Whistler Blackcomb

Two giant mountains joined by the Peak 2 Peak Gondola.

North America’s biggest ski area: 8,171 acres on two mountains, with 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers and over 5,000 vertical feet down to a car-free village. It works for every level, and the rest of the trip is easy to fill, from après at GLC and late nights at clubs like Garfinkel’s to the Scandinave Spa, snowmobile and dog-sled tours. Expect big-resort prices and busy holiday weeks.

The mountain

Vertical drop

5,280 ft

Summit

7,494 ft

Skiable terrain

8,171 acres

Trails

200

Lifts

36

Average snowfall

422″ a year

Longest run

6.8 mi

Snowmaking

9% of terrain

Terrain mix

• Beginner 20%
• Intermediate 35%
• Advanced 45%

What’s here besides skiing

• Terrain park
• Snow tubing
• Snowmobiling
• Ice skating
• Scenic lift rides
• Snowshoeing
• Cross-country
• Dog sledding
• Spa
• Nightlife
• Kids programs
• Cat skiing
• Heli skiing

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• ChristmasLate November (annual)Usually

  Whistler Winterlight

  A three-day holiday light festival at Whistler Olympic Plaza with an illuminated Ferris wheel, light installations, DJs and pop-up markets. It also opens the outdoor skating rink. Nov 27–29 in 2025.

• ChristmasLate December (annual)Usually

  Wintersphere

  The Whistler Conference Centre becomes an indoor winter play zone for families, with crafts, games and face painting. Past years have included visits with Santa.

• New Year’sThu, Dec 31 (times to come)

  New Year’s Eve in Whistler Village

  A free, all-ages night with no alcohol at the official events. Last year brought the glowing Luminosity Parade through the village, a special Fire & Ice show at Skiers Plaza at 8:30 pm and fireworks at 9 pm (no midnight fireworks).

• Opening dayNov 20, 2026

  Opening Day

  Whistler Blackcomb’s target opening day, conditions permitting.

• EventSundays, early January to early March, 7:30 pm (annual)Usually

  Fire & Ice Show

  A free 30-minute show at Skiers Plaza: skiers and riders flip through a burning ring of fire, with music and a fireworks finale.

• FestivalEarly to mid April (Apr 6–12 in 2026)Usually

  World Ski & Snowboard Festival

  A week of pro ski and snowboard contests, free outdoor concerts in the village, and photo and film showdowns to close out the main season.

Where to stay

• ski-in/ski-outFairmont Chateau Whistler

  The grand château-style hotel at the foot of Blackcomb in the Upper Village, with ski valet, a spa and heated outdoor pools.

  Slopeside, Blackcomb base
• slopesidePan Pacific Whistler Mountainside

  Studio and one-bedroom suites with kitchens right at the base of the Whistler Village Gondola.

  Slopeside, Whistler base
• hotelAava Whistler Hotel

  A modern, mid-priced hotel in the village, a short walk from both gondolas.

  5 min walk
• hotelPangea Pod Hotel

  Private sleeping pods with shared bathrooms in the heart of the village. A stylish, social budget pick.

  3 min walk
• hostelHI Whistler

  Dorms and private rooms in the former 2010 Olympic athletes’ lodge at Cheakamus Crossing, on the bus line to the village.

  10 min drive

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola · On mountain

  The record-setting gondola between Whistler and Blackcomb, up to 436 m above the valley floor. Sightseeing tickets let non-skiers ride up for lunch and views.

• Scandinave Spa Whistler · 5 min drive

  Nordic baths in the forest near Lost Lake: hot pools, cold plunges, saunas and quiet rooms.

• Snowmobile tours

  Guided snowmobile trips into the mountains around Whistler with Canadian Wilderness Adventures, including options for first-timers.

• Dog sledding

  Ride or mush behind a team of sled dogs on a guided forest tour with Canadian Wilderness Adventures.

• Skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza · Village

  Outdoor rink in the village, open from Nov 26, 2026. Adults CA$6, skate rental CA$7, helmets free.

• Vallea Lumina · 15 min drive

  A 1-km night walk through a forest lit with light and sound shows at Cougar Mountain. The winter course runs November to April.

• Audain Art Museum · Village

  British Columbia art, from Northwest Coast First Nations masks to Emily Carr, in a striking building in the village.

• Whistler Olympic Park · 25 min drive

  The 2010 Olympic nordic venue in the Callaghan Valley, with groomed cross-country and snowshoe trails.

Après and nightlife

• Garibaldi Lift Co. (GLC)

  The classic first stop, at the base of the Whistler Village Gondola, with a patio over the bottom of the runs and live music.

• Longhorn Saloon

  A Whistler institution at the base of both gondolas, with a big heated patio and a packed dance floor by late afternoon.

• Dusty’s Bar & BBQ

  Whistler’s original watering hole at the Creekside Gondola, known for BBQ, Caesars and live bands.

• Merlin’s Bar & Grill

  Laid-back cabin-style bar at the Blackcomb base in the Upper Village, with huge nachos and local rock bands.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Vancouver International (YVR) · about 2 hr 15 min drive
• Vancouver · about 2 hr
• Seattle · about 4.5 hr

Directions in Google Maps