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Visitor reviews for Whistler Ski Resort

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• February 07, 2012
  glen from Canada
  

  $1300 for a season pass, bargain, considering most Australian resorts charge $1500 for 350m vert, 1/10th the snowfall, 4/5th the actual season length. Whistler is epic, do your research and know what to expect and you will love it.

• Whistler Ratings

  Based on 26 votes. Vote

  Access: 3.7 (1) At least one overnight stop, (2) requires a whole day, (3) requires more than half a day – you may have time for a few turns (4) arrive by lunchtime and ski all afternoon, (5) there is a main airport within an hour of Whistler.	Public Transport: 4.2 (1) There are no buses or taxis to Whistler, (3) there are slow or infrequent buses / trains available, (5) getting to the resort is easy with frequent bus / train connections.
  Scenery: 4.3 (1) An ugly resort in a bland setting, (3) average mountain views and resort, (5) a spectacular setting and a beautiful / historic resort town.	Accommodation: 4.5 (1) No places to stay in/near Whistler, (3) a few places to stay in the resort, (5) a wide variety of accommodation suitable to suit all budgets.
  Cheap Rooms: 3.3 (1) No budget accommodation available, (3) just one or two hostels so book ahead, (5) several cheap hostels and pensions available.	Luxury Hotels: 4.7 (1) No luxury accommodation available, (3) just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead, (5) several up-market hotels in Whistler.
  Ski in/Ski out: 4.5 (1) The ski area is located far from any accommodation, (3) a free ski bus takes you to the ski area in a short trip, (5) Ski-in ski-out accommodation is available.	Childcare: 3.9 (1) There are no child care facilities at Whistler, (5) the resort has excellent child-care facilities including at least one reasonably priced creche.
  Snowsure: 4.5 (1) Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing, (2) is often closed due to a lack of snow, (3) occasionally suffers from a lack of snow, (4) rarely suffers from a lack of snow, (5) Whistler is snowsure even in the poorest seasons.	Snowmaking: 3.8 (1) Whistler relies entirely on natural snow, (3) there are just a few snow cannons, (5) there are snowmaking facilities on all pistes.
  Snow Grooming: 4.0 (1) There are no snow groomers at Whistler, (3) occasionally some pistes are left ungroomed and in a poor state, (5) all the runs at Whistler are groomed daily.	Shelter: 4.0 (1) there is nowhere to ski when it is windy or visibility is bad and lifts often shut, (3) there are some trees for poor visibility but main lifts sometimes close, (5) Whistler is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close.
  Nearby options: 2.7 (1) If snow conditions are poor at Whistler, it will be poor everywhere nearby, (3) there are good alternatives within an hours drive, (5) other locations on the same lift pass provide a rich variety of snowsure ski conditions.	Regional rating: 4.2 (1) Whistler usually has poor snow conditions compared to other resorts in region, (3) has average conditions for the region, (5) usually has the best snow conditions in the region.
  Lift Staff: 4.2 (1) The staff at Whistler are rude or unhelpful, (5) lift staff at Whistler are pleasant, cheerful and eager to help.	Crowds/Queues: 2.7 (1) the resort is always busy and there are usually long lift queues, (3) it is quiet apart from occasional weekends and school holidays, (5) it is uncrowded and lift queues are very rare.
  Ski Schools: 4.6 (1) No ski schools available, (2) one or two ski schools but local language only, (3) a few ski schools but book early for multi-lingual instructors, (4) plenty of ski schools and multi-lingual instructors available, (5) excellent ski schools with friendly multi-lingual ski instructors.	Hire and Repairs: 4.7 (1) Nothing can be sourced, not even ski-wax or ptex. (3) there are some ski shops but rentals need to be booked in advance, (5) good quality ski equipment can be purchased or hired and overnight repairs are possible.
  Variety of pistes: 4.5 (1) The ski runs are featureless and unvaried, (3) the ski runs are varied but not extensive enough for a week, (5) Whistler has diverse and interesting pistes including forests and high alpine terrain.	Beginners: 4.0 (1) Beginners can only watch others ski and snowboard, (3) a few gentle slopes but beginners will get bored in less than a week, (3) Vast areas of gentle terrain.
  Intermediates: 4.5 (1) No intermediate terrain at Whistler, (3) intermediate skiers will get bored after a few days, (5) vast areas of cruising runs.	Advanced: 4.4 (1) Nothing for advanced skiers and snowboarders, (3) enough steep terrain for a few days with some good offpiste, (5) Enough steep terrain and offpiste areas to entertain advanced skiers for at least a week.
  Snow Park: 4.4 (1) Not even a kicker at Whistler, (3) average sized park quite well looked after, (5) huge park area and expertly crafted pipes, jumps and boardercross trails.	Off-piste: 4.3 (1) No off-piste worth mentioning, (2) off piste is out-of-bounds, (3) some varied offpiste that stays fresh for one or two days, (5) a vast array of off-piste routes that can stay untracked for several days.
  Cross-country: 4.1 (1) There is nowhere to go for cross-country skiing around Whistler, (3) there are some cross country trails available, (5) the area features many spectacular and well maintained cross-country trails.	Luge/Toboggan: 4.0 (1) No designated luge or toboggan runs, (3) there are toboggan runs that open quite often, (5) Whistler has long and well maintained luge / toboggan facilities suitable for all ages.
  Mountain Dining: 4.2 (1) Nowhere to buy food by the pistes, (3) some places to eat up on the mountain but they are often busy and expensive, (5) there is a variety of excellent mountain eateries right next to the slopes to suit all budgets.	Eating: 4.3 (1) Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. (5) A wide variety of places to eat and drink in the resort, from fast food to fancy restaurants.
  Apres-Ski: 4.5 (1) Nothing to do, not even a bar, (3) there are a few bars in the resort but nothing special, (5) clubs and bars stay open until very late and have a friendly atmosphere.	Other Sports: 4.1 (1) No sports facilities at all apart from ski lifts, (3) resort has just a small public swimming pool, (5) resort has all kinds of sports facilities, including a full-size swimming pool.
  Entertainment: 4.2 (1) Besides the snow and walking there is nothing to do here, (3) the non-skier will find things to do for few days but may become bored after a week, (5) the resort area is a fascinating place to visit, regardless of winter sports.	Winter Walks: 3.9 (1) Very limited walking and no snowshoe trails, (3) a couple of designated scenic walking/snowshoe trails, (5) extensive and diverse winter walking trails for all abilities.
  Ski Pass Value: 3.7 (1) A 1 week ski pass is overpriced compared to the number of lifts available, (3) the ski pass is averagely priced and covers a reasonable number of lifts, (5) ski passes are excellent value for money and cover a lot of lifts spanning a big area.	Value (National): 3.6 (1) Overall, Whistler is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country and not worth the money, (3) overall represents average value for money, (5) overall offers the best value resort in the country.
  Value (Global): 3.8 (1) Overall, Whistler is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, (3) overall it offers pretty average value for money compared to resorts from other countries, (5) internationally the resort offers excellent value for money.

  Based on 26 votes. Vote

• January 29, 2012
  Donkey from Australia
  

  Am disappointed in some other Aussies here - why have a rip, u knew you were coming to a ski hill come with more then a bad attitude.

  Whistler:
  28 - Jan 12.
  What can I say, this place is huge, you imagine skiing it it's here, pow, pillows, bowls, cliffs, groomers, glaciers, bumps, trees, park - wow - and there more then 1 of everything!

  Weekends are super busy but ride smart and ask the locals and you can avoid the crowds till about 12 if you are sitting on a chair at 0820 in the morning. Tracked fresh (although it was in the order of 7-10cm yesterday) on one of the runs under the chair until 1030 - a Sat!

  Yes, it's under lifted but Monday to Friday it's better then ideal, the snow ATM is in great shape, however, some lower elevation rain always make it tricky - but how can anyone whine - go to another resort with 1km of vert that's high elevated, however, there is nothing like dropping the glacier and skiing the 1.8km vert (11km) back to the village after a good day's riding!

  Steep here is steeeep and the expert stuff is off the handle!

  Food prices are fine in town and shopping is survivable - I'm here for 2 months on extended holiday and am by no means well off but I'm getting by comfortably - the Canadians are amazing, the true spirited Aussies here are great - look out for the weekend and holiday yanks and the ass Aussies - five stars - will be back!

