Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America - two interconnected mountains, 200+ runs, the iconic Peak 2 Peak gondola spanning the two summits. Add a purpose-built pedestrian village, the host venue of the 2010 Olympics, and you have arguably the best one-stop ski destination on the continent.

The Top Hotels

  • Four Seasons Resort Whistler - the most refined ski-out at the Blackcomb base, hidden away from village bustle
  • Fairmont Chateau Whistler - the iconic chateau at the Upper Village/Blackcomb base
  • Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside - true ski-in/ski-out at the Whistler gondola base
  • The Westin Resort & Spa - village square location, family-friendly
  • Nita Lake Lodge - the boutique alternative in Creekside, the quieter Whistler base
  • Sundial Hotel - the all-suite village square boutique

Book Whistler lift tickets, gondola passes and Vancouver airport transfers.

The Mountains

  • Whistler - the larger mountain, west-facing, more high-alpine bowls
  • Blackcomb - the steeper mountain, the Couloir Extreme classic
  • Peak 2 Peak Gondola - the 4.4 km cable connecting the two summits, world record holder
  • Symphony Bowl & Harmony Bowl - the must-ski Whistler alpine zones
  • Spanky's Ladder - the Blackcomb hike-to terrain for advanced

The Best Restaurants

  • Bearfoot Bistro - the Whistler institution, world's largest ice room (vodka tastings), sabering champagne classes
  • Araxi - the Squamish-influence farm-to-table flagship
  • Sidecut Steakhouse at Four Seasons - the elegant carnivore destination
  • Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar at Pan Pacific - the seafood-forward upscale
  • Christine's on Blackcomb - the on-mountain Rendezvous Lodge fine dining
  • Steeps Grill at Whistler Roundhouse - the on-mountain lunch with panoramic views

Apres-Ski

Longhorn Saloon at the Whistler base is the original ski-boot stomping ground. Garibaldi Lift Company (GLC) is the slope-side alternative. Black's Pub at Crystal Lodge is the local insider. Bar Oso in the village is the more refined cocktail option.

Beyond the Slopes

  • Scandinave Spa - outdoor thermal pools in a forest setting, the post-ski ritual
  • Ziptrek Ecotours - five-line zipline tour above Fitzsimmons Creek
  • Snowmobile tours on the Blackcomb backcountry
  • Backcountry skiing with Whistler Heli-Skiing (CAD 1,400+ per day)
  • Vallea Lumina - illuminated forest walk evening experience

Summer Whistler

Whistler is no longer just a winter destination. The Whistler Mountain Bike Park is North America's largest (June-October). Hiking on the alpine via the Peak 2 Peak gondola is spectacular. Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver is one of Canada's most photogenic drives summer or winter. Book Whistler bike park passes, ziplines and gondola hikes.

Tips Most Guides Miss

  • Christmas-New Year week is the highest-priced; mid-January and mid-March are the value sweet spots
  • The Sea-to-Sky shuttle from Vancouver YVR (90 minutes) is more comfortable than self-drive in winter
  • The Whistler village is pedestrian-only - free shuttle bus connects to Creekside and Upper Village
  • Heli-skiing weather windows are unpredictable - book a multi-day package for the best chance
  • Scandinave Spa closes 8 pm; book the late-afternoon slot to combine with post-ski