Whistler Skiing: 18 Important Things You Need to Know
Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America due to its impressive ski area and the number of chairlifts. Therefore, Whistler skiing must be on any avid skier or snowboarder’s bucket list.
Not only is Whistler Ski Resort iconic for its size but also for its quality of runs. In addition, the diversity of terrain and wide-open runs gives skiing at Whistler its winning score.
Before my first visit to Whistler in winter, I had many questions about skiing Whistler Blackcomb. Such as, “What is it like to ski at Whistler”, “Is Whistler Blackcomb good for beginners”, and “When is the best time to ski in Whistler”?
During my visit to Whistler in February 2022, I learnt the answers to all of these questions and more. Plus, I discovered some top tips you need to know when visiting Whistler.
Additionally, my knowledge of other ski resorts in Europe helped me know what to look out for, plus it gave me some interesting comparisons.
This article should give you an insight into skiing at Whistler and how to make your Whistler ski holidays successful. Read on to find out the 18 things you need to know about skiing or snowboarding in Whistler and learn how to ski Whistler.
1. Whistler and Blackcomb are two different mountains
Something difficult for me to understand was that two ski resorts make up the whole Whistler Blackcomb ski resort: Whistler and Blackcomb.
There are three “villages” at the base of the Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort; named Whistler Village, Upper Village and Creekside Village. There is also Village North, another area a little further from the foot of the mountains.
In each village, you will find restaurants, bars, ski rental shops, mini food markets, and ticket offices. The Tourism Whistler office is found in Whistler Village Square.
To get to the Whistler skiing area you can take the Whistler Village Gondola, Fitzsimmons Express Chairlift, or Creekside Gondola.
To ski in the Blackcomb area, you should take the Blackcomb Gondola or Excalibur Gondola.
Read this article for more information on the difference between Whistler and Blackcomb.
2. You can ski from Whistler to Blackcomb, but there is a better way to travel between the two
Once I understood the concept of the Blackcomb Whistler mountains, my next question was – “can you ski from Blackcomb to Whistler?” I discovered the answer is yes, but not in the way you may be thinking.
You can use green runs to ski to the bottom of either Whistler or Blackcomb. Then, you take a chairlift or gondola back to the top of the other mountain. No runs go through the valley connecting the mountains.
Instead, you should take the impressive Peak to Peak Gondola. A ride on this gondola is included in your lift pass and you should aim to do it at least once.
It is a little uneasy for those scared of heights, me included. My advice would be to sit at the back on the gondola (to the way it is facing). Avoid looking out the window too much as it will make you feel more anxious.
3. You should start your day early – the lifts at Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort close early
Given how large the Whistler BC ski slopes are, the lifts close earlier than you would imagine, giving visitors time to navigate their way back down before it gets dark.
To make the most of your day’s skiing or snowboarding, I recommend starting early – as soon as the slopes open at 8:30 AM.
Arrive at the gondola no later than 8:00 AM to get in the line. The lift operators often allow visitors to board the gondolas at 8:15 AM. By the time you get to the top of the gondolas, it will be around 8:30 AM.
During the shortest days of the year, the ski lifts close at 3:00 PM. Therefore, once you have eaten your lunch you must start thinking about where to go before you finish your day of skiing.
You can find the full Whistler hours of operation on this website.
Even though most gondolas close early, the Excalibur Gondola (that goes from Whistler Village to Base II) runs until 6:00 PM. As a result of the later closing, if you wanted to stay for some après ski activities in Whistler Village and you are staying on the Blackcomb side, you can take this and ski home on Lower Merlins.
Read more: Skiing in a traditional French village
4. Once you have taken the gondola in the morning, stay up the mountain
In the morning, once you have gotten up the mountain, do not ski to the villages or bottom gondolas until mid-morning, or you will have to wait in the busy lines again.
It would be a waste of your early morning start by going back down to the bottom of the slopes.
The Whistler lift lines can be extremely long to get on gondolas, particularly due to the start of lessons or those arriving later for a skiing day trip to Whistler.
Throughout the day, aim to keep coming back to the mid-mountain where the main restaurants (Rendezvous and Roundhouse Lodge) are.
