Whistler is located approx. 120 km (75 mi.) north west of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Whistler is more or less a generic term for the Whistler Ski District that contains out of three centres: Whistler Village, Blackcomb and Whistler’s South Side. Combined these three areas mark Canada’s largest ski resort: Whistler Blackcomb Mountain. There are two mountains: Blackcomb Mountain and Whistler Mountain. Blackcomb Mountain, with its 1609 vertical metres (5280 ft) of skiing and snowboarding counts for the largest downhill ski area in North America, followed by Whistler Mountain with 1530 vertical metres (5020 ft).
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The IOC (International Olympic Committee) recently announced that Vancouver / Whistler will be hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics TM. Olympic TM winter sports are alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, freestyle skiing, ski jumping, snowboarding, figure skating, speed skating, short track speed skating, biathlon, Nordic combined, bobsleigh, skeleton, luge, curling and ice hockey. Whistler Mountain will host Woman’s Downhill and Men’s Downhill; Blackcomb Mountain will host Men’s and Woman’s Slalom. Bobsleigh, Luge, and Skeleton will take place at the Whistler Sliding Centre. Callaghan Valley (located 13 km south of Whistler Village) will host competitions in Biathlon, Cross-Country Skiing, Nordic Combined and Ski Jumping.
Skiing and snowboarding at Whistler Blackcomb Mountains offers one of the most pleasant experiences to be found anywhere. No matter if you are novice or an old hand skier or snowboarder, Whistler features a wide variety of adventures. Those who come to Whistler to learn skiing or snowboarding will find ski and snowboard schools. Other winter activities include cross-country skiing, dogsledding, Heli-Skiing, Heli-Snowboarding, horse-drawn sleigh rides, Snowcat skiing & snowboarding, snowcat tours, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and Spring Skiing & Snowboarding. Whistler Blackcomb Mountains offer glacier skiing, providing Canada’s only summer skiing facility.
After a day of exciting adventure on the mountains you come down to Whistler Village for continuing fun. Whistler Village, nestled midst two mountains, awaits you with restaurants, shopping, après and nightlife fun. If you are into relaxing, visit one of the many spas for rejuvination. Whistler Village features an array of art galleries with local, national and international artists. If you are after different sport activities, try the Sports Arena.
Whistler not only is a perfect destination for any kind of winter sport activities, but a year-round playground. Enjoy the spectacular view while taking the gondola ride to the top.
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Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains await you with many exciting activities to choose from. Tee off at one of Whistlers four championship designer golf courses. If you are more into adventure, try ATV tours, horseback riding, Jet Boat tours, paragliding or river rafting. Walking & hiking lets you explore the wilderness at Whistler.
Whistler Blackcomb in Figures
Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain have a combined total terrain of 2,874 hectares or 7,071 acres.
Whistler enjoys an average snowfall of 9.14 metres or 360 inches (30 ft) of snow each year.
There are more than 200 different marked trails at Whistler.
Skiers, snowboarders and others can enjoy 33 lifts that can carry 59007 skiers per hour.
The highest elevation accessed by lift is 2284 metres or 7494 feet.
Whistler Village is located at an elevation of 675 metres or 2,214 feet.
Arrival
From downtown Vancouver you can reach Whistler Village within a 2-hour drive. Take Trans-Canada-Highway 1 West that brings you to Horseshoe Bay. Take the turn-off to Squamish and Whistler that brings you to Highway 99, also known as Sea-to-Sky Highway. This scenic route brings you to Whistler, passing Britannia Beach and Squamish.
Those of you without car should consider bus service from Vancouver. Once in Whistler you won’t need a car anyway. Greyhound runs 6 busses daily to Whistler from Pacific Central Station in Vancouver.
For more information call 604 482 8747 or toll-free 1-800-661-TRIP (8747).
Ski & Snowboarding at Whistler Blackcomb Mountains
If there were a heaven for skiers and snowboarders, it would be in Whistler. 2,874 hectares or 7,071 acres of terrain are waiting for you to explore! Whistler is huge and you will love it! Depending on weather and snow conditions, Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains are open from mid November until the first few weeks of May (Whistler) and 3rd week of April (Blackcomb). However, with weather and snow conditions changing, the mountains may open and/or close earlier and/or later! Both mountains re-open again for the summer ski and hiking season that usually runs from June to August. Blackcomb Mountain's Horstman Glacier offers summer skiing and snowboarding. For more information call toll-free 1.800.766.0449
The Whistler Snowboard & Ski School offers quality programs for every ability level. There are programs for adults, children from 3 months to 12 years old, and teens aged 13 to 17 years old. If you don’t bring your own skiing or snowboarding equipment, you will find 15 rental stores throughout Whistler.
Other Winter Activities at Whistler Blackcomb Mountains
Cross-Country Skiing
Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Whistler cross-country skiing on one of the many trails. There are over 28 kilometres of cross-country trails, with different routes available for all levels. Explore scenic Lost Lake Park on ski and get a different perspective of Whistler’s beautiful mountain scenery. Usually you can ski from November through March. Get your trail map in one of the local sports shops.
