Whistler Blackcomb: The Ultimate Trip Planning Guide

Whistler Blackcomb is a great destination, but it may be overwhelming to decide where to begin. Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America, located on the traditional lands of the Lil'wat Nation and the Squamish Nation.

Whistler Blackcomb should be on every skier's list just for its size, with 8,171 acres of skiable terrain and an annual average snowfall of 460 inches. These two mountains are popular ski destinations because of the resort's size, but there are other draws.

Whistler Blackcomb is a world-class ski resort that elevates the bar for winter in many ways, including its proximity to the stunning Coast Mountains and its charming, very Canadian mountain town atmosphere. We asked Lauren Meeker, a writer who calls Whistler and Blackcomb home, for advice on how to make the most of your time in the mountains.

Plan Your Ski Itinerary Carefully

Whistler Blackcomb has over three hundred defined slopes, sixteen alpine bowls, and access to three glaciers, so it can keep even the most dedicated skiers and snowboarders busy for days. However, there is also a large amount of terrain suitable for novice and intermediate skiers.

You can easily travel a lot of ground in a day thanks to fast lifts like the Big Red Express and Creekside Gondola, although Meeker warns against doing so. She warns that the area's "massive landscape" might be intimidating. It's more fun to ski one part of the resort at a time than to try to ski all of Whistler and Blackcomb in a single day.

Meeker recommends checking the Whistler Blackcomb website on powder days for real-time information on the lift status so that you may be among the first on the Crystal Zone chairs once ski patrol gives the go-ahead. There are plenty of snow stashes, making it one of the greatest spots to go skiing. Do you yearn for a backcountry powder day? Join a local guide on a hike in the Canadian wilderness.

Discover The Unknown

Meeker thinks you're in for a treat if you're an expert backcountry skier since there are so many "slackcountry" choices just outside the resort in the Spearhead Range between Whistler and Blackcomb. Accessible from the peak of Symphony Chair, the resort also features an avalanche-controlled slackcountry region called Flute Bowl.

Meeker notes that locals are huge fans of ski sets that allow them to go wherever the snow takes them. It may come as a surprise, but you'll find a surprising amount of skiers in Whistler using a combination of a resort and touring equipment.

Naturally, beyond the resort, the wilderness alternatives are practically limitless. Join a heli-skiing tour and ski 432,000 acres of the greatest large mountain terrain in British Columbia. With 173 glaciers and 475 routes, you'll have no trouble finding the greatest snow, thanks to the help of local experts.

Spectacular Views Await You

Whistler Blackcomb is a magnificent resort, so you can expect breathtaking scenery no matter where you go. The Gondola provides stunning vistas of Canada's Coast Mountains and helps put Whistler Blackcomb's sheer size into perspective. Christine's is where you should eat lunch and take in the scenery for the full effect.

It is strongly suggested that you make a reservation in advance; therefore, put it in your calendar as a reminder. The Umbrella Bar, or U-Bar as the locals know it, is the best place to relax with a drink while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the mountains and enjoying a delicious meal.

Participate In Timeless Whistler Blackcomb Customs

What sets Whistler Blackcomb apart is its extensive terrain and proximity to every winter activity imaginable. What makes Whistler Blackcomb so unique is the spirit of the Whistler Village during the height of the ski season, the people who love this area and call it home, and the events and traditions that have become part of the local fabric through the years.

The après ski scene in Whistler Blackcomb is legendary. Meeker insists that it is a must-do for every visitor to Whistler and that there is no shortage of excellent venues in which to do it in Whistler Village.

After a long day on the slopes, visitors may relax at one of the many local eateries or sample one of the many local brews. One of the most popular annual events at Whistler Blackcomb is the Fire and Ice performance, which takes place at the height of the ski season.