The Skiers' Guide to Whistler Blackcomb: Expert Analysis & Reviews

Overview of Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort

Located in British Columbia, Canada, Whistler Blackcomb is one of the most famous ski resorts in North America. The resort combines two massive mountains - Whistler and Blackcomb - offering some awesome skiing just two hours north of Vancouver. With an impressive overall rating of 4.32 from our community, this world-class resort consistently ranks among the top ski destinations globally.

What makes Whistler truly unique is its massive and varied terrain spanning two peaks, an awesome, lively town at the base, and the record-breaking Peak-to-Peak gondola connecting both mountains. The resort also has a significant vertical drop from a top elevation of 2,283m down to 675m, providing over 1,500m of skiable vertical - one of the largest in North America.

Whistler particularly excels in family friendliness (4.41), with our snowboarder community also rating it exceptionally high (4.41). The village itself is a complete destination with extensive accommodation options, dining experiences, and nightlife - making it suitable for both dedicated skiers and those looking for more, just beyond sliding on snow!

The Skiing in Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb's massive terrain includes 234 marked runs spread across both mountains, offering remarkable variety for all ability levels. The breakdown includes 42 beginner runs, 94 intermediate runs, and 82 advanced runs, providing excellent progression opportunities. The lift system is equally impressive with 8 gondolas/cable cars, 17 chairlifts, and 2 drag lifts efficiently moving skiers around the mountains.

The resort's diverse terrain makes it particularly strong for intermediate skiers (4.34) and advanced skiers (4.33), though beginners (4.23) also have plenty of dedicated learning areas. Ryan, an advanced skier, notes: "From the utmost beginner to the extremely advanced runs, Whistler Blackcomb boasts an incredible array of terrain for all skill levels."

The resort's extensive off-piste terrain is a major draw. As Rick, an expert skier, describes: "A really big mountain to explore terrain from beginner to expert, on piste to off piste into the trees, lots of bowl skiing and a few couloirs to go into." The legendary Peak to Creek run extends 11km from top to bottom, while alpine bowls and gladed areas provide terrain for the most adventurous skiers and riders.

A few users mention that Blackcomb tends to be slightly better for snowboarders, with Arn, an advanced snowboarder, stating: "Blackcomb is definitely better for snowboarding than Whistler. Amazing snow on all the runs." But we think it's pretty great for skiers too!

Eating Out in Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler earns an impressive 4.34 for dining options, offering a great variety of restaurants both on-mountain and in the village. The resort features three main mountain lodges and several smaller huts across both peaks, though some users note the on-mountain food can be expensive for what you get.

As Dave, mentions: "The number of pubs, bars, restaurants and nightlife spots is pretty extensive as well. No lack of choice." The village offers everything from casual pubs and cafes to high-end dining, with many restaurants focusing on local, Pacific Northwest cuisine.

One Snomad community member pointed out the contrast between mountain and village dining: "Food on the mountain is quite mediocre to taste and definitely overpriced. So, I always pack my own snacks for the day. As for food in the village, there're plenty of options. Some are amazing some are standard."

Several users recommend visiting the smaller on-mountain huts rather than the large cafeteria-style lodges for better food quality, with Elyse noting: "Food in the smaller huts are much better than the larger cafeteria-style lodges."

The Après-Ski in Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb scores a strong 4.27 for après-ski, with a lively scene that differs from European resorts. Rather than slope-side bars, Whistler's après focuses on venues at the base of the mountains and throughout the village.

The legendary Longhorn Saloon stands out as the epicenter of Whistler's après scene. Kaitlin raves: "The après ski is the best I've ever experienced." Jan adds: "Après is 10/10, an afternoon at Longhorn Saloon is the most fun way to end a ski day."

Other popular après spots include Merlin's Bar on the Blackcomb side, which several users recommend for its lively atmosphere. Felix shares: "The après at Merlins was fantastic too!" The village offers additional options ranging from upscale lounges to casual pubs, ensuring après options for all tastes.

One important note from several reviewers is that Whistler's après scene can be expensive, particularly since Vail Resorts took ownership.

Families in Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb earns an exceptional 4.41 rating for family friendliness, making it one of North America's premier family ski destinations. The resort's extensive beginner and intermediate terrain provides ideal learning and progression opportunities for children of all ages.

Richard, an advanced skier, shares his family's experience: "Both my children have learnt to ski through the ski school and have developed a love and passion for the sport due to excellent ski camps everyday finishing with a big grin and chocolate chip cookie. They started on skis at 3 and haven't looked back."

The resort's ski and snowboard schools receive consistent praise for their quality instruction. As Charly notes: "Ski/snowboard school is great with high quality instructors." Many families appreciate the variety of terrain that allows different ability levels to enjoy the mountains together.

Beyond skiing, Whistler offers numerous family-friendly activities including a public library, playgrounds, ice skating, and various indoor attractions. Margarita explains: "Whistler is also nice for families. I've spent endless hours going from a playground to the library and to the skating rink with my kid while husband was snowboarding. Next day we just change the roles."

Accommodation in Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb receives a solid 4.22 rating for accommodation, offering a wide variety of accommodation throughout its three main village areas: Whistler Village, Upper Village (Blackcomb base), and Creekside.

The majority of accommodation consists of condo-style units and hotels ranging from budget to luxury. Dave recommends: "If you can find a 2 bedroom condo with full kitchen amenities and gas barbecue, it tends to be a great value proposition."

Ski-in/ski-out access varies by location, with properties in Upper Village and parts of Whistler Village offering the most convenient slope access. Scott highlights one option: "My favourite is Blackcomb Springs because it offers an amazing ski in/ski out location, which is rare on the mountains."

Many users note that accommodation prices have increased substantially in recent years, particularly during peak periods. As Dave mentions: "The only piece of advice I would offer is to make sure you price out the cost of everything, including your lift passes.... they are expensive."

For those on tighter budgets, some users recommend looking at Whistler's Pod Hotel or hostel accommodations, though these offer fewer amenities. The resort's efficient free shuttle system connects all village areas, making it easy to access the slopes regardless of where you stay.

Whistler Blackcomb Pros: Why the Snomad Community Loves It

Looking at the reviews from our Snomad community, here are the top 5 favorite things mentioned about Whistler Blackcomb:

1. Vast and diverse terrain - Countless users highlight the sheer size and variety of the mountain. Ryan, an advanced skier, notes "Whistler Blackcomb boasts an incredible array of terrain for all skill levels," while Robert mentions the "endless runs to ski and two different mountains."
2. Peak to Peak gondola - This unique feature connecting the mountains receives special praise. Simon, an intermediate skier, appreciates how it "allows you to switch mountains without having to ski down into the valley and climb back up again."
3. Village atmosphere and après ski - The vibrant village scene is frequently celebrated. Kaitlin, an expert snowboarder, states "the après ski is the best I've ever experienced," with Longhorn Saloon specifically mentioned by several users as a must-visit spot.
4. Stunning scenery and views - The natural beauty surrounding the resort is repeatedly praised. Ryan mentions the "gorgeous surrounding scenery in the heart of British Columbia provides stunning views from pretty much any run."
5. Quality of powder on good days - When conditions align, the powder receives rave reviews. Nana, an advanced snowboarder, describes "fantastic snow with tons of powder," while others highlight the epic quality of fresh snowfall days, particularly in the back bowls.

Whistler Blackcomb Cons: What Snomad Skiers Say Could Be Better

Based on our user reviews, here are the top five complaints about Whistler Blackcomb:

1. High costs and pricing - This is by far the most mentioned negative, with multiple users highlighting expensive lift tickets (up to $250-330 CAD per day), overpriced food and drinks on the mountain, and costly accommodation. As Mathieu mentions, "It's big and it's beautiful, but on weekends and holidays extremely busy. If you don't have the Epic Pass, it's going to be incredibly expensive."
2. Crowded conditions and long lift lines - Particularly on weekends, holidays and powder days. Several reviewers note that the base areas can become very congested. C, an expert snowboarder, summarises it as "Excellent terrain but overpriced and crowded from start to finish, including the drive and parking."
3. Weather inconsistency - Some users mention challenges with fog, low visibility, and wet heavy snow. Adrian, an expert skier, specifically noted that he "Hated the fog/clouds impairing the viewing and the wet, heavy snow."
4. Limited nightlife on the mountain - A few reviewers compare it unfavourably to European resorts in this regard, with Isabel noting "No après on the mountain, unlike Europe."
5. Corporate ownership changes - Several long-time visitors express disappointment with changes since Vail Resorts acquired the property, with Peter remarking: "since the resort has been bought by Vail properties, they have gone in the direction of higher prices... The idea is to price out the locals."