5. Avoid Whistler skiing on weekends
The number of visitors to Whistler Canada shoots up on weekends due to locals taking advantage of living close to the slopes. You will notice a significant increase in wait times for chairlifts and gondolas.
Aim to ski on weekdays rather than weekends where possible. For example, for a week-long trip to Whistler, you could arrive in Vancouver on Saturday, drive to Whistler on Sunday, and then start your skiing activities on Monday.
Make sure you check the US and Canadian holidays when booking your Whistler skiing vacation to ensure you find a time where there are smaller crowds, better prices and availability of accommodation, and off-peak lift ticket prices.
6. Some people are eligible for discounted Whistler lift tickets
If you are a Canadian or Washington resident, you can purchase an EDGE card for a discounted 2, 5, or 10-day lift ticket, plus other benefits and discounts.
If you qualify as one of these residents, do not leave purchasing an EDGE card until the last minute. You must sign up early for the EDGE card or they can sell out.
There are also savings for Epic pass holders – an unlimited access pass to many of North America’s ski resorts.
Sadly, for those who missed out on an EDGE card, or those who are not eligible, there is no discount for a Whistler lift pass.
It is worth paying for the lift pass to be delivered to your home before your Whistler skiing trip because it will save you from waiting in line at the ticket office in the morning. Trust me on this – it is worth the delivery fee.
7. You should bring your own ski equipment if you have any
Unlike some destinations in Europe, it will be cheaper to bring your own ski or snowboard equipment than to rent some in Whistler.
Air Canada offers free ski baggage on flights from Europe to Canada. The fee is around CAD 50 per way on domestic Canada flights, but again, this will be much less than the cost of renting.
If you do not have any of your own ski equipment, there are many rental shops around the Whistler area.
Check if there is a rental shop in your accommodation, even if you are staying in an apartment building – it is much more convenient.
Check this article on what to wear for skiing to help when packing your bags.
8. Do not plan to ski on the first day you arrive in Whistler
There are plenty of things to do the first day you arrive in Whistler.
You need to check-in to your accommodation (usually not until around 3:00 or 4:00 PM), get groceries (if staying in an apartment), and perhaps you may need to pick up ski equipment and lift passes.
Lines for ticket offices and ski hire will be busy in the morning when the ski resort opens, and you can waste a lot of time (see the previous point). Consequently, you should arrive the day before your first ski day to get organised.
You also have time to figure out a plan for tackling the Whistler slopes.
9. Lots of accommodations claim to be ski-in ski-out, but not all are
Picking your accommodation is an important decision for your trip to Whistler. Some hotels and apartments claim to be right at the foot of the mountains or on the slopes. In reality, some are closer and more convenient than others.
The best ski-in ski-out apartments are on Blackcomb on the Lower Merlins run.
I stayed in The Aspens on Blackcomb and would recommend it.
The ski valet in the courtyard will store your skis at the end of each day. Then, it is a short walk to the edge of the Lower Merlins run. A quick ski down the end of this run takes you directly to the Blackcomb Gondola.
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is also a short walk to the Blackcomb Gondola. Plus, the hotel offers a free shuttle to Whistler Village, so you will have access to both sides.
As for the Whistler side, the Pan Pacific Mountainside Hotel is extremely close to the Excalibur Gondola and Fitzsimmons Chairlift.
Additionally, the Westin Resort and Spa is next door to the Whistler Village Gondola for easy access.
Here is a list of Whistler skiing accommodations, including the ones I mentioned already and some other ideas to consider.
Whistler Hotels
| Hotel | Description | Book |
|---|---|---|
| Pan Pacific Mountainside | Rating: 9 🏆 Directly at the bottom of Excalibur gondola | Click here |
| Westin Resort and Spa | Rating: 8.6 Short walk to Whistler Village Gondola | Click here |
| Hilton Whistler Resort | Rating: 8.2 5-minute walk to the gondola | Click here |
| Delta Whistler Village Suites | Rating: 8.2 In Village North, 10-min walk to gondolas | Click here |
Blackcomb Accommodation
| Hotel | Description | Book |
|---|---|---|
| Four Seasons Resort Whistler | Rating: 9.4 🏆 3-minute walk to the gondola | Click here |
| Fairmont Chateau Whistler | Rating: 9 Short walk to Blackcomb Gondola | Click here |
| The Aspens on Blackcomb | Located on Lower Merlins run | Click here |
| Blackcomb Springs Suites | Located on Lower Merlins run | Click here |
There are luxury ski lodgings and more affordable ski chalets. Typically, the higher the price, the better the location.
10. You must make reservations to eat inside on the Whistler Blackcomb Mountains
This point was accurate during covid – it is no longer applicable for the canteen-style restaurants.
Even if you are bringing your own food, if you want to eat at a table inside on the mountain, you must reserve a table.
Table reservations should be made the day before at 7:00 AM here for the Roundhouse on Whistler or Rendezvous for Blackcomb.
There is also Glacier Creek Lodge on Blackcomb at the bottom of Jersey Cream.
There are some picnic benches outside the restaurants that do not need reservations.
In addition, you can go into the food halls and purchase some food to bring outside. However, in case of inclement weather, you would need a reserved table or to see if there is any last-minute availability with the host.
The restaurants across the mountains offer the same type of fast food.
If you want to eat at a fancier restaurant, you should book Christine’s on Blackcomb. It is in the same building as Rendezvous but in a different closed-off section.
The cost of food on the mountain is expensive. One big way of saving money in Whistler is by bringing lunch in a backpack and eating it outside on a bench or the Peak to Peak Gondola.
The Peak to Peak takes 11 minutes, so there is time to eat a quick sandwich and a granola bar.
11. If there has been snow overnight, some lifts will not open at the start of the day
If there has been heavy snowfall overnight, expect the lifts on the upper part of the mountain to not open until later in the morning while they set off bombs for avalanches.
When you arrive at the gondola, have a plan for where you will start. Keep an eye on what ski runs are open on the boards.
7th Heaven, on Upper Blackcomb Mountain, is one of the popular chairlifts for powder skiing on Blackcomb, but it often does not open first thing in the morning. So, you can hover around the Jersey Cream area, which is nearby.
Make sure you have a Whistler Blackcomb map in your pocket or saved on your phone for easy access.
You will often find yourself far from the nearest Whistler Blackcomb trail map board.
12. Whistler is not the ideal place for total beginner skiers or snowboarders
Even with a discounted card, the lift ticket for skiing on Whistler is expensive. Therefore, I do not recommend coming to Whistler Ski Resort as a beginner if you are price sensitive.
The main draw of Whistler skiing is the expansive resort with powder skiing galore, plenty of challenging runs, and an impressive number of ski lifts taking you to all corners of the resort.
If you are a beginner with no experience at all, I think the investment to come skiing in Whistler Canada is greater than what you can get from the experience.
Cost aside, there are great areas, specifically on Whistler, for beginners. If you are a beginner skier going to Whistler Blackcomb, read this article to find out which runs are best for beginners in Whistler and Blackcomb.
It is also possible to purchase a lift ticket for the Magic Chair, which will take you up and down a single green run.
Alternatively, you could come to Whistler for just the après-ski and village activities. Nonetheless, those who can ski well enough to experience much of Whistler Mountain Ski Resort will benefit the most.
13. Not all ski runs at Whistler are groomed every day
Given how large Whistler is, and how much snow the resort can get, not all runs are groomed by snowcats every day. As a result, some runs may be lumpier than others.
Use the Whistler Blackcomb website to find out what runs have been groomed.
The runs around Crystal Ridge are impeccable when they have been freshly pisted. It is paradise to practise carving on the Crystal Ridge slopes.
Alternatively, you should avoid some runs when they have not been recently groomed. Again, you can use the webpage above, or sometimes there are signs before the runs to signify if it has been groomed or not.
An example, it is best to avoid Lower Peak to Creek if it is not groomed.
Read this article for more information about the best runs in Whistler and Blackcomb for beginners or intermediate skiers.
There are several methods for checking the Whistler weather and how much snow has fallen. For example, this webpage shows the snow conditions in the last 12 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours. The information on this page will be a good indication of the conditions of the slopes.
