March 26

8 Interesting Things You May Not Know About Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort

We are going to discuss one of the most iconic ski destinations in the world. Whistler Blackcomb is probably on the wish list of every ski enthusiast in the world because it has a reputation of failing to impress, even for those who do not ski. You can find a vast selection of accommodation options in Whistler.

cross country skiing Saariselka

My first time cross country skiing

There are quite a few full-service hotels available in the area. You will also find secluded alpine homes, townhomes, and condominiums to stay in Whistler. You can take a look at Whistler Aspen Blackcomb Rental if you wish to rent an entire flat, complete with a hot tub/pool and a terrace.

Here are ten interesting yet lesser-known facts about Whistler Blackcomb you should be aware of before visiting.

Signage on the Slopes

Whistler, Niseko, and Sapporo receive more snow on the ski course every season than any other ski destination. That is why you will find different signages on the slopes. You will notice that the slopes are adequately marked on the lower elevations as they receive most of the traffic.

But you can ski more freely on the rest of the mountain because there is hardly any area without snow on it. Watch out for signage that marks areas with the risk of avalanches or loose cliffs. There are smartphone apps where you can plan out your ski track in 3D.

Opening and Closing Hours

You should know that Whistler Blackcomb ski resort is open from 8:30 AM till 3:00 PM. The sun sets around 4:20 PM in December due to its latitude, so keeping that is not open till 5:00 PM is impossible. If you want to visit a resort open for longer hours, you can consider the neighboring Cypress resort with artificial lighting that stays open till 10:00 pm.

Skiing Precautions

If you want to stick to well-groomed trails at lower elevations or key points, you can use a narrow ski. However, if you really want to explore the ski destination, it is best to use skis wider than 80mm.

You should also know that you cannot perform kamikazes at Whistler. There are trained workers at the lower elevations to stop people from going too fast. Be aware that they can even revoke your skin pass if they find you going too fast on crowded slopes.

Prices

Skilled at Whistler can be extremely expensive. But, they are offering a 20% discount on season passes right now. So you can get a two-day pass for C$ 175. But you should also factor in the additional costs of hiring skis and lift tickets if you need them.

Many visitors ski for one or two days and enjoy other affordable activities during the rest of their stays, such as hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. There are several off-slope activities you can enjoy, which we will discuss later in the article.

Vertical Drop

The Whistler ski resort has a vertical drop of almost 2000 m which can be a thrilling experience. Skiing from the summit at 2436 m all the way to the base of the resort can be an exhausting but exotic experience. You can track the length of your ski runs using a smartphone app.

Peak-to-Peak Gondola

You may not think much of a ropeway ride, but the peak-to-peak gondola between Whistler and Blackcomb is a sensational experience that you should not miss. The gondola was built by an Austrian company named Doppelmayr in 2007, and the ride is 4.4 km long. The most exhilarating part of the gondola ride is in the middle, where you will be suspended almost 400 m above the ground.

Off-Slope Activities

If your family wants to enjoy some off-slope activities, you can take them to the Coca-Cola Tube Park situated at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. The ticket includes a ride on the Excalibur gondola that you have to take from Whistler Village to reach the park.

Families also love the sleigh ride that you can book in the resort. If you are looking for something a little more adventurous, you can try the zip lines between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. You can also go snowmobiling or Heli-skiing, but they can be a bit more expensive.

Après Ski Activities

You will find several shops, restaurants, and pubs at the base of the ski resort. However, keep in mind that things wrap up a bit early even though there are lots of bars around. There are quite a few famous pubs and bars in the area where you can enjoy a few drinks after an exhausting day of skiing.

We hope that you can imagine your experience at Whistler after reading this post. If you have an experience you want to share with us about Whistler and Blackcomb, please let us know in the comments below.


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