RESORT INFO

OVERVIEW :

Located 75mi-120km north of Vancouver in the Coast mountains at 2215ft-675m elevation, it is an easy and quick access from Vancouver Downtown and the International Airport (YVR) with the brand new Sea to Sky highway.

Every year, thousands of people come to Whistler, from all over the world, to ski-ride the 2 gorgeous mountains (Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains), to have an unforgettable vacation and to find all what they’ve dreamt about.

Whistler just keeps getting better. Consistently ranked number one for most popular ski resort in North America, the two majestic mountains that make up this resort provide a Mecca for those seeking both epic snow in the winter and gnarly bike track in the summer months.

This place has it all, an average annual snowfall of 33 feet bring you 8,100 acres of skiable areas  with 200+ trails to explore. The village is host to events such as the World Ski and Snowboard Festival, Krankworks and of course the big one….the Winter Olympics.

Whistler is renowned at getting the right mix of killer snow play and festive style fun. With over 90 restaurants and bars the night life is fresh and international. Vancouver is a mere 2 hour drive away it has never been easier to come and play..

DON’T MISS:

The Peak to peak gondola. It links both mountains, on a 4.4km/2.73miles cable long  and above the ground is 435m/1,427 feet over Fitzsimmons Creek.

Symphony Amphitheatre on Whistler Mountain. It is a large alpine bowl with its own high-speed quad lift, a lot of runs for every levels, deep powder fields and a secured hiking access to the ridge for advanced skiers/riders.

Fresh tracks. If you want to hit those pristine white slopes before anyone else, then you’ll have to be an early bird. Be at the base of Whistler by 7am and head up the gondola with the real die-hards. The $17 ticket includes a huge buffet style breakfast, served overlooking the mountain range, as well as the opportunity to hit those slopes as soon as avalanche clearance gives the okay. 

Cruise the upper part of the mountain while those sleepy heads are still on their ride up. What could be better on a fresh powder day then being the first to carve it up?

Limited to 650 tickets be sure to get yours ahead of time and be there early to avoid disappointment.

As you have already hit the main part of the mountain be sure to keep an eye on the board for when the Peak chair opens. This gives you access to one of the longest runs Whistler has to offer, the Peak to Creek. Five and a half kilometers or 3.4 miles in length, with a descent of five thousand vertical feet through some varied terrain should not be taken lightly. Rest assured, there is a great bar called Dusty’s at the bottom so you can refuel. This is an amazing run where you can often find yourself the only one on the slope, it can really differ through the season throwing up new challenges each time you ride it through, so be prepared!

 Where to Eat Lunch (if skiing/boarding)

Zoggs – For a quick poutine or chili dog this little take out stand at the base of the mountain does a roaring trade filling your belly quickly and without too much strain on your wallet. Eat on the go or sit and watch the village traffic go by under an outside heater. Great for an easy refuel.

The Roundhouse – Perfectly located at the top of the Whistler gondola this restaurant offers a huge selection of food. From Asian rice bowls, to locally sourced Pemberton hamburgers, sushi rolls, pizza and pastas. Not to mention a huge salad selection and if you’re just in for a nibble there’s a bakery stop with muffins and cinnamon buns. You can overlook the slopes and huddle in from the cold, make it as quick or as relaxing as you want. The bar serving jugs of beer or hot chocolate with a kick is especially tempting.
 
Steeps Bar and Grill – Also located at the top of Whistler Gondola this stunning restaurant offers the best in local wines paired with an amazing view. There is a large and often sunny patio to sit out on or cuddle up inside by one of the floor to ceiling windows that offer spectacular views out over the mountains. Taking part in the Ocean Wise program all the food is sourced as locally as possible and you can choose between sharing a large platter of meats, or artisan cheeses and breads or tuck into a hearty chicken sandwich or wild salmon entrée. The expert staff can help you choose a flight of wines that come from the Okanagan valley, desert country in comparison to the snowy hills that surround you. If you’re in the mood for something different you can take one of their winemaker’s après sessions where one of the wines is showcased and you can show off your sommelier talents.

PARKING:

At the moment Whistler has some huge day parking lots where you can park for free. Unfortunately this is in the middle of being re-paved and when this is done there will be a charge. However this is very much a point of contention with quite a few locals battling against the new charges. Watch this space.

Creekside offers 1200 stalls of complimentary parking and you can catch the gondola up from there.
By the IGA supermarket in the Market Place you can park for two hours free of charge whilst you do your shopping.

