Where to Ski in BC: The Best Skiing in British Columbia Where to Ski in BC by Leigh McAdam You can’t beat British Columbia as a ski destination. In fact, Ski Canada’s editor Iain MacMillan has been quoted as saying that BC has the best snow in the world. And with 13 major resorts offering all the amenities you would expect—high-speed lifts, accommodation choices across a range of budgets, dining, après-ski and off-slope recreational activities—there is a ski hill for every type of skier. Ski resorts can be found in three major locales across British Columbia: The Coast On the coast, you’ll find Whistler-Blackcomb —one of the consistently top-ranked ski destinations in the world and justly famous as one of the host venues for the 2010 Winter Olympics. It boasts more skiable terrain than any other North American resort and average snowfalls that would bury three-storey apartments are the norm. Mount Washington Alpine Resort on Vancouver Island offers varied terrain, perfect for families. It’s renowned for massive snow dumps and gorgeous views across the Georgia Strait. The South In the southcentral part of the province, you’ll find the Thompson-Okanagan region.

Four major resorts call this area home— Silver Star , Big White , Sun Peaks and Apex Mountain —and all are celebrated for their light, dry snow. Silver Star and Big White are two of Canada’s best family resorts, with a high fun factor built into their kids’ programs. Sun Peaks gets accolades for offering good value for the money, while Apex offers spectacular terrain and short lift line-ups, and has been named the best small mountain resort by Ski Canada. The Interior The Kootenay-Rockies region in eastern BC extends from Revelstoke in the north to Fernie in the south. Each of the mountains offers something quite different. Revelstoke boasts the most vertical in North America: 5,997 feet. It’s got some of the least crowded slopes, perhaps because it’s one of the more difficult resorts to access. For advanced and expert skiers the big appeal is plenty of steep lines. And this is one of the few places where lift, cat and heliskiing are all possible from the one resort. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort out of Golden is known as the Champagne Powder Capital of Canada. The folks at Powderhounds.com laud its steeps and uncrowded slopes.

Panorama Mountain Village , located in the Purcell Mountains and within easy end-of-ski-day driving distance to the Radium Hotsprings, is a stand-alone ski-in/ski-out resort and another family favourite. Boasting close to 4,000 vertical feet, it’s a hill that suits all abilities, but the double black diamond tree skiing is great fun—if you know what you’re doing. Whitewater Ski Resort near Nelson is the powder ski capital of BC. With open bowls, steep chutes, tree skiing and groomed slopes, it too has something for everyone. And judging by the success of the Whitewater Cookbooks, the dining at this resort is second to none. If you’re into night skiing, Kimberly Alpine Resort is the place to go. It’s got the largest lit slope in Canada and more gladed terrain than any other ski hill in North America. Fernie Alpine Resort rounds out the list. National Geographic included the town of Fernie on its “Top 25 Ski Towns in the World” list. High praise indeed. Powder hounds have an ongoing love affair with the place while others appreciate it for its grand vistas, fantastic terrain and milder climate.

There are at least another 23 ski resorts sprinkled across the province. Most of these places are smaller and cater to the local market. Some, like Summit Lake in the Kootenays, have a cash-only policy and the only lifts they offer are a rope tow and T-bar. Others, like Grouse Mountain in Vancouver, offer up a slick operation that appeals to locals and tourists alike. If you love skiing and you’re looking for a province with consistently excellent snow, then you have a tough decision ahead of you. Fortunately, any decision you make will be a great one. You might also like… British Columbia Ski Resorts | OnTheSnow British Columbia Ski Resorts Top Rated Snow Forecast British Columbia: Big Mountains, Up Close And Personal - Big mountains, tremendous vertical drops, vast alpine bowls and rolling ridges, generally consistent snow, and surprisingly short distances make British Columbia a candy story for skiers and riders, offering enough variety to last a lifetime. Whistler Blackcomb is the Big Shot in BC with two mountains, 7,000 acres of alpine terrain served by 33 lifts with an uphill capacity of 59,000 skiers/riders per hour.

This huge resort is 100 miles north of Vancouver - less than two hours away by car from the airport. Whistler Blackcomb will host a number of events at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Whistler's vertical is 5,020 feet, while Blackcomb's is an even mile at 5,280 feet. The base elevation for both is 2,140 with Whistler's summit at 7,160 feet and Blackcomb's at 7,494. Each offers more than 100 trails and slopes, more than half of them intermediate terrain, with the longest at each 7 miles. Whistler has 21 lifts - two high-speed gondolas, six high-speed quads, two trips, a double and nine surface lifts. Blackcomb has 17 lifts - a high-speed gondola, six high-speed quads, three triples an seven surface lifts. The two areas have snowmaking, but no night skiing, terrain parks, half pipes and cross-country skiing.

Cypress Mountain is close to Vancouver and is highest of the North Shore peaks with a 2,010 foot vertical, 52 trails - the longest 2.5 miles, served by eight lifts. Cypress, too, will host some Olympic events. Other nearby ski areas include Grouse Mountain, Hemlock Resort, Manning Park Resort, and Mount Seymour. Kimberley Alpine Resort and Fernie Alpine Resort offer skiing farther inland. Kimberley has a vertical drop of 2,465 feet off a summit elevation of 6,500 feet, 1,800 acres of terrain, 80 trails with the longest run just under 4 miles in length, and five lifts - a high-speed quad, a triple, a double, and two surface lifts. Fernie has a vertical of 2,816 feet, a summit elevation of 6,316 feet, 2,504 acres of skiable terrain, 114 trails, five bowls and numerous glades, 10 lifts - two high-speed quads, two fixed-grip quads, two triples, and four surface lifts.

