Skiing Whistler Blackcomb, Canada

Discover some of the world's best skiing at Whistler Blackcomb in Canada's British Columbia. Whistler Blackcomb together feature more than 3200 skiable hectares, a vertical drop of 1600m, more than 200 trails and an average annual snowfall of 900cm.

Located in the Coast Mountain Range of British Columbia, in a valley between Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains, the region forms the largest ski resort in North America and was the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Consistently voted the best ski resort in North America, if not the world, Whistler Blackcomb can accommodate all levels of ability and provides something for everyone: deep powder, cross-country skiing and plenty of terrain parks and pipes.

Expert skiers can expect steep chutes that debouch into broad powder bowls and make continuous runs up to 12km in length.

In Whistler, your honeymoon and romantic getaway experiences can run to heliskiing, indoor rock climbing, cooking lessons and spa therapy. Whistler’s charming village offers more than 100 restaurants that cater to all tastes, including Chinese, French, Greek, Italian and Thai cuisine.

At the famous Fairmont Chateau Whistler, every room comes with a giant tub to soothe those weary muscles after an exciting day on the slopes.

Mountain range Coast Mountains

Average temperature -8˚C to 3˚C

Total area 3200 skiable hectares

Base elevation 675m Vertical drop 1609m Summit elevation 2284m

Terrain 18% beginner, 55% intermediate, 27% expert

Number of runs 230 Number of lifts 38 Longest run 11km

Season November to April, however it can continue into June Annual snowfall 900cm

Cost of basic ski hire Adult ski hire (skis, boots, poles) 1 day – AUD33; adult ski lift pass – around AUD69; children half-price. 1-day heliski – AUD670.

Equipment rentals Rental stores throughout Whistler offer skis and snowboards backed by a service guarantee.

Ski/snowboarding lessons Private and group lessons for adults, children and teens. Includes lift line priority and access to the most suitable terrain for your ability. During ‘Discover Whistler Days’, select lesson programs are offered at 40 per cent off.

Other winter activities Cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, tubing, sleigh rides, heliskiing, dog sledding, snowshoeing and snowcat tours.

Accommodation Whistler offers a good choice of hotels to suit all budgets.