• January 29, 2012
  John Young from New Zealand
  

  Just returned from Whistler yesterday after skiing thirteen days straight in the best snow conditions we have encountered, bar Cat skiing at Mustang, in over forty years of skiing in New Zealand, Canada and Japan. Skiing is all about luck, being in the right place at the right time, certainly the right time in Whistler this year. It was relatively cold one day at minus 30 in the wind, with fresh snow most days coating the trees in the village. Snow quality was excellent right to the bottom of the lifts, at these temperatures even the snow makers down the bottom were producing powder.
  All the staff we encountered on the ski field and in the village made you really welcome, whoever is running the program for repeat business needs commending.
  The variety of runs was fantastic, still making heaps of new discoveries at the end of thirteen days, the runs off the trail to Seventh Heaven through the trees was almost as good as cat skiing when we were there.
  The only bitch, nothing to do with Whistler, install a program to train the young dudes how to cut a decent line and not waste all the good snow with wide sliding turns on their fat skis and snowboards. Plenty of powder for everyone then.
  We will be back.

• January 27, 2012
  Adam from Canada
  

  The high alpine areas opens late on days after fresh snow has fallen because of the need to perform avalanche control. This is hardly unique to Whistler, it's the case at any mountain with high alpine terrain. There's no way around it, unless you particularly want regular news stories about hundreds of skiers being buried in avalanches.

• January 27, 2012
  Sean Ongers from United Kingdom
  

  My wife and I visited Whistler for our first Canadian experience, what an amazing place! So much snow, over 100cm has fallen whilst we have been here!

  The slopes have been kept in great shape, being an intermediate boarder and this being my wife's first time the learners area on the Whistler side is fantastic. A magic carpet, 2 very wide learning slopes. One was groomed to perfection each day and the other was a powder field. Who would have thought a beginner could start out on pow and love it!

  Off the slopes there is also lots to do, Dog Sledding (a little expensive but great), the Peak 2 Peak gondola, a Cinema, fantastic bars and restaurants and great shopping opportunities.

  The prices are a little expensive but less than most European resorts I have been to. The list lines are a little long on weekends however they are run with a great attitude, no pushing and shoving and always a smiling lifty, Find that in Europe, I think not!

  If powder is what you seek, head over to the Symphony and Harmony lifts on Whistler but there are some long Cat tracks on the way back to the sort if you don't hit the right lines on the way back. Alternately, head over to the Crystal lift, the runs through the trees are awesome!

  We will definitely be coming back!

  Whistler, we love you...

• January 26, 2012
  Sal from Canada
  

  Great skiing. Now lots of fresh snow although a bit wind affected. It has been blowing up to 135kmh!! Trees have enough snow now! And yeah, it's crowded on weekends but not midweek!!

• January 25, 2012
  Geoff from Australia
  

  Thought I'd represent the families - we came from Australia for 2 weeks skiing after the Olympics, where my wife was working. And we just came again for another 2 weeks, bringing our 3, 5 and 7 year olds, who are all in ski school. They love it! The facilities for kids at Blackcomb are fantastic compared to Australia / N.Z. Staying in the Chateau, it's expensive, but you can see the ski-school out the window!

  I agree the lifts are a bit old school, we only ski during weekdays so doesn't impact us that much. A few more 8 person chairs with the big black comfy seats ala Europe would come in handy.

  It's been snowing since we got here. I'm a groomed run guy, and I find, while there is a lot of powder, it is quite damp, even in the high areas. Last time it was sunny, and quite nice for groomed runs up top, and slushy at the bottom.

  Overall, awesome for young families. Can't comment on the night life or drugs, obviously.

• January 24, 2012
  Gui from Canada
  

  Whistler is definitively over-rated.

  I went there for the first time on Saturday 10 days ago. Crowded! It has been 10 years since I had to wait so long at the lifts. They opened the top at 12, and they close at 3pm. Is that a joke? Is that why I paid 100$ ? 6h of skiing (including 2 waiting in line at the lift) !!
  The mountain is the biggest in the area but is nothing compare to what's in Europe (where the pass is 35 euros a day and you never, never wait at the lifts).
  So I'll try again on a weekday and if still busy and not worth then I'll stick to the backcountry...

• January 24, 2012
  Jake from Australia
  

  Snow has had a late start to the season but pow pow is everywhere. Now lets hope it will hold, it's been epic up there last few days if you know where to go. Really can live the powder dreams.

• January 21, 2012
  Dan from Australia
  

  To another reviewer: You're making Australians look bad (which we don't need much help with) though I think you maybe trolling the Australian in Whistler stereotype of cramming 10 Aussies underneath the stairs.

  Accommodation is expensive, but your example is ludicrous. I'm paying $650 all inclusive for my own room in a 6 person house - 4 bathrooms, 4 bedrooms. I haven't skied other resorts but the season pass is expensive, best advice there is to get up the mountains as much as you can. 50 days - $26 a day, push 100 days and you'll definitely be getting value for money.

  Oh and I'm all for drinking and drugs, but maybe you should do slightly less of both so you can afford food. And if you already have your season pass, why do you need money to go skiing? Should all be sorted!

• January 20, 2012
  Adam from Canada
  

  This is meant to be a site for reviewing the place as a ski/snowboard resort, not a place to tell the world your hard-luck employment story.

  Whistler's having tricky conditions this year, but then it's better than many places which have just about no snow at all. It has been very icy below 1500m; frankly I'd suggesting sticking to the high alpine all day and downloading via gondola, in the current conditions. Even if you don't break your leg negotiating the ice sheets down to the village, you're not going to be having much fun. Of course, the lower areas with snow guns and grooming are probably fine if you're into that kinda thing.

  Up in the alpine there's still some pretty nice snow, though, and the forecast is for more or less continuous dumps for the next week or so, so it could get very nice in a hurry.

  As to Whistler in general - yeah, it's big, and busy, and maybe a little under-chaired. A good day to go is midweek on a day with good snow but no sun, if you can swing it. Lots of strange people don't like to ride on snow when it's snowing.

  As far as food goes I tend to avoid the on-mountain stuff entirely and come down to the village for lunch, where there are some really good places if you don't mind taking an hour break.

  Another small gripe: the trail map plots a lot of long, flat areas as parts of runs, with absolutely no indication of this. It's clearly designed for skiers. If you're a boarder, there's some runs you'll quickly learn to avoid, and some to be careful on (you can wind up hiking quite a long way in the Harmony bowl if you don't pick your lines right).

  In the end...Whistler's a really big resort which is amazing if you manage to hit it on a day with good snow and not too many crowds, and will probably have somewhere you can have a good time on just about any day. It's never going to feel as 'special' as that obscure backcountry place you hit three feet of pow one March, but that's not really what it's for. And it is at the pricey end of the spectrum for visitors at least.

• January 18, 2012
  John Roberts from Canada
  

  Got here from Oz down under on me work visa. Had to buy me pass friggin $1300 ouch wtf! Whistler, I spent a fortune to get here? My rent is $1000 a month and I share a room and a four bedroom house with 18 other people. My job sucks and pays little, I have to go to the food bank if I want to eat. And if I did not have a trust fund I would be fuct! Warning, worker visa beware you could be cash cow slave for Whistler. At least there are plenty of drugs so when you can not afford to ski you can get drunk and hi all the time. Fun! Until Whistler sells a fair season pass for locals and worker visas for under $450 they are crooks, thanks Dave Brownlie the yes man for Fortress. Fortress is the parent company of Whistler they took it public why? Because they could not sell it! Hello, so now they are not putting any money back into it either, they keep issuing a dividend to keep the stock price up. I need not say what will happen.

  [note from the editor: this post will remain for a short time]

• January 18, 2012
  Ed Wood from Canada
  

  It is very cold right now -20. This year the conditions have been sketchy. I have seen a bunch of injuries due to sporadic snow. Ice has formed due to fluctuating temperatures. Many injuries at the bottom of the hill last week because of ice.
  Whistler has done what Aspen has done without the real estate to sell. Whistler has made skiing unaffordable.

• January 16, 2012
  Sarah from United Kingdom
  

  I like Whistler. The good stuff:

  I like the quantity of snow (though it rained from half way down when I was there last week),
  I like the friendliness and,
  I like the bowls for endless fun.
  The good value on mountain food.

