof Alpine Country Inn Bed & Breakfast in Whistler, BC, Canada.

NuSalya Chalet B&B
There are only a few Five Star B&B'S in all of Canada. Nusalya Chalet is the only Five Star B&B in the West Vancouver, Squamish and Whistler region. Our spectacular coastal community, which is Canadas Winter Eagle Capital offers unparalleled natural beauty.

Whistler Ski Accommodation
We offer a selection of the finest accommodation in Whistler. Choose a fabulous ski in/ski out location at the Lake Placid Lodge in Whistler Creekside, the resort's newest hotspot. Or choose our Glacier's Reach location for your own private hot tub and fantastic Village North convenience. We have a number of other attractive locations to choose from to help you make the most of your ski break at Whistler.