Whistler Blackcomb is one of the world's premier ski resorts . Found approximately 75 miles north of Vancouver , this large and famous resort offers no less than 8,100 skiable acres for visitors to enjoy. No other ski resort in North America boasts more ski terrain. The resort also offers more lifts and more vertical feet than any other North American ski resort, only adding to the allure, and you don't have to stick to the main slopes if you don't want to. The backcountry skiing and snowboarding possibilities are sublime, and should your budget allow, a heli-skiing excursion is worth adding to the mix. Heli-skiing, for those who might not know, involves accessing hard to reach slopes by way of helicopter. Deep powder runs are the aim. Cross-country skiing is also possible at this amazing Whistler Canada ski resort, and there are myriad ways to spend your time when you're not skiing or boarding.

Most lists of the best ski resorts in North America put Whistler Blackcomb at the very top, and it's not hard to understand why. Two main mountains are conveniently connected by a lovely pedestrian village at this renowned Whistler Canada ski resort, and these mountains offer something to suit all levels of tastes when it comes to skiing and snowboarding. The vertical drop at Whistler Mountain is an impressive 5,006 feet, and Blackcomb Mountain tops it with its 5,280-foot descent. Each mountain offers more than 100 trails to choose from, and nearly 40 swift-moving lifts get skiers and snowboarders where they want to go. Glade skiing, or tree skiing, can be done on both mountains, and there are also alpine bowls to dip into if you want to make some extra wide turns. Glacier skiing rounds out the Whistler skiing options, and you might make note of the fact that Blackcomb glacier skiing can be enjoyed well into the month of August!

Skiers and snowboarders of the intermediate and advanced levels are encouraged to consider the backcountry, snowcat, and heli-skiing possibilities while planning their visits to Whistler Blackcomb. In the backcountry, you will encounter ungroomed and unpatrolled trails that can be a real joy to explore. If you really want to get off the main slopes, snowcat tours can be arranged, and these tours see skiers and snowboarders alike accessing a private skiing area to the near south. This ski area offers 4,000 acres of terrain that is virtually untouched, and the vertical drops range from 7,000 to 10,000 feet. As for the heli-skiing excursions, you can access pristine alpine runs that begin at up to 12,000 feet. If your level of skiing or snowboarding doesn't allow for adventures such as these, you can always interest yourself in some lessons. The Snow School at Whistler Blackcomb can help anyone improve their skills, and you can arrange private lessons if you want more attention.

British Columbia Map

In addition to offering lessons, the Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort offers equipment rentals, so you don't have to show up with your own skis or snowboard. In fact, you don't even have to bring any gear, as helmets and everything else that you could need are also available for rent. Helmets are recommended in general, especially if you are planning on hitting the terrain parks and the resort's more challenging runs.

When Whistler Blackcomb visitors aren't skiing or snowboarding during their winter vacations, they can select from any other number of fun things to do. Ice climbing is among the popular winter activities, and you can also interest yourself in a sleigh ride, some dog sledding, or some snowshoeing. Snowmobiling is just one more option, and nighttime tours that include a fondue dinner stop are available. It's not all about the winter activities at this Whistler Canada Ski Resort, however. Summer is also the peak season, and should you visit during the warmer weather, hiking , zip-lining, rafting, and jet boating are among the activities of choice. Thanks to wonderful courses like Nicklaus North at Whistler and the Arnold Palmer-designed golf course at the Whistler Golf Club, golfing is also a popular summer activity at Whistler Blackcomb. There's also the fabulous Chateau Whistler Golf Club if are interested in teeing it up. This 18-hole gem was designed by Robert Trent Jones.

If you haven't yet been to Whistler Blackcomb and you are trying to find that next great destination for your next winter or summer vacation, it might just be high time to start planning your visit. The village at this world-class resort offers nearly 100 restaurants, so finding something good to eat won't be hard during a visit, and you definitely won't want for options when it comes to the Whistler hotels . Vacation rentals, most of which come in the form of cozy and well-equipped condos, are also available if you want to add to your Whistler Blackcomb lodging choices.