All new to do at North America’s largest ski resort this season

There is something magical about landing in Vancouver and driving two hours north, even in the middle of the night, through an ice and snow storm, and arriving at Whistler Blackcomb.

The largest ski resort in North America, with 8,100 skiable acres over two mountains, Whistler Blackcomb is linked by a pedestrian village and the world’s largest gondola.

Once two separate resorts, today Whistler Blackcomb offers world-class skiing, an expansive bed for beginners to learn, an intoxicating nearly 7-mile, top-to-bottom run, and everything in between: more than 200 trails; the three glaciers; 37 elevators; and 16 alpine bowls. While 20% of the paths are green, the same amount is double black – 35% are blue and 25% are black.

Whistler is part of the Fitzsimmons Range in the Coast Mountains, from Alaska to British Columbia, and the Peak 2 Peak gondola ride offers stunning views as it glides between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains featuring 2.73 miles of mountains, glaciers, lakes and even blacktops. the bears.

You may have been caught up in Whistler’s stunning beauty if you watched Netflix’s “The Crown,” when England’s then-Prince Charles, the current king, took his young sons to Whistler in 1998 for a private vacation. four-day skiing – and the boys First public appearance – after the tragic death of their mother, Princess Diana.

But for American dust-heads, there’s a new and more compelling reason to cross our northern borders. After being acquired by Vail Resorts in 2016 for $1.39 billion, Whistler Blackcomb became part of Vail’s Epic Pass network for the first time this season.

Dust to the people!

This year, the Epic app lets skiers buy their passes and pick up tickets online instead of standing in line, in person — after a modest increase, the pass is now $982 (ages 13 and up) or $501 (5 to 12 years).

Also, hikers will now be able to join My Epic Gear, a membership to rent premium gear instead of riding it, with uphill and downhill skiing. Membership is $50 for the 2025/2025 season, with a day-use fee of $55 for adults and $45 for children ages 3 to 12. My Epic App also provides useful information, from mountain resort alerts to trail maps, snow reports, base conditions and personal statistics.

For adrenaline junkies, heli-skiing is also an option. Whistler Heli-Ski covers an area 50 times larger than Whistler Blackcomb: 432,000 acres with more than 173 glaciers. Epic Pass and Epic Day Pass holders receive 20% off one-day packages. Ski and snowboard clinics also offer variety – for kids, women’s, downhill and ski clinics with Olympians making Whistler Blackcomb their permanent home, to name a few.

Another new perk: This year on the mountain, the Jersey Cream Express has been upgraded from a four-person chairlift to a six-person chairlift. It is the fourth upgrade since 2022, as the Big Red Express, Creekside Gondola and Fitzsimmons Express have all been upgraded.

Next year, Whistler Blackcomb will also host the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, from February. 8t o 16. The event will host more than 500 competitors from over 20 countries competing in adaptive sports for its first winter edition. Featured events include downhill skiing and snowboarding.

Slippery slopes

From Airbnbs to hotels in Whistler Village and Creekside, there’s no shortage of accommodations. But if you want to walk everywhere, Whistler Village is for you. The Westin Resort & Spa, at the base of Whistler Mountain, is just steps from the pedestrian village. Rooms come with fireplaces and kitchens. Double convenience comes with Westin Ski Valet and CanSki, offering more than 12,000 skis and snowboards, with the largest and newest selection of equipment rentals in Whistler.

Similarly, there is an avalanche of dining options. The Grill & Vine Restaurant is an open-air venue within the Westin for breakfast buffets and relaxed all-day dining, along with an all-day take-out and carry-out area.

Even lighter daytime fare includes Glacier Creek Lodge, with floor-to-ceiling windows and chandeliers rooted in Blackcomb Mountain. It serves ramen, grains and greens, along with a kid’s menu for fuel.

For breakfast in Whistler Village, hit the Garibaldi Lift Co. Bar and Grill. Stay warm outside with blankets, heat lamps and drinks to keep you toasty.

DJs and live music set the stage as the shared plates, salads, pastas, cocktails and good times arrive.

Creekside, head to Dusty’s Bar & BBQ, known for its live music, happy hour and party scene. Merlin’s Bar & Grill is also known for its relaxed, elegant mountain cabin style and après atmosphere. Popular local rock band the Hairfarmers play here while the nachos and tap beer flow.

For something more upscale, there’s Steeps Grill & Wine Bar inside the Roundhouse Lodge atop Whistler Mountain, featuring regional wines and a Winemaker Après series in winter (and Winemaker Dinner series in summer).

Ice and light

Massages, facials, hip surgery – after a day on the slopes you’ll appreciate the treatments. You can find them inside the Westin at the aptly named Spa in Whistler. The spa includes access to the hotel’s pool and hot tub.

You never know who you will meet there as it can be quite the social scene. Better yet, you don’t have to be a guest to book a healing experience.

“The terrain is huge, with something for everyone.”

Instructor John Solomon

Pro tip: Start early and plan your day to avoid the crowds. Book a ski instructor to sharpen your skills, whether you’re a beginner or enjoying a double black diamond before your morning coffee, and reap an added benefit: You’ll be able to skip lift lines, even on powder days.

Lead instructor John Solomon first came to Whistler in January 2001 on an instructor training program and returned in 2007 to teach at Whistler Blackcomb. Since then he has been an instructor at Whistler Blackcomb every season.

The field, he said, is “huge, with something for everyone.” He added that one of his favorite things is “bursting through the clouds and watching the snow islands rise – so otherworldly.”

But it’s not just about skiing – there’s culture in these mountains too.

Whistler Blackcomb operates on the undivided shared territories of the Lil’wat and Squamish Nations. And if you can ever drag yourself — and your kids — off the mountain, head to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, the first of its kind in Canada, where both nations staff the center and share their cultures. Stop by the First Nations museum, art gallery, cafe and gift shop and stay in the impressive facility for a traditional drum song, a short film and a guided tour led by cultural ambassadors. There is a traditional Longhouse and Istken Pithouse, as well as carved house poles, canoes, finger spinning and weaving.

Now head back for one last ski adventure and know that before you go, you’ll want to have your bags packed and ready in the lobby. Traffic can be brutal, so book the Skylynx Express bus in advance and give yourself plenty of time to get back to the airport.

If you still feel the burn, you know you gave the mountain your all. And, even if you’re more of an après person, the visit and those stunning views will keep you warm through the cruelest and coldest days ahead.