Whistler Blackcomb Mountains Ski Resort

Located in British Columbia, Canada, nestled between the two enormous mountains Blackcomb Peak (2440 m=8005 ft) and Whistler Mountain (2182 m=7158ft) you are going to find everything you have ever dreamed of. Enjoy the vertical rise of 5280 feet and the breathtaking panorama from almost every run. It does not only boast the most skiable terrain but has also the greatest uphill lift capacity of all North American ski resorts by featuring 37 lifts.

The average annual snowfall of 11,64 meters (38,2 feet) makes sure that you will always have fresh powder to hit the huge amount of trails. Whistler Blackcomb is also known for being super family-friendly and has some great family zones in stock. You will find trails for everyone in your party since the resort has 18 percent greens, 55 percent blues, and 27 percent expert only skiing to your disposal.

Whistler Mountain 

Starting from the village, beginners can hit Whistler mountain by either taking the Fitzsimmons Express to find great blue and green runs or get in the Whistler Village Gondola to find the Lowe Olympic. This one even descends right into the valley. Or you can go mid-mountain and change into the Olympic chair for more green trails. Here expert skiers could grab Garbanzo Express and find mostly black runs as well as the Cliff Area.

You can also stay seated until you reach the top station at an altitude of 6069 feet (1850 m) above sea level. If you want to make it to the tippy top you will have to ride Symphony Express or Harmony 6 Express. Now you will see the great bowls the resort is so famous for in front of you.

Glacier Bowl and Whistler Bowl are just two of several ones worth checking out. Expert skiers will appreciate the Double Black Diamond runs Stefan's Chute and Cockalorum. Beginners will not miss out either: mid-mountain awaits you with great greens like Bear Cub, Pony Trail, and Papoose.

Moreover, Whistler Mountain has several slow zones to offer, which is a whole area for newcomers to practice and improve their skiing skills. What is more is a mountain safety team that keeps an eye on all the skiers in this area reminding them of the slow zones' aspect of actually keeping their pace in mind.

Blackcomb Mountain

At the Roundhouse Logde you can grab the famous Peak 2 Peak Gondola, that will take you to Blackcomb Mountain in a blink. This one is also accessible via lifts from the valley. Take the Blackcomb Excalibur Gondola in order to find some pretty remarkable intermediate trails like Grub Stake, Shorthorn, or School Marm. Even if you ride it up to the top station you will have a good choice of blues like Cruiser or Storker.

Off the Solar Coaster Express you get to hit some short black runs. Intermediates should take the Glacier Express and afterwards choose between the two T-Bars to get access to more blue runs. By taking the Hostman T-Bar you will find a ton of green and blue runs at the peak of the mountain.

Tons of freestylers just come here for the terrain parks. With five terrain parks, two on Whistler Mountain and three on Blackcomb Mountain, two halfpipes, a 22-feet super pipe and the 15-feet mini pipe, you will find challenges for every level. The Big Easy Terrain Garden at Blackcomb mountain boasts mostly easy features, so it is great to begin with.

The Nintendo Terrain park on Blackcomb has beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain. The Snow Cross Track is located off Nintendo Terrain Park and makes every freestyler's heart race faster. Besides, the Highest Level Park on Blackcomb features mostly jibs, spines, and rails for those with the need to speed. The Habitat Terrain Park on Whistler mountain is the one that comes closest to an all-natural park and covers every ability level.

The Blackcomb Mountain features some great lunch options. The Crystal hut at the top of the Crystal chair is a log cabin with a great atmosphere. It is well-known for its Belgian waffles, wood-oven baked specialties and awesome views from the sun deck. Christine´s can also be found on Blackcomb Mountain and is a full service alpine restaurant where you will find a farm-to-table dining experience using only local ingredients. The Rendezvous Lodge at the top station of the Solar Coaster Express has a menu full of fresh pasta, soups and sandwiches. You can even mix your own salad at the salad bar.