The Whistler webcams are another great way to see what the weather is like in Whistler Blackcomb. The Snow Ruler will show you exactly the amount of snow the mountains have seen. You can also see how long the line-ups for the gondolas are.
14. Whistler Skiing is tiring, so you will benefit from a day off halfway through your trip
Do not underestimate how big the Whistler and Blackcomb ski resorts are. You will cover a lot of ground each day, and your body may not be ready for it. Consequently, you will be exhausted after several days of skiing.
Even though there are discounts on Whistler ski passes for cumulative days skiing in a row. You may benefit from a day off from skiing mid-week to rest and recharge.
Take a day off to sleep in, enjoy the hot tub at your accommodation, and stretch out your limbs.
If you are staying at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, there is a whole list of activities offered at the property to get involved in, such as yoga. Your body will thank you for it.
15. There are plenty of things to do in Whistler in winter for non skiers
Even though this article is about Whistler Skiing, did you know there are things to do in Whistler in winter for non-skiers too?
Maybe you have a friend unsure whether to join you since they do not wish to ski, or perhaps you are looking for activities to do on your day off from skiing (see the previous point)?
You could try out the Tube Park on Blackcomb Mountain, near the mid-station of Excalibur Gondola.
Or you may want to take a sightseeing tour around Whistler, including visits to lakes, the Whistler Olympic Park and Whistler Olympic Plaza. There are also some shopping and tasting opportunities.
Another perfect activity for a non-skier is a snowshoeing tour around Whistler.
For something more relaxing, try out the Scandinave Spa; but you must book it well in advance because it will sell out.
16. If you would like ski or snowboard lessons, book them months in advance to avoid disappointment
I suggest booking a lesson with a ski instructor for those looking to improve their skills.
I could not book a lesson because my desired group was sold out. Therefore, keep an eye on the website and make sure you book in if it is important to you in your Whistler skiing trip.
Normally, the ski resort staff offer free ski orientation tours to all visitors (but not during covid). To find out more about the free tour, visit the Whistler Blackcomb website.
17. You should remember to bring these things with you for Whistler skiing…
There are so many things to remember to bring with you on a Whistler skiing trip; therefore, here is a reminder of some of the items you will need.
- Hat – perfect to hide your hat hair for apres-ski activities. My favourite hats are from Roots – purchase your Roots hat here
- Thermals – bring plenty of layering options to regulate your perfect temperature. My thermals are from Mountain Warehouse.
- Backpack – use it as your plane carry-on and then repurpose it as your day bag while skiing. You will need plenty of things during the day, such as your hat, extra layers, water, snacks etc. My backpack is from The North Face or consider this Osprey backpack
- Snow pants – this is one of the most essential items to bring for Whistler skiing or snowboarding. I recently bought snow pants from Helly Hansen and I love them.
- Ski coat – again, another obvious, must-have item. If you want to fit in with the crowd at Whistler, bring an Arcteryx ski coat – you will see so many people wearing them. There is also an Arcteryx outlet store in North Vancouver.
- Blundstone boots – these are one of my favourite winter clothing items in winter. Blundstones work well for après ski and travelling. Buy Blundstones here
- Sweat pants – bring some comfy trousers for the evening that you can relax and stretch in. Roots sell the comfiest sweatpants
- Swimwear – many accommodations have hot tubs, so do not miss out on the fun by forgetting your swimwear.
- Spare jacket – it is not necessarily an essential item, but nice to have. You may want to bring a second coat to travel in and wear around Vancouver. I brought my North Face raincoat because it was raining in Vancouver in winter.
- Ski or snowboard equipment – if you are bringing it with you, make sure you have a helmet, skis, poles, ski boots or whatever equipment is relevant for you.
A large ski or snowboard bag is a plus to fit more than one pair in (for you and your friend/partner). However, if not – opt for a padded ski bag to protect your items.
Some airlines count a boot bag and ski bag as one item of oversize baggage, whereas some airlines do not. Make sure you check this.
Read this article for more information on what to wear during winter in Canada.
18. You should stay the night before and after in Vancouver if you are travelling to Whistler from afar
For a week-long trip to Whistler from outside British Columbia, I recommend spending one night in Vancouver before your journey to Whistler. You may wish to do two days skiing in Whistler, followed by a day of rest, and then an additional two days of skiing.
I stayed at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver and The DOUGLAS Vancouver. These hotels provided the ultimate retreat pre and post-Whistler skiing adventure.
I wanted to see both hotels to get a good idea of their suitability. The hotels are in the same complex, so you will benefit from the same great Yaletown location.
The JW Marriott Hotel was light and airy in decoration, and great for a girls’ holiday, family trip or couples. The bed was extremely comfortable and came with some useful complimentary amenities.
The DOUGLAS, on the other hand, was modern, stylish, and used more dark tones in their interior. I would recommend the DOUGLAS also for couples, friends, or business trips.
I loved the city view from my 1-bedroom suite. The shower was a showstopper, and I was impressed with the Aesop toiletries to use during my stay.
Transportation to Whistler Ski Resort
There are several ways to travel to Whistler Blackcomb from Vancouver.
Even though you will not need a car in Whistler, you can rent a car for the journey. Make sure you check if your accommodation has free or paid parking facilities.
Renting a car is convenient because you have the most flexibility. You can pick up the car from the airport and head for the slopes immediately.
By renting a car, you can make as many stops on the stunning Sea to Sky Highway as you would like.
Wondering how to go to Whistler without a car? You also have the option to book a shared or private shuttle from Vancouver to Whistler.
Further Reading to this Whistler Skiing Article
Read this article if you still do not understand the difference between Whistler and Blackcomb.
For more ways to spend the winter season in Canada, check out the following articles.
If you plan to return to British Columbia in the summer, read my Calgary to Vancouver Road Trip article.
For more reading materials on skiing, read this article about the Best Ski Resorts Near to Geneva and A Guide to Skiing in Bernex, France.
FAQ – Whistler Canada Skiing
How many days to ski Whistler?
The minimum recommended time to spend in Whistler for skiing is three days. The resort is vast and it will likely take you a few days to get familiar with the layout of the resort and find your favourite runs.
If you plan to visit Whistler for five days or more, you will want to allow for a day-off skiing to give your body a rest.
How to get to Whistler Blackcomb?
Blackcomb Whistler Ski Resort is around 90 minutes by car from Downtown Vancouver or nearly 2 hours from Vancouver Airport – the nearest international airport to the ski resort.
One of the most common ways of getting to Whistler is by a shared shuttle service operated by companies; such as Whistler Shuttle, Epic Rides or Skylynx.
Check if your chosen shuttle stops at your accommodation. Some apartment complexes; for example, those on Lower Merlins, are only reached by the Whistler Shuttle, a more expensive service.
How much are lift tickets at Whistler?
The cost of a lift ticket for Whistler varies depending on the month you are visiting and whether you will be skiing on a weekday or a week. Additionally, the cost of the tickets will change depending on how many days of skiing you need. You will get higher savings the longer the duration you book.
Adult tickets are a minimum of CAD 100 for one-day Whistler Ski Resort lift tickets, but it is often upwards of CAD 135 to CAD 150 for a day pass at full price.
How to get discounted lift tickets Whistler?
The first way to get cheap Whistler lift tickets (compared to full-price tickets) is if you are a Canadian or Washington resident. You may be eligible for an EDGE card where you can purchase 2, 5 or 10-day tickets with heavily discounted lift access. But you need to book this before the season begins.
The second option to find the cheapest Whistler lift tickets available is by buying an EPIC pass, which gives you unlimited access to a long list of some of the best ski resorts in North America.
Is Peak to Peak gondola included in lift ticket?
Your Whistler Blackcomb lift ticket includes access to the whole resort, including the Peak to Peak gondola. Once you have used your lift pass to reach the top of the mountain, you can use any chairlift or gondola.
Is Whistler good for beginners?
Whistler is not the ideal place for total beginner skiers or snowboarders. The diversity of terrain and wide-open runs cater to more experienced riders. If you’re a beginner, you might find some of the runs challenging.
Can a beginner ski at Whistler?
Beginner skiers should be prepared for some steeper sections and varying conditions. If you’re a novice, consider taking lessons and gradually exploring the slopes.