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort; Kicking Horse Mountain - with 4,133 feet of vertical; Panorama Mountain; Revelstoke Mountain Resort; Red Resort - 87 runs, 1,685 skiable acres, 2,919-foot vertical; Saimo Ski Hill; Summit Lake Resort, and Whitewater Ski Resort complete the ski areas of the central B.C. Rockies. Northern B.C. holds Murray Ridge Ski Hill, Powder King Mountain Resort, Purden Ski Village, Shames Mountain Ski Resort, Ski & Ride Smithers Resort and Whitewater Ski Resort. The Okanagan region of British Columbia offers the second-largest ski area in the province - Big White Ski Resort , with 2,765 acres of patrolled terrain, 118 designated trails, 16 lifts, a vertical of 2,550 feet. This is wine country so you'll never need hydration. This region also has Apex Mountain Resort, Crystal Mountain, Harper Mountain, Mount Baldy , Phoenix Mountain Resort, Silver Star Mountain Resort and Sun Peaks Ski Resort .

Top 7 Ski Resorts in the Canadian Rocky Mountains | I Backpack Canada Top 7 Ski Resorts in the Canadian Rocky Mountains 16 Comments Canada’s mountainous terrain is famous for some of the best snowboarding & skiing in the world. Whether you’re looking for back country powder, or a well groomed trail to learn on, you won’t have to look far to find some of the best mountains in Canada. The Rocky Mountains, found in Alberta and British Columbia, have dozens of resorts which cater to snowboarders & skiiers alike. Each with it’s own massive terrain parks, tons of kickers, along with bars, restaurants, and pubs, it’s pretty tough to not have an awesome time in the Rocky Mountains. Sunshine Village, Banff National Park, Alberta Sunshine village is located a short 15 minute drive from Banff, it’s one of the most popular ski resorts for Albertans, due to it’s close proximity to Calgary. Sunshine Ski & Snowboard resorts spans the continental divide, which defines the Alberta-BC border in the Rocky Mountains. In order to access Sunshine village, an eight person high-speed gondola transports guests from the Car Park all the way up to Upper village in 18 minutes.

Once at upper village, you have your choice of ten chairlifts, and a grand total of 107+ trails around the alpine valley, formed by three mountains. Goat’s Eye Mountain, Lookout Mountain, and Mount Standish. All of which make up Sunshine Village. Sunshine Village covers 3, 358 Acres (or 13.6 square kilometers) of skiable terrain in Alberta, and B.C. The highest point of elevation is at a cozy 2, 730m (or 8, 957 ft). However, the primary skiing and snowboarding area around Sunshine Village is based at 2, 160m (7, 087 ft) which provides roughly 570m (1, 870 ft) of vertical terrain to the top of Lookout Mountain. Average annual snow fall is up to thirty-three feet (9+m). Ski season at Sunshine Village begins in early November, and typically finishes in late May, on Victoria Day long weekend. The majority of travelers stay in the City of Banff and drive to Sunshine in the morning.

There is a $15 bus to all guests staying in Banff, or you can take that bus for free with a “Tri-area lift ticket”. That bus ticket is good for three nearby resorts as well. Banff@Norquay, Lake Louise Mountain Resort, and Sunshine Village) Check out the Sunshine Village website for more information. Whistler-Blackcomb Ski Resort, British Columbia Nestled in Whistler, British Columbia, this resort is one of Canada’s most famous. At one point, these two mountains were seperate ski operations, however in 1997 they merged and have been in full operation with one another since 2003. Combined, they are the largest ski area in North America, offering 8, 171 acres (33 square kilometers) of ski and snowboarding area. That’s a whopping 54% larger than Vail, the second largest. Whistler Blackcomb has some of the largest vertical Skiing in North America. Blackcomb proudly boasts having the most at 1, 565m, but they like to round it up to an even Mile.

As you may or may not know, Whistler Blackcomb will be hosting the alpine skiing events for the 2010 Winter Olympics, which includes Downhill, Super-G, Giant slalom, super combined, as well as slalom. In addition to the great skiing and snowboarding, Whistler Village is found at the base of Whistler Mountain. The Village has tons to offer. Including shops, entertainment venues, restaurants, hotels, condos, and a handful of different bars. The perfect place to experience a weekend out in Canada. Check out the Whistler-Blackcomb website for more information. Panorama Mountain Village Ski Resort, British Columbia Panorama is a ski and golf resort, found in the Purcell Mountains of BC. Founded in 1962 by a group of friends, it has since grown into a popular tourist destination for British Columbians and Ski and Snowboarding Tourists. In terms of size, Panorama ranks somewhere in the top ten, with 2, 847 acres (11.52 square kilometers) of skiing area.

As for vertical drop, it ranks 5th behind Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Whistler-Blackcomb, Jackson Hole, and Kicking Horse. At the bottom of the hill are countess condos, a golf coarse, restaurantes, bars, and a small grocery store. Snowfall at panorama isn’t quite as high as some of the other mountains, with roughly 189 inches per year, however, it makes the best out of every inch of snow it gets. The terrain park is top notch, and there’s always some hidden runs to find. Panorama Mountain Village is found 18 kilometers from Invermere. Check out the Kicking Horse Resort for more information. Big White Ski / Snowboard Resort, British Columbia Big White Mountain is a bit of a secret spot for many skiiers and snowboarders. While the crowds flock to Banff or Whistler, many seek to find trails less crowded, without sacrificing the quality of the experience. Big White fills that niche perfectly. It has a village very similar to Whistlers, full of restaurantes, pizzarias, bars, steak houses, bakeries, but on a smaller scale.

Big White is a very family friendly mountain with all the extra’s to provide people any age a good time. Keen on ice skating? They got that. Wanna feel the rush of a tube park? They got that too. One thing you might notice is Big White is a sort of a “Nouveau Australia”. Many South Pacificers (New Zealanders & Australians) call this placehome during the winter. Some for work, some for training, others just there to ride. Big White gets some of the best snow in Canada, sporting a mean 750cm of powder falling annually. They’re a completely “Ski-in Ski-Out” Resort. No matter if you’re skiing on a budget, or spending some serious John A MacDonalds, you’ll get this convenience included in your accommodation. Big White is also super easy to get to, with Kelowna International Airport being only one hour away from the mountain, you can fly in and be skiing before lunch. This mountain comes highly recommended by locals. Check out Big White’s website for more information. Am I missing some of your favourite mountains in Canada? Please comment, I’d love to check them out.

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed or receive updates by Email . Thanks for visiting! Enjoyed this post? Be friendly and share! Winter Activities | British Columbia | Destination BC - Official Site Winter Activities A walk through the canopy in Whistler (Tourism Whistler photo) Mountains reign supreme in British Columbia, and in winter, they're blanketed in snow. The province boasts fantastic skiing and snowboarding at approximately three dozen resorts around the province, and Whistler Blackcomb, consistently named the top ski resort in North America, is the crown jewel. Many national and provincial parks are great places to backcountry ski. For some of the world's best powder and second-to-none heli-skiing, head to the Bugaboos in the Kootenay Rockies. Both cat-skiing and heli-skiing were pioneered here, and the region is home to some unforgettable snowmobiling terrain. Mackenzie in Northern BC, Wells in the Cariboo, Sicamous in the Thompson Okanagan and Pemberton north of Whistler are also snowmobile hot spots. BC is home to more than 50 Nordic ski areas, many offering lit trails for night skiing.

Other popular winter pursuits in BC include snowshoeing, dogsledding and ice climbing. Whistler Blackcomb | Whistler Ski Resort, Mountain There are lots of Whistler souvenir shops Whistler Blackcomb hosted some of the skiing events of the 2000 Winter Olympics Whistler Blackcomb Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort Review Whistler ski resort in in a class of its own and is justifiably considered one of the hottest ski destinations in the world. The Whistler ski resort is massive and it offers amazing terrain diversity and a very efficient lift system. However Whistler Canada is so much more than just the skiing and snowboarding and a Whistler ski holiday can also include an abundance of off-slope activities. The pedestrian-only Whistler Village is full of restaurants, bars and plenty of shops to delight any shopper-holic. Whistler hosted the alpine skiing events of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics as well as the bobsled, luge and skeleton events.

Some ski resorts benefit hugely from the profile of hosting the Winter Olympics, but Whistler Blackcomb was already attracting thousands of visitors from around the world, so it probably didn't gain much from the publicity. Whistler is a household name in the skiing and snowboarding fraternity. Whistler Blackcomb is a mega-resort! Whistler Ski Resort Terrain Whistler Canada is the largest ski resort in North America and the biggest ski area in the world outside of Europe. Whistler Blackcomb ski resort consists of the interconnected Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain, and it has an incredible 8,171 acres (3,307 hectares) of terrain, a huge vertical drop of 1,609 metres, over 200 marked trails, and plenty of off-piste opportunities. The Whistler ski resort is so big that instead of having a trail map, they have an atlas! The Whistler skiing and snowboarding terrain varies incredibly from gentle slopes and wide groomed cruisers to tree skiing, steep alpine bowls, couloirs and terrain parks. No other resort offers so much variety.

Whistler Resort is suitable for all types of skiers and snowboarders, from first-timers to extreme riders who want to ride hair-raising steeps. The only downside to the Whistler ski terrain is for those with un-fit legs who may struggle with the super long runs. Also, sometimes the powder that falls is a bit wet, but the terrain makes up for it. Whistler Blackcomb is committed to continuing to develop the resort and in the past decade they’ve opened new terrain and upgraded the infrastructure. A major highlight has been the addition of the very impressive Whistler Peak to Peak Gondola which connects the upper parts of Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain. Where is Whistler Canada? Whistler is located in British Columbia near the west coast of Canada, approximately 125km (76 miles) north of Vancouver and 58km (36mi) north of Squamish. Whistler BC is located on the Sea to Sky Highway (BC Highway 99). The main gateway airport is Vancouver International Airport, which is located 140km south of Whistler Village.

For many international visitors, Whistler is the most convenient Canadian ski resort to access considering its proximity to Vancouver and the abundance of international flights into Vancouver Airport. Whistler Accommodations There are plenty of Whistler accommodations to suit all budgets and requirements. There's a diverse selection of Whistler hotels ranging from standard to 5-star, as well as lodges, apartments (condos), and even a few hostels. Only a small amount of Whistler lodging is ski-in ski-out but there are lots of accommodations that are only a short walk to the lifts. When choosing Whistler accommodation the first decision is regarding which village to stay in. Whistler Village is the main heartbeat of Whistler with prolific restaurants, bars and shops. The adjacent North Village has plenty of action, but it requires a longer walk to get to the lifts or use of a shuttle bus. Upper Village at the base of Blackcomb Mountain offers some slope-side accommodation, whilst the Creekside base is popular with families. See our Whistler accommodations page for more information on the villages. If you want to get a quote on a holiday package that includes accommodation, transfers, lift tickets and equipment rentals, see our Whistler ski packages page.

If you are wanting to book accommodation only, click here for Whistler accommodation listings . Whistler Activities Besides skiing and snowboarding at Whistler Resort, there are an abundance of things to do in Whistler . Whether you’re looking for something wild, mild, or for a child, there are loads of Whistler activities during winter! Powder hounds can go heli skiing with Whistler Heli Skiing , Powder Mountain Heli Skiing , or Coast Range Heliskiing . The other alternative for riding fresh powder is to go cat skiing with Powder Mountain Cat Skiing . A sample of other Whistler winter activities includes snowmobiling, zip-lining, dog sledding, fondue dinners, tubing, ice-skating, and day spas, and of course there’s the famous Whistler shopping . Cost of a Whistler Ski Holiday or Vacation There are some components of a Whistler ski resort that are expensive. The lift ticket prices are by far the highest in western Canada, but you get great value for money considering the infrastructure and terrain on offer. Other Whistler Resort owned services such as ski rentals and ski school are very costly but there are also private providers who don’t charge as much.

Whistler activities also generally cost a little more than at other Canada ski resorts. When it comes to Whistler accommodations, you can pay as much as you want in relation to the quality and location of the lodging. Relative to other Canada ski resorts, the accommodation rates are very reasonable due to a large supply and plenty of healthy competition. The same can be said for dining and shopping. You can spend a fortune if you want, but if you’re watching your pennies there are lots of inexpensive options available. Why Ski Whistler Blackcomb Canada? As a multi-award winner, Whistler Blackcomb is an absolute must for any skier or snowboarder. You won’t find a resort with better facilities, but one downside is that it’s definitely not a secret and everyone else knows how great Whistler is! It can be a little crowded at times, and it can be difficult to find freshies, a table for lunch, or a perching spot for après drinks. No one seems to care though, because Whistler Canada is so great. Actually it’s awesome!

Powderhounds have given many " best ski resorts in Canada " awards to Whistler Blackcomb for the amazing terrain: Best overall ski and snowboard terrain Advanced on-piste terrain Whistler – Travel guide at Wikivoyage Understand[ edit ] Before the skiers and snowboarders came, Whistler was a logging town called Alta Lake. The area was known for its snow and a group of investors hatched a plan to build a ski resort in the hopes of attracting the 1968 Winter Olympics. The Olympic dream didn't come through immediately, but the first ski resort opened in what is now the Creekside area in 1967 and a second resort opened on Blackcomb mountain in 1980. Intrawest, the then-owner of Blackcomb Mountain, bought out Whistler Mountain in 1997 and the two mountains merged to become a single ski area. Whistler got its Olympic wishes in 2010, as it hosted most of the ski and sliding events for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

162 See the Whistler 7 day forecast at Environment Canada Not surprisingly for a ski resort, Whistler gets its fair share of snow and cold weather. Winter temperatures average about 0°C during the day and -6°C overnight in the village with snow typically on the ground from December into April. Summer days can be quite warm, with temperatures reaching the high Celsius 20s, but nights tend to be cool. As with the rest of the Lower Mainland , there is significantly more precipitation from November through April than other times of the year. By car[ edit ] Whistler is connected to the rest of British Columbia by the Sea To Sky Highway (Highway 99), a beautiful but windy and, at times narrow, road. The highway was significantly upgraded and widened prior to the 2010 Winter Olympics and is now much safer compared to the past, when it had a slightly dangerous reputation, but care should still be taken when driving, especially in winter conditions. The section along Howe Sound between Vancouver and Squamish is probably one of the most scenic routes to be found anywhere. Typical driving time from Vancouver is about 2-2.5 hours.

There are a number of rideshare sites available where you can find people to share the journey and costs. If you have time go back the long way to Vancouver by the Dufffey Lake Road through Lillooet & Fraser Canyon: Fantastic Alpine Lakes the small "Marble Canyon", Semi-Arid Lillooet - long needle pines & sage brush: an extension of the Sonorian Desert, and the down the Fraser River back to the Lower Mainland and Vancouver's west coast marine Rain Forest. By bus[ edit ] Greyhound Canada provides bus service several times daily, connecting Vancouver to the communities along Hwy 99 as far as Pemberton. There is an additional daily express service that stops only at Squamish and Whistler. During the winter, additional companies offer bus service connecting the Vancouver region to Whistler. Greyhound Canada , +1-800-661-8747, offers coach service from their Vancouver bus depot at Pacific Central station (1150 Station St, near Main Street-Science World SkyTrain). Greyhound allows bicycles unboxed on this route. They charge $10 for a bicycle. A bus ride generally takes 2-2.5 hours each way.

$28 one-way. Pacific Coach Lines , +1-888-403-4727. Runs direct from airport to Whistler with their YVR - Whistler SkyLynx service. 12 daily departures in winter and 7 other times. $70/$31 one-way (adult/child)Discount for locals with proof i.e. scan drivers license.. Snowbus , +1 604 331-7850. Stops in Richmond , Vancouver and Park Royal Mall in West Vancouver . Provides movies as in-bus entertainment. $30.95/$20.00 one-way from Vancouver (adult/student). $56.19/$34.29 Round Trip (Adult/Student). Perimeter Bus , +1 604 717-6600. Runs direct from YVR airport to Whistler with their YVR-Whistler Express service. 6 daily departures in winter. 5 daily departures at other times. $84 single trip.

By taxi[ edit ] Whistler Resort Cabs, +1 604-938-1515, [1] , provides taxi service from Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport to Whistler for $255. RideBooker.com operates shuttles between between Vancouver International Airport and Whistler. If a number of people are travelling together it is possible to go by Limo for $350-400 with room for between 6 and 10 people. By air[ edit ] The nearest large airport is Vancouver International Airport ( IATA : YVR'). There are bus and limousine companies that provide direct shuttle service from the airport to Whistler. Tickets for Snowbus (Tourism BC Visitor Centre) and Pacific Coach Lines (SkyLynx counter) can be purchased in the arrivals hall. Car rental is also available at the airport (in winter, always request snow tires and inspect to confirm they were installed). Visitors arriving from the United States may find flying domestically to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport ( IATA : SEA) or Bellingham International Airport ( IATA : BLI) and taking bus services across the border to be a cheaper option.

The bus journey will be upwards of 5 hours. Quick Shuttle offers bus services. Whistler does have two small air facilities — a heliport and a seaplane base. They're mainly used for sightseeing but do have a few regional chartered flights. 50.1432 -122.9487 1 Whistler/Green Lake Aerodrome ( IATA : YWS), 8069 Nicklaus N Blvd (at Nicklaus North on the South end of Green Lake), +1 604 932-6615. Harbour Air provides sea plane flights to Vancouver and Victoria . 50.1684 -122.9047 2 Whistler Heliport, 9940-9990 Heliport Rd. Helijet provides service between Whistler and Vancouver. Pemberton , 45 minutes north of Whistler, also has a small (international) airport with charters service. By train[ edit ] Whistler Mountaineer , toll-free: +1-888-687-7245 . Once daily train service.

This is not the fastest or the cheapest option, as the train travels slowly so passengers can take in the view, but possibly the most relaxing and scenic. One-way tickets cost $120 for economy and $200 for the Glacier Dome car. Rocky Mountaineer passes through from Vancouver to Jasper, and back, with stop overs in Whistler. 50°6′58″N 122°57′34″W Map of Whistler The town of Whistler sprawls out around the valley, but the heart of the Whistler experience focuses on the European-style villages built around the base of the gondolas. Most of the accommodation, restaurants, bars, shops and the Blackcomb and Whistler gondolas are in Whistler Village and the Upper Village, at the foot of Whistler and Blackcomb. Village North (Blackcomb Village), built around the old base of Blackcomb, is smaller but still has a number of restaurants and hotels. Whistler Creekside is built around the original gondola on the south side of Whistler Mountain. The easiest way to get around most of Whistler is by foot.

Whistler Village and the Upper Village are mostly pedestrian walkways and small enough that you can walk anywhere. A short trail (5-10 minutes) links it with Village North and there is also an extensive system of trails that links Whistler Village with many of the parks, golf courses and beaches in other parts of the valley. Cars are best used if you're trying to reach some of the outlying areas. If you do use a car, the main road through town is Highway 99. By bus[ edit ] Operated by BC Transit, the WAVE, +1 604 932-4020, [2] is Whistler's public transit system and is considered very good for a city of its size. It runs regularly from 5:30AM to 3AM all year. Commuter services are also offered to Pemberton and Squamish. Flat fares are $2.50 for adults and $1.50 for seniors over 65 and students up to grade 12, although there are some routes which are free services.

A book of ten adult tickets can be purchased for $15, or a day pass for $5, from the visitor centre and other authorised outlets. A transfer is available on request from the driver for connecting buses. By bike[ edit ] In the summer months there are many bike rental outfits. A valley trail connects 99% of all areas within and around Whistler. This is a paved 2- lane trail system that is very pleasant and fast to get around on. More advanced trails head north to Pemberton and south to Squamish for those who may be more adventurous. See[ edit ] Take in the view from the top of the mountain. The Whistler and Blackcomb Gondolas run daily almost year-round (they are closed for maintenance during October-early November). The views from the top are quite spectacular. Sightseeing tickets cost $52.45. 50.03563 -123.11862 1 Brandywine Falls Provincial Park , Hwy 99 (11km (7 miles) south of Whistler). A 70m waterfall and subsequent canyon along Brandywine Creek.

From the parking lot, it is a 10-15 minute walk along a good trail to the viewing platform. Unfortunately this is not accessible by public transport. Whistler-Blackcomb[ edit ] Excellent skiing If skiing or boarding is your thing, it's hard to be disappointed with Whistler-Blackcomb, 1-800-766-0449 (toll-free) or +1 604-904-8134, [3] . With 37 lifts servicing over 200 runs on two mountains and a vertical drop of over 1,500 meters (5,000 feet), Whistler-Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America and consistently ranks as one of the top three ski destinations in North America. The variety of terrain is huge — ranging from beginner areas to chutes and trees and groomed cruising runs to alpine bowls heaped with powder after a fresh snow fall — so there should be something to suit everyone. On the freestyle side of things, it has four terrain parks, a snow cross track and a superpipe.

If you are staying in Whistler Village or are parked in the day lots, the closest access point for both mountains is the two gondolas from Skiers Plaza in Whistler Village. The ride up takes 20-25 minutes and lineups can be long during the morning. Whistler Creekside has a gondola that accesses the southwest side of Whistler Mountain. This is a long walk from the Village so it is only useful if you are staying in the Creekside area or have a car. Village North has a couple of lifts that access Blackcomb Mountain and a beginners area. The gondolas start operation at 8:30AM and stop between 3PM and 4PM, depending on the time of the year. Snow conditions are available from the Snow Phone at +1-800-766-0449. Both mountains open the fourth weekend of November and the main season runs until late April. Conditions permitting, the resort will keep one of the mountains open until early June for spring skiing. An adult lift ticket costs $89 at peak times of the year (typically over Christmas and during March), with slightly cheaper rates at other times.

Spring skiing tickets are cheaper at $47. Lift tickets are also available at the 7-Eleven convenience store in Squamish (on the drive up from Vancouver), where they are sold at a small discount. The Blackcomb Glacier opens for a few hours a day from mid-June to early August, but there are only a few runs as most of it is used by summer ski and snowboard camps. Other activities[ edit ] Alpine hiking delights Backcountry skiing and cross country skiing are popular in Whistler as well. There is cross country skiing around Lost Lake, including night skiing if the conditions are right, and Backcountry Skiing throughout the valley, particularly off of the tops of Whistler and Blackcomb. The Callaghan Valley is just south of Whistler (turn left before Function Junction) and will host the Nordic Skiing events for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Callaghan Country hosts guided ski touring, snow shoeing, and cross country skiing tours in this region. Heliskiing is an expensive but worthwhile endeavour if you crave making tracks where few others do. Several operators make Whistler's miles of backcountry terrain available to visitors.

Whistler Mountain Bike Park, access from Skiers Plaza, ☎ +1 604 904-8134 , toll-free: +1-866-218-9690 . 10AM - 5PM daily mid-May to mid-Oct. Open until 8PM during summer. During summer, the skiing paradise turns into a biker's paradise with a handful of lifts carrying bikers and bikes up the mountain. There are over 50 runs and 4,900 feet of vertical catering to all skill levels. Tracks include single trails and fast race tracks with spectacular jumps and some Northshore elements have been built. Bikes can be rented at the base of the Whistler gondola. Lift tickets regularly $51, $44 early season. 50.12669 -122.93553 1 Lost Lake Park, turn-off near the end of Blackcomb Way. Lost Lake is a great place to relax in the summer and is a popular spot with the locals. There's a beach, the water is warmer than the other lakes in the valley and there are miles of trails for walking or cycling.

It's also a popular spot for cross-country skiing in the winter. Golf is a popular activity in Whistler and it has a driving range & 3 championship caliber courses, & two more amazing courses under Mount Currie in nearby Pemberton . Learn[ edit ] Tamwood International College , 301 - 4204 Village Square, ☎ +1 604 938-9843 . Tamwood International operates a number of carefully designed and managed English Language schools, Camp programs and Work Experience programs across Canada. Buy[ edit ] As is common to tourist-centric villages and towns, Whistler village has a number of shops. In general, the shopping is better and you'll find more variety in nearby Vancouver, so if you're on a budget, your money is likely to go farther in Vancouver. On the other hand, many of the stores in Whistler village are a pleasure to visit and the outdoor setting makes browsing (or shopping) more enjoyable than the large malls found in Vancouver. Whistler Ski Butlers Rental Delivery . Learn to ski or snowboard or re-visit the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb mountains again in style with this equipment rental service company.