Heli-Skiing & Heli-Snowboarding
Looking for the real adrenaline-loaded adventure? Heli-Skiing or Boarding might be just right for you as it provides you with truly amazing alpine terrain.
Snowcat Skiing & Snowboarding
If you prefer skiing in untracked powder of Whistler’s backcountry a day trip with the Snowcat is your best bet.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiles are the great winter toys of the North promising lots of fun while zooming along Whistler’s trails. There are tour operators available who take you on an adrenaline-rousing trip through powder, snow fields and across ice bound lakes.
Snowshoeing
If you prefer the more quiet adventure and want to take home a real Canadian experience than you should try snowshoeing. From being the only way of getting around in the Canadian winter wonderland for some centuries, snowshoeing today is family fun that takes you as deep in the woods as you like. Outfitters provide equipment from original snowshoes that have been used forever to high-tech gear that lets you fly across the snow.
Dog Sledding
Another real Canadian adventure no one should miss out on. Long time before human kind came up with snowmobiles, dog sleds were used for transportation in winter. Mush trough breathtaking winter scenery far away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Surrounded by only your dogs and endless snow-covered woodlands you will find it totally relaxing. Dog sledding tour operators are available for your unique winter adventure.
Horse-drawn sleigh rides
If you are up to a more romantic way of exploring Whistler, a horse-drawn sleigh ride should be just what you are looking for. This quiet journey takes you through old-grown forest to a cabin where a roaring fire and hot chocolate is readily waiting for you.
Whistler & Blackcomb Mountains in Summer
If you still haven’t had enough skiing in winter, Blackcomb Mountain's Horstman Glacier awaits you for summer skiing and snowboarding. Otherwise Whistler presents you a wide variety of recreational activities during summer.
There is something for every taste and age, for beginners and pros. Take a gondola ride to the top of Whistler Mountain and be swept away from the spectacular views of both mountains and the surrounding peaks and valleys.
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Hiking
Whistler’s summer hiking trails are generally open July through September, depending on weather and snow conditions. As the snow recedes trails will open. There are various choices from an hour-long family outing to full-day hikes. Make sure to get a copy of the summer hiking trail map before you start. Hikes in the area around Whistler feature old-grown forests, refreshing waterfalls, pristine alpine meadows, scenic lakes and wilderness.
Caution: Never hike alone! Bring extra clothing and dress in layers. Obey all signage! Treat all wildlife with caution. Please stay on marked trails and take out what you brought in. Carry water, snacks, sunscreen and sunglasses. Don’t drink water of ponds, lakes or creeks!
Glacier Tours
Ever dreamt of staying on glacier ice atop Whistler Mountain? Professional guides can make this dream come true. The easy to moderate ascent rewards you with stunning alpine vistas and a gourmet picnic lunch.
Mountain Biking
You asked for real mountain biking adventures? Over 200 kilometres of lift-serviced gravity fed, adrenaline fuelled descending mountain bike trails make you feel like being in mountain biking heaven. Beginner or professional, there is something for every rider.
ATV Tours & Hummer Tours
Get into Whistler’s backcountry by 4-wheel power. Ride your ATV through scenic wilderness trails to breathtaking lookouts, energizing waterfalls, pristine lakes surrounded by towering forests. Don’t like to ride yourself? Take a Hummer Tour and enjoy the ride.
Horseback Riding
A quiet trip on horseback brings you into remote wilderness of Cougar Mountain. Or head up Blackcomb Mountain for a guided, scenic trail ride. The Whistler region offers many opportunities for you to explore the mountains in cowboy style.
Whistler Village
Whistler Village is the place where most action and socialising takes place. Designed to be car-free, Whistler Village is the compact centrepiece of Whistler’s Four Season Resort, where you can reach everything walking. It’s the place where you find après & nightlife, restaurants, shopping, art galleries, spas, sports facilities, as well as accommodations and tour operators. Whistler, with its light and relaxing atmosphere never really sleeps.
Coming down the mountain after a day full of exciting adventures, Whistler’s favourite après spots wait for you with mountain views, ample patio space and live music. Award-winning restaurants make up an essential part of the resort experience.
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After dinner, it’s time to experience Whistler’s nightlife that is almost as famous as its ski reputation. At dusk Whistler gets in party mode and discos, sport pubs, or live music events are the place to be.
Shopping at Whistler is easy and relaxing, as you don’t have to worry about parking or cars while crossing from one shop to another. Just stroll from your accommodation to bookstores, galleries, boutiques or jewelleries. Local businesses sell unique clothing and equipment to the Whistler area.
While in Whistler you should treat yourself to a relaxing and rejuvenating spa treatment. There are many massage and physiotherapy facilities offering a variety of different treatments.
Accommodations in the Area
Bed & Breakfast:
Alpine Chalet Whistler B&B
3012 Alpine Crescent
Whistler, British Columbia
V0N 1B3
Golden Dreams Bed & Breakfast
6412 Easy St.
Whistler, British Columbia
V0N 1B6
Inns:
Pemberton Valley Vineyard
1427 Collins Road
Pemberton, British Columbia
VON 2L0
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