Best Ski Runs in Whistler

Whistler ski resort is one of the world’s most iconic winter holiday destinations. For many skiers, it is considered the ‘Mecca’ of all ski trips and some will never holiday anywhere else, seeking the best ski runs in Whistler. Whistler is the biggest ski area in Canada and is home to the highest ski lift in the world, the Peak 2 Peak gondola. Those who venture across the pond to seek the elusive ‘champagne powder’ will be welcomed by world-class skiing. The transfer from Vancouver is just two hours, allowing for a unique stop-over trip in the country’s third-largest city.

After you’ve finished carving up the slopes, Whistler Village is just as lively. The purpose-built, car-free resort has several après-ski bars and a vast array of restaurants to unwind in after a busy day. Whether you are looking for an upbeat bar or a cosy restaurant, something will fit the bill.

Keen skiers and snowboarders flock to the iconic destination year after year. Whistler is one of the top choices for a ski holiday in Canada. With more than 8,000 acres of incredible terrain to explore, there’s no wonder why. Whistler has plenty of open bowls, magnificent couloirs, and excellent tree runs to discover. It’s truly a playground like no other. Here is our top pick of the best ski runs in Whistler.

Olympic Zone (Green)

Whistler is an excellent ski resort for a beginner, with more than 40km of dedicated learning slopes to boost confidence. To find nice, wide, cruisy slopes, head over to the Olympic Zone. This area is perfect for skiers to develop their first turns or for those who are returning to skiing after a long hiatus. The area can be easily reached from Whistler Village via the main gondola, stopping off at the mid-station. Once skiers have mastered the Olympic Zone, they can take the gondola further up and explore the tree-lined green and blue slopes that await.

Harmony Ridge (Blue)

A popular ski area for beginners and intermediates is Harmony Ridge. Skiers can reach the ridge by venturing up the main Whistler gondola and traversing down the blue rabbit tracks to Lower Ratfink. Once you’ve taken the Harmony Express chair to the summit, skiers will be delighted by the views from Little Whistler Peak. After you’ve soaked up the scenery from the 2,115m height, take either the Harmony Ridge or the Harmony Piste slope across the mountain. This is a nice way to discover the slopes but also stay close enough to the learning area of the Olympic Zone.

Saudan’s Couloir (Double Black Diamond)

Saudan’s Couloir is one of the best ski runs in Whistler. It is best suited to the more advanced, thrill-seeking skiers. It is considered one of the most challenging runs in the whole ski area, reserved for the ‘hardened’ skiers. The couloir is located just below Horstman Hut on Blackcomb Mountain. The elevation is 2,284m and is nestled between two cliff areas. The entrance isn’t the most welcoming, with a difficult rocky drop followed by a boulder-lined field. It isn’t for the faint-hearted but it is a huge achievement for those who successfully tackle the extreme run.

Blackcomb Mountain Park

If you fancy yourself as a ‘park rat’ or a freestyle extraordinaire, we recommend visiting the Blackcomb Mountain Park. In Whistler, there are five terrain parks to choose from, three on Blackcomb Mountain and two on Whistler Mountain. The former is where the pros practice, on the Highest Level Terrain Park. Take a punt on the numerous features and return to the top via the Catskinner chairlift. The lift gives a great view of the riders launching themselves off the extreme hits, sometimes even going higher than the chairlift itself!

Peak to Creek (Blue)

Wrap up the day by descending the Peak to Creek, one of the longest ski runs in North America. The run travels from the highest peak in Whistler, at 2,182m, and covers more than 11km of terrain. The 5,000ft descent travels from the upper to the lower part of the Peak to Creek, finishing at…you guessed it, Whistler Creek. Pop into Dusty’s Bar and BBQ for a tipple or grab some lunch before you head off exploring the rest of the mountain.

Spanky’s Ladder (Double Black Diamond)

Spanky’s Ladder is another famous couloir, but less extreme than its nearby neighbour, Saudan’s. It is considered one of the best ski runs in Whistler. The classic couloir doesn’t lack its own challenges, however. To access the terrain, skiers will need to hike from the top of the Glacier Express. The distance to the peak will only take you five minutes or so, but you definitely will feel like you are earning your turns. If you’re in doubt as to where to go, follow the boot prints in the snow, a good indicator. Any powder hound will be in their element once they experience Spanky’s Ladder.

Whistler Bowl (Black Diamond)

If you’re looking for a more challenging run but not quite ready for a double black diamond, you should visit the Whistler Bowl area. Skiers can access the ski area via the Peak Express chairlift, reaching the summit of Peak Lookout. Admire the panoramic views before you decide which run to take on. From the Whistler Bowl, skiers can take several routes, either the Shale Slope, Left Hook, Doom & Gloom, or the Grande Finale. Whatever you choose, the slopes weave into the stunning tree-lined pistes, perfect for low visibility days.

To find out more about the best ski runs in Whistler, call our ski experts on 020 7471 7700.