Whistler Blackcomb 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 on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. If you’re looking for a ski holiday in Canada, Whistler is the biggest ski area in North America and is home to the highest ski lift of its kind 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 Blackcomb.
Olympic Zone (Green)
Whistler Blackcomb 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 Whistler Village 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.
Stay At:
Fairmont Chateau Whistler is an excellent five-star ski-in ski-out property in the Upper Village. Experience iconic slopeside luxury as soon as you arrive.
Photo credits: Whistler Tourism
Harmony Ridge (Blue)
A popular ski area for beginners and intermediates is Harmony Ridge. Skiers can reach the ridge by venturing up Whistler Village Gondola and traversing down the blue G.S. to Blue Roads. 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.
Stay At:
Stay in the perfect Whistler Village spot, close to all the action but quietly set apart for peaceful nights. After exploring the shops and restaurants just outside your door, retreat to cozy suites and studios infused with colorful Pacific Northwest character, designed to help you relax and feel at home.
Photo credits: Whistler Tourism
Saudan Couloir (Double Black Diamond)
Saudan Couloir is one of the best ski runs in Whistler Blackcomb. 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. If you want to give it a shot with some support, you can book a private guide or join Extremely Canadian Steeps Clinic with Whistler Blackcomb’s snow school team.
Stay At:
Westin Resort & Spa sits at the base of the slopes, situated slopeside on Whistler Mountain in the heart of the village. The five-star escape has an excellent restaurant and a fantastic wellness area.
Photo credits: Whistler Tourism
Whistler Blackcomb Terrain Parks
If you fancy yourself as a ‘park rat’ or a freestyle extraordinaire, we recommend visiting the Whistler Blackcomb Terrain Parks. Whistler Blackcomb has three terrain parks to choose from, two on Blackcomb Mountain and one 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!
Stay At:
Crystal Lodge is in an unbeatable location, just steps away from the Whistler gondola. The Lodge sits proudly in the centre of Whistler Village amongst the large selection of bars and eateries.
Photo credits: Whistler Tourism
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 Creekside Village. Pop into Dusty’s Bar and BBQ for a tipple or grab some lunch before you head off exploring the rest of the mountain.
Stay At:
Hilton Whistler Resort is in the perfect location for guests to experience the various restaurants and bars nearby. Explore the exciting non-skiing activities that the resort has to offer too.
Photo credits: Whistler Tourism
Spanky’s Ladder (Double Black Diamond)
Spanky’s Ladder is a famous gateway into Whistler’s Alpine playground, including the Garnet, Diamond, Ruby and Sapphire Bowls. It is considered one of the best ski runs in Whistler. Whilst it’s less extreme than some of its fellow Double Black Diamond runs, it doesn’t lack its own challenges. 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.
Stay At:
Pan Pacific Mountainside hotel has an exceptional ski-in, ski-out location, just steps to both Whistler and Blackcomb gondolas, yet in the heart of Village fun. Pan Pacific Mountainside is a fantastic hotel with modern facilities. Unwind in the extensive wellness area, featuring a heated outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi.
Photo credits: Whistler Tourism
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.
Stay At:
First Tracks Lodge is a great choice for a self-catered apartment. Enjoy the flexibility and privacy located at the base of Whistler Mountain in Creekside Village, a quieter alternative to nearby Whistler Village.
Photo credits: Whistler Tourism
Dave Murray Downhill (Black Diamond)
Originally built for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, the Dave Murray Downhill offers an exhilarating experience. It has been named after the Canadian ski racer Dave Murray, who was one of the famous “Crazy Canucks”, a nickname given to a group of Alpine ski racers for their high-risk, speedy style of downhill skiing. Dropping more than 3,300 feet over a mile and a half, this slope is perfect for speed demons or those wanting to challenge their ski legs.
Stay At:
Delta Whistler Village Suites is located in the centre of Whistler, about 7 minutes walk to the ski lifts.
Photo credits: Whistler Tourism
Crystal (Blue)
If you’re looking for something a bit more leisurely, the Crystal Ridge area on Blackcomb Mountain offers a variety of blue runs. Accessed via the Crystal Ridge Express chairlift, this zone is known for its tree-lined slopes and winding pistes. One of the standout runs is Crystal Traverse, which links in from the top of the Glacier Express chairlift and guides you across the ridge. These runs are perfect for those looking to find their ski legs or practise their turns.
Stay At:
Located in Whistler Creekside, this luxurious boutique hotel & spa offers tranquil lake, mountain, or valley views. Explore Whistler by day and return home to your spacious suite on the quiet shores of Nita Lake.
Photo credits: Whistler Tourism
To find out more about the best ski runs in Whistler, call our ski experts on 020 7471 7700.
