 Whistler-Blackcomb
Resort, British Columbia - While many of the great
European ski resorts tend to rest on their laurels, Whistler
has shot up through the ranks to become one of the strongest
contenders for the much disputed title of 'world's greatest
ski resort.' Whistler's twin-pronged assault, involving
both phenomonally good skiing (with one of the world's greatest
high-speed lift systems) and a vast array of après-ski
alternatives and comprehensive facilities, seems to beat
just about all comers.
In the '90's, Whistler has repeatedly
been voted 'Best North American Ski Resort' by North Americans
and in Japan it is consistently voted the favorite international
destination for Japanese skiers.
The many splendors of Whistler include
access to the two mountains with North America's biggest
skiable verticals, the biggest ski area on the continent
and the most high-speed lifts on the planet. The snowfall
averages over 400 inches (more than 10 metres) per year.
Then there's the rapidly expanding base village, now spawning
new resort villages as it moves past adolescence into adulthood.
It's pedestrian only and filled with tempting cafés,
international stores and around 100 restaurants including
Chinese, French, Greek, Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican
and Thai cuisine.
If skiing, 'boarding, shopping, eating
and sleeping are not enough for you then there's always
those 'other things to do in Whistler.' In fact there isn't
much you can't do in Whistler, so enjoy!
Statistics:
Vertical Drop: 1,530m - 5,020ft
Top Elevation: 2,182m - 7,160ft
Base Elevation: 653m - 2,214ft
Lifts: 16 (2 gondolas, 9 chairs, 5 surface)
Terrain:  20%
 55%
 25%
Trails: 100+
Skiable Acres: 1,382h - 3,314a
Longest Run: 11km - 7.0 miles
Annual Snowfall: 914cm - 360"
Snowmaking: 65h - 160a
Cross Country: 21km
Snowboards: Yes/Park and Pipe
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