50.1206 122.9585 1 Skiis & Biikes , 126 - 4340 Lorimer Road ((near Nesters)), ☎ +1 604-905-4100 , e-mail: whistlervillage@skiisandbiikes.com . 8AM-8PM. Family Bike Shop. Another specialty is proper bike fitting. (updated Mar 2015) Eat[ edit ] Whistler village has a variety of restaurants ranging from very cheap fast food to expensive, and covering a number of styles. Regardless of what type of food you're looking for, the best way to find good food in Whistler is to take a walk around the village. Whistler's on-slope food is surprisingly good and varied. Though you'll pay a small premium for the high altitude service, your udon bowl ($10) or salmon steak ($12) is similarly priced to the village below and though the seating arrangements may be less comfortable than what you'll find in the village, the dining views can't be beat.

One special on-hill treat is the enormous waffles topped with berries, cream, and chocolate at the Crystal Hut on Blackcomb Mountain. Budget[ edit ] 50.11514 -122.95673 1 Gone Village Eatery , 4205 Village Square (behind Armchair Books), ☎ +1 604-938-1990 . 6:30AM - 5PM. Breakfast served to 1PM. Cozy cafe tucked away behind the bookstore. Eggs, scrambles, french toast, oatmeal for breakfast. Burgers, sandwiches and chili for lunch. Family friendly with high chairs and a small play area with toys. Licensed if you want a beer with your meal. $8-13 (breakfast), $8-15 (lunch). (updated Jun 2016) 50.1130 -122.9550 2 Lift Coffee Company, 223-4293 Mountain Square (next to Whistler Village Gondola), ☎ +1 604-905-6621 .

M-Th 6:30AM-6PM, F-Su 6:30AM-9PM. Coffee shop with a good selection of fresh salads, soups and sandwiches, also offers Whistler Brewing Company beers. The patio is great on a sunny day. approx $12. (updated Mar 2015) 50.1152 -122.9562 3 Moguls Coffee House , 202-4208 Village Square, ☎ +1 604-932-4845 . Coffee shop with a selection of wraps, burritos and baked goods. $3-9. 50.11848 -122.95567 4 Purebread , 4174 Village Stroll (on the Olympic Plaza near the Olympic Rings), ☎ +1 604 962-1182 . 8AM-6PM. Freshly made artisan bread and large selection of baked goods. Mostly sweet with a few savoury options. Includes some flourless, gluten-free and vegan choices. $3-8.

50.1141 -122.9559 5 The Old Spaghetti Factory, 4154 Village Green (in the ground floor of the Crystal Lodge), ☎ +1 604-938-1081 . An old fashioned Italian restaurant, serves meals with a free loaf of bread per table, and tasty big dishes. The food is delightful, not to be missed. Serves lunch and dinner. $12-20. Mid-range[ edit ] 50.1182 -122.9546 6 The Brewhouse , 4355 Blackcomb Way (near the Fire Hall), ☎ +1 604-905-2739 . Su-Th 11:30AM-midnight, F-Sa 11:30AM-1AM. 50.11717 -122.95494 7 Caramba! , 12-4314 Main St, ☎ +1 604-938-1879 .

Su-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sa noon-10PM. Mediterranean inspired dishes with pizzas from their wood-fired oven, pasta, chicken, pork and fish. There are also burgers on the lunch menu and some brunch options. The pizzas and garlic calamari are recommended. $12-25 for brunch/lunch, $16-30 for dinner (mains with no appetizer). (updated Jun 2016) 50.1153 -122.9539 8 earls, 200-4295 Blackcomb Way, ☎ +1 604 935-3222 . One of a large chain of restaurants. Serves a lot of good appetizers and decent cocktails, in an average price range. 50.1142 -122.9568 9 Kypriaki Norte , 4122 Village Green, ☎ +1 604 932-0600 . Su-Th 5-10PM, F-Sa 5-11PM. Medditerrean and seafood.

$20-$30. (updated Mar 2015) 50.1154 -122.9547 10 Mongolie Grill , 201-4295 Blackcomb Way, ☎ +1 604 938-9416 . A unique and delicious stir fry restaurant. Pick from a wide variety of ingredients, customize your sauce, and watch them stir fry it up in front of you. Although it depends largely on how much you pick out, prices are usually in the mid-range. Beware of your eyes being bigger than your stomach though, as it adds up quickly! Splurge[ edit ] 50.1150 -122.9557 11 Araxi , 4222 Village Square, ☎ +1 604 932-4540 . Italian and seafood. Reviewers found the food was good, although expensive, and recommended the wine list. Mains $25-40. Drink[ edit ] One of the true joys of Whistler is to go to one of the many bars after a long day of skiing or outdoor activities.

The bars are where many of the visitors gather and the atmosphere is laid back and easygoing. You'll find almost any type of drink at the many bars, restaurants, cafes and clubs in Whistler. If you like beer, try a local "micro-brewery" beer at one of the pubs in the village. 50.1143 -122.9567 1 Buffalo Bills , 4122 Village Green (across from the Telus Conference Center), ☎ +1 604 932-6613 . 3PM-2AM M-Sa, 3PM-12AM Su. Restaurant and nightclub with pool tables, big screen TVs and a large dance floor. 50.11374 -122.95320 2 [dead link]Dubh Linn Gate Pub , 170-4320 Sundial Cres, toll-free: +1-800-387-3311 . 7AM - 1AM daily. Irish-style pub with good food and live music nightly after 8PM.

50.0943 -122.9890 3 Dusty's Bar and BBQ, 2040 London Ln (near the bottom of the Creekside Gondola), ☎ +1 604-905-2146 . Bar and restaurant with the feel of a big cabin, features great barbeque and rock music. Popular for après. Meal $15-$30. 50.11657 -122.95531 4 Garfinkel's, 4308 Main St (Whistler Village), ☎ +1 604 932-2323 . Nightclub located in the village 50.11275 -122.95429 5 Garibaldi Lift Co., 4165 Springs Ln (above the bottom of the Whistler gondola), ☎ +1 604-905-2220 . Open daily until 1AM. Popular spot for apres ski with its patio looking out at the base of the mountain and Skiers Plaza.

