Blackcomb, B.C.

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Whistler/Blackcomb has gathered many superlatives from the ski press in recent years. The size and variety of skiing is unsurpassed in North America. Many upper intermediate and better skiers believe that the quality as well as quantity of terrain is also North America’s finest. Skiers accustomed to the consistent snow or sun weather cycles of Utah or Colorado should be prepared for the unpredictability of Pacific Northwest weather. The mountains do have distinct differences, and Vancouver locals often have a strong preference for one over the other.

The above snow statistics show the impact of elevation upon snowfall rather than any difference between the two ski areas. The huge vertical and proximity to the ocean (about 30 miles) influence Whistler weather. The base area gets rain frequently and all major lifts from the base are covered. The lower mountain runs have snowmaking to build a deep enough base to hold up into April. Surface conditions can be pretty sloppy, and many skiers download at the end of the day after skiing the better snow up higher. Even without the lower runs, remember that these areas have 3,500 vertical on 6,000 acres.

On average it rains to the top of Whistler / Blackcomb 2 or 3 times per season. However, it snows a lot in the alpine region, and the snow up there is generally lighter than at most West Coast areas, although not as dry as in the Rockies. Snow preservation in the alpine is excellent, second only to Mammoth on the West Coast.

Pacific Northwest weather is unpredictable, as exemplified by the common joke that Whistler is a 4 season resort because you experience all 4 seasons in the same day. With the huge vertical, it is possible to board a base area lift in the rain and ride through snow and fog and finally emerge into sun at the top. The lower mountain surface is likely to be better in December and January when the snowmaking can be used more often. However, the alpine region has better coverage and visibility in February and later months. The lifts close at 3PM through January and at 3:30PM from February onward.

During storms, Whistler will usually have more terrain closures than Blackcomb. In warm weather, Whistler will turn to spring conditions more gradually than Blackcomb with its greater north exposures. Now that Intrawest controls both areas, Blackcomb closes in late April while Whistler runs several upper lifts (2,500+ vertical) for at least another month. Then Blackcomb’s Horstman Glacier T-bars (800 vertical) are used in the summer.

Terrain Type:

Cruising: Blackcomb has a continuous west facing fall line of 4,000 vertical from the Rendezvous restaurant to the base. If the lower runs have bad snow, there’s still 2,000 vertical on Solar Coaster. In spring conditions, it’s best to start in the north facing Jersey Cream area (1,200 vertical) and save Solar Coaster for the afternoon.

Whistler’s Emerald Chair is a direct analogy to Jersey Cream, north facing and at similar elevation. Check the grooming report for longer runs near the Black chair, such as Raven, Bear Paw or Tokum. Franz’s or the Dave Murray Downhill may be groomed to the Creekside base. Although low altitude, they get less traffic than the runs to Whistler Village and can develop corn snow in early afternoon.

Moguls: Blackcomb: Usually a couple of runs on the long front face, such as Gearjammer, will be mogulled and best left to the afternoons on sunny days. There will also be good bumps on several ungroomed trails approaching the popular Glacier and 7^th Heaven lifts.

Whistler: The upper sections of Whistler Bowl and Harmony Bowl usually have the best moguls. Also check out Chunky’s Choice and ungroomed runs on the Black chair.

Steeps: Whistler: Nearly all the entrances to Glacier Bowl, Whistler Bowl and West Bowl are impressively steep. The Horseshoe Chutes provide the steepest lines in Harmony Bowl.

Blackcomb’s most well known steep run is the Couloir Extreme, overlooking the Rendezvous restaurant. It faces west and is often best left to afternoons. From the Horstman Glacier area, bear left into Secret Bowl, which provides access to north facing Pakalolo and Secret Chute. The longest steep runs are Ruby and Diamond Bowls, accessible by climbing Spanky’s Ladder from the Glacier chair.

Wide Open Spaces: Whistler offers the most extensive open bowl skiing in North America. There are six bowls covering as broad an expanse as Vail or Mammoth, but steeper and better exposed (north instead of south) than Vail, and with longer fall lines (over 2,000 vertical in some cases) than Mammoth. The Peak chair accesses the expert-oriented Glacier, Whistler and West Bowls plus a long catwalk to the shorter and mellower Bagel Bowl. The Harmony Express serves intermediate and expert terrain in the Harmony, Symphony and Burnt Stew sectors. From the back of Harmony, Whistler blasted open a notch to create a wide open groomed run in Glacier Bowl.

Blackcomb’s open terrain is varied in character. 7^th Heaven is a broad south face similar to China Bowl at Vail. North of 7^th Heaven is the Horstman Glacier, an intermediate bowl with an 800 vertical T-bar. From Horstman, you can choose among the steep chutes dropping into Jersey Cream Bowl or continue down Blue Line to the Glacier Creek area. The most distinctive open terrain is the immense Blackcomb Glacier, reached by a short hike from the Showcase T-bar. It’s a mile wide and 3 miles long, with a choice of intermediate or advanced routes. After reaching tree line, there’s another 3 miles on the exit trail leading to the Excelerator chair for a total drop of 4,000 vertical feet.