  What I don't like:
  There is nothing more frustrating than the fact that the lifts at to top end of the mountain close in January at 2.30! I understand why (gets dark relatively early and the patrols have to sweep the bowls as well as the pistes), but there must be a way of extending skiing time.

  The lift company needs to get some 6 or 8 man chairs! Last week the queues at times were longer than the lifts in the 3 valley's in February half-term.

  Soulless on mountain eateries. Mostly rather industrial scale-the big ones all have the same menu. The small places are really small and can't cope with numbers.

  The excruciating cost of the lift pass and the groceries from the village supermarket.

  So...from this side of the pond, is it worth the 9.5hr flight and 8 hours worth of jet lag? Last season the answer would be yes as Europe's snow fall was dire. This season? Not sure it is. It's a big resort by North American standards, but for sheer variety and charm, I'll plump for this side of the Atlantic.

• January 10, 2012
  Small Voice from Canada
  

  Boys and Girls, it's all about perspective.

  I have skied California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado Vermont, Maine, Chamonix, and the BC interior Quebec, Chamonix and Val D'Isere, St.Moritz, Courmayer and Austria.

  Whistler infrastructure is as good as any place in the world and if you can't find a bowl or run that you like, try Disneyland.

  Because it's so close to the coast, it can get wet. But look at the Western USA these days and it is so far from the coast, there is no snow this year.

  So accept that this is a weather related sport and if the snow gods are kind to you, any place can blow you away. And if it's good expect people to be there.

  To the Europeans please respect lift lines and stay off the back of my skis. To the Americans tone it down and to the Canadians, smile we have a lot to be proud of. 13 gold medals and clean too!

• January 07, 2012
  Matt from United Kingdom
  

  We have been to Whistler 6 times in the last 10 years. The place is massive, there's still places I've not been or hiked to (if you're into that sort of thing) after all this time. We normally stay in Creekside which has it's own gondala and is generally quieter than the main resort.

  It's true that you can experience rain from time to time, but isn't that the same everywhere?. I've had rain in Breckenridge, Colorado and the base there is at the summit of Whistler!. When it's on an off day, Whistler is still good, if you catch it right for the snow then it is absolutely amazing. We had 245cm in 10 days last year, day after day of amazing powder.

  I know the marketing can be a bit over the top, but as with everyone, they are out to make money. The lifties are friendly and the staff polite, beer and food is not too much if you find the right places (Dusty's, Longhorn). I keep saying I'll try somewhere else with the good lady, but we love it so much there it's so hard not to spend my hard earned cash there (you only live once!)

  Cheers

  Matt

• January 06, 2012
  snala from New Zealand
  

  Been here 3 years worth of holidays now (41 days). Why:
  Cost: For us $58cad a day lift passes. If you are coming here on a holiday then you know when and can book things early. Same with the accommodation. Ski in/out condo for $170cad a night and it sleeps 4. $45 a night is cheap enough for swimming pools, ski valet and on mountain accommodation!?
  The mountain: This place is massive. Has everything for everyone. Mostly express lifts too which is all you need. Gets busier on weekends on nice days (i.e. powder) but which good ski fields don’t? Only 10 minutes to swap from one side to the other with Peak to Peak too.
  Snow: Up high is usually very dependable. Back bowls/glacier can be like free heli-skiing if you get lucky. Can be variable down low sometimes but you can choose not to ski there which most intermediate+ skiers do anyway with the terrain available above. Even so that still provides 1000m vertical on both sides above the bottom lift system. Last year we had knee deep powder down to the village so it’s not always bad either.
  Mountain facilities: The two big cafes are fine. 5 of us never had trouble getting seats at lunchtime. You might have to actually look around a bit for a couple of minutes or share a table but so what. You can also use the other cafes which are never full etc Chik Pea, Glacier Creek and Crystal Hut.
  Climate: Because it’s low down it isn’t crazy cold so easy to acclimatise. Visibility can be variable in clouds but there is a lot of tree level runs so still easy to see in those conditions.
  Village: Has a lot of shops, restaurants, pubs and 2 supermarkets so you can make your own meals if you want to. Has everything that you would want on holiday and has plenty of shops if you need gear fixed or want to buy.

