If you’re planning a winter vacation to Whistler, then at the tippy-top of your to-do list is likely going to be heading skiing (or snowboarding) for a day. I mean, why wouldn’t you – Whistler is consistently ranked as one of the top ski resorts in the world.
Would you believe there are actually two ski resorts in Whistler, Canada – Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain, and each one offers a different skiing experience.
Now, I bet you’re wondering which mountain is better!
Well, in Whistler, this debate is as worn out as ‘Snowboarding vs Skiing,‘ but having lived in Whistler for a couple of years, I will say that I do have a favorite mountain.
So, without further ado, here’s my list of the pros and cons of each mountain in Whistler.
A crash course on skiing in Whistler
The ski conditions in Whistler (long tree-lined runs and powdery snow) are arguably some of the best conditions in North America. And the fact that it’s super close to Vancouver and that lift access is directly from the village (like in Europe) makes it easy to understand why Whistler, as a ski resort, is so popular.
However, locals may tell you that skiing here is not as good as it was in its prime (circa 2013 – 2016). It was taken over by Vail Resorts in 2016, and since then, long lift lines and lift operation issues have plagued the ski area.
I guess you could say, too, that Whistler’s popularity is its downfall.
The ski resort here in Whistler is officially called Whistler Blackcomb. And the skiable area across both mountains is massive (it’s 4,757 acres). That area includes 200 runs and 36 lifts.
And as I said, there are two mountains in Whistler – Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain, and both are connected by the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, so, yes, you can easily ski both mountains in one day. Whistler Mountain is busier because the gondola up departs from the main village. While Blackcomb’s chair lift leaves from the Upper Village, this chairlift is typically the fastest way to get up to ski on any given day.
The first lift up to both mountains is around 8:30 am; however, you can do First Tracks on Whistler Mountain, which I highly recommend doing. The gondolas for First Tracks start leaving around 7:30 am. So, you’ll need to start lining up from around 6 am.
A pass for Whistler Blackcomb costs from $158 CAD per adult (over 19 years), and that pass is eligible for both mountains (Whistler and Blackcomb).
And the ski season in Whistler typically runs from mid-November to late May, with the most popular and busiest months being December, January, and February – and this is when the most snowfall is, too.
Blackcomb Mountain
Blackcomb Mountain can be accessed from the Upper Village. You’ll find the chair lift close to the Fairmont Chateau Hotel. And because the lift is in the quieter Upper Village, it typically means shorter lines.
It’s also a smaller mountain than Whistler – at 3,414 acres, however, it does have longer tree runs which are easy to access. It’s also known for having steeper runs, and it has around 14 Black Diamonds. There are even several Triple Black Diamond runs – for those experienced and fearless skiiers.
Blackcomb has the second most skiable vertical (behind Revelstoke), and it’s home to the highest point at the ski resort – the top of the 7th Heaven Express.
If really pushed for an answer, I’d have to say, Blackcomb is my favorite mountain to ski because it’s typically quieter and it’s home to some of my favorite ski runs ever – the Upper and Lower Panorama runs off of the 7th Heaven chairlift.
Plus, there are also two great restaurants up here, the Rendezvous restaurant at the top of Blackcomb, and Christine’s, a fine dining eatery with epic views. You also have to check out the Crystal Hut for its famous waffles and unbelievable scenery – you get here via the Crystal Chair.
Pros for Blackcomb Mountain:
1. Tube Park (ideal for kids)
One of the best family-friendly things to do in Whistler in winter is to go tubing at the Tube Park on Blackcomb Mountain. Called the Bubly Tube Park, it’s located at the Base 2 Zone on the mountain. Here, you are sure to have heaps of fun sliding down a 1,000-foot hill on a tube. There’s a conveyor at the bottom of the hill, which takes you back to the top, so you don’t have to hike it. Handy!
Smaller kids (aged between 3-7 years) have a special lane to tube in, making it safe for them. Prices range from $20 CAD for kids (aged between 7-12 years) and $24 CAD for adults.
2. Quieter and easier to get up the mountain
Because the chairlift up Blackcomb is located in the Upper Village. It means that queues tend to be shorter. I always say that it’s the quickest way to get up to ski on any given day. It’s a faster gondola ride, too; it takes around 15 minutes.
