Whistler

If the huge vertical, incredible snow record, and vibrant resort weren’t enough, three new lifts – including a new Blackcomb access gondola – have taken Whistler to the next level this winter.

weather Forecast today: Mist

Max temp: -0.6 °c
Min temp: -5.2 °c
Last snowed: Sun 24 Nov

Last Updated: Wed 27 Nov

weather Forecast today: Mist

Max temp: -0.6 °c
Min temp: -5.2 °c
Last snowed: Sun 24 Nov

Last Updated: Wed 27 Nov

The Ski Club in Whistler ...

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Weekly programme, social hour, and contact details

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20%Beginner

55%Intermediate

25%Advanced

Covering two huge mountains – Whistler and Blackcomb – the ski area offers almost unparalleled variety.

Beginner areas are fantastic, as is the world-renowned ski school, intermediates have a vast array of groomed runs to explore and advanced skiers could be kept busy for weeks. The only issues are the crowds and the lift queues, but investment by the Canadian resort’s new owner Vail Resorts is beginning to help.

Beginner
Fast lifts
Intermediate
Resort Activities
Advanced
Aprés
Snow
Value

Pros and cons

North America’s biggest ski area
Excellent combination of high open bowls and woodland trails
Good snow record
Loads to do off the slopes and good après

Proximity to Pacific Ocean means a lot of cloudy weather, and rain at resort level is not unusual
Queues can be a big problem at peak times, but new lifts are helping
Overcrowded runs also a problem
Expensive lift pass prices for shorter visits

On the Slopes

The purpose-built resort village makes for a great base, with a vast array of bars and restaurants to suit most budgets, as well as some great shopping options. Whistler’s choice of accommodation is equally wide-ranging, but it does book out fast – especially if the heart of town.

The resort has an excellent combination of tree-lined slopes and vast alpine bowls – all of which are regularly topped up by the 11.7m of snow that drops on the resort annually. Although perhaps best known for its off piste and advanced trails, both Whistler and Blackcomb have something for everyone – there’s a massive 8171 acres of in-bounds terrain (the most in North America) to choose from after all.

For Beginners

There are two fantastic beginner zones – one at the base of Blackcomb and the other at mid-mountain level on Whistler. The latter is possibly better as it suffers less from the rain that can sadly plague the lower slopes during warmer spells. Whistler’s ski school has an excellent reputation, attracting the best instructors from around the world each winter and comes highly recommended.

Progression on to longer greens and gentle blues is then possible across both mountains.

For Intermediates

Both mountains offer a huge selection for intermediates and its possible to clock up multiple runs dropping over 1000 vertical metres each day. Our top picks would be the Peak to Creek trail from the top of the Peak Express or the runs served by the Crystal Ridge Express. If the sun is out then exploring the Harmony and Symphony Bowls is also recommended. Be sure to check out the daily grooming report to find the best corduroy.

For Advanced/Expert & Off Piste

Where to start? The options are almost limitless for advanced and expert skiers and boarders, especially when there is fresh snow. On a powder day we’d recommend uploading the Whistler gondola at 7.15am by purchasing the the Fresh Tracks upgrade – well worth the $23.95 CAD and you get a huge breakfast too – to beat the rush and score the best powder. Head out to Flute Bowl or hit West and Bagel Bowls off the Peak Express. On Blackcomb ride the Glacier Express and take on famous routes such as Pakalolo and Spankey’s Ladder if you’re looking for a serious challenge.

In the Resort

The town of Whistler is not even 50 years old, but it has quickly become one of the world’s premier resorts. There are three main bases – Creekside is quieter, Upper Village is based around the bottom of Blackcomb and Whistler Village is the main hub of the town. All three have car-free centres and a wide variety of places to eat, drink and shop. Large condo and hotel blocks form the bulk of the resort’s accommodation, but Airbnb in particular has opened up a wider variety of options.

For Families

This is a great resort for families, although the costs can stack up. The ski school is first class and there is loads to do away from the slopes, including the popular Magic Castle on Blackcomb, dog sledding rides and the extremely popular Coca-Cola Tube Park. Self-catering condos are aplenty in town, making for an attractive alternative for families to the European-style chalet or hotel holiday.

For Après

There are numerous après options at the base of all three mountains. Our top pics would be Merlin’s at the base of Blackcomb, Dusty’s at the foot of the 2010 Olympic Downhill in Creekside or Whistler BrewHouse for local craft beers. Try to visit during happy hour, which also tends to coincide with live music and the best atmosphere after a day on the hill.

Getting to Whistler

The epic Sea-to-Sky Highway links Whistler to Vancouver and the transfer from the airport takes a little under two hours. We’d recommend organising a transfer with your tour operator or hotel, but if you’re planning an independent trip, countless transfer companies and coach lines run from the Airport directly, or from Pacific Central Bus Terminal and the city centre – sit on the left hand side (in direction of travel) on the way up to Whistler for incredible views over Howe Sound and through the mountains to Whistler. The Whistler Mountaineer railway service no longer runs.

Vancouver city: 1.5hrs
Vancouver airport: 2 hours

Season Dates & Lift Pass Prices

Season Dates

Opens: Friday 22 November 2024
Closes: 21 May 2025 (TBC)

Vail Resorts have not yet confirmed closing dates for many of their resorts.

