Whistler Skiing and Snowboarding Guide

Thinking of skiing Whistler? Get ready to take your pick of powder tree runs, moguls, groomers and expansive bowls. Whistler Blackcomb boasts 8,000+ acres of awesome terrain with 200+ runs and 16 alpine bowls, 37 lifts, an insane annual snowfall of 11.74 metres (38.5 feet) and a tremendous season that stretches from November to May. It’s easy to see why it’s been voted the Best Ski Resort in North America numerous times!
A mecca for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, Whistler Blackcomb is also consistently recognized as one of the most family-friendly ski resorts in North America.
 

The connected Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains

In 2008, Whistler Blackcomb took skiing to a whole new level with the opening of the world-record-breaking, 4.4km Peak 2 Peak Gondola, connecting Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.
 
Mountain statistics:

• 8,171 acres of terrain
• 37 lifts
• 200+ marked runs
• 16 alpine bowls and 3 glaciers
• 5 terrain parks
• Olympic-sized halfpipe (Blackcomb Mountain)
• Average snowfall: 11.74m (38.5ft)
• Whistler Mountain vertical: 1,530m (5,020ft)
• Blackcomb Mountain vertical: 1,609m (5,280ft)

 
Whistler Terrain
Whistler and Blackcomb are two huge mountains, which means there is plenty of varied terrain. This resort offers just about anything a skier or rider of any level could possibly seek out. We highly suggest acquainting yourself with Whistler’s trail maps (actually more like an atlas because the territory is so huge) before you head out for the day. With over 200 marked trails, 13 glaciers, and 16 alpine bowls…strategy is the key to making the most of your day skiing!
 

Local Lowdown on Skiing at Whistler Blackcomb

Serving 10 years as a Whistler ski patrol and numerous additional years as a ski guide, Pete Shoniker knows his go-to sweet spots on a powder day.
According to Shoniker, when the snow starts to fly, Ruby’s Bowl on Blackcomb Mountain offers the deepest fresh tracks. Accessed via a short boot-pack up Spanky’s Ladder, the steep runs in Ruby’s Bowl don’t get tracked out as quickly as the rest of the mountain. Little sun exposure on this north-facing, big and open bowl ensures premium quality snow. In addition, when storms blow snow into it’s sheltered bowl, the powder really begins to accumulate! For those who love tree skiing on a powder day, head to Robertson’s on Whistler Mountain. Widely-spaced trees with openings and steep pitches are a recipe for euphoria.
Leading from the Peak down to Creekside, Whistler Mountain’s Peak to Creek is a favourite groomed run amongst locals and visitors. At seven kilometres (four miles) in length, Peak to Creek is one of the longest groomed runs in North America. Make sure to check the grooming report first though. When not groomed, mogul-blanketed pitches can turn Peak to Creek into a challenging leg-burning workout. On Blackcomb Mountain, Ridge Runner is a fun and playful groomed run, featuring corners and rollers.
 

Wonder Routes

Whistler has taken the time to map out preselected ‘Wonder Routes’ designed to take you on the most beautiful and unique journeys the resort provides. For example:
Top of the World – A route designed to give you the most breathtaking views and jaw-dropping panoramas of the Coast Range, where Whistler & Blackcomb are situated.
Family Certified – A joyfully connected cluster of green runs that are perfectly engineered to provide kids with the very best Whistler experience possible. Watch their eyes light up and the smiles abound as you show them a world of outdoor wonder perfectly tailored for the sub-three feet tall.
Gold Medal Route – The 2010 Olympic run is yours to enjoy and explore. Experience the Men’s and Women’s Olympic Downhill routes as well as the Roundhouse Olympic Display and Olympic Rings.
 

Home to Star Athletes

Cruising and shredding the slopes are legendary ski racers Steve Podborski and Rob Boyd, big-mountain skiing pioneer Eric Pehota, as well as the world’s first Olympic snowboard gold medalist Ross Rebagliati. Former freestyle skier and Olympic gold medalist Ashleigh McIvor and young talent Maëlle Ricker, who won a gold medal in snowboard cross at the 2010 Olympics, also call Whistler Blackcomb home.
 

Ready to Ski Whistler?

Whistler Blackcomb is one of the most famous mountain destinations in all of North America, and because of this it’s usually pretty jam-packed. But because of this, the nightlife is always vibrant, there are plenty of amazing restaurants and activities in the area, and bodes a friendly atmosphere with many smiling faces around. We have some amazing Whistler vacation rentals, from comfortable hotel suites, to private luxury rental homes – and everything in between! Check out our Whistler accommodations here. Our Destination Experts are just a quick phone call away at 1.877.902.1616 should you have any questions about Whistler or its properties.