50.11565 -122.94843 6 Merlins, 4553 Blackcomb Way (Upper Village near the bottom of Wizard chair), ☎ +1 604-938-7700 . Your run-of-the-mill pub, with darts and table hockey. Budget[ edit ] 50.1006 -122.9819 1 Art's Hostel , 2113 Nordic Dr, ☎ +1 604-932-4660 , e-mail: arthurdejong.wb@gmail.com . In "Nordic Estates", about 4km from Whistler Village. Walking distance to a bus stop which goes to Whistler Village. Sanitary, but minimally maintained in proportion to the rock-bottom price. $15-25 for a dorm room. 50.0804 -123.0401 2 Hostelling International Whistler , 1035 Legacy Way (In the former Athlete's Village Cheakamus Crossing.

Across from Function Junction), ☎ +1 604-962-0025 , e-mail: whistler@hihostels.ca . Check-in: 4PM-10PM, check-out: 11AM. Great, clean, modern facility opened July 1st, 2010. Staff are super friendly and there are daily activities organized by the hostel. 20-30min from Whistler Village Regular and frequent bus service from 5AM to 3AM. Taxi fare from the village is around $20 (Request Van & split fare 6 ways:) ) Dorms start at $30, Private Rooms start at $85 + tax.. 50.0946 -122.9934 3 Southside Lodge , 2102 Lake Placid Rd (Highway 99 & Lake Placid Rd), ☎ +1 604-932-3644 . Well situated about 300m from the Creekside gondola station (Whistler Mountain) and commercial area.

While shops and restaurants (and ski lifts) are within walking distance, the main village area is a 40 minute walk, however the area is served by buses which come every 15 minutes (high season), or 30 minutes (low season). If staying at this hostel be sure to eat at the Southside Diner, which occupies the ground floor and is one of the very few remaining establishments from the pre-Intrawest Whistler era. $30-$40 for a dorm room, $80 for private room. (updated Mar 2015) Mid-range[ edit ] 50.1169 -122.9554 4 Delta Whistler Village Suites , 4308 Main St, ☎ +1 604-905-3987 , toll-free: +1-888-299-3987 . Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. The Delta offers 1 and 2 bedroom suites with full kitchen and laundry facilities as standard. $229 and up in peak season.

50.1145 -122.9537 5 Mountainside Lodge , 4417 Sundial Pl, ☎ +1 604-932-4511 , toll-free: +1-877-607-3337 . Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. A lodge with studios, lofts, and one-bedroom suites. Heated pool and tub. Onsite Italian restaurant Trattoria di Umberto. $139 and up during peak season. Parking is $16/night extra. 50.1184 -122.9567 6 Summit Lodge and Spa , 4359 Main St, toll-free: +1-888-913-8811 . Boutique hotel with on-site spa. Has Deluxe and Executive studios and one bedroom suites. $200 and up in peak season.

50.1153 -122.9541 7 Whistler Peak Lodge , 4295 Blackcomb Way, ☎ +1 604-938-0878 , toll-free: +1-866-512-5273 . Hotel is in the heart of Whistler Village. Studios and suites with kitchenettes. $200 and up in peak season. (updated Mar 2015) Splurge[ edit ] 50.1139 -122.9542 8 Sundial Boutique Hotel , 4340 Sundial Crescent, ☎ +1 604-932-2321 , toll-free: +1-800-661-2321 . Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. The Sundial Boutique Hotel is located at the base of Whistler Mountain and is one of the closest properties to both Whistler and Blackcomb gondolas. There is a roof top hot tub and the hotel also has a selection of suites with private hot tubs.

$300 and up in peak season. 50.1190 -122.9448 9 Four Seasons Resort Whistler , 4591 Blackcomb Way, ☎ +1 604-935-3400 , toll-free: +1-888-935-2460 . Located in the Upper Village, walking distance to Blackcomb Wizard lift and to main village. $395 and up in high season. 50.1131 -122.9561 10 Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa , 4050 Whistler Way, ☎ +1 604-932-1982 , toll-free: +1-800-515-4050 . Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. Located in Whistler Village, the Hilton is one long block from the Whistler gondola. $279 and up in high season.

50.1435 -122.9723 11 The Idylwood Inn , 8725 Idylwood Pl, ☎ +1 604-932-4582 , toll-free: +1-877-932-4582 . Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. The Idylwood Inn is a large chalet split up into two and three bedroom units. $225-$250 for 2bdrm and $475-$545 for 3bdrm in peak season. (updated Mar 2015) 50.1140 -122.9533 12 Pan Pacific Whistler Hotel Mountainside , 4320 Sundial Cres, ☎ +1 604-905-2999 , toll-free: +1-888-905-9995 . The Pan Pacific is located at the base of Whistler, a few steps from the Blackcomb gondola and right in the middle of the apres ski action.

$300 and up in peak season. 50.1137 -122.9409 13 Coast Blackcomb Suites at Whistler (the former Residence Inn by Marriott - Whistler), 4899 Painted Cliff Rd, ☎ +1 604-905-3400 , toll-free: +1-800-716-6199 . Luxury all-suite lodging, slopeside on Blackcomb Mountain. Ski-in ski-out access. There are studio, one and two bedroom rooms. Has a large hot tub. $200 and up during peak season (Feb/Mar). (updated Mar 2015) Apartments[ edit ] Whistler Home Holidays , 3114 Tyrol Cres, ☎ +1 604-938-9256 , toll-free: +1-888-644-7444 (toll-free North America), +1 800 967 997 (toll-free HK), 0800 917 0478 (toll-free UK).

Provider of 2 to 5 bedroom luxury Whistler home rentals. Can also book ski and golf packages. Prices start at $795 to $1,195.00/night for 4-5 BR condo.. Whiski Jack Whistler Accommodation , 4319 Main St, ☎ +1 604-932-6500 , toll-free: +1-888-944-7545 ext 1 . The best prices on the best quality properties. Studios to multi-bedroom units. Units in 17 of Whistler’s best buildings. Self-contained, fully-equipped units. Whistler Superior Properties , 4355 Northlands Blvd, ☎ +1 604-932-3510 , toll-free: +1-877-535-8282 , fax: +1 604-932-3517. A good range of vacation rentals to suit the needs of all kinds of travellers.

