Whistler Mountain is one of two ski hills in the resort town of Whistler that is known for its family-friendly runs and alpine bowls.
British Columbia’s Whistler Mountain
Whistler Mountain opened in 1966 and was the beginning of what we now know as the ski resort of Whistler-Blackcomb. It features over 100 trails and 4 parks, including a family zone for younger folk.
How Is It Different from Blackcomb?
There are actually two ski hills at the resort of Whistler Blackcomb. Tickets for one though are also good for the other.
Slightly shorter than Blackcomb Mