Whistler Blackcomb: North America’s Biggest Ski Area

Whistler Blackcomb covers 3,307 hectares of skiable terrain across two mountains with a combined vertical drop of 1,609 metres – the largest ski resort in North America by most metrics. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola connects the two summits at 4.4 km length and 436 metres above the valley floor. The numbers are impressive; the skiing backs them up. Average annual snowfall is 11.7 metres (38.4 feet), and the resort typically runs from late November through mid-May.

The Skiing

Whistler Mountain has more open bowl terrain; Blackcomb has more glacier access and higher elevation. For intermediates, the runs off the Whistler gondola to Emerald and Symphony chairs are excellent and relatively uncrowded. The expert terrain on Blackcomb’s Glacier and Horseman Bowl is serious. Beginners are better served at the lower runs than the dedicated bunny areas.

A single day lift ticket in the 2025-26 season costs CAD $160-315 depending on timing and how far in advance you book. Purchasing four or more weeks ahead can bring day passes to around $205 on off-peak days. On-the-day purchases can reach $315. Multi-day packages offer significant per-day savings. Book ahead – this is not a mountain where turning up and buying at the window makes financial sense.

Getting There

Whistler is 125 km north of Vancouver on the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99). The drive takes 1.5-2 hours in clear conditions and considerably longer after heavy snowfall. Epic Rides bus service runs from Vancouver airport and downtown Vancouver for around CAD $30-40 per person each way.

Eating

Araxi on Village Square is the best restaurant in the village. Proper Pacific Northwest cooking, good BC wine list, expensive (CAD $50-80 per main). Blacks Pub is the more reasonable option for post-ski food and serves reliably well after a long day on the mountain. For lunch on the mountain, Christine’s on Blackcomb is better than most ski resort restaurants.

Peak 2 Peak

If you’re not skiing, the Peak 2 Peak gondola is available for sightseeing in both winter and summer. The summer season sees the resort transform into a mountain biking and hiking destination; the bike park is well-maintained with trails for all levels.

Staying

Whistler Village is fully walkable once you’re there. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is the flagship property. Smaller condo-style accommodation through operators like Whistler Retreats is often better value for groups. Book at least 3 months ahead for Christmas and New Year – the village fills completely for that period and last-minute options are limited and expensive.