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Labeling the expanse that is Whistler Blackcomb as "massive" is an understatement. However, don't let the size sway you, for what is contained within justifies any amount of travel to reach this destination resort. Terrain Incredibly diverse terrain, with activities, dining and accommodations to match...Whistler Blackcomb has it all, with an annual average snowfall of 396 inches, over 200 trails and 38 lifts, spread out over 8,171 acres. Each of the mountains offers over 5,000 vertical feet of riding pleasure, with 3 glaciers and 12 alpine bowls. [Note: for the ambitious skier or rider, glacier season generally runs from early June until late July] And the resort is growing. The Symphony Amphitheatre, one of Whistler's favorite in bounds backcountry experiences in the high alpine of Whistler Mountain, is now accessible through the high speed Symphony Express, bringing 1,000 acres of intermediate and advanced terrain into easy reach. Featuring runs such as Rhapsody Bowl, Flute Bowl and Robertson's Run, add one more slice of paradise to the Whistler Blackcomb experience. As expected, visitors have expansive accommodation choices, from hotels right at the base in Whistler Village, to those a little farther away in Whistler's Upper Village and Village North. Just ten minutes south of the main village, Whistler Creekside offers a number of condos, as well as its own Town Centre and Whistler Creekside Gondola, while the Whistler Valley condos are just a short drive from Whistler Village and the lifts. You don't have to stay in a Whistler hotel though. For those so inclined, hotels in Squamish are less than one hour north of Vancouver and 45 minutes south of Whistler on the majestic Sea to Sky Highway, while the historic mining region near Pemberton offers secluded and eclectic accommodations just 30 miles north of Whistler Blackcomb. Fare more than just a skiing and riding destination, Whistler Blackcomb offers almost every activity imaginable for guests, including tubing, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, heli ski trips (complete with take home video), eco tours, dog sledding and snowshoeing...in the winter...while the summer season provides mountain biking, hikes and glacier walks, glacier skiing/riding, ATV touring, golf, tennis and river rafting. When the day winds down, guests find a plethora of dining options to suit every palate, from the the upscale offerings of il Caminetto Di Umberto and Araxi restaurant in Whistler Village and the Wildflower Restaurant and the Fifty Two 80 Bistro in the Upper Village, to the pub fare of Buffalo Bills and the hot slices of Avalanche Pizza. Energy left? Try the well known scene at Garfinkel's, an attraction for guests and a Thursday night institution for locals, or the more intimate nightlife of Moe Joes. For those seeking subtlety, slide into the Mallard Bar in the Chateau Whistler for a glass of wine and/or a fine cigar. In addition to every skiing and riding option imaginable, including terrain parks offering a super pipe, a snow cross track, five park runs for every level and over 85 assorted rails, jobs and hits, Whistler Blackcomb is also a resort whose environmental awareness includes an award winning environmental planning team, focusing on sustainability planning as well as energy, waste and water management initiatives to protect the natural blessings of the region.
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Ski Report
British Columbia