Whistler/Blackcomb Resort -- Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, 4545 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4 (tel. 866/218-9690 or 604/932-3434; snow report 604/687-1032; www.whistlerblackcomb.com), are jointly operated by Intrawest, so your pass affords access to both ski areas. You can book nearly all accommodations and activities in Whistler from their website.
From its base in Whistler Village, Whistler Mountain has 1,530m (5,018 ft.) of vertical and over 100 marked runs that are serviced by a total of 16 lifts. From its base in Upper Village, Blackcomb Mountain has 1,610m (5,280 ft.) of vertical and over 100 marked runs that are served by a total of 17 lifts. Both mountains also have bowls and glade skiing, with Blackcomb offering glacier skiing well into August. Together, the two mountains comprise the largest ski resort in North America, offering over 8,100 skiable acres -- 3,000 more than the largest U.S. resort.
During winter, lift tickets for 3 days of skiing on both mountains cost C$166 to C$222 (US$132-US$178) for adults, C$142 to C$189 (US$113-US$151) for youths and seniors, and C$84 to $113 (US$67-US$90) for children. Lifts are open 8:30am to 3:30pm (to 4:30pm mid-Mar to closing, depending on weather and conditions).
Whistler/Blackcomb offers ski lessons and guides for all levels and interests. (For skiers looking to try snowboarding, a half-day lesson plus rentals is a particularly attractive package.) Phone Guest Relations at tel. 604/932-3434 for details. Ski, snowboard, and boot rentals are available from the resort, and can be booked online. In addition, dozens of independent shops provide equipment rentals. Affinity Sports www.affinityrentals.com) has seven locations in the Whistler area, with online reservations available. Summit Ski (tel. 604/938-6225 or 604/932-6225; www.summitsport.com), has three locations in Whistler and rents high-performance and regular skis, snowboards, cross-country skis, and snowshoes.
Snowcat Skiing and Boarding -- Lifts and choppers aren't the only way up a mountain. Powder Mountain Catskiing (tel. 877/PWDR-FIX or 604/932-0169; www.powdermountaincatskiing.com), uses snowcats to climb up into a private skiing area south of Whistler where skiers and boarders will find 4,000 skiable acres on two mountains. The price, C$449 (US$359) per person, includes a full day of skiing, usually six to eight runs down 2,100 to 3,000m (7,000-10,000 ft.) of vertical untracked powder, plus transport to/from Whistler, breakfast, lunch, and guides.
