Following a leisurely orientation at the foot of Vancouver’s majestic Mountain range, we set off for legendary Whistler Mountain. The scenic two-hour drive along the Sea-to-Sky Corridor is an adventure in itself and sets the tone for the week ahead. Crystal clear rainwater cascades off the cliffs onto the highway and pristine coastal islands add the perfect contrast to the endless blue ocean as it accompanies us along the way. Halfway across the coastal planes we stop for a relaxing lunch at the Lions Bay Café, a quaint Soup and Sandwich cafe popular among the locals and perched high above scenic Lions Bay.
As we ascend upward from the city, the snowfall steadily increases. The scenery slowly transforms from sub-alpine to alpine with ever increasing numbers of snow-covered fir trees lining the road. Continuing the drive through the Garibaldi Highlands we finally see the winter lights glistening over Whistler Village which now lays silently at the foot of the mountain like an infant in the womb. Skiers in colorful puffy jackets dot the pristine snowcapped hills as they carry their skis slung over their shoulders to the day’s next great adventure. Massive Yellow Snow plows move like Mammoths along the roads to clear the snow, and the Whistler Village gondolas sparkle like Christmas lights in the distance.
Whistler-Blackcomb
Whistler Resort is comprised of two large mountain ranges, Whistler and Blackcomb. Sitting in tandem they are joined two-thirds of the way up by the world famous Peak-to-Peak gondola. Completed in 2007, this tri-cable gondola has the longest unsupported lift span in the world (3.024 kilometers or 1.88 miles) offering a panoramic view of the majestic mountain range from a height of 6,000 feet. Its glass-bottomed cabins will take your breath away even before you set foot on the slopes. As you approach Roundhouse Lodge at the top of the mountain, you’ll feel as though you’re floating above five alpine bowls in the surprisingly smooth ride.
Peak to Peak
At the peak you’ll marvel at the numerous wide green runs which reach all the way to the base of the mountain. Green Road down Easy Out is the longest run down at 11km (6 miles). For the more experienced skier there is the famous Dave Murray Downhill which drops 1,006 vertical meters (3,300ft) to the Whistler Creekside base which boasts spectacular views of the entire mountain. Snow covered pines provide the perfect backdrop and views of the charming village in the distance. Once at the bottom, visit Dusty’s, a local favorite for a burger and beer. Or dine at another of the towns numerous quality restaurants and cafes for various healthier alternatives.
Whistler
Those seeking the thrill of off-piste skiing will find miles of untamed terrain to conquer at their own pace. Numerous runs at Whistler and Blackcomb also provide the more adventurous with exciting “off the beaten track” and hidden trails. While it’s best to be accompanied by someone who knows the terrain, locals are often seen weaving through the trees along these trails and provide misplaced newcomers with some sense of homeward direction.
Whistler Mountain provides superb skiing for both beginners and intermediates. Alternatively, Blackcomb caters best to more advanced skiers. Many enjoy the wide range of slopes both mountains offer by warming up at Whistler in the morning and graduating to Blackcomb in the afternoon. By the end of the day you’ll have found the perfect slope and possibly acquired some bragging rights along the way.
Blackcomb
At Whistler the adventure doesn’t stop when the lifts close. Whether your old ski gear just needs new accessories or you’re looking for an entire new ensemble, the best outdoors retailers including Patagonia (our favorite) are in Whistler Village. While shopping you’ll also find a variety of restaurants, bars and pubs with a diverse selection of cuisine as well. To prepare the body and mind for the next day’s adventure hot Yoga at Neoalpine is only 10 minutes from the village. For those seeking a healthy home cooked meal, Nesters Market, 5-minutes from the village, offers a wide range of high-quality produce including organic and specialty items.
Whistler-Blackcomb is world renown for having some of the best skiing in the world. Travelers and adventure seekers worldwide fill the slopes of Whistler-Blackcomb and comb the streets of Whistler Village…And clearly for good reason.
Key Facts
- 2 hour drive from Vancouver to Whistler
- Whistler base / top elevation: 2,182 meters / 652 meters
- Blackcomb base / top elevation: 2,284 meters / 675 meters
- Blackcomb lifts: 17 (plus Peak to Peak gondola)
- Whistler lifts: 19 (plus Peak to Peak gondola)
- Whistler terrain type: 20% beg. 55% int., 25% adv
- Blackcomb terrain type: 15% beg. 55% int. 30% adv
- Lift Ticket Prices: Adult day $99, Adult Week $572, Season $1,489
- Peak to Peak gondola – the longest unsupported lift span in the world at 3.024 km
- Lift operating hours: 8:30am-3pm (17 Nov- 25 Jan) 3:30pm (26 Jan-22 Feb) 4pm (23 Feb – 21 Apr)
- Rendezvous on Blackcomb mountain is a popular local hang out. Locals are usually spotted by the window with a coffee and the paper.
- Whistler is home to approximately 100 black bears, chances are you might see one. From mid-March to November bears are active and looking for food. Often, their appetite draws them to urban areas with garbage.
Why Whistler
- Huge skiable area with enormous runs and 200+ total trails
- Extensive range of powder and groomed runs and a wide variety of terrain
- Special areas for snowboarders
- Wide range of accommodation
- Canadian friendliness and laid back attitude – polite lift lines
Be Aware Of
- Weather: Its altitude can decrease visibility and there can be the occasional non-skiable days
- Avalanches: though only a concern for advanced skiers on back country runs
- Hidden Costs: there can be a lot variation in the costs of rental equipment, but discounted lift tickets can be found
- Skier and snowboarder traffic at the base of both mountains at around 3pm when the lifts close, try getting the last lift up to the top at 3pm and take it slowly downhill to avoid the crowds.
- Can be touristy in places with hotel and fast food chains like the Four Seasons, McDonald’s and KFC
- Everyone asking you where you are from
To find out more about Slipstream’s unique travel services, you can check out our website www.slipstream.travel.
Images credits: Whistler-Blackcomb by Globalreset, Peak to Peak by GMontgomery, Whistler by Globalreset, Whistler-Blackcomb by Abundantc.
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