Whistler’s Adrenaline Altitude
Everything is just that little bit bolder, bigger, faster on the other side of the Atlantic - and skiing is no different. The legendary Whistler ski resort sits at the heart of the rugged Canadian wilderness, its swooping runs and wide-open bowls making it the biggest ski area in North America.
Home to the 2010 Winter Olympics, with over 200km of piste and snow that might just be the deepest you’ve ever seen, skiing in Whistler is something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
Whistler Resort
Whistler ski resort is a cool, cosmopolitan hub surrounded by sparing glaciers, ancient forests and mountain wildlife.
Three villages sit around the base, each with its own unique character. Whistler Village is the resort’s vibrant, main hub closest to the slopes, bustling with quirky boutiques and relaxed bars. In the shadows of neighbouring Blackcomb Mountain, Upper Village has a more secluded and traditional Alpine feel, while Creekside is a relaxing, family-friendly haven just 10 minutes’ drive from the mountain’s base.
Resort Statistics
| Base: | 1530 meters |
| Summit: | 2182 meters |
| No. of Pistes: | 200 |
| Total Piste: | 200 km |
| Cross Country: | 30 km |
| Total Lifts: | 26 |
| Gondolas/ Cable Cars: | 6 |
| Chairlifts: | 17 |
| Drag Lifts: | 3 |
Piste Map
Whistler Ski Areas & Slopes
Take one look at the Whistler ski map and you’ll realise just how massive this megalith of a resort really is. Here are the key areas you need to know about to ensure your Whistler ski holiday is one you’ll never forget.
Whistler Bowl
Ski beyond the clouds along the soaring ridge of Whistler’s highest peaks.
Intermediate-Advanced: A series of adrenaline-pumping black drops and lightning chutes curve along the mountain bowl for maximum thrill.
Beginners: The longest consistent run in North America, the blue Upper Peak to Creek, rushes through alpine forests to the valley bottom.
Symphony Amphitheatre
Big bowl skiing designed for theatrical shows of high-speed and even higher-altitude.
Intermediate-Advanced: A naturally-carved, circular bowl across the summits offering experienced riders a steep rush through forested valleys.
Beginners: One of Canada’s most stunning green runs with soft curves along mellow mountain terrain.
Glacier Bowl
Master glacial skiing in Whistler’s classic bowl, so daringly deep it cuts to the mountains’ very heart.
Intermediate-Advanced: Short yet steep bursts of black runs with tight turns and razor-sharp ridges for the Whistler daredevils out there.
Beginners: The snaking Saddle blue takes thrill-seeking beginners to the summit, shooting straight back to Peak Chair top station.
Olympic Station
A beginner hotspot for those looking to soak up the talent of Whistler’s Olympic past.
Beginners: Get to grips with Whistler mountain at one of Canada’s most incredible learner ski areas, where snaking trails of greens will have your confidence booming in no time.
Ski Holidays in Whistler
Whistler Ski Passes
Whistler Ski Passes come in many shapes and sizes and vary by season, with the cheapest ski tickets available in April.
Epic Day Card Ski Passes are available from $164 CAD for 1 day to a maximum of 14 days, letting you skip the crowds with online credit loading.
Grade 4 & 5 SnowPass is available for families with children aged 9-10, letting them hit the slopes for just $29.95.
Tot Lift Tickets are free for all children below age 6, available from any Whistler ski pass window.
Ski Schools
Some of the country’s best ski schools can be found in Whistler ski resort. Learn to ski in a few short days with group ski lessons or finetune your technique to take on the summit with individual training.
Equipment Hire
Whistler ski hire shops can be found close to the hotels and lifts around the resort’s base. You’ll be able to try out and pick up all the latest ski gear and technology, as well as different styles such as carving, powder and all-mountain skis. Alongside some one-off Whistler ski hire bargains, you’ll also find exclusive lines like Rossignol, Dynastar and Lange.
Family Fun in Whistler
Whistler is one of the most family-friendly resorts around. The Nintendo School Yard terrain park is the perfect spot for youngsters to start their winter sports journey. Spend an afternoon of adventures at the Magic Castle and Tree Fort before heading to the Whistler Sliding Centre to try your hand at bobsleigh. Sports enthusiasts will love exploring the Whistler Olympic Park, with lots of group tours and the chance to try out snowshoeing and night skiing.
Whistler Winter Sports
Snowboarding Holidays in Whistler
With its behemoth mountains, Whistler is a true snowboarding mecca. It’s why snowboarding legends like Devun Walsh and Iikka Backstrom can usually be found dominating the slopes. The Olympic-standard half pipe won't go amiss either for the more daring Whistler snowboarders.
When to Go?
The Whistler ski season typically runs from late November to April, with peak skiing conditions usually seen between December and February.
Snow Report
Whistler is consistently graced with over 11m of snow each year, making it some of the freshest powder to be found. There’s also extensive snowmaking infrastructure to guarantee Whistler snow coverage throughout the winter as well as in early and late ski seasons.
Check out the latest Whistler snow report here.