In case you are closer to Whistler Mountain's restaurants at lunch time you will have equally great choices. The Roundhouse Lodge, the biggest mid-mountain restaurant, offers three food courts where you can pick between soups and sandwiches as well as Asian treats. Steep's on Whistler Mountain even gives you the possibility to sip your afternoon tea or you can choose from the extended wine list. Ollie's Grilled Cheese Shack offers a wide range of different grilled cheese sandwiches.

You might not want to miss out on the two longest runs in the ski resort. Whistler Mountain's longest run is 7 miles long, going Peak to Creek. Blackcomb Mountain's longest one starts on Green Road and goes down Easy Cut, also 7 miles long.

Next to countless restaurants and après-ski hangouts the Village boasts enough shops where you can buy everything to look great on the ski runs. The mountain holds a ton of activities like heli-skiing, where you get to decide between different packages. The Peak 2 Peak definitely is a great experience, even for non-skiers. Advertised as 'not your average gondola ride', you just need to sit in it and enjoy the outstanding views of snow-covered mountain tops.

Another highlight is the Coca Cola Tube Park on Blackcomb Mountain with seven tube lanes. Accompanied by great music and hot and cold beverages, it is a great family activity if you need a day away from skiing. Every Sunday in the winter season you can watch a free show, the Fire and Ice Show. The best skiers and riders in the area show off their skills supported by a grand display of fireworks.

You are new to Whistler Blackcomb? Not a big deal since you can book free mountain tours for intermediate and expert skiers. Snowmobile tours are also available and can be booked in advance. You will even get free photos from your once-in-a lifetime experience cruising through the backcountry.

If you feel really adventurous you can book Ziptrek Ecotours, where you glide above Fitzsimmons Creek between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain and have the time of your life. Covered in comfy blankets holding a hot chocolate in your hand you can experience a horse-drawn sleigh ride enjoying the forestry area and the view from Blackcomb Mountain fom a totally different perspective.

From comfortable restaurants and great pubs to lively nightclubs - you will find everything in the Village. Try Merlin's Bar & Grill, Garibaldi Lift Co., or Dusty's Bar & BBQ inviting you for a drink and great dining options. The Amsterdam Cafe and Pub has a great outdoor deck and offers European specialties. The Attic in the St. Andrews House features leathered furniture in a glamorous environment.

Black's Pub at the ground level of the Sundial boutique Hotel lets you choose between 100 beers from around the world. Brandy's at the Keg has a DJ coming every Friday and Saturday night during the peak season and 15 flat screen TVs guarantee that you can catch up on every main sport event. If you are more into other countries regarding drinks and food: The Dub Linn Gate Pub inside of the Pan Pacific Mountainside Hotel will make you feel as if you were right in Ireland.

The Champagne Lounge is a stylish lounge that offers you all kinds of mixed drinks and that never has a shortage of live piano music. Live concerts and DJs welcome you at Garfinkel's, which is also a hotspot for celebrities.

If you are more the club party type, pay Maxx Fish a visit. The multi-level dance stages provide music to suit every taste. Tommy Africa's is an other alternative for dance-fans. The club is rich in history and the dance floor usually gets pretty lively. Besides, its Halloween parties are one of a kind.

The Bearfoot Bistro in the Village is more on the sophisticated side and even has live jazz music on the weekends. The Alraxi Restaurant, mostly known for fantastic wine is a favorite among tourists and locals. The menu changes with the season and you can choose to sit indoor or outdoor all year round. Christine's Restaurant is located on the mountain, and you get to enjoy panoramic views as a nice extra.

The Crepe Montgane is well-known for its European charm. A great address to come for breakfast, but cheese and chocolate fondues expect you for lunch and dinner as well. Grille & Vine serves American food, yet with a modern and extravagant twist. You can come here at every day time and it is also a good place to come for mixed drinks.

In case you arrive by car, the closest major cities are Seattle and Vancouver. While Seattle is a 4 hour drive away, it only takes you 2 hours to get from Vancouver to the ski resort. Metered parking lots as well as free parking options are available. Blackcomb Mountain even has parking options where you can park your car right where the trails begin.

Close airports to the ski resort are Vancouver, British Columbia, Seattle, and Bellingham. Public busses run between Vancouver International Airport and Whistler. You can also take a rental car or even plan your arrival by helicopter.