Also, because most of the tourists and ski schools tend to use the Village Gondola, you’ll encounter fewer newbies on the slopes.
FYI, you can also access Blackcomb via the Excalibur Gondola in Whistler Village – however, this tends to have lengthier queues than the lift in the Upper Village simply because of its location. If you drive, a good option would be to park at parking lots 6,7, or 8 and hop on the Excalibur Gondola mid-station.
3. Better for snowboarders
Overall, I would say that there are fewer flat areas on Blackcomb, and there are plenty of easily accessible and longer tree runs here. Which I know are both things that are super-important to my snowboarding friends (I’m a skier, by the way).
4. Better advanced terrain
The Black Diamonds on Blackcomb are considered more challenging than those on Whistler because they are mostly gladed (have trees).
There’s even a couple of epic Triple Black Diamond runs on Blackcomb (there are a couple on Whistler, too, by the way) – Krakatoa, above Blackcomb Glacier, is one of the most dangerous ski runs in North America, and Chainsaw Ridge, which is essentially 5 Triple Blacks on a single ridge, are two of the most heartstopping runs on Blackcomb.
5. Moguls
The Moguls (aka bumps) are a popular part of skiing in Whistler – the best Moguls can be found on Blackcomb, in my opinion anyway. Staircase and Gear Jammer are the perfect runs if you want to experience Moguls.
Cons for Blackcomb Mountain:
1. Not as beginner-friendly
Most of the Green Runs here are narrower than those over on Whistler, which can be a challenge for those starting out. The Green Runs also aren’t as scenic/ fun here.
2. The ski out isn’t as fun
I will admit that skiing out into the Upper Village isn’t as fun as skiing into the busy Whistler Village. Also, the Apres-Ski at Merlins (the bar at the base of Blackcomb) isn’t usually as ‘happening’/ crazy as it is at Longhorns in Whistler Village.
Whistler Mountain
Whistler is the ‘bigger’ of the two mountains in that it has more skiable terrain – at an impressive 4,757 skiable acres.
And if you’re a newbie skier, I’d say Whistler has the slight edge, as the Green Runs (aka beginner runs) are wider and less vertical than those over on Blackcomb.
I actually learned to ski in the beginner’s area on Whistler Mountain. I was awful my first season living and renting in Whistler. But over the years, I progressed (thankfully) and now, some of my favorite runs include the Peak to Creek, which connects Whistler to Creekside. It’s a long one at 11 km! And the Burnt Stew Trail from the Peak Chair is another gorgeously easy and scenic run.
At the top of Whistler Mountain is the Roundhouse Lodge – a large restaurant that’s home to lots of food options ( the Expressway, Pika’s, Seppo’s, Mountain Market, and a Capp Bar). You’ll also find the Umbrella Bar up here – it has seriously wow-worthy views.
Pros for Whistler Mountain:
1. First Tracks
Whistler Mountain is home to the popular First Tracks. The gondola brings you up between 7:30 and 8 am. We did this several times during our ski season in Whistler and have to agree it’s an awesome experience!
But it’s an early start – you’ll need to start lining up from around 6 am.
This ticket includes a yummy buffet breakfast at Roundhouse Lodge on the mountain before skiing in fresh powder and perfectly groomed corduroy before anyone else. First Tracks is limited to 600 people max., and it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Your First Track tickets are not date-specific, so if you’re too late lining up, you’ll have to use your ticket on another day. The tickets cost $28 CAD (that includes $17 dining credit), and you still need to buy your lift pass on top of that!
2. It’s sunnier/ has better views
I just love a ‘bluebird day,’ and Whistler typically enjoys more sunlight for the majority of the day than Blackcomb.
Also, the views from Whistler Peak have a slight edge over Blackcomb, as on a clear day, you can see Black Tusk. Whistler Mountain is also home to two of the most scenic ski runs in North America, in my opinion, the Peak to Creek and the Burnt Stew Trail.
3. Better Intermediate terrain
Whistler has more alpine bowls than its next-door neighbor, and if you’re not quite at an advanced level, this is the place to be. There are fewer trees along the intermediate/ easier black diamond runs – meaning less dodging.
