A Tour Of Whistlers 2025 XL Terrain Park With Aidan Mulvihill

Whistler-Blackcomb

Whistler-Blackcomb is not just a ski resort — it is widely regarded as one of the premier mountain destinations in the world, located in British Columbia, Canada, and comprised of two massive interconnected mountains: Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain. Together, they offer one of the largest skiable areas in North America, attracting skiers and snowboarders from every continent. Skiable Terrain & Infrastructure Whistler-Blackcomb boasts roughly 8,171 acres (~3,307 hectares) of skiable terrain, making it one of the most extensive ski areas on the continent. The mountains provide a perfect blend of terrain: about 20% beginner, 55% intermediate, and 25–30% advanced/expert runs, ensuring that all levels of skiers have options. The vertical drop is staggering, reaching 1,530 meters (5,020 ft) on Whistler and 1,609 meters (5,280 ft) on Blackcomb — among the largest verticals in North America. There are more than 200 marked runs, dozens of bowls and gladed areas, as well as iconic alpine zones like Symphony, Harmony, Glacier, and Seventh Heaven. The longest continuous run, “Peak to Creek,” stretches over 11 kilometers (7 miles), providing a leg-burning top-to-bottom experience that is a rite of passage for visitors. Whistler-Blackcomb is also famous for its multiple terrain parks and halfpipes, which host professional events and attract top freestyle athletes worldwide. From beginner progression parks to XL jumps and rail features, the freestyle infrastructure is world-class. Lifts, Access & Remarkable Features Whistler-Blackcomb operates one of the most modern and extensive lift networks in North America, with over 35 lifts including high-speed gondolas, express chairlifts, T-bars, and surface lifts. The crown jewel is the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, a record-breaking tri-cable gondola that connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountains over a span of 4.4 km (2.73 mi), with cabins suspended 436 meters (1,430 ft) above the valley floor — the highest and longest lift span of its kind in the world. The resort is easily accessible from Vancouver (about a 2-hour drive along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway). Multiple base areas exist: Whistler Village, the pedestrian-only central hub filled with shops, restaurants, nightlife, and hotels; Blackcomb Base at Upper Village; and Creekside, which offers a quieter atmosphere and direct gondola access to Whistler Mountain. Snow, Weather & Atmosphere Whistler-Blackcomb benefits from a maritime snow climate, with an average annual snowfall of about 11 meters (over 430 inches). This guarantees a long ski season, typically running from late November into May, with glacier skiing possible on Blackcomb in the summer. Snowmaking systems cover a significant portion of lower-elevation terrain, ensuring reliable coverage even in leaner winters. The variety of conditions across its two mountains means there’s something for every skier: powder days in the alpine bowls, fresh groomers in the morning, tree skiing during storms, and sunny laps on exposed faces in spring. The village atmosphere is another defining feature: lively après-ski culture, high-end dining, casual pubs, concerts, and events like the World Ski & Snowboard Festival make Whistler a cultural as well as a sports destination. Year-Round Destination Whistler-Blackcomb is not just a winter resort — it is a four-season destination. In summer, the mountains transform into one of the best mountain biking parks in the world, as well as a hub for hiking, sightseeing, and alpine adventures. The Peak 2 Peak gondola continues to operate in summer, allowing guests to explore alpine trails and enjoy panoramic views of the Coast Mountains.