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Whistler Ski Resort
Established in 1966 the Canadian ski resort Whistler lies at 675 metres altitude in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia. Its pedestrianised streets, size and attractive architecture, the village at the base of the mountain perfectly match North America's largest ski area.
Its diversity, buzzing vibe and class can be immediately sensed upon setting foot in the area. The myriad of bars, shops and restaurants open up the door of possibilities for the non-skier, whether it's perusing the vast range clothing stores, or viewing some of the art in the galleries. Of course, food within the village is varied and extensive, from the luxury fine dining of the Bearfoot Bistro to the cheap but oh-so-delicious pizza slices of Fat Tony's. If you're looking for apres drinks, Merlins Bar & Grill at Blackcomb and the Longhorn Saloon will more than do you proud, with Moe-Joes Nightclub or Garfinkel's keeping you partying all night.
Whilst many of the great European ski resorts tend to rest on their laurels, Whistler has shot up through the ranks to become one of the strongest contenders for the much-disputed title of 'World's greatest ski resort'. The twin-pronged assault involves having excellent skiing with a world-class high-speed lift system and on the ground, a vast array of apres-ski alternatives.
Stats & FAQ
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Established: 1966
Open: Nov - May
Downhill: 4757 acres
View our detailed Whistler snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Whistler snow history.
| Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
| Vancouver International Airport (YVR) | 136km, 2 hours |
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| Top Altitude: | 2284m |
| Bottom Altitude: | 675m |
| Resort Altitude: | 675m |
| Longest run: | 11km |
| Slope Orientation: | N S E W |
| Vertical Drop: | 1530m |
| Skiable Vertical: | 1530m |
| Night Skiing: | |
| Glacier: | Yes |
Snow Report
Web Cam
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| Downhill Runs: | 4757 acres |
| Beginner slopes: | 25% |
| Intermediate: | 38% |
| Advanced slopes: | 12% |
| Lift Pass Price: | $624 (adult 6 day) |
| Nearby resorts: | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Whistler
There is literally no best way to describe a ski area that spans two mountains and covers more than a colossal 8,000 acres. If you think you can’t find the right terrain for you here, you’re just too picky.
Setting out on skis in this resort is an absolute dream; the ski school is fantastic, catering to the customer’s every need. The Magic Chair on Blackcomb is perfect for your first venture up the mountain after the carpet, or for the more confident novices, hit up the cruisy runs of Whiskey Jack and then Olympic for a long run back to the village.
Intermediates will revel in the range of terrain, improving them into a more rounded skier if approached properly. On Blackcomb, skiing Slingshot can only be described as what you imagine it feels like to be water in a river; gracefully flowing in some areas, then shot out in a roaring surge in others. Well worth a visit early in the morning before it gets tracked out.
Advanced skiers will be dumbstruck at the variety of more challenging terrain on offer in the ski area; the numerous high alpine bowls, powder-filled forests and glades everywhere, the men’s Olympic Downhill run, or dropping into The Coffin chute or launching off Air Jordan for the real daredevils out there!
A plethora of parks across 99 acres will keep the park rats busy, from the Big Easy Terrain Garden off Last Resort – a fantastic entry-level park – to the XL Park, reserved only for the best of best.
Whistler Apres Ski
Once again, Whistler has a huge choice of alternatives and extras to the skiing experience. The Meadow Park Sports Centre has a six-lane pool, leisure pool, sauna, steam room, indoor ice rink, squash courts and a fitness centre.
Other Whistler activities include an outdoor skating rink at Whistler Olympic Plaza, snowshoeing trails and Whistler Skate Park.
Whistler has hair and beauty salons, a museum, public library, laundry and dry cleaning services, cinema, fitness centres, massage and spa facilities. Back in the great outdoors, paragliding, snowshoe hikes, tubing, sleigh rides and snowmobiling are popular diversions. The bobsleigh track is a great draw for the adrenaline junkies among you. The resort also offers a range of tours to destinations such as Vancouver for shopping and sight-seeing, or bald eagle watching in the nearby Brackendale sanctuary. Fishing is also popular in Whistler year-round, and the resort employs special guides to show you to the best spots.
