The Coast Mountains rise--one after the other--out of Howe Sound as you travel the 70 miles along the Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Whistler, B.C., and the Whistler-Blackcomb Ski Resort. With 7,071 acres of skiable terrain, these two peaks make up the largest ski resort in North America. Familiarizing yourself with these mountains before you head up will help you get the most out of your ski trip.
Whistler Mountain Trails
Avoid the long mid-morning lift lines in Whistler Village and head to Creekside. Take the gondola up to the Big Red Express chair. The lift lets you out at the top of the Dave Murray Downhill--the same trail the Men’s Olympic Downhill and Super G racers skied at the Vancouver 2010 games. Beginners head down Upper Whiskey Jack to the Family Zone--and more advanced skiers take the Harmony Ridge run to the Symphony Amphitheatre trails.
Blackcomb Mountain Trails
Find the sun on 7th Heaven. Take the Peak 2 Peak Gondola and ski down 7th Avenue to the 7th Heaven chair. From here beginners ski long trails like Green Line and intermediate skiers head down Upper Panorama—both have expansive views of the Coast Mountain Range. Advanced and expert skiers have their choice of bowls and steeps like Couloir Extreme and Sunburn, as well as four gladed runs, including Yard Sale.
Bowls and Steeps
Reach the advanced steeps and expert bowls at the top of Whistler by taking the Peak Express or Harmony Express lifts. Choose from over 20 bowls, including Sun Bowl and Doom and Gloom--if you lose your nerve, ski down the intermediate Upper Peak-to-Creek or Harmony Ridge runs. The Showcase T-bar takes you to the Blackcomb Glacier bowls on the backside of the mountain. This area is for experts only with no easy way down.
Food and Water on the Slopes
Find healthy options at all 10 on-mountain restaurants. The Chic Pea—a tiny cabin tucked away at the bottom of Upper Whiskey Jack—specializes in Mediterranean-influenced dishes like chickpea stew. Free water is available at the Chic Pea, if all you need is some hydrating before taking another run. The Rendezvous on Blackcomb serves a fresh salad bar and the Crystal Hut on top of Crystal Road features wood-oven-roasted salmon.
Nordic Trails
Over 25 miles of Nordic ski trails--from beginner to advanced--begin at the base of both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Winter weather in the Pacific Northwest is often rainy and unseasonably warm at lower elevations--check on snow conditions before heading up to the mountain for cross-country skiing. Nordic rentals are available in Whistler Village for skiers needing proper equipment.
Heli-Skiing
For thrill-seekers and powder addicts, Whistler Blackcomb offers backcountry heli-skiing. These guided trips are for intermediate through expert skiers. The heavy winter snowfall in the Pacific Northwest ensures that you will ski lots of untouched powder trails. Guides pick ski trails based on ability, snow and weather conditions as well as avalanche danger.
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