For many skiers the two towering mountains of Canada's Whistler-Blackcomb, near the western seaboard of British Columbia, provide the best skiing in North America. They have the biggest vertical drop and offer 8,171 acres (3,307 hectares) of total terrain for skiing.
The Whistler Valley and Resort has also been visited for decades as a summer mountain retreat. It is a four season resort with skiing and riding available from late November to early August. There are numerous other activities for year-round enjoyment such as golf, mountain biking and hiking at Whistler resort.
Whistler/Blackcomb offers a vast and exciting network of more than 100 km of trails to explore. Gentle forested terrain suitable for recreational riders, steep technical descents and competition caliber downhills - there is something for everyone.
Spend the day exploring on your own from mid-station down to the village, and take the gondola back up as many times as you like! Or, join a guided descent tour from the top of Whistler Mountain making your way from 1,530 m (5,020 feet) back to the village along open meadows, single-track forests and lush glades. Bikes and helmets are available to rent. Guides and lessons are also available and may include lift passes and access to the Bike Park. The Whistler Bike Park is located 1/3 of the way up the mountain and features a skills centre and a variety of single and double track trails for all levels of riders.
For those who prefer a more leisurely ride the best way to explore the breathtaking scenery of Whistler Resort is to cycle along the river's edge and take in the beautiful mountain views. When biking in the wilderness, it's important to know the Trail Etiquette.
Whether you're heading up the mountain for skiing, for an afternoon mountain bike ride, or going for a stroll by the Whistler River; Whistler- Blackcomb offers a great selection of retail shops and rental outlets, which can outfit you with clothing and equipment for all your on and off-the-hill needs.
With over 90 restaurants to choose from, Whistler offers everything from fast foods and deli fare to fine dining. Whistler Village itself offers the largest selection of cuisine with choices including Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, American, fast food, pubs and delicatessens.
No matter where you are staying on the mountain you can be sure a good meal isn't far away with excellent choices for adults and children alike.
During the winter time at Whistler you can enjoy spectacular skiing and boarding but if you feel inclined to do something different you can try some snowshoeing, snowmobiling, take a snowcat tour, or perhaps try some alpine tubing. There is a wide variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors at Whistler. View the lakes, mountains and valleys from above in on a helicopter tour, get close to the water by fishing, a ride in a jet boat or river raftint. The lush valley boasts fine golf courses, or you may wish to explore on horseback or by ATV.
Whistler Mountain features breathtaking views and scenery for both the avid and casual hiker. Summers on the mountain are spectacular. You will find breathtaking views of mountain peaks as far as the eye can see and wild flowers at your feet. You can hike on high alpine meadows or stroll in the valley by the river.
Hikes range in difficulty from easy to challenging, with elevation gains of 20 feet to 1000ft. You can take a 20 minute stroll or a 6 hour hike. Wherever you go the scenery is spectacular; on a hike you might see an extinct volcano, the Whistler Glacier, sparkling lakes, alpine meadows, or vast hemlock-cedar forests.
Whistler also offers guided hiking tours to visit alpine lakes and wildflower meadows and more extensive Eco tours which include the chance to see bears in their natural environment.