4. Has the Creekside Gondola
You can also access Whistler Mountain from the Creekside Gondola, in Creekside (around a 10-minute drive from Whistler Village). The line for this gondola is typically quieter than lining up in Whistler Village – it’s also where most of the locals tend to access the mountain from.
Cons for Whistler Mountain:
1. It’s busier
Whistler Mountain is certainly a busier mountain overall than Blackcomb; that’s because most tourists and ski schools tend to upload from the Village Gondola. Which means that you’re likely going to be dealing with more newbies (less experienced skiers) on Whistler than you are on Blackcomb.
2. More flat spots
On the cat tracks here, there are plenty of really flat spots which can be difficult for snowboarders, especially.
Where to Stay in Whistler in Winter
Deciding where to stay in Whistler is no easy task, as there are around a hundred hotels in this small town. Below, I’ve listed my very favorite hotels in Whistler.
- Fairmont Chateau Whistler – my absolute favorite hotel in town (although I may be biased as I worked here for two years). Boasting 500+ rooms but with all the ambiance and personality of a small hotel, the Fairmont is the best address in town. It’s also right next to the Blackcomb Gondola.
- Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa – right in the center of Whistler Village and very close to the Village Gondola, this large hotel is very popular with families.
- Nita Lake Lodge – located in Creekside, a 10-minute drive from Whistler Village and looking onto stunning Nita Lake, this is one of my favorite hotels in Whistler. It’s a short drive from here to the Creekside Gondola.
- The Westin – is a nice luxury option in Whistler’s lower village, it’s right next to the Village Gondola and the rooms are spacious with great views.
- Four Seasons Resort – this is a must-stay for luxury travelers visiting Whistler. Located in Whistler’s Upper Village and close to Blackcomb Gondola, this hotel is frequented by celebrities.
Best hostels in Whistler (perfect for budget travelers):
There are also lots of awesome hostels in Whistler for those travelers on a budget! My favorites include –
- HI Whistler – A luxury hostel, a short drive from the village. It’s a huge hostel (it has 188 beds) so there’s plenty of choice in terms of room types. On-site, you’ll find a licensed café, decks with mountain views, and gorgeous common rooms. A bed in a 4-bed dorm will set you back around $50 CAD per night.
- Pangea Pod Hotel – Located right in the center of the village, they have an onsite bar and a rooftop patio, and your room is essentially a comfy pod complete with a bed and storage space. Expect to pay around $60 CAD per night here.
My Ski Gear for Whistler Blackcomb
I use this REI Midweight Half-Zip, which I find to be quite thick and insulative. I have it in the Dusk Heather and Black Heather colors. And I always buy these Sweaty Betty baselayer leggings, for under my ski gear, as I love their designs and they’re so comfortable.
I also love my Sweaty Betty salopettes, which are water-resistant and have a heat-protect material to keep you super cozy (not sweaty). My ski jacket is by Farm Rio and I adore it as it’s so colorful. I call it my happy jacket!
If you don’t fancy taking your ski gear with you, no need to worry, as there are heaps of ski rental stores in the village, like Premium Mountain Rental, Spicy Sports, Whistler Blackcomb Rentals, and Can-Ski in Creekside.
Or if you’re staying at a large hotel like the Fairmont Chateau or the Four Seasons, they have their own on-site ski rental stores. You can tell the front desk team your sizes before you arrive, and when you get there, you can book a time to have your gear fitted. And they’ll have them ready for you when you go skiing and store them, too. So handy!
Thanks for Reading!
I hope you enjoyed my synopsis of the two ski resorts in Whistler, Canada! Now, tell me – what do you think of my analysis of Whistler vs Blackcomb? Is there anything I got wrong or missed?
You may also enjoy reading –
Things to Do in Whistler in Winter (For Non-Skiers)
Planning a Day Trip from Vancouver to Whistler (By A Local)
How to Spend 3 Days in Whistler in the Summer (& Spring)
Best Things to Do in Whistler, BC in the Summer (Written by a local)
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Last Updated on September 4, 2025 by snaphappytravel