Stormy weather or marine cloud layers can make alpine visibility very difficult. Take advantage of clear weather days by skiing the high alpine regions early and often. Don’t forget your camera for the breathtaking views.

Trees: Whistler has a transition zone of glades starting on the ridgelines separating some of the bowls. The most noteworthy areas are the lower boundaries of Whistler Bowl and the back side of Harmony Ridge. As you must ski and traverse through the alpine to reach these areas, skier density is low and new snow can last awhile.

Blackcomb’s transition zone is more abrupt, but the area has cut some glades below 7^th Heaven and from the Crystal area down to the Blackcomb Glacier exit road. Most of these have sunny exposures and are best skied in fresh snow.

Powder: Whistler’s sprawling alpine bowls can offer outstanding powder skiing, although at least half the above treeline acreage is likely to be inaccessible when the Peak chair is closed during storms. After storms, the direct lines near Peak and Harmony will get tracked out quickly, but powder lasts quite a while in outlying areas such as Symphony / Burnt Stew to the east , West and Bagel Bowls to the far west and the glades just below timberline.

Blackcomb’s 7^th Heaven and Glacier lifts are more likely to operate during storms than Whistler Peak. However, both areas get tracked out quickly with the high lift capacity. Powder lasts the longest on the Blackcomb Glacier and the Spanky’s Ladder expert runs which merge into it. Recall that it takes 2 chairs, a T-bar and a short hike (minimum 45 minutes total) to complete a circuit on the Blackcomb Glacier.

Hiking and Backcountry: Both areas have enlightened boundary policies typical in Canada. You’re on your own but responsible for any rescue costs. Due to the nature of the glaciated terrain, guides with transceivers and rescue equipment are strongly recommended.

Crowds: Blackcomb’s efficient high speed lift system was one of the key factors in making Intrawest a successful ski company. There can be skier congestion in popular areas, such as Glacier Creek, the site of 2 high speed lifts and an excellent day lodge and cafeteria. Blackcomb is still a large enough mountain that many trails will be less busy. The Blackcomb Glacier always has low skier density due to its slight inconvenience.

Whistler has traditionally had lower lift capacity than Blackcomb despite having more usable ski acreage. The lift system has been upgraded in recent years in response to Blackcomb’s competition. The Peak chair used to have horrendous lift lines before Harmony Express was built to provide alternative access to some of the alpine bowls. As of 1997-98 Whistler had 3 high speed quads and 2 gondolas vs. the 6 high speed quads and one gondola at Blackcomb. When Intrawest purchased Whistler, the Peak Chair was converted to a high speed quad for 1998-99. Whistler still has quite a few off-the-beaten-track areas where skier density is extremely low.

The one point of congestion can be getting up the mountain from Whistler Village in the morning. During peak periods it’s advisable to be there by the 9AM opening. If you really want to beat the rush, consider the First Tracks breakfast up on the mountain at 7:30AM.

Intermediates: Both mountains are more advanced to expert weighted than most North American destination resorts. Nonetheless, most intermediates will be challenged and inspired rather than intimidated. Extensive alpine regions in Harmony Bowl, Burnt Stew Basin, 7^th Heaven and the Blackcomb Glacier are intermediate accessible. Grooming is excellent on most of the mid and lower mountain trails. Stamina may be tested by the extra long runs and variable snow conditions.

Novices: Whistler / Blackcomb is a questionable destination for beginners. Most green trails on the map are catwalks or would be rated blue on many other mountains. Blackcomb’s front face is a continuous fall line similar to Sun Valley. Whistler has a little bit of flat terrain up at the Roundhouse, but the teaching areas for beginners at both mountains are at low altitude with inconsistent snow conditions.

Children: Suitability for children is dependent upon ability considerations discussed above. Most children need to be closely supervised on such vast mountains.

Most Canadians bemoan the high cost of Whistler / Blackcomb, particularly compared to the bargain resorts of interior B.C. At current exchange rates, lift ticket and restaurant expenses are below average compared to top American resorts. Those planning to eat meals in their condos should stock up in Squamish on the way in from Vancouver. Accommodations are expensive, but no other resort has as much lodging within walking distance of the lifts. There has been extensive real estate development in recent years at Whistler, so it is worth examining a detailed map when booking. The new North Village and some of the outlying Blackcomb properties are farther from the lifts than the day parking lots. Whistler Creekside is a very convenient 100 yards from a Whistler gondola but 3 miles from Whistler Village or the Blackcomb base.