--site of the 2010 Olympics!--
Year, after year, Whistler-Blackcomb gets voted a top ski resort: sometimes it's for Best Terrain, or Best Resort Overall...
As a voter once told Ski Magazine: "If you can't have a great vacation at Whistler - find another sport!"
Though known as a trendy spot with great apres-ski, Whistler has plenty for families: kids programs, adventure zones, play-fort, magic-carpets... see more, below.
Whistler Ski Resort: Background
Whistler ski resort -- more properly called Whistler-Blackcomb, with two big mountains-- is 1-1/2 hours north of Vancouver, BC in Canada. (Vancouver is 110 miles north of Seattle WA.) Guests can fly direct to Whistler, or fly into Vancouver airport and either take a shuttle or drive the scenic Sea to Sky highway. (Caution on the driving conditions in winter, though.)
Whistler is a popular and very-developed area, soon to be even more high-profile as the site of the Olympics in 2010. Whistler Village -- adjacent to gondolas to both mountains-- has shops, restaurants, and hotels; the larger area has numerous condos, townhomes, etc.
Big numbers on the slopes
The Whistler-Blackcomb mountains have over two hundred trails, over 8000 acres of terrain, nearly a mile of vertical drop, thirty-eight lifts and gondolas.
Super-long ski season
Whistler Mountain stays open into June. May can be a beautiful time to drive the Sea to Sky Highway for late-season skiing.
What about the snow?
Whistler has its glorious days, but this is not the land of "champagne powder" ( - those divine words bandied about in Utah, Colorado, or the interior of BC.) Snow can be wet; rainy days happen, on the lower slopes. On the plus side are: moderate temperatures, and a whopping average snowfall of 30 feet per year.
Whistler ski resort in summertime
Whistler's very popular in summer, too: the mountain bike park is a draw; and a Summertime Adventure Zone has "Kiss the Sky" trampoline (part bungee, part tramp), climbing wall, "Westcoaster Luge", minigolf, and more.
Whistler Ski Resort - for Families
- Kids programs: Whistler Kids is one of the largest kid ski/board programs anywhere, with centers on both Blackcomb and Whistler mountains. "Magic Carpets" make learning easy for little beginners. At the popular Adventure Camps, kids stay with the same group and instructor all week long.
- Babies and toddlers: Whistler Blackcomb has licensed childcare, and parents get a pager.
- Teens have a week-long "Ride Tribe"; other programs too, such as special night-time jib sessions.
- Big Easy Terrain Garden: of course the two mountains have challenging parks and pipes; meanwhile this kinder, gentler terrain park is great for kids.
- Adventure and Play Zones: Blackcomb Mountain has a Children's Adventure Park, with runs through an enchanted forest, even a ski-through castle. Whistler has an Adventure zone and a play-fort.
- Enclosed gondolas - on Whistler mid-mountain, families can ski downhill on green runs, and ride back up in the shelter of a gondola.
- Family Zones: these green-run areas on Whistler have signage for "Family Zones" and "Go Slow".
- Coca Cola Tube Park has eight lanes, graded green to black.
- after dark, families can ride the Magic Chair beginners' lift (-- separate ticket--) to use the beginners' slope or have fun on a number of added features such as rails, boxes, etc.-- a bit hit with teens.
Where to Stay?
Many town-homes offer roomy premises and all the comforts of home. In areas near Whistler Village, free shuttle buses run frequently to Whistler and Blackcomb gondolas.Another popular zone is Whistler Creekside: five minutes drive from the Village, and with its own gondola, and grocery store and other amenities.
Wherever you stay, you can drive to the (free) parking lots near Whistler Village, and a shuttle bus will take you to the gondolas.
Whistler Village
Another option is to stay at one of the many hotels in Whistler Village itself. The extensive car-free Village begins at the foot of the Whistler and Blackcomb gondolas, and --with over 300 shops and restaurants-- has plenty to offer party-ers, gourmet diners, and families.
Even posh spots-- such as the Fairmont Whistler-- welcome families; and many hotel rooms have kitchenettes. A well-stocked grocery store is just a short, pleasant stroll from your hotel, as are the conveniences of video store, MacDonald's, Starbucks, ski shops for whatever gear you forgot to bring, etc.
For eateries, our family fave is the Old Spaghetti Factory, with fun decor and 3-course kids' meal including drinks-- with refills!-- for a very modest price; but you can find kids' menus at many restaurants, even upscale spots.
Best part of staying in the Village (during a family stay at Crystal Lodge) : in the mornings, we simply joined the march of skiers and boarders and walked to the gondolas.
Tourism Whistler will help you find lodgings; also numerous booking sites -- such as ResortQuest.com-- offer vacation homes online.
Keep in mind about Whistler Ski Resort:
- there's not much night-skiing at Whistler ski resort. But if anyone in the family has any energy after a day on the slopes, the Tube Park and Magic Chair lift are open (see above) ; some special teen programs are offered at night.
- ski-in, ski-out lodging: families love this type of convenience, and it is available ( - try the Creekside area), though not as prevalent as at some newer / smaller ski resorts.
- Whistler has numerous restaurants on the slopes, including fine dining (outdoors, in spring-time) and smaller cabin-like spots with great specialties -- such as the famous Belgian Waffles at the Crystal Hut.
- Whister ski resort is dog-friendly! Many hotels welcome Fido - read more.
- if you plan to drive to Whistler from Seattle, allow extra time to cross the border especially during holiday periods. (See border wait times)
