Mon, 01/03/2011 - 10:44amResort check: Whistler | Blackcomb

Probably the most famous ski and snowboard destination in the world

Colloquially the resort is referred to just as Whistler. It is situated just 90 minutes from downtown Vancouver and consists of the now linked mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb.

 

Think big

In addition to the enormous amount of terrain on offer the ski resort offers some of the best terrain parks in the world and even offers speed-managed family skiing zones! Indeed it is one of the American resorts where you actually get speeding tickets for going too fast in slow zones!

The riding area is the largest in the whole of North America and includes the longest runs on the continent (many European linked resorts like the Portes du Soleil offer larger riding areas though).

 

It gets busy here

The biggest drawback of this resort is that with it's fame comes the crowds – queues can be intolerable in the holidays with Chamonix-esque lines of people at the gondola before it opens on a powder day.

As a new-build ski town Whistler village has been criticized for its somewhat Disney feel, built for tourists but this does little justice to the long-term inhabitants and residents of the village and neighboring towns. There is a deep-rooted ski and snowboard culture in the whole of the Pacific Northwest with plenty of authenticity on offer.

 

Fall-Line's favourite runs

Blackcomb Mountain

Cloud 9 on 7th Heaven
An intermediate run with great views. It's also groomed frequently. There are plenty of spots to go off-piste in the 7th Heaven Zone for the more adventurous and experienced.

Blackcomb Glacier
The Blackcomb Glacier is a good area for intermediates and more advnaced riders with loads of inbounds stuff to ride on a pow day.

 

Whistler Mountain

Harmony Ridge
This is an intermediate run along the top of the Harmony Bowl. It offers incredible vistas and a great riding experience with plenty of opportunities to go off-piste.

Dave Murray Downhill
This is the official men's Olympic downhill course and one of the top three most challenging racecourses on the planet.

Peak to Creek
A 5.5km long it is the longest continuous run on the mountain – a leg burner! It is suitable for intermediates and up and is maintained. The run finishes at Creekeside so you will need to go back by gondola / ski or bus to get to Whistler Village.

 

Freeriding in Whistler

On Blackcomb Mountain, head for the Spanky's Ladder area and Couloir Extreme. On Whistler Mountain opt for the Peak Chair Zone, Flute Bowl and Symphony Amphitheatre. The biggest challengers can be found around the aforementioned Flute bowl, as well as the Glacier, Whistler and West bowls, with runs such as The Cirque and Doom & Gloom.

 

Park and pipes

You're spoiled for choice at all five of the terrain parks (three on Blackcomb and two on Whistler), and then there is also the perfectly cut Nintendo Superpipe on Blackcomb Mountain. Meanwhile, the Crystal Zone on Blackcomb, along the cat tracks is on of those tricksy runs with loads to play on all the way along it.

 

Liftpass deals

If you book early, you can save up to 20% off the price of a liftpass. Your pass includes Mountain Orientation Tours, use of the Race Centres and Avalanche Awareness Tours. Liftpasses cost approximately £250 for an adult for six days.
Find out more at the resort's website: whistlerblackcomb.com

 

Peak 2 Peak Gondola

The Peak 2 Peak gondola is the world's longest free span lift between ropeway towers (1.88 miles) and has the record for the highest point above ground at 1427 feet. It cost a whopping 51 million Canadian dollars to build and for the first time in the resort's history offers a direct link between the two mountains.

 

Eating in Whistler

You're pretty much spoilt for choice in Whistler. White Spot is great value for money and the team there are passionate about using only the freshest, quality ingredients. 21 Steps has second floor views of Whistler Village. The Gone Bakery & Soup Company are obviously good for a bowl of soup and a sandwich. For something a bit more upmarket go to Araxi. Or there is the Bearfoot Bistro and the Fifty-Two 80 Bistro and Wine Room. Whistler restaurants have been consistently blowing the gastronomic socks off most North American resorts for years.

 

Nightlife in Whistler

For a ski town, Whistler comes equipped with a lot of good nightclubs and bars – by resort standards at least! Check out The Savage Beagle, which is spread over tow floors, and has a lounge upstairs and club downstairs. Buffalo Bill's is the spot to wave your frock, or the pricier Garfunkel's attracts celebrities. Still looking for more? Then head to Maxx Fish, home to multi-level dance stages and infamous season DJ, Mat the Alien.

 

Whistler | Blackcomb resort stats

 

Getting to Alberta and BC, Canada

Vancouver and Calgary are the two main airports for most Canadian resorts. Air Canada, British Airways and Canadian Affair serve them.

 

Big White (1)

This resort is easily  accessible via Vancouver or Calgary on connecting flights to Kelowna BC. Connecting flights are 40 minutes or an hour respectively, and regular airport shuttles connect to the resort a further
hour away. It’s roughly a five-and-a-half-hour drive from Vancouver.

 

Fernie (2)

Fernie Alpine Resort is located in the southeast corner of the BC Rockies on Highway 3, approximately 60km from the Alberta and US borders. The transfer time from Calgary is just over three hours.
 

Panorama (3)

Although Panorama Mountain Village is located in BC; most international guests arrive via Calgary International airport. Regular transfers are available between Calgary and Panorama Mountain Village. A great
alternative is to grab a car and hit the road giving you the other Rockies destinations on route. Transfer time will take up to four hours.
 

Whistler | Blackcomb (4)

Pacific Coach's YVR-Whistler SkyLynx is a scheduled bus service between Vancouver International airport (YVR) and Whistler Village. They have ticket counters at the Domestic and International Arrivals
areas of YVR (www.pacificcoach.com/whistler). The coach costs about £30 and takes about two-and-a-half hours.

 

Public Transport

Canada’s rail service is quite pricey, but it is a great way to see the country, and there are cheaper options for those who book in advance. Go to www.viarail.ca for more information. If you really want to keep costs down, you could try Greyhound – purveyors of cheap but grueling coach journeys. And you’re never too sure who you’ll be traveling with. Fall-Line’s Rachel spent her Greyhound journey with a comatose drunk using her shoulder as a pillow (www.greyhound.ca).