Prices vary based on date, from $99/night (Studio - shoulder season) to $1,500/night (3 - 4 bedroom luxury chalets - holiday winter season).. Lodging Ovations , 2036 London Ln, ☎ +1 604-990-6610 , toll-free: +1-800-320-0896 , fax: +1 604-938-9699. A collection of luxury ski-in, ski-out properties at the base of the Whistler Creekside Gondola. Prices vary based on date and type, from $129 (one bedroom, shoulder season) to $1,500 (four bedroom luxury condo, holiday winter season). Acer Vacation Rentals , 4905 Spearhead Pl, ☎ +1 604-905-7788 , toll-free: +1-877-489-7669 . Provides one, two, and 3 bedroom ski-in ski-out accommodation in Whistler for families.

Prices start at $150 to $1,057.00/night for 1-3 BR condo.. Camping[ edit ] Whistler is surprisingly short of organized places to camp. Most of those that exist are outside of town: Cal-Chek Forest Service Campground, ☎ +1 604 902-0510 . Cool cable suspension bridge across the Cheakamus River. Connect[ edit ] Cyber Web Internet Cafe , #6, 4340 Sundial Cres, ☎ +1 604-905-1280 . Open daily, summer 9AM-10:30PM, winter 8AM-10PM. Internet access at terminals and wireless. Plus related services like CD burning, photocopying, and fax service. Free local calls on courtesy phone. Also various espresso and cold drinks, and snacks. Look for 10% discount cards on the reception table. Located right on skier's plaza at the foot of both gondolas, next to Black's Pub, tucked into the Sundial Hotel. Internet $10/hr.

50.1175 -122.9563 1 Whistler Public Library , 4329 Main St, ☎ +1 604-935-8433 , fax: +1 604-935-8434, e-mail: info@whistlerlibrary.ca . M-Th 11AM-7PM, F-Su 11AM-5PM, closed holidays. Offers free internet access, in addition to the usual library services. Located on the opposite side of Village Gate Blvd from the plaza at the base of Whistler mountain. Go next[ edit ] North on Highway 99 will take you to the village of Pemberton and the Pemberton Valley . Attractions include, Nairn Falls, the alpine beauty of Joffre Lakes Provincial Park and a number of natural hot springs. Garibaldi Provincial Park , which has many hiking and backcountry camping opportunities, has access points north and south of town off Highway 99.

Squamish , 45 minutes south of Whistler on Highway 99, has rock climbing, rafting/kayaking, eagle watching, a railway museum and many more outdoor activities. Routes through Whistler Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics - results & video highlights Official Reports arrow The venues for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games stretched over a 120-kilometre zone from Richmond, through downtown Vancouver and north to the mountain resort of Whistler. Drawing on both new and existing facilities, VANOC’s goal was to create spectacular theatres for sport that provide top conditions for athletes and a welcome place for spectators to experience the excitement of competition. Vancouver Venues Overview The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games events in Vancouver included curling, figure skating, ice hockey, sledge hockey, short-track speed skating and wheelchair curling. Speed skating took place in Richmond, while the snowboard and freestyle skiing events were hosted at Cypress Mountain in the District of West Vancouver. The Olympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies, as well as the Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony, were staged indoors at BC Place in Vancouver city centre.

Whistler Venue Overview For the 2010 Winter Games, Whistler hosted Olympic and Paralympic Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and biathlon, as well as Olympic Nordic combined, ski jumping, bobsleigh, luge and skeleton. Olympic and Paralympic Villages and media facilities were located in Vancouver and Whistler. Quick Facts about the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games 17 days of Olympic Games events 2566 athletes 10,000 media representatives 3 billion television viewers worldwide The city of Vancouver was elected host city of the XXI Olympic Winter Games in 2010 at the 115th IOC Session in Prague on 2 July 2003. Eight cities applied to host the Games: Andorra la Vella (Andorra), Bern (Switzerland), Harbin (China), Jaca (Spain), PyeongChang (Republic of Korea), Salzburg (Austria), Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina) and Vancouver (Canada).

The following cities were accepted as Candidate Cities to host the XXI Olympic Winter Games in 2010 by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board on 28 August 2002 (in the order of drawing of lots): Vancouver (Canada) PyeongChang (Republic of Korea) Bern (Switzerland) On 27 September 2002, the city of Bern withdrew its candidature to host the XXI Olympic Winter Games. 115th IOC Session, 2 July 2003, Prague: Election of the Host City of the XXI Olympic Winter Games: Rounds 40 56 On the obverse, the Olympic rings marked in relief accompanied by Aboriginal designs taken from the orca work produced by laser and giving the impression of additional texture. On the reverse, the official name of the Games in English and French, the two official languages of Canada and the Olympic Movement. Also present are the 2010 Olympic Winter Games emblem and the name of the sport and event concerned. The undulating shape of the medals was devised by Omer Arbel, a Canadian industrial designer and architect originally from Vancouver.

This distinctive look requires the medal to be struck nine times as part of the 30-step fabrication process. The inspiration for these medals came from a large artwork by Corrine Hunt, a Vancouver-based artist of Komoyue and Tlingit heritage. Each of the medals has a hand-cropped section of the artwork, thus making each medal one of a kind. More info Quatchi and Miga The Vancouver Games mascots were creatures inspired by the fauna and tales of the First Nations on the West Coast of Canada. Number of torchbearers: around 12 000 in Canada and 560 in Greece Total distance: around 45 000 km in Canada and 2 180 in Greece Countries crossed: Greece, Canada More info The official report of Vancouver 2010 has a unique format: an official commemorative book published by Wiley, “With glowing hearts” and a multimedia set, “Post-Games report guide: the official report of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games”. This set contains an explanatory brochure, two CD-ROMs containing the official results and texts, as well as a commemorative film on DVD, “The Canada that now is”.

The two volumes are fully bilingual – French and English.

Question: What is the name of British Columbia's most popular ski resort, which was home to the alpine skiing events in the 2010 Winter Olympics?
Answer: WHISTLER