The Ultimate Whistler Ski Guide
Skiing Whistler with Blackcomb in the background (photo by Blake Jorgenson)
With a massive 3300 hectares of terrain, there’s room for everyone here. Hotshots, novices, families, couples and the party crowd rub shoulders in alpine harmony.
Why it’s a secret gem
Whistler rocks, on and off the snow. The host resort of the 2010 Winter Olympics has just celebrated its 50th year and has 200 trails spread over Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.
Off the slopes, the village is vibrant and cosmopolitan. It is one of the best snow towns in the world, renowned for its shopping, nightlife, dining and accommodation.
Who will love it
Adventurers will find challenging terrain, heliskiing, cat skiing and backcountry experiences, while outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of blue and green runs, lots of lesson options and softer adventures like ziplining and snowshoeing.
After the sun goes down, party in a raucous bar, or enjoy fine dining in a romantic setting.
Three things you must do
1. Ride the Peak 2 Peak gondola, the highest and longest lift in the world that connects Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.
2. Visit the Audain Art Museum, which showcases the art of British Columbia.
The bridge leading to the Audain Art Museum.
3. Spend a few hours at the Scandinave Spa, where hot tubs, refreshing waterfalls, eucalyptus steam rooms, wood-burning saunas and hammocks are set in a spruce and cedar forest.
Local secrets you should know about
Pick up a copy of Pique when in town. It’s a good source of restaurant specials and weekly events.
Gone Village Eatery is a local favourite, serving coffee and healthy meals. The Camp Lifestyle + Coffee Co. is a beautifully designed space for coffee and outdoor equipment and lifestyle goods, from tents to handmade blankets. There’s a ‘secret’ garden out the back, complete with fire pit.
Off the slopes
Pull up a blanket and sit back for a horse-drawn sleigh ride with bells along snowy forest trails. You can take just the ride or a ride to a three-course fondue dinner. Romantics can hire their own private sleigh, ideal for wedding proposals.
The private sessions, in water loaded with Epsom salts, last for 90 minutes and create a feeling of weightlessness. If you want a gourmet experience, try a guided four-course dinner tour that takes you to four restaurants.
Snowshoeing jaunts will place you in a snowy wonderland, or go on an eagle-watching excursion. You’ll float along a river and see bald eagles flying, perching and eating salmon.
Whistler is also crammed with galleries, museums and shops. In fact, any urban pursuit you find in the cities is probably available at Whistler. If you want action, try ziplining, snowmobiling, a piloted bobsleigh ride, or a skeleton run. Families will love the tube park, which has lanes of varying difficulty.
Best après-ski hotspot
Happening spots when the clock turns over to 4 PM, include The Garibaldi Lift Company Bar and Grill, Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub, The Longhorn Saloon and Grill and Merlin’s Bar and Grill. Nachos, buffalo wings and pulled pork tacos are standard après plates at all of them. Expect shoulder-to-shoulder revelry.
Set your board or skis outside and head in for a steaming plate of fries at the Longhorn Saloon and Grill.
Skiers will love
First-time skiers and boarders to Whistler can get to know the slopes on a free guided tour. Families should check out the Tree Fort at Whistler and Magic Castle at Blackcomb. Burnt Stew Trials is an easy, meandering green run, but not suitable for snowboarders because of a flat section at the end.
If you’re into cruising, consider the Dave Murray Downhill. It’s fine if you put on the brakes every now and again, but when they’re racing on it in World Cup and Winter Olympics the speed is at a breakneck level. It’s a great run to bag for bragging rights. If you want some black runs, go to Bagel Bowl or Secret Bowl. Not many people go in there (hence the name).
Snowboarders will love
The natural hits all over Whistler and bowls that are magic when the powder has come down.
Peak to Creek is the resort’s longest run at 11 kilometres, and perfect for snowboarders because there are no flat sections. You can rip down the groomed, go into the trees at the side and find plenty of hits. Check out Blackcomb Glacier and Seventh Heaven for glades and bowls. If you want to tackle the really tough stuff, Extremely Canadian has backcountry tours and clinics in the steeps.
Recommended places to stay
Budget to midrange
Pet-friendly, free wi-fi, and even free use of GoPro video cameras.
Address: 4005 Whistler Way
The former Holiday Inn – free wi-fi and most rooms have jetted tubs.
Address: 4295 Blackcomb Way
Recently renovated and family-friendly.
Address: 4308 Main Street
Family
Choose any of the lodging options here from Legends, Evolution and First Tracks. Each having a variety of suites and condos. Offering one, two and three-bedroom areas. Other amenities include outdoor heated pools, hot tubs, a sauna and a steam room. If you’re keen on the designer side of life, First Tracks is the choice for you.
Address: 2036 London Lane
Lodging Ovations.
Luxury
Deals often include free ski valet and wi-fi.
Address: 4090 Whistler Way
The only lakeside property in Whistler.
Address: 2131 Lake Placid Road
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