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Whistler, Canada Height: 675m (ski altitude 675m-2284m)
Good for: Intermediate and advanced skiers; heli-skiing; snowboarding; families; teenagers; disabled skiers; women only groups; non-ski activities. Fewer trails for beginners but still good ski schools, easy access to slopes and plenty of other activities in the locality to provide a change of scene.
Resort description Located in British Columbia, Whistler offers quick and easy access to the largest ski area in North America with a wide variety of pistes to suit all abilities and plenty of non-skiing activities on hand.
There are easy runs for beginners which meander down the mountain through stunning scenery – many finish in the village itself so there isn't far to go when you finish for the day. The majority of runs are classed as intermediate but there is also plenty here to challenge experienced skiers too (including glacier and heli skiing) and the 200+ marked trails are serviced by a fantastic network of high-speed lifts. December 2008 saw the opening of a brand new gondola linking the summits of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains – boasting the longest unsupported lift span in the world (1.88 miles) and taking just 11 minutes to cross. The resort is set to host the 2010 Winter Olympics and there are tours and activities now available at the new facilities, including the Olympic Park and the Whistler Sliding Centre (www.whistlerslidingcentre.com). If you want to visit during the Olympics, you'll need to book well in advance. The Winter Olympics will take place between the 12 and 28th February 2010 and the Paralympics will be here between the 12 and 12 March 2010. You'll be able to enjoy all the sporting action and surrounding festivities, whilst still being able to access approximately 90% of the resort's slopes. The pedestrianised town centre offers plenty of restaurants, bars and shops and there is also a great choice of group accommodation from motels and hotels to self catering apartments and chalets. (Another advantage to bringing the family to North America is that most of the hotels here offer rooms with 2 double beds, sleeping 4). There is also a free village shuttle bus to help you get about the resort when little legs get tired.
As well as dedicated children's and teenagers' lessons, there are special women-only sessions as well as a "Learn to ride" programme for those with physical and cognitive disabilities. And the adventure doesn't stop there! For those in search of more activity there are helicopter sightseeing tours, heli-skiing, eagle viewing, dog sledding, sleigh rides, snow shoe trails, snowmobiles and cross country skiing. Kids are also bound to enjoy the Blackcomb Tube Park (at the Excalibur gondola) or the Whistler ZipTrek which allows visitors to slide between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains in a harness. Which means if anyone in your party fancies a break from the slopes, there is still plenty to keep them amused, whatever their age.
Car hire VancouverWhistler, Canada |
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Snow conditions at the top of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains are usually excellent, with an average of 900cm of snow a year - but the resort has also invested in plenty of snow cannons to ensure that the slopes remain in tip top condition throughout the long season (November through to May)
The Whistler Kids Ski and Snowboard School offers a range of lessons and programmes for 3 – 17 year olds as well as crèche facilities for those not quite ready to don their skis yet. Individual tuition is also available for more flexible learning.
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