Whistler is unparalleled for its sheer magnitude and variety, boasting a bustling village and an 8,171-acre ski area – the largest in North America.
Our Whistler-based team lives, breathes, and skis Whistler every day, so who better to help you experience this incredible destination than a local.
The town sits at the base of two enormous mountains, with enough terrain that even the long-term locals still find new surprise powder stashes year after year. Even so, British Columbia’s superstar resort has many of the local delights that first made it so special – mountainside waffles, sniffle stations, live music, margarita pitchers and powder that’s 100% worth the flight around the world.
Voted the world’s number one ski resort more times than we can count, this magical destination is about more than just waist-deep powder and endless ski terrain. Whistler truly has something for everyone, from the world-class museums and Scandinavian spas to craft breweries and snowmobiling, Whistler has transformed people’s idea of what makes the ultimate ski destination. It’s also the reason Mabey Ski moved here full-time, to live and breathe that lifestyle every day.
Whistler Adventures
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My husband and I booked our entire Whistler trip through Mabey Ski (a very belated honeymoon). I can honestly say they were absolutely fantastic, we didn’t have to think about a single thing, everything was taken care of and organised to perfection. Thank you for making our trip extra special!
WHERE IS WHISTLER?
What province is Whistler in?
The powder mecca of Whistler is located in the province of British Columbia, Canada, and we’re proud to call it our home.
Where is Whistler on a map?
You’ll find Whistler approximately 75 miles (120 km) north of Vancouver in western Canada. The bustling town sits at the base of two enormous mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, which together create the world-renowned Whistler Blackcomb ski resort.
How big is Whistler?
Whistler is a big, busy town that’s home to around 13,000 people and it’s the destination of choice for millions of skiers and snowboarders each year. The town spans over 90 square miles (240 km²) and is filled with things to do both on and off the mountain. With everything from spas to museums, breweries to snowmobiling, and of course, the epic powder runs, Whistler is an unparalleled ski destination that has something for everyone.
Whistler Transfers
How to get to Whistler Blackcomb ski resort
The closest airport to the Whistler Blackcomb ski resort is Vancouver International Airport. You can fly to Vancouver from many countries across the world like the UK, France, Germany, Singapore and even New Zealand.
How do you get from Vancouver to Whistler?
A Mabey Ski trip to Whistler includes airport transfers to and from Vancouver so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning views of the Sea-to-Sky Highway from the comfort of your SUV as you take a short 2-hour drive from Vancouver’s international airport to Whistler.
And if you’re looking for a transfer like no other, you can even join us on a private, A-star helicopter transfer from the airport to the mountain, heli-skiing pristine ridges along the way.
How far is Whistler from Vancouver?
Whistler is around a 2-hour drive from Vancouver. Our private helicopter transfer includes a full day of guided ACMG heli-skiing, picnic lunch and 2.5 hours in the sky, drinking in the mind-blowing scenery.
Driving to Whistler – Where to park?
If you’re driving to Whistler, your accommodation may have onsite parking available. If not, there are a number of parking options within the town. Most parking has good access to gondolas and other town facilities, some are free and others are chargeable. Depending on when you are coming and where you are staying, our team will be happy to advise on the best parking available for you.
SKIING IN WHISTLER
WHEN DOES WHISTLER SKI SEASON START?
Boasting an average snowfall of 11 metres each year, the ski season in Whistler runs from November through to May. And here at Mabey Ski, our insider-inspired trips run throughout the seasons with start dates to fit most travel plans.
WHEN DOES WHISTLER CLOSE?
The Whistler Blackcomb ski resort is open from 8.30am to 3pm daily in winter. As the season progresses, the mountains start to close later with the final closing time being 4pm in Spring – giving you plenty of time to enjoy the après-ski delights.
HOW LONG IS WHISTLER SKI SEASON?
The ski season in Whistler generally lasts for 6 glorious months, each month offering a slightly different experience.
WHEN IS THE BEST MONTH TO SKI IN WHISTLER?
As it’s our home turf, we ski the bountiful lines in Whistler throughout the season. With our insider know-how, the powder hounds at Mabey Ski have concluded that the best month to ski in Whistler is in March. As it’s late in the season, the crowds have died down and there’s a better snowpack. Not to mention the days are brighter and sunnier, and you can count on the snowfall. Check out our blog for the full lowdown on the pros and cons of each month within the ski season.
WHERE IS WHISTLER BLACKCOMB SKI RESORT?
The Whistler Blackcomb ski resort is part of the Coast Mountain range in British Columbia. The resort is spread across the vast terrain of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, which are joined by the Peak 2 Peak gondola.
WHAT IS THE ELEVATION OF WHISTLER VILLAGE?
Whistler Village sits at an elevation of around 2,200 feet (670m).
HOW BIG IS WHISTLER BLACKCOMB SKI RESORT?
Whistler Blackcomb ski resort is the biggest in North America at a massive 8,171 acres across the two large mountains.
HOW MANY TRAILS DOES WHISTLER HAVE?
Between the two mountains, Whistler Blackcomb has some 200 trails or runs that are suitable for a range of skiers from beginners to advanced. ‘Peak to Creek’ is the longest run on Whistler, measuring an epic 7 miles (11km), and is also the longest run in North America.
