Ski in Whistler Blackcomb

Skiing in Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb - Canadian Ski Resort (650m to 2280m)

Whilst many of the great European ski resorts tend to rest on their laurels, Whistler has shot up through the ranks to become one of the strongest contenders for the much disputed title of 'World's Greatest Ski Resort'. The twin-prionged assault involves having phenomonally good skiing, with one of the world's greatest high-speed lift systems and on the ground a vast array of apres-ski alternatives and comprehensive facilities. In the '90s Whistler has repeatedly been voted 'Best North American Ski Resort' by North Americans and in Japan the favourite international destination for Japanese skiers

Whistler Blackcomb

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Whistler Blackcomb Ski Facts

Whistler Blackcomb Ski Facts

		Expert Skiers
		Intermediate Skiers
		Beginners
		Snowboarding
		Snow
		Apres-Ski
	56	Black Pistes
	110	Red Pistes
	34	Blue Pistes
32km		Cross Country Pistes
33		Ski Lifts
1630m		Max Vertical
2280m		Highest Lift
680m		Resort Altitude
650m		Lowest Piste

Whistler Blackcomb

The Canadian ski resort of Whistler Blackcomb has direct access to 216 individual pistes, served by 33 ski lifts.

With skiing above 2000 metres, snow cover is generally reliable.

Snowmaking :- Whistler Blackcomb is able to augment natural snow, with 259 Snow Cannons.

Ski Lift Capacity :- The 33 Ski Lifts of Whistler Blackcomb are able to uplift 59,007 skiers / snowboarders per hour.

There is an airport within two hours drive, so ski weekends, snowboard breaks and short ski holidays to Whistler Blackcomb are perfectly feasible.

Skiing in Whistler Blackcomb

Together Whistler and Blackcomb mountains have the largest ski area in North America, with just over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain and more than 200 marked trails. Both mountains divide terrain, lifts and acreage relatively equally. In addition to the pisted terrain there are a dozen huge Alpine bowls including three with glaciers. The area's lift system includes thirteen high-speed quad chairs, four gondolas that are faster still and there are five different base areas from which to access it all. Despite having the most skier/'boarder visits of any North American resort this powerful lift system has helped the resort win awards for also having the shortest lift queues. There's a vast choice of terrain of course, steep powder chutes, challenging mogul fields, secluded tree skiing and endless smooth groomed cruisers. Runs are up to 7 miles (11km) in length on both mountains.

Beginners have easy trails and dedicated learner areas directly above Whistler village and will soon be able to ride gondola or chair up one of the mountains to take an easy run down. 55% of the terrain is ranked intermediate and there can be few better choices for non-stop opportunities at this level of skiing. Intermediates and experts can both opt for heli-skiing excursions, enabling them to clock up 8 - 10,000 feet (2500 - 3000 metres) of virgin powder. A range of pack-ages including heliorientation, guide services and even gourmet lunches is available. On mountain, experts have around 60 black trails on piste to enjoy also, more than almost anywhere else. The Couloir Extreme run on Blackcomb mountain, with a 48 degree pitch.

For the 2008-09 season, Whistler Blackcomb launched the world record breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, which links the two mountains at altitude.

For the 2006-7 season Whistler added the Symphony Express chairlift which opened on December 16th, 2006. The Symphony Amphitheatre, which begins at the top of Piccolo Peak, encompasses 1,000 acres of Whistler Blackcomb’s skiable terrain. It offers technical tree runs and wide open groomers with panoramic views of Blackcomb’s 7th Heaven and Garibaldi Provincial Park.

Whistler has a wide variety of specially designed tuition programs. Ski and Ride Esprit is designed for all levels of skier wanting three or four or five days of tuition in a group. There are also Women Only ski and snowboard classes and Dave Murray Ski Camps using state of the art demo skis for intermediate to advanced level skiers who wish to chalk up around 5 hours of on-hill training per day in a fun atmosphere. Daily group lessons and private classes are of course also available. Apart from downhill skiing and 'boarding, guided back country powder tours are offered through Whistler Alpine guides.

In addition, there are 87 kms of cross-country trails available in and around Whistler Village (55km at Whistler Olympic Park and 32 kms Lost Lake).

Snowboarding in Whistler Blackcomb

Great 'boarding terrain just as it is for skiers, with all possible on-piste experiences available as well as back bowl 'boarding, heliboarding and summer 'boarding on Blackcomb's Horstman glacier. The resort is extremely snowboard friendly, with tuition available for kids age seven and up, one day camps for new arrivals and, of course, high speed quads and gondolas all over the place - making the ride up easy. There are five terrain parks and 1 Superpipe on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. The highest level terrain park extends to 26 acres and includes full features such as jumps and kickers. Numerous events are staged throughout the season. From January through to March there are weekend 'boarder competitions on both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains in Half Pipe, Slopestyle and Boarder Cross categories - these are open to pros and amateurs of all ages.

Whistler Blackcomb Aprés Ski

There is lots going on throughout Whistler resort every night. You might wish to see a movie, try moonlit cross-country skiing or a horse-drawn sleigh ride, take in billiards or just go for a swim at the Meadow Park Sports Centre. For lovers of the normal pubs and clubs scene Whistler is inevitably well-endowed. Popular spots include Garfinkels, the Savage Beagle and the Longhorn Saloon, but there are dozens more. For something different one afternoon you could visit Whistler's micro-brewery for a free tour and sample some of its produce. Depending on which part of the season you arrive you are likely to be there for one special event or another. In February the annual Whistler Gay Ski Week is held. The biggest event of the year is the annual TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival, North America's largest winter sports event, which runs for ten days in mid-April each season.

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Ski Schools and Snowboard Training - Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb in brief

Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort is:
Very good for Expert Skiers.
Excellent for Intermediate Skiers.
Very good for Beginners.
Excellent for Snowboarding.
Opened : November 24, 2012
Closed : May 26, 2013
Opening Subject To Snow Conditions.

Whistler Blackcomb Snow Forecast

Snow Forecast for Whistler Blackcomb

Map of Whistler Blackcomb

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