The list of bars and restaurants in Whistler are endless. The best spots for apres is The GLC, above the Whistler gondola building, Dusty's Bar & BBQ at Creekside and Merlin's Bar & Grill at Blackcomb. Other favourites include The Longhorn Saloon, 21 Steps, Bearfoot Bistro and Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub. All these bars would make an incredible bar crawl!
Best time to go
Best time to ski Whistler
Best time to visit & ski Whistler
The direction which a resort's slopes face can make or break your ski holiday. To guarantee good snow conditions, choose a resort with pistes that face the right way for the time of year you're travelling.
In the coldest winter months of January and February pick a resort with sunny south-facing slopes, so your days on the snow don't feel like a polar expedition. Conversely, in the warmest spring skiing months of March and especially April, a resort with cool and shady north-facing trails will ensure you're not riding on slush, but benefitting from best late-season snow. Whistler has slopes facing N, S, E, W so that you're guaranteed great conditions whatever the weather.
Peak Dates
Spend Christmas in Whistler and you’re almost guaranteed to find fabulous snow down to village level. Here you're walking in a Whistler wonderland - buildings are decked with thousands of fairy lights, artisan markets sell festive treats and carolers fill the air with singing. Whistler Christmas ski holidays ‣
The New Year’s Eve firework display at Skier’s Plaza can’t be missed if you’re heading out for New Year in Whistler. Arts, crafts and entertainment are usually put on for all ages, including parties for children and teens and a get together on New Year’s Day. Whistler New Year ski holidays ‣
Half Term in Whistler makes an excellent change from the European resorts – there’s a huge ski area to roam without the school holiday crowds and with February’s average snowfall at 158cm, you’re in for a treat. Whistler Half Term ski holidays ‣
Sometimes coinciding with Spring Break or the World Ski & Snowboard Festival, Easter in Whistler is all about fun in the snow and sun. Blackcomb mountain doesn’t tend to close until late May, meaning the slopes should be in great nick. The bigger hotels put on Easter feasts, egg hunts and family crafts and competitions. Whistler Easter ski holidays ‣
Families in Whistler
Families wax lyrical about Whistler, where the locals go all out to make holidays spectacular for everyone from tots to grandpas. The village atmosphere is friendly and low key with heaps of eateries, from pubs like Merlin's or Dubh Linn Gate to quality pizzeria like Creekbread.
On top of play areas, you'll find 'family zones' on both of Whistler's mountains, kitted out with learning areas, easy trails and beginner snow parks. The ski school is excellent and has programmes for a range of ages and abilities – be sure to pre-book for peak dates as it's hugely popular!
For those too young to ski, Teddy Bear Daycare and Babysitting Whistler are two of the main companies offering excellent childcare outside of the hotels. If you need to rent things like cots, buggies, high-chairs, and toys, there's a company called Baby's on the Go who seem to have all bases covered (and then some).
Teens are far from forgotten, with awesome snow parks, teen ski classes and the youth centre's games tables, consoles and music.
GroupsGroup Holidays Whistler
With so much going on in the village and on the mountains, Whistler is a terrific resort for groups. Over 200 trails and some of the best snow parks on the planet cover every base for all skiers and boarders.
Beginners and improvers will be expertly looked after in the ski school, where you can split into classes depending on age and ability or book a private lesson together. If you have enough confident snow lovers coming along (groups of 4-5 are best), a heli-skiing or snowboarding trip can make for the ultimate group activity.
Extend the invite to non-skiers, who'll be more than happy exploring the village's shops, sights and spas (the open-air baths at Scandinave Spa are worth the trip in themselves). Nothing stops the whole group from enjoying the snow together with activities like tubing, dog sledding, and snowmobiling.
And last, but far from least, when it comes to activities after dark, the après ski and nightlife is vast and varied.
Which are the best ski holidays in Whistler?
| Accommodation | Number of nights | Price (per person) from |
|---|---|---|
| Fairmont Chateau Whistler | 7 | £ 1516 |
| Delta Whistler Village Suites | 7 | £ 1262 |
| Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa | 6 | £ 1365 |
| Crystal Lodge & Suites | 6 | £ 1288 |
| Hotel Aava | 7 | £ 1293 |
| Blackcomb Springs Suites | 6 | £ 1587 |
| Listel Hotel | 6 | £ 1351 |
| Hotel Pinnacle Whistler Village | 7 | £ 1229 |
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