Our standards are higher. So are our mountains. Nestled in the spectacular Coast Mountains of British Columbia, just 120 kilometres (75 mi.) north of Vancouver and 56 kilometres (35 mi.) north of Squamish lies Whistler, a charming alpine village and the home of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Whistler Resort is a year-round destination consistently rated the Number One Ski Resort in North America. Setting high resort standards is nothing new to award-winning Whistler. Whistler/Blackcomb has been given top marks in North America in several categories, including terrain, vertical drop, high-speed lifts, depth of snow, slope-side amenities and just plain fun. Readers of Mountain Sports and Living Magazine (formerly Snow Country Magazine) voted Whistler the Number One Ski Resort in North America in 1998 for the 7th consecutive year. Skiing Magazine followed suit by rating Whistler first overall in North America in its 1995, 1996 and 1998 rankings. Japan's prestigious Blue Guide Ski Magazine also voted Whistler best international destination, for ten years in a row. Most recently, Ski Magazine rated Whistler the Number One Ski Resort in North America. World-class Whistler Resort is number one with skiers and snowboarders for a host of reasons:
The largest ski areas on the continent, with 2,862 hectares (7,071 acres) of skiable terrain, more than 200 marked trails and 12 massive alpine bowls, including three glaciers.
The two greatest vertical rise ski mountains in North America, with Blackcomb rising one vertical mile (1,609m/5,280 ft.) to an elevation of 2,284 metres (7,494 ft.) and Whistler rising 1,530 metres (5,020 ft.) to an elevation of 2,182 metres (7,159 ft.)
Five separate mountain bases, all within five minutes of each other and all equipped with high-speed lifts, ensure fast access to the alpine and virtually eliminate lift line-ups.
The most extensive high-speed lift system in the world, with 15 express lifts (three gondolas and twelve quad chairs) in a total system of 33 lifts.
Ski-in, ski-out convenience to lodging in Whistler Village, Upper Village and Whistler Creekside.
A winter season running from November through May, with summer skiing/snowboarding continuing until August.
An average annual winter snowfall of nine metres (30-ft.) complemented by extensive snowmaking systems.
A variety of additional winter activities from cross-country skiing, ice skating and snowshoeing, to paragliding, snowmobiling, flightseeing and sleigh rides.
Excellent value for your dollar on everything from accommodations to lift tickets to gourmet meals. And U.S. guests benefit from an exceptional exchange rate.
The warmest service that you'll find anywhere - Whistler Resort is North America's friendliest destination. After an invigorating day on the slopes, you can explore Whistler's enchanting pedestrian-only Village and browse through a multitude of unique shops and boutiques; take in Whistler's culinary offerings; relax in intimate lounges or dance the night away in high-energy nightclubs; and then retire to the inviting comforts of Whistler's many hotels and lodges.
The view from "up there" will take your breath away. Whistler and Blackcomb offer summer lift-served sightseeing and guided nature walks. Or just take a chair/gondola up the mountain for mountaintop dining with breathtaking vistas. A new perspective on the alpine can be had with a guided horseback ride in the high alpine, and thrill-seekers can experience guided mountain bike descents.
The natural setting of Whistler offers a bounty of activities including alpine sightseeing and hiking, mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding, river rafting and backcountry tours. Five lakes and countless rivers dot the Whistler Valley, offering ample opportunity to swim, windsurf, canoe, kayak or just relax and soak up the sun on a warm, sandy beach. Everything in Whistler is accessible by foot, and there is no better way to see the Resort than by strolling on the Valley Trail system, a network of paved trails that connect Whistler Village to each of the various areas throughout Whistler Valley. The unifying principle behind Whistler is the pedestrian-only village, which combines the best elements of European plaza culture and west coast architecture. Meander through the cobbled pathways of Whistler Village. You'll find charming boutiques and sunny sidewalk cafes and restaurants. Browse through one-of-a-kind shops, and explore art galleries in the plazas of Whistler Village, Upper Village and Village North. And when the sun goes down, take in the nightlife or enjoy an evening amble under the stars. Accommodation at Whistler range from intimate European-style bed & breakfast inns, family-style condos and luxury hotel suites to everything in between. There is a wide range of choices and prices, and of course, there is always a tempting package price that could include some golf, summer sightseeing or dual mountain skiing.
