Trails.com - Your Guide to the Outdoors
Your guide to the outdoors.
Search for:
  • Trails
  • Photos
  • Members
  • Gear

Facts About Whistler Blackcomb

Email Share
By Candace Horgan
Facts About Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, the host site for the 2010 Winter Olympic downhill skiing events, is one of the preeminent destination ski resorts in the world. The resort's owner, Intrawest, operates 10 ski resorts, including Winter Park, Steamboat and Copper in Colorado, and Stratton in Vermont.

History

Originally called London Mountain, Whistler opened in 1966 and Blackcomb opened in 1980. When looking at the mountains from Whistler Village, Whistler is on the right. The two resorts competed for more than a decade, then merged in March 1997.

Vertical

Both Whistler and Blackcomb have vertical drops of more than 5,000 feet. Blackcomb has a slightly longer vertical drop of one mile, while Whistler's vertical is 5,020 feet.

Terrain

Combined, Whistler Blackcomb offers 8,171 acres of skiing on more than 200 trails, which is almost 3,000 more acres than its closest competitor, Vail. Whistler has 20 lifts, Blackcomb 17. Whistler has two terrain parks, while Blackcomb has three terrain parks, one super pipe and a snow cross.

Snow

Whistler Blackcomb averages 402 inches of snow annually. Its snow-base record is 197 inches (1974). In addition to the snowfall, Whistler has snowmaking on 215 acres of terrain, and Blackcomb has snowmaking on 350 acres.

Restaurants

Along with the many amenities in Whistler Village, Whistler Blackcomb has a total of 17 slope-side restaurants.

About The Author

Candace Horgan grew up in New York and moved to Colorado in 1994. She has worked as a freelance journalist for 12 years, and contributes regularly to the "Denver Post," "Mix," US College Hockey Online, and other publications.
Write for Trails.com

  • Editor's Pick

    How to Walk in Snowshoes

    How to Walk in Snowshoes

    Unlike with skiing or snowboarding, the only real skill you need in order to snowshoe is the ability to walk. You'll find snowshoes used for everything from gnarly backcountry adventures to recreational use in city parks. An important part of walking in snowshoes is maki...

    More Snowshoeing...
  • Popular Article

    Ice Traction Accessories for Shoes

    Ice Traction Accessories for Shoes

    Traveling across ice and snow is a dangerous activity that should not be attempted unless you have the proper ice traction accessories. Traction devices are designed to dig into the ice and help you maintain stability and comfort when walking, hiking or climbing. Before ...

    More Ice Climbing...
  • Featured Video

    How to Hit a Jump in Snowboarding

    How to Hit a Jump in Snowboarding

    Learn the basics of jumping and how to hit a jump on a snowboard in this free snowboarding video lesson.

    More Snowboarding...

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword