Whistler Blackcomb combines two of the best ski mountains in the world into one resort, but until the new peak-to-peak gondola to go from one mountain to another, you had to go to the base of the mountain and then take another lift. Obviously this wasted valuable skiing time, which is why most skiers would choose for the day. So this made me wonder which one I would choose.
Unfortunately my days in any of the mountains are quite limited, so I reached out to a couple of friends who had spent a few seasons in Whistler Blackcomb to see which one they preferred.
My friend John spent 2 seasons in Whistler living in the staff quarters in Blackcomb and Sylvia spent 4 seasons in Whistler and has a preference for Whistler.
The BlackcombMountain case
John – “Both mountains are impressive so it’s a tough choice. I probably skied more in Blackcomb because I lived on that side of town, but both mountains have their benefits depending on the conditions and your preference for terrain.
To fully understand their differences, you must go back to your story. Whistler was built in the 1960s and the tracks were cut where they saw an opportunity for a great race. So Whistler has a more pioneering spirit designed by skiers for skiers.
Blackcomb, on the other hand, was built and designed specifically on a computer screen, resulting in races and lifts connecting much better, making it ideal for skiers looking to navigate and get loads of runs.
On a powder day it’s a tough choice, but if it’s cold and sunny, then 7th Heaven at Blackcomb offers Whistler Blackcomb’s only south-facing bowl that captures more sun to soften the deck.
Intermediate to advanced skiers or practitioners can also head to the glacier accessible only from Blackcomb for fantastic open powder skiing, where fresh runs can be found even hours after the day.
For lovers of rough terrain parks, Blackcomb also has the largest terrain park and half pipe.
For the kids and the kids at heart, the Blackcomb Adventure Center comes complete with a Wizarding Castle, tunnels and fast-turning benches for kids through the trees. Blackcomb is also home to the tubing ski park and night skiing.
The Whistler case
Sylvia – “After 3 seasons living and working with the locals, I tended to ski where the locals preferred and for most of my friends this was Whistler.
Whistler generally has more challenging terrain, including a terrifying 50-foot cliff jump called the Air Jordan. The back bowls at Whistler offer plenty of off-piste skiing. And since the slopes were cut by skiers, they tend to offer a better drop line and challenges.
I particularly love tree skiing and while both mountains have great tree skiing, from Peak Chair in Whistler there is no comparison.
In spring, when the snow gets softer, Whistler tends to handle snow better, so Whistler is usually a better option later in the season. “
Whistler Vs Blackcomb
Therefore, it is not very conclusive, as both Whistler and Blackcomb are incredible mountains and have more than enough terrain and challenges to keep any level of skier or snowboarder in the bliss of a snow holiday; I guess it all comes down to your preferences and conditions of the day.
Fortunately, with the new Peak to Peak gondola, choosing which mountain to ski is a little easier to do!
For a helpful comparison of online ski and snowboard rental options in Whistler Blackcomb, check out Whistler Blackcomb Ski Rental.
You can easily book your ski rental online and in the comfort of your home, plus – Save up to 20% off piste rental fees – Faster pickup on arrival – Secure special sizes and even – Secure your ski or snowboard preferences
