Whistler Blackcomb

Those looking for big might look no further than British Columbia's Whistler Blackcomb ski resort. It is the largest ski resort in several categories, including uphill capacity. That also makes it a popular destination, with visitors exceeding two million in several years. The original design might have been for a bid package to host the '68 Winter Olympics, but it has grown into a winter destination for skiers and snowboarders around the globe.

Visitors that drive here will use Highway 99 north of Vancouver, British Columbia. That will take them directly to the ski town of Whistler. Americans will likely use I-5 north from Bellingham, Washington. The Vancouver International Airport handles flights in this part of the Province.

Big Downhill Fun Needs Support

A winter resort as big as Whistler Blackcomb requires more than one vacation day to explore. That is why visitors that come here have almost 100 lodging options available in the resort area or nearby. Lodging is not the only thing you will find in the village, though. Skiers and snowboarders have 200 establishments offering almost any type of food and drinks they could want.

The fun does not stop when the sun goes down at Whistler Blackcomb, with plenty of apres-ski and a unique nightlife on the slopes. From a sophisticated lounge restaurant to multiple bars, there are plenty of places to meet up or catch a live show. Retail is another part of the resort's character, with more than 200 shops offering accessories, clothes, gear, and more.

Plenty of equipment, including hi-performance gear, is available to rent at Whistler Blackcomb. Delivery service is available, and a test center lets guests try it before they buy. The Carleton Equipment Valet & Tuning Services offers drop-off for visitors' gear, so the staff can tune it up and have them ready to get back on the slopes. World-class instruction is available at this winter venue, with private and group lessons for any skill level.

Two Mountains for Big Fun

A base elevation of 2,215 feet combines with a top summit of 7,493 feet to create the 5,279-foot vertical that skiers and snowboarders enjoy as they bomb down the slopes. The resort uses Blackcomb Peak and Whistler Mountain, with a connecting gondola allowing movement between the peaks. There are more than 4,700 acres of skiable terrain on Whistler and another 3,414 acres on Blackcomb, providing Whistler Blackcomb resort guests enough space to ski for several days and never hit the same run twice.

Skiers and riders have access to 270 alpine trails at the Whistler Blackcomb ski area, with the mountains broken into several sections. Whistler's terrain ratings are (beginner/intermediate/advanced) 20/55/25-percent, while Blackcomb's ratings are (beginner/intermediate/advanced) 20/50/30-percent. Several advanced runs are rated double black diamond for expert skiers and riders to explore.

The Whistler Blackcomb ski resort maintains five terrain parks, a superpipe, and a snowcross track. These focus on terrain and downhill freestyling that more traditional downhill runs will not generate. The average annual snowfall reaches 448 inches, but that does not stop the resort from using additional snowmaking on 697 acres across the venue.

Guests at Whistler Blackcomb have access to 31 lifts on the mountains, with a staggering 69,939 guests per hour uphill capacity.