Throughout the village there are other fee based parking options, for example by the Telus Conference Centre, as well as the charges applied by several hotels at the base of Whistler who have day parking available i.e. The Westin and Hilton.  

THE STATS:

Operating dates:  Nov 26th – April 18th, then April 19th - May 24th Blackcomb Mountain only
Lift hours: 8.30am – 3pm, extending to 3.30pm later in the season
Vertical rise: 1,530 metres/5,020 feet Whistler and 1,609 metres/5,280 feet Blackcomb
Total terrain: 8,171 acres/3,307 hectares
Trails: 200+
Number of lifts: 38

Parks and Pipes: Whistler – 2, Blackcomb – 3 parks, 1 super pipe and 1 snow cross track
Annual snowfall: 402 inches/33.5 feet/ 10.22 meters per year

Lift tickets: 1 Day $89-91, there are discounts on multi day passes and groups. Edge cards are available to Canadian and Washington State residents, which enable them to get sizable discounts. Season Pass Unlimited - $1,099.

WHERE TO STAY:

There is an abundance of places to stay in Whistler and it’s up to you what is most important to you. Price? Location? Pool? Family orientated? Pet friendly? Bare in mind that there are always deals to be had whether you book early or are looking for a late deal, check www.whistlerblackcomb.com for up to date information. As well as hotels there are also bed and breakfast, hostels and retable homes/apartments available if they are more your style.

Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort – Affordable accommodation in the heart of the village.  All of the suites feature kitchenettes which are always handy, there is also free high speed internet access and in the en-suite bathrooms there are jetted soaker tubs. Efficient and clean, these suites are ideal for those who spend most of their time on the hill, for groups of friends or families.
http://www.whistlerhi.com/
Rates in winter: $190+
Similar options: Residence Inn / Pinnacle International Hotel

Cascade Lodge – Featuring one and two bedroom suites with kitchenettes, fireplaces, in room washers and dryers the Cascade Lodge offers cozy accommodation a short bus ride from the mountains. Located in Village North within walking distance of the bars and shops, you can either stretch out those legs or catch the complimentary shuttle to the slopes.
When you get back you can take a dip in Whistlers largest outdoor heated pool or relax in the two hot tubs. The hotel offers underground parking, a 24-hour front desk team and complimentary ski/bike storage for all guests.
http://www.whistler-cascadelodge.com/index.html
Rates in winter: $269+
Similar options: Nita Lake Lodge / Hilton

The Westin Resort and Spa Whistler – This hotel has perfect location right at the base of Whistler mountain, merley steps away from the gondola. In some rooms you could even check the lift queues before heading out.

When the door is opened, by their ever friendly staff, the Westin signature smell engulfs you as you enter the impressive lobby. All stone and wood it really does feel like you have entered a luxury mountain getaway.

Newly renovated this year each suite has its own kitchenette and fireplace making it a real home away from home. The front desk is 24 hour and so there is always someone on hand to answer any niggling questions. Its pool is fully loaded with hot tubs both indoor and out, along with steam rooms and a sauna, great to relax those muscles after a hard day on the slopes.  The Firerock bar is always pumping and has daily drinks specials and shows live sport by its beautiful fireplace. The Aubergine Grill is award winning and with its cathedral high ceilings it is truly a dining experience to remember.  Ticking boxes left right and center this hotel also lets you bring your best friend with you so don’t be surprised to see dogs strolling the lobby. A truly wonderful hotel to relax in after a big day on the hill, or better yet let one of their trained massage therapists do it for you.
http://www.westinwhistler.com/
Rates in winter: $411+
Similar options: Pan Pacific / Sundial Boutique Hotel

The Four Seasons Resort Whistler – The only five diamond property in Whistler this is a truly stunning hotel. Located in the Upper Village away from the main hustle and bustle, this place will blow you away. The lobby is grand and the art on the walls is thought provoking and dramatic. As a rule the staff are unbelievable courteous and nothing is a problem. The suites are sumptuous, full of dark woods and the best linens. The bathrooms are huge, the soaker tubs are a dream after a long day out in the snow. Their award winning spa is so calming and relaxing, you feel you’re in the hands of true professionals. You can see the steam rising from the outdoor pool and hot tubs, always so inviting.

The restaurant does the most amazing sea food buffet and just sitting in the lounge sipping on a well made cocktail makes you feel like a million dollars.

Let the concierge take care of your every need and just sit back and take in the best Whistler has to offer. 
http://www.fourseasons.com/whistler/
Rates in winter: $573
Similar options: Fairmon