Whistler Blackcomb Skiing
Together, Whistler and Blackcomb form the largest ski area in North America at 8,171 acres (33 km2). Both mountains have some of the largest lift-serviced vertical skiing in North America, with Blackcomb having the most at 1,565 m (5,133 ft), but marketed as one mile (1.6 km). Whistler has slightly less vertical at 1,530 m (5,020 ft). The highest lift elevation, on Blackcomb, is 2,240 m (7,349 ft).
The mountains are accessed from the valley by two gondolas from Whistler Village (Excalibur and Whistler Village Gondolas), a four person chairlift (Wizard Express Chair) at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, a four person chairlift at the base of Whistler Mountain in Whistler Village and by a gondola at the Creekside base approximately four kilometres by road south of Whistler Village. Travelling from one mountain to the other is now available with the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. This lift is the longest unsupported span for a lift of its kind in the world at 3.02 km (1.88 mi) while also having the highest ground clearance for a lift of its kind, 436m (1,427 ft) above the valley floor.
The primary skiing terrain starts about 1/3 up the mountain. A ski-out to the valley is usually possible during the months of December through April. The overall lift capacity is 65,507 skiers per hour.
Ski School
This vacation, why not improve your technique and ski the entire mountain? Whistler Blackcomb has just the right instructor for whatever ability level you ski at. From beginner (or never worn skis) to expert, everyone has room for improvement. For some serious fun, why not try a race clinic or a camp? Whistler Blackcomb has the instructors and the terrain, all that's missing is you.
Phone Adara Hotel Concierge 1 866 502-3272 or 1.800.WHISTLER (1.800.944.7853) for information about the various programs and to book in advance.
All Ski and Snowboard School programs must be booked at least 56 hours in advance to take advantage of the listed rates. Private lessons are also available.
Whistler's Terrain Parks
Be a part of Whistler's freestyle culture and master your tricks in the great terrain parks. Blackcomb Mountain has three parks, one Super Pipe and one Snow Cross Track while Whistler Mountain has two parks. Each park is designed for specific skill levels so you should start in the beginner park before progressing if you are new to Parks and Pipes. The brand new PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola makes it super easy to get back and forth between the two mountains, so once you've mastered the Terrain Garden on Blackcomb, head over to Whistler's Habitat Terrain Park and show off your jib skills.
Whistler Heli-Skiing
If you dream of pristine, untracked powder and no lift lines, then you have to try heli-skiing or heli-boarding. Featuring ultimate vertical, sky high views, a thrilling helicopter ride and the most adventure you can pack in a day, a heli-skiing or riding tour will be the highlight of your trip. Offering full days in mountain wilderness, tours include lunch, avalanche safety equipment and experienced guides. Skiers and boarders must be intermediate or advanced and be able to ski blue runs confidently.
Whistler Heli-Skiing
Adara Hotel Concierge – Phone - 1 866 502-3272
Phone: (888) HELISKI
Coast Range Heli-Skiing
Adara Hotel Concierge – Phone - 1 866 502-3272
Phone: (604) 894-1144
Whistler Cat Skiing/Snowboarding
Enjoy your own private mountain for skiing and snowboarding when you book a tour on a Bombardier Snowcat. Giving you maximum vertical at the best price, Cat Skiing and Boarding operates during any weather and offers pristine powder, spectacular views and backcountry adventure. You can enjoy up to 10 runs of first tracks in powder heaven! Private tours are available for groups of 10 or make some new friends on a scheduled tour.
Powder Mountain Cat Skiing
Adara Hotel Concierge – Phone - 1 866 502-3272
Phone: (604) 932-0169
Snow Cats
Adara Hotel Concierge – Phone - 1 866 502-3272
Phone: (604) 932-2166
Whistler Cross Country Skiing
Lost Lake Park features 32 kms of trails and offers views of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains; four kilometers have lighting for enjoying evening runs. Lost Lake Park will be fully operational all season, including during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Parking will be available in Day Lot 5 every month except February. Check out Lost Lake Cross Country Connection.
The brand new Whistler Olympic Park is where all the Nordic events will take place during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Callaghan Country, right next to Whistler Olympic Park, has an overnight cross-country ski lodge but also offers day passes to their trails as well. Both parks honour each other’s passes and combined, have more than 95 kms of groomed trails to enjoy.
**Please note that Whistler Olympic Park is now closed to the public in preparation for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