Some mountain sectors close earlier, for example the entirety of Blackcomb Mountain (and the Peak2Peak access gondola from Whistler Mountain) will close in mid-April 2025.

Ski Passes

Lift pass prices are notoriously expensive at Whistler, especially during peak periods and around US Public Holidays (opening week, Christmas & New Year, MLK day weekend, and President’s Day weekend); a week’s skiing can easily set you back close to £1,000 per adult during these periods. Consider the Epic Pass, a multi-resort pass operated by the resort owner Vail Resorts that offers between one day and a season pass for far cheaper than the standard day rates, and also offer discounts at on-mountain eateries.

Plan ahead, though, as the Epic Pass goes on sale in March for the following season, and can be removed from sale in the Autumn.

The below table lists pass rates (including 5% sales tax) available online until 9 October 2024 – these rates are currently around 50-65% cheaper than at the ticket office window.

//	1 Day	3 Days	6 Days
Peak Dates (29/30 Nov, 26-31 Dec, 18 Jan, Feb 15-16)
Adult (13-99yo)	CA$153.53	CA$431.55	CA$790.65
Child (7-12yo)	CA$78.75	CA$216.30	CA$395.85
Off Peak Dates
Adult (13-99yo)	CA$132.30	CA$365.40	CA$668.65
Child (7-12yo)	CA$66.15	CA$183.75	CA$336

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Whistler Piste Map

Whistler FATMAP

Thursday 11th April 2024

Whistler Rep Report

Submitted by: Danny Lake

Our Day

A largely misty day, snowing all day. Sweet spots to be found just below and above treeline. With the whole day on blackcomb, Best run probably catskinner for snow and visibility. Cosy stop in the Horstmans hut. Alpine had very flat light today.

Weather

Cloudy and snowing above 1400 M. Moderate SW winds with limited visibility above approx 1800 m.

News & Notes

Setting up gates for the Saudan Couloir extreme race tomorrow. Also preparations in place for the slush Cup on Blackcomb on Sunday

Top (2284m)

	Wed 27 Nov			Thu 28 Nov			Fri 29 Nov			Sat 30 Nov			Sun 1 Dec			Mon 2 Dec			Tue 3 Dec			Wed 4 Dec			Thu 5 Dec			Fri 6 Dec
	AM	PM	Night	AM	PM	Night	AM	PM	Night	AM	PM	Night	AM	PM	Night	AM	PM	Night	AM	PM	Night	AM	PM	Night	AM	PM	Night	AM	PM	Night
Weather	Rather cloudy	Rather cloudy	Partly cloudy	Mist	Overcast	Mist	Mist	Broken clouds	Mist	Mist	Mainly cloudy	Mist	Mist	Partly cloudy	Generally clear	Partly cloudy	Broken clouds	Broken clouds	Occasional snow	Snow grains	Light snow	Freezing drizzle	Light rain/snow	Light rain/snow	Broken clouds	Rather cloudy	Mainly cloudy	Freezing drizzle	Light drizzle	Freezing fog
Wind
Snow expected	0.1 cm	0 cm	0 cm	0.1 cm	0 cm	0.1 cm	0.1 cm	0.1 cm	0.3 cm	0.2 cm	0.2 cm	0.1 cm	0.3 cm	0.1 cm	0.1 cm	0 cm	0.3 cm	0.5 cm	1.5 cm	0.6 cm	0.8 cm	0.7 cm	0.4 cm	0.6 cm	0 cm	0 cm	0 cm	0 cm	0 cm	0 cm
Max temp	-7.6°c	-5.8°c	-9°c	-5.8°c	-3.8°c	-5.8°c	-5.2°c	-3.6°c	-5.6°c	-2.8°c	-1.6°c	-3.8°c	-2.2°c	-1°c	-3.8°c	-1.8°c	-0.6°c	-2.8°c	-0.4°c	0.6°c	-1.4°c	0.8°c	1.4°c	-0.2°c	0.8°c	1.6°c	-0.4°c	0.8°c	1.6°c	-0.2°c
Min temp	-11°c	-9°c	-10.8°c	-9.4°c	-5.8°c	-7.8°c	-7.2°c	-6°c	-6.2°c	-5.4°c	-3.8°c	-5.4°c	-5°c	-3.8°c	-5.4°c	-5.4°c	-2.8°c	-3.8°c	-3°c	-1.4°c	-2.2°c	-1.8°c	-0.2°c	-1.2°c	-1.2°c	-0.4°c	-1.2°c	-0.6°c	-0.2°c	-0.8°c
Feels like temp	-11°c	-7.6°c	-9°c	-9.4°c	-5.8°c	-5.8°c	-7.2°c	-5.2°c	-6°c	-5.4°c	-2.8°c	-3.8°c	-5°c	-2.2°c	-3.8°c	-5.4°c	-1.8°c	-2.8°c	-3°c	-0.4°c	-1.4°c	-1.8°c	0.7°c	-0.2°c	-1.2°c	0.7°c	-0.4°c	-0.6°c	0.7°c	-0.2°c