  In comparison we did 2 weeks in Colorado one year, Summit County, and it was much colder all the time, took time to get used to the altitude and had very bad snow on all 5 of the resorts we skied there. It sounds like that’s happening again this year too there. The resorts had potential but only Vail seemed similar to Whistler in what it seemed to offer terrain variety wise and it’s nowhere near as big or easy to get around.

  So reviews are obviously based on experiences and based on that Whistler is a lot easier to recommend as every year so far it’s been great.

• January 06, 2012
  @aw + @ snow quality from the US from Canada
  

  AW..the lift system isn't big enough....aww...boo hoo...it's effin' Christmas, what do you expect? Try skiing pow laps off of peak in February on a Wednesday...epic!!!! Or take your #at ass into the back country if you want less people...wake up...7 billion people on the planet and they want to ski the best resort in the world.

  Build the village higher.....yup...great idea! Take the lift an extra 5 mins to the alpine and see why any serious ski pros choose to base themselves out of W/B.....please, don't come up here...hard to find a seat at lunch!...oh...what a horrid experience! Ever think of trying to find a seat when it's not lunch hour...dumb#$s

  If you don't like W/B...don't come....ski your shitty resorts in UK or, to the Americans, spend your weak dollar at Squaw Valley....$90 lift plus $25 parking.

• January 05, 2012
  Boardman from Australia
  

  This resort was rated Number 1 in North America for a reason. Not just by one million Canadians.
  Yes, there are some crowds during holidays, like any decent ski resort, or holiday destination, so plan around it. I do.

  Wow, "massive" marketing budget. So stay away if you are anti corporate. I have never had anyone try to sell me a condo over lunch whilst in Whistler.

  I guess if the snow is not up to your standard, you should probably stay south of the border. "People from the USA do not bother with Whistler" as quoted from a previous comment.

  Sounds like more space on the outdated lifts for me and my friends in Whistler. And more POW.

  I wouldn't have it any other way.

• January 01, 2012
  AW from United Kingdom
  

  Been skiing here the last 4 days. A lot of people as it's a busy time. But the slopes, with a few exceptions, have been quiet.

  Why? Because the list system just isn't big enough for the size of mountain - and numbers of people during busy times.

  Compare to big European resorts with 6 and 8 man express chairs (and some in the USA too).

  Underinvestment by the resort owners - the flagship equipment is the Peak to Peak cabin - but that rarely has a queue.

  The snow, however, is awesome.

• December 30, 2011
  snow quality from United States
  

  This resort is voted No.1 because of the 1 million + patriotic Canadians living nearby that have never tried other resorts and depend on the mountain in some form for a living. In addition, Whistler has an enormous marketing budget globally.

  I do not see many people other than people from UK, Australia and local Canadians and rude others on the mountain. People from the USA do not bother with Whistler - wonder why? It is icy and wet with heavy snow from top to bottom and overrated and overcrowded.
  The village needed to be built 600m further up the mountain where the natural snow line is, rather than the bottom third of the mountain being a plain sheet of ice.
  However, they built it lower down so they could say they have the largest resort for their marketing brochures.
  There are no manners on the mountain; I have seen people running into other people and then just skiing off leaving the person they hit on the ground. Also the resort seems under staffed on the mountain; one person on each lift and medics by themselves - the usual is two people at each lift and two medics together at most ski resorts, probably spending those funds on misleading advertising.

  Also do expect each lunchtime to be bothered continually by a condo sales person in disguise as a mountain host - have you ever seen that South Park episode?.

• December 24, 2011
  mattsnow from United States
  

  Wet snow, very icy from top to bottom.

  Crowded with people who do not know how to ski or snowboard from top to bottom and have not seen real snow that is found at ski resorts that have real altitude.

  The base elevation of real ski resorts start where this one ends.

• December 23, 2011
  Bonza from Australia
  

  Terrain, snow and reliable early season makes Whistler one of the iconic mountains on the planet. Would north Americans come here if it wasn't so good (given all the other options they have)?
  Australians (and I'm one of them) know as much about snow as Canadians know about surf.

  Bonza

  [note from editor: edited to maintain relevance]

• December 22, 2011
  Rob from Canada
  

  As a reply to another review:

  A lot of the things you said about Whistler are right.. You speak mostly about it being busy and I agree.

  It does get busy. Why? Because it's awesome and the secret's been out for so long.

  Try and find another resort on the planet that has big mountains, frequent snow, you don't need a car and is a town with many bars, restaurants and clubs.

  Europe has the bars and big mountains but much less frequent snow.

  Interior BC is awesome, fantastic terrain and snow - I love Revy, KH etc. but the nightlife sucks and spending a whole season there (especially in your younger years) is not as overall fun as Whistler.

  Most of the resorts in the US are way smaller than Whistler and you usually need a car.

  Sure it can get busy here on the weekends but during the week it's fine, especially once you know exactly where to go based on the conditions.

  As an overall experience Whistler provides what no other resort I know of can - everything - and that's damn hard to beat.

• December 20, 2011
  john from Canada
  

  The coastal mountains of BC are the pride of us locals!

  [note from the editor: edited for the sake of relevance and our preference to not encourage personal responses]

• December 19, 2011
  Loz from Australia
  

  I have been following winter for many years. I lived/worked at whistler for one season.

  Whistler is all about statistics - big vertical, big dumps, big acreage, big village.

  All of this looks great on paper, but it's not.
  let me explain...

  Whistler is near the ocean, which makes for wet, heavy snow. it's some of the worst I've ridden - go to the interior of BC (eg Monashee, Selkirk, Purcell ranges) for real powder. Unless you have a gigantic board/skis you will find your self fight through the powder rather than enjoying it - the moment you get any on top of you board; you bury.

  Whistler could never accumulate real champagne powder because the moment any falls about 10,000 people stomp it flat immediately.

  The vertical is impressive on paper, but the bottom 3rd is almost always frozen or slushy. (and bad lift-layout segments the vertical)

  The acreage is very large across the two mountains, however, it does feel like one resort which has been cut in half. The terrain is definitely aggressive and challenging but it is by no means unique - you'll find similar and usually better features at Kicking Horse/Revy/Big White, etc.

  The village has no personality at all. It's like a city - which is nice in terms of having facilities, but that's it. When you go out you spend 1hr waiting in line to get in, then you find yourself in a dank pub, which a shitty DJ surrounded by strangers (usually annoying ones).

  LineS - if there's powder or a weekend (heaven forbid both) you will be waiting ages for the lift. but it doesn't stop there - there are lines for everything - to get into the pub, to get a drink, to go to the supermarket - everything.

  I wanted to love Whistler, and I definitely had some amazing days out, but it's nothing special. The only truly impressive thing about Whistler is the park.

  Whistler is the most overrated mountain I have ever seen.

• November 27, 2011
  sal from Canada
  

  Great skiing, lots of snow, can ski out no problem.

• November 26, 2011
  canali from Canada
  

  Am an intermediate skier, living in Vancouver, BC...get out to mainly Cypress midweek and then head to Whistler for Sat (as part of club linc)....

  Like any mtn it can have its good and bad days....but Whistler on a good day (no fog, no rain, no flat light) is an incredible place...sure it can be raining below, as it is forecast for tomorrow; but midstation and up the rain is to instead be 30cm of snow!...what's not to love....and when it's sunny and clear and you're atop one of the bowls, you're blown away by the breathtaking beauty of it all.

  ...and it's huge (with Blackcomb)...there so many places to ride and explore, esp if you're advanced (which I'm not)...and the apres scene afterwords is always a great one with many bars, restaurants etc.

• November 21, 2011
  matt from Canada
  

  To another reviewer, regarding your post that the snow at the lower base of Whistler is crappy and it ruins the vibe, sounds like you're not there for the more intense upper mountain stuff and you're there for the more novice, beginner groomer runs at the bottom of the mountain. Thankyou, Whistler is epic.

• September 30, 2011
  Ian from United Kingdom
  

  I spent 4 months in Whistler and had an amazing time. Yes, the lift prices are expensive if you go for a short period of time but you get so much for your money if you get a season pass. So much snow and the most skiable inbounds terrain. Plus if you know where to look for it plenty of just out of bounds stuff for the more adventurous.
  I tore my ACL, MCL and menicus in my last couple of weeks there and have an operation and 14 weeks of physio since I've been back with a few more months to go before I'm back to "normal" but Whistler is at the top of my list for when I return to the slopes.
  Love the place, love the people, love the atmosphere...enough said!