Ski and Ride the Coast Mountain Range

Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski and ride resort in North America. From world-class accommodations to heli-skiing, a trip to Whistler Blackcomb is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Whether you enjoy park riding, groomed runs, or powder skiing, Whistler Blackcomb has something for everyone. With an astounding 5,000 ft. vertical drop and trails up to 7 miles long, the Coast Mountain Range is the epicenter of skiing and riding in North America.

Whistler Blackcomb also has a number of family-friendly options, such as beginner areas and adventure zones.

Family skiing with a Mountain Host in Whistler Blackcomb.

Why Ski and Ride the Coast Mountain Range?

When compared to their sister range in the United States, the Pacific Northwest is quite unique. While both areas offer world-class skiing and riding, the Coast Mountain Range is different from the American Rockies in a few ways.

Annual Snowfall

Because they are located closer to the coast of the Pacific Ocean, the Pacific Northwest gets more snow than the American Rocky Mountains. Just as seen at Stevens Pass in the Cascade Range, heavy precipitation in the coastal region of the Pacific Northwest leads to a deep snowpack in the mountains.

Whistler Blackcomb averages 450 inches of snowfall per season, while many ski resorts in the American Rockies average about 350 inches.

Elevation & Vertical Drop

One of the most defining characteristics of Whistler Blackcomb is its massive vertical drop. While many of the largest ski areas in the world have a vertical drop of around 3,000 ft., Whistler Blackcomb has an incredible 5,000 ft. vertical drop.

Backcountry Terrain & Heli-Skiing

Whistler Blackcomb is one of the best North American resorts for adventurers seeking backcountry access, as well as heli-skiing. With the backcountry program, skiers and riders can purchase specific lift tickets to access the expansive backcountry terrain outside the resort. Even more, Epic pass holders get 20% off heli-skiing if they book early in the season.

World-class Ski Vacation at Canada’s Whistler Blackcomb

While Whistler Blackcomb has incredible options for skiing and riding, the fun does not stop on the mountain. In fact, the resort offers innovative activities such as scenic rides on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola and the option to Ski and Ride with an Olympian.

Biggest Ski Resort in North America

Whistler Blackcomb is the biggest ski resort in North America. Incredibly, the resort is comprised of two mountains built into a single, world-class ski and ride experience. Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain make up the ski resort - they are joined by both ski runs and the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.

Whistler Blackcomb has 8,172 acres of skiable terrain. Within this expansive resort, skiers and riders enjoy over 200 trails that are easily accessed by 32 ski lifts. This infrastructure is capable of moving 70,000 skiers per hour to the top of the mountain.

Best Ski Area for Skiers and Riders of All Skill Levels

Due to its sheer size and dedication to innovation, Whistler Blackcomb has something to offer every level of skier and rider. Noteworthy attractions for skiers and riders at the resort include:

  • Terrain parks
  • Kids club/ski and ride lessons
  • Tree skiing
  • Bowl skiing and riding
  • Beginner areas
  • Backcountry access
  • Heli-skiing
  • EpicMix App to track progress

Ski and Trip Bucket List

Whistler Blackcomb has gone to great lengths to make for a memorable ski and ride vacation in the Pacific Northwest. In fact, they offer several bucket list activities unique to the Whistler Blackcomb area. These include:

  • Dog sledding
  • Bobsledding
  • Skeleton sledding
  • Glacier skiing and riding 
  • Ski and ride with an Olympian
  • Heli-skiing
  • Apres-ski
  • PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola rides
The gondola in Whistler Blackcomb.

Whistler Blackcomb Lodging

Whether you would like a secluded mountain cabin or luxurious hotel suite, you will find what you’re looking for in the Coast Mountains. Even more, you save big on lodging by booking directly through Whistler Blackcomb.

Slopeside Lodging

There's nothing more convenient on a family ski vacation and than slopeside lodging. With ski-in and ski-out options, your whole family can explore Whistler Blackcomb at their own pace. Everyone can take breaks from skiing and riding when they see fit - including nap time for the little ones.

Ski Vacation Rentals

Whistler Blackcomb has a number of options for ski vacation rentals. Especially for large groups, renting an entire home can lead to significant savings when compared to individual hotel rooms. Houses also give your family more privacy, as well as the option to cook at home.

Whistler Hotels

There are a wide variety of hotel options at Whistler Blackcomb. For example, you have a number of 3-star and 4-star accommodations to choose from, including Legends Whistler and the Mountainside Lodge. Of course, you also have 5-star hotel options such as the iconic landmark Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

Whistler Blackcomb Transportation

There are a number of convenient ways to travel to Whistler Blackcomb. While the Coast Mountain Range is renowned for its ruggedness, beauty, and remoteness, they can still be accessed without much effort.

Closest Airports to Whistler

A majority of visitors to Whistler Blackcomb fly into Vancouver, Canada, which is just a short 2.5-hour drive to the resort. You can also drive to Whistler Blackcomb from the United States - Seattle, WA is a 5-hour drive, and Bellingham, WA is just 3-hours away.

Transfer Options to Whistler

Once you have flown into your airport of choice, there are several options for getting to Whistler Blackcomb. These include the following:

Transportation within Whistler

Once inside the resort at Whistler Blackcomb, you don't have to worry about transportation. With well-kept trails and sidewalks, the village is extremely easy to navigate on foot. There is also a free shuttle in Whistler that will take you to your favorite restaurants, stores, and attractions.

Buy Whistler Blackcomb Lift Tickets

Whistler Blackcomb has a number of options for lift tickets that cater to a variety of ski and ride needs.

Epic Pass

The Epic Pass is widely regarded as the best value in skiing and riding. With an Epic Pass, you get access to 37 resorts within the Vail Resorts portfolio, as well as a number of partner resorts in Canada, Japan, Australia, and Europe.

Epic pass holders can ski and ride at Whistler Blackcomb, while also enjoying 20% discounts on many resort amenities through Epic Mountain Rewards.

Unlimited Season Pass

The Whistler Blackcomb Unlimited Season Pass provides unlimited access to the resort, as well as discounts at several partner resorts. With this pass, you also get discounts on lodging, rentals, food, and other activities at Whistler Blackcomb.

EDGE Cards

EDGE Cards give residents of Washington State and Canada the option to save by bundling their lift tickets. You can use EDGE Cards at Whistler Blackcomb, as well as other participating resorts in the United States - such as Vail, Park City, Heavenly, Stowe, and more.

Winter Lift Tickets

Single-day lift tickets are also available for purchase online and at the resort throughout the season.