Whistler

The camera stands on the deck of a log building high on the mountain, with the snow banked up against its walls and a foot of it still on the roof. Rows of picnic tables run along the deck and they are full - people in ski gear sitting in the sun with helmets and goggles pushed up, boards and skis stacked against the rail. Past the rail the ground drops immediately and keeps dropping: a steep run going away below, dark conifers, and then the whole valley floor a long way down with a river and a road in it. Beyond that the Coast Mountains stand across the entire far side of the view, snow-covered, ridge behind ridge, out to a clean horizon under a hard blue sky. A chairlift comes up to the deck at one end with its cable and towers cutting across the picture. It is a working lunch stop with an absurd view attached.

Whistler is quiet simply one of the world’s greatest ski resorts. Numerous industry experts actually rank it as the very best ski resort on the planet, and it certainly tops many best North American ski resorts lists. No ski resort in all of North America offers more skiable terrain, and it doesn’t hurt that this terrain features something for all levels. There are slopes for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers or snowboarders. Several glaciers and the ample backcountry areas provide some of the best skiing and snowboarding opportunities, and those who are interested in tackling untouched runs can hop on a helicopter to get to them.

The Whistler Ski Resort is commonly referred to as Whistler Blackcomb. This reflects the merger between the Whistler Ski Resort and the Blackcomb Ski Resort in 1997. In addition to offering the most terrain in North America, this combined resort destination offers a higher vertical drop and more lifts than any other ski resort on the continent. Both winter and summer are prime tourist seasons, with summer activities including hiking, mountain biking, and golfing. Zip lining through the forest is also a popular summer activity, as is hitching a ride on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. The views of the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains that can be enjoyed on this gondola are breathtaking to say the least.

Whistler Blackcomb is approximately 75 miles north of Vancouver. The drive from Vancouver along Highway 99 takes about two hours, and there is plenty of spectacular scenery to take in during the commute. Day skiers and snowboarders can park for free at the resort, while the majority of the hotels charge a fee for parking. The main information center for Whistler Blackcomb is found at 4230 Gateway Drive, and visitors might also take advantage of the Tourism Whistler office at 4010 Whistler Way.