Ski Resort Information, Ski Holidays to Whistler

Whistler

Regularly voted the No. 1 ski resort in North America, Whistler offers everything that you could possibly want; fantastic scenery, an attractive village, efficient lift system, wonderful skiing for all standards, good accommodation to suit all pockets and entertaining après ski.

Located some 120km from Vancouver, Whistler is made up of 2 areas, Whistler Village and Blackcomb. The Village is the original development and has most of the shops and night life but as they are only 2 minutes apart it is not that important.

The skiing is hard to beat; quick 8 and 10 person gondolas sweep skiers from the resort up 1000m and the possibilities are then endless, from steep chutes and gullies to wide open bowls and gentle nursery slopes. Like all North American resorts Whistler has invested in plenty of snow making cannons so snow reliability is good, although being only at an altitude of 675m and close to the Pacific it can rain at resort level when it is snowing higher up. Ski school is flexible and will suit all standards.

Boardparks and Pipes

In Whistler they have two parks by mid season. Both main parks are on Blackcomb and there is an additional small halfpipe on Whistler.

The parks are divided into 3 levels of terrain: blue, black and double black. The blue section is a bit small, with a few little boxes and hips/spines in it, so most people tend to head for the black area. It has a selection of banks, spines, huge rollers, a few rails and picnic tables. There are 2 half pipes, a small one and the immaculately groomed 12 foot super pipe.

You will need a helmet and an inexpensive special pass to get into the black area. If you would rather watch the action from a safe distance then the Catskinner chair offers a perfect view.

Iglu Team Tip

Meet at the Whistler Village Gondola at 7am to take part in the Vector Fresh Tracks breakfast. In addition to breakfast you get to go up on the mountain 1 hour before the slopes officially open. The lifts will be run from mid-station for an hour so that you can explore the fresh Whistler powder on uncrowded slopes. Fresh Tracks is available on a “first come, first served” basis and costs around $18 for adults and $13 for children.