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Whistler or Blackcomb?
We're going to be in Whistler later this month. I know 1 day doesn't even scratch the surface, but unfortunately that's all the time we have to spend in Whistler. Three of us a skier, one a boarder, none of us are experts. We like cruisers, long relaxing runs, maybe the easiest part of the terrain park, though I might jump into a bit of powder if I have the chance.
My question is: should we aim for Whistler or try Blackcomb?
A complication: we'll be there on Feb 21, during the World Cup.
My question is: should we aim for Whistler or try Blackcomb?
A complication: we'll be there on Feb 21, during the World Cup.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Chris on -
Hi Christopher. Welcome to the forum!
I personally prefer Whistler mountain. I recommend immediately taking Peak chair to the top of Whistler mountain and then winding your way around Upper Peak to Creek to Highway 86 to Red Chair. (Click attached Whistler Blackcomb Trail Map to see large version and see far right ridge of Whistler Mountain) If you are feeling good then continue past Red Chair onto the Expressway and then Lower Olympic to the village. This run is one of my favorite warm up runs. It's long, smooth and fun with lots of little side hits for the more experienced. This run is several miles long and if you go all the way to the bottom it may take you 30 minutes or more! Compare that to Martock where you are at the bottom in under a minute! Not knocking Martock but it gives you an idea of what you are going to experience. Your group will be extremely satisfied by choosing Whistler in pursuit of nice long cruising skiing!
Often if I am short on time, as you will be, I will stop at Big Red Chair and go back up again instead of continuing all the way down. That way I spend more quality time up higher on the mountain where snow conditions are better.
On another note, you could cruise off the Expressway onto Crossroads and try to catch a glimpse of the World Cup action on your way down to Creekside. The Creekside gondola will bring you back up to Red Chair again.
Guests shouldn't worry about World Cup races marring their ski vacations, though, as more than 90 per cent of Whistler Blackcomb's ski and snowboard terrain will remain wide open to the public, operating business as usual.
Here are the results of an online poll ran on the Whistler Outfitters website:
Whistler or Blackcomb?
Whistler 60% (325)
Blackcomb 23% (122)
Half day on each 17% (91)
Total votes: 538
Many people will tell you that Blackcomb is far better for accessing backcountry but it sounds like you will be sticking to the trails. There are numerous other nice runs I recommend as well. Make sure at least one of your runs is over to Harmony Chair and the Harmony Bowl on Whistler mountain. This is a scenic lift ride that offers views of the backside of Whistler mountain. It is amazing.
This is the most important: If you can, make sure you purchase Fresh Tracks which is a pass on top of your lift ticket that allows you to upload up onto Whistler mountain an hour earlier than everyone else and feeds you a big breakfast at the top. You are also the first to hit the nice groomers (corduroy) before anyone else scars them up with lines.
One thing is for sure, no matter which mountain you choose or whether you choose to ski a half day on each, you will have am amazing time! Whistler is the best.
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