Whistler, Canada

Whistler Ski Holidays

Whistler is made up of two peaks called Whistler and Blackcomb mountains with over 8000 acres of terrain which is awesome. There is now also the Peak 2 Peak gondola that links the two mountains together so you don't have to ski or board all the way to the bottom anymore. Whistler village sits at the foot of the two mountains and is very much like an Alpine resort in its atmosphere. The centre of the village is completely traffic free giving a buzzing atmosphere to the village. Some of the condo's are located at the side of the piste where they are ski in/ski out or are in the newer area of Whistler North. Whistler Creek is further down the valley and has been revamped for the Olympics which will make a real difference. With direct flights into Vancouver from Heathrow and a 2 hour transfer on the sea to sky highway, Whistler is a popular choice for many and a definite favourite of ours! Take advantage of the superb ski deals such as half price in Chateau Whistler and free lift pass offers.

Image from www.whistlerblackcomb.com

Ski Whistler

Together Whistler and Blackcomb mountains form the largest area of slopes with the longest runs in North America! This is brilliant as you dont even have to get a resort bus to the ski area from your accommodation. Blackcomb rises 5,280 feet and Whistler rises 5,020 feet. Both mountains have a huge range of beginner, intermediate and advanced skiing and boarding. Beginners will enjoy the excellent nursery slopes at the mid station gondola of Whistler and at the base of Blackcomb. Both Whistler and Blackcomb provide an intermediates paradise. The Symphony Express lift on Whistler gives access to a massive 1,000 acres of intermediate terrain. Powder hounds should head to the 'inbounds backcountry experience' at Whistler's flute bowl or try the Olympic downhill course that drops right down into Creekside. Advanced skiers and boarders will find enough terrain to entertain them for weeks. There are endless chutes, gullies and bowls to play in. Spanky's Ladder on Blackcomb involves a short hike up but is worth the run as it is awesome! There are world class terrain parks with excellent ratings so that all levels of skier and boarder can enjoy themselves safely. The super-pipe in Blackcomb is over 137m long with 5m walls and is shaped daily. There is also a boardercross track.

Image from www.whistlerblackcomb.com

Whistler Apres Ski

Whistler apres ski certainly keeps up the pace off the slopes and is very lively. The Longhorn at the foot of the slopes with good music and local beer and the Brewhouse with its own stout are good apres ski bars. The Irish bar has live music and Taley's is popular with the seasonnaires. There are plenty of late night bars and clubs to dance into the wee small hours if you have the energy. Alternatively, if you fancy a quieter time then the Mallard Bar in Chateau Whistler and the Crystal lounge are good. Off the slopes there are various dining options but you must try the seafood as you are so close to the Pacific that it is fantastic. The oysters  in the Rim Rock Cafe are great and the sushi is brilliant. There is an underground climbing centre, luxurious spas, ecotours and the usual snowmobiling trips and dog sledding. If you want a day off from the mountain head down to Vancouver for the day as the shopping in Canada offers good value for money.

Whistler Childcare

Whistler Children's Centre takes children aged 18 months to 48 months

Whistler Ski and Snowboard School

Whistler offers beginner, intermediate and advanced ski and snowboard lessons for adults and children. This includes the Roxy women's ski and ride camps.

Whistler Webcam

Webcam courtesy of www.whistlerblackcomb.com