Whistler/Blackcomb: Heaven on Earth
Written: Aug 05 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Trails, Snow, Food services, Ski School, Village, Lifts, Scenery
Cons: Getting there, Weather, Crowded
The Bottom Line: Great snow, Variety of Trails, Excellent Dining, Fabulous Scenery, Extraordinary Experience, What more could you want?
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| Jekl84's Full Review: Whistler-Blackcomb |
Every year for the past seven years my family and I take a ten day trip to Whistler/Blackcomb. We were first alerted of the mountain's existence by a friend. He told us that it was absolutely amazing experience. He went on to say how the combination of all the best mountains in New England, I live in Connecticut, could never match the skiing at Whistler/Blackcomb. We took him up on his challenge and were quite unprepared for the shock that was awaiting us.
As I was thinking about the topic, I decided to break down what I like the best about Whistler/Blackcomb, and what I like the least. Here they are:
Positive Points
Amount of Trails
Coming from the Northeast, I went to "mountains" where 80 trails was considered amazing. Both of the mountains combined have over 200 trails. And these are not just puny little 300 foot long trails, these trails can go on for miles. You could ski for 15 minutes and still be far from the lift. Not only that, but the trails are empty. You can carve all the large S patterns you want and no one will bug you even on the easier runs. The fact is that I've been skiing on this mountain for 6 years and I still have not done nearly all the runs.
Variety of Trails
Another thing to consider is that the variety of trails here is absolutely mind-boggling. I'll try to list the types of trails that a person can do: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert, Tree Skiing, Glacier Skiing, Cornice Jumping, Cliff Jumping, Powder Skiing, Double Black diamonds, Chutes, Moguls, Nintendo Terrain Parks, Wide calm runs, Narrow steep runs, Back country skiing, Heleskiing, you name it you got it. The fact is that you can find dozens of each type of these runs. Moguls can be found anywhere as can groomed runs. The possibilities are limitless which makes this mountain truly accessible to anyone.
Quality of the Snow
The snow here ranges from hard-packed to waist-deep powder. It satisfies just about everyone's needs. One does not need to worry too much about Icy patches because it snows so often that there leaves no room for ice. The truth is that out of all the stations I have been too, I have found the best snow here at Whistler/Blackcomb.
Food Services
I am going to admit that during peak lunch hours it is a bit hard to find a spot to sit. But the quality of the food and the enormity of the dining halls are pretty spectacular. The food ranges from salads to burgers to chinese to sandwiches to pastas, really there is something for everything at any of the dining halls located on either mountains. The most popular ones tend to be Roundhouse on top of Whistler or Raven's Nest on Blackcomb. Another thing to notice is the cleanliness of these facilities, the restrooms are clean, the tables are clean, the mountain is virtually spotless. Of course the food is a bit overpriced, but that is what you get at any mountain lodge. Of course if you prefer a meal that is not cafeteria style, you can go to many fine dining facilities at the base of either mountains. A list of restaurants in the Village can be found here:
http://www.whistler-blackcomb.com/todo/dining/index.asp
Ski School
The ski school that the mountains provide are exceptional. The programs provide season-long, week-long, weekend-long or day-long programs that really get the kids out on the mountain and skiing. Generally the instructors are capable to place a child or adult in their appropriately leveled program. The harder ones go do black diamonds and double blacks while the easier ones tend to focus on form and focus. There are also recreational programs available if you do not feel comfortable going on the mountain alone or want a guide to find special places that few know about or to just go around the mountain.
Village
The one thing that has changed the most over the six years I have been going to the mountain is the village. It continues to grow and grow and grow and it really adds a good ambience to the atmosphere. The night life at Whistler/Blackcomb is very alive with bars, restaurants that feature many different styles of dining. One can find an Irish pub or enjoy find French cuisine. One can go to an All-American Steakhouse or grab a coffee at Starbucks. The possibilities are limitless and the nice cobblestone streets with piles of plowed snow on the side really make it special whether your with the family or with a significant other.
Scenery
Even if you are not big into skiing, one must visit Whistler/Blackcomb for the spectacular views. At the top of both mountains the Rocky Mountains are truly spectacular. If you have some extra cash it is recommended to take a helicopter tour around the area to check out the different, and beautiful, mountain regions. The best part about the area is that it is not close to a major city and really gives the feel of that rustic old town in the middle of nowhere.
Lifts
The lifts at this mountain are some of the best I have ever seen. The vast majority of the lifts are High-Speed Quads or Gondolas that transport you to the top in minutes. You won't find a more heavily invested mountain than Whistler/Blackcomb in terms of lifts. Because of this, lines are relatively short (no more than 5-10 minutes) and everyone is happy. The lift attendants are also courteous and will slow the lift for a child or at your request. Don't forget to share a word or two about hockey, they're especially proud of it after getting the Gold medal in Hockey in the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics.
Negative Points
Getting There
One big problem of Whistler/Blackcomb is getting there. To get there from Vancouver one must drive two hours on a winding road that hangs over a cliffside. It is somewhat uneasy for the casual driver. The road is also not in tiptop shape and has potholes and cracks in areas. It is generally well-plowed but driving in the snow is treacherous. However, that has never stopped us from going there year after year and shouldn't stop you.
Weather
Too get the amazing snow that this mountain has, it snows a lot. Nearly everyday in the afternoon it begins to snow and visibility, especially in the alpine region, drops to zero. The rarity of sunny days is annoying, but when you do get one it is not a day to stay home a sleep late. Get out and enjoy!
Crowds
Because of Whistler/Blackcombs increasing popularity over the years, there has been an increase in people. It is harder to go into a restaurant without reserving and the line have gotten noticeably longer over the years. It is not a real hassle except in the mornings when everyone rushes to get the fresh powder. Sometimes morning lift lines go up to 30 minutes, but it is worth it.
The final problem I found with this mountain is that it is not for beginners. Some of the trails are marked as green circles, but by the end of the day they have moguls on them and can become easily frustrating to any beginner who still hasn't got the hang of skiing. That is why I think that you need to be AT LEAST AN INTERMEDIATE SKIER to enjoy this mountain to its fullest.
Recommended:
Yes
Level of Experience Needed: Intermediate
Best Time to Visit: March
Best Suited For: Families
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Epinions.com ID:
Jekl84
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Member: Jeremy Klein
Location: CT, USA
Reviews written: 17
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
Currently a Connecticut College student studying Economics and Computer Science
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