Consistently rated as the number one ski resort in North America, and among the best in the world, Whistler Blackcomb is just a two-hour drive from the city of Vancouver in the Coast Mountain range. The Village of Whistler lies cradled in a valley between two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, that rise up 5,280ft (1,609m) to provide more than 8,100 acres of prime mountain terrain, including 12 alpine bowls, three glaciers and more than 200 marked ski trails to enjoy while on holiday.
The resort offers state-of-the-art lifts that can carry 60,000 skiers per hour to jump-off points throughout the area. With two million visitors coming on holiday to Whistler Blackcomb every year, such lift capacity becomes a necessity! Skiers and snowboarders flock here from the world over, not for the weather (which can often be wet and foggy) but for the exceptional variety of skiing.
The village of Whistler is set around a cluster of small lakes and is British Columbia's fastest-growing municipality. It boasts a quaint village atmosphere and offers shopping areas and après-ski restaurants bordered by squeaky-clean streets. In summertime, Whistler Blackcomb is a popular holiday destination when the focus shifts to outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking and fishing.
Skiing:
Both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains offer a huge variety of skiing for all standards of skiers. Generally, Whistler has more scenic alpine bowls while Blackcomb has more tree runs, so is better on days with poor visibility. Beginners will particularly enjoy the Green Line, a very long, gentle run from the upper terminal of the 7th Heaven Express in Blackcomb.
Whistler and Blackcomb also offer a massive choice of on- and off-piste skiing for intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders. Experts will be challenged by the black-diamond chutes running off the back of the Horstman glacier (below the Mile High summit). Due to the crisp temperature, powder skiing in Whistler is often touted as the best in the world. Whistler and Blackcomb are very family friendly with child-minding services and all-day ski lessons for children.
Travel guide content sourced from wordtravels.com, © Globe Media Ltd