WHERE TO SKI WHISTLER
Of course, many people come to Whistler to ski the main Whistler Blackcomb resort, but with Mabey Ski, we also take you off the beaten track to experience more remote, exclusive locations. Try our heli-accessed Overnight Backcountry Experience for an unforgettable night under the stars and vast, pristine terrain that’s ripe for exploring. And on our BC Steep and Deep tour, after warming up in Whistler, you can enjoy some of BC’s best heli-skiing in the beautiful backcountry of Bella Coola. On our Powder Tour, you’ll experience fresh tracks via lifts, snowcat and helicopter, and on our Whistler and the Wilderness tour, we take you deep into the Coast and Skeena Mountains for a more rugged, off-the-grid experience.
Ski Lifts in Whistler
HOW MANY LIFTS DOES WHISTLER HAVE?
Whistler Blackcomb resort has over 30 ski lifts. On Whistler Mountain, you’ll find almost 20 lifts and on Blackcomb, there are 12. The range of lifts on both mountains includes gondolas, chair lifts and magic carpets.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SKI DOWN WHISTLER?
Every skier is different, and depending on your skills and confidence you may fly down, ready to head straight back up, or you might take your time, relishing in the alpine views as you go. As a rule of thumb, an average skier would take around 40 minutes to ski from the top to the bottom.
WHERE TO BUY WHISTLER BLACKCOMB LIFT TICKETS
If you’re on a ski adventure with Mabey Ski, you don’t have to worry about buying lift passes. Passes are included as standard on our trips and we’ll source these for you. And if you’ve got an Epic Pass, Whistler Blackcomb resort is fully included.
WHERE IS WHISTLER MOUNTAIN?
Whistler Mountain lies beside Garibaldi Provincial Park on the West Coast of British Columbia.
WHAT MOUNTAIN RANGE IS WHISTLER IN?
Whistler is in the Fitzsimmons Range of the Coast Mountains, which form part of the larger Pacific Coast Ranges that run right down the West Coast of North America.
HOW HIGH IS WHISTLER MOUNTAIN IN FEET?
Whistler Mountain towers at 7,160 feet high (over 2,100m).
HOW MUCH SNOW DOES WHISTLER BLACKCOMB HAVE?
On average, Whistler Blackcomb ski resort sees around 36 feet (11m) of snow each year. And snowfall is generally reliable, so you’re almost guaranteed good ski conditions throughout the season. You can get up-to-date snow reports here.
HELI-SKIING IN WHISTLER
Whistler Heli-skiing
The endless pristine terrain of Whistler is perfect for backcountry skiing. And what better way to get to the most remote spots than aboard a chopper. Heli-skiing Whistler’s backcountry, you can cut fresh tracks through everything from alpine summits to open fields and steep forests.
Is it expensive to heli-ski in Whistler?
As you may expect, taking a privately chartered helicopter to the untouched powder of Whistler’s backcountry isn’t a budget experience. But the exclusive locations, pristine terrain and unbelievable views make heli-skiing in Whistler worth every penny. And if you’re on a budget, you can keep the cost down by joining a day trip rather than a full tour.
OUR HELI-SKIING EXPERIENCES
With deserted trails of the deepest, driest snow, epic scenery and a cosy place to rest at the end of the day, a heli-skiing experience with Mabey Ski is truly unforgettable. Working with a number of heli-ski operators around Whistler, we can help choose the best option for you depending on your budget, your ability and the terrain you’re looking for.
Heli-skiing transfer from Whistler to Vancouver
With a private heli-ski transfer, your adventure begins right when you land in Canada. As your luggage makes its way via SUV, you’ll enjoy a transfer like no other as you board your A-star helicopter to heli-ski pristine ridges along the Sea-to-Sky Corridor all the way to Whistler.
Heli-assisted ski touring in Whistler’s backcountry
On our heli-assisted ski touring expedition you can enjoy backcountry glamping with expertly guided ski touring in exclusive locations. After a heli-drop into your remote but cosy basecamp, you’ll spend 3 days exploring the powder of your backcountry backyard.
Guided Skiing in Whistler
Whistler Backcountry Off-Piste Skiing
Backcountry skiing takes you out of resort, away from the crowds and into the wilderness. Whistler’s immense backcountry is some of the largest in the world, making it easy to cut fresh lines in some of the most secluded locations.
INTRO TO BACKCOUNTRY SKI TOURING
This adventure is perfect for skiers and snowboarders looking for their first backcountry experience. We’ll teach you all the basics from equipment setup and avalanche safety, to uphill techniques and route planning, so you can ski fresh tracks away from the crowds.
Whistler Ski Guiding
If you don’t know the Whistler area well, it can be dangerous to head into the backcountry alone – even for experienced skiers. Hiring a professional ski guide is the best and safest way to get clued up on local knowledge, learn techniques and locate the finest terrain. Mabey Ski can recommend the right guide for you depending on your objectives and skill level.
WHISTLER OFF-PISTE POWDER TOUR
Starting out in Whistler Blackcomb resort, you’ll have 4 days to hone your skills on-piste before we take you off-piste and into Whistler’s vast backcountry. Here you can enjoy a full day heli-skiing Whistler’s glaciers and powder bowls, as well as a day of cat-skiing and snowmobiling.
GUIDED SKI TOURING WHISTLER TRIPS
At Mabey Ski, we have a range of ski touring trips and courses for beginners through to advanced, all led by professional ski guides. From one-day introductions to overnight stays, our guided ski touring trips include everything from route planning to avalanche skills, and of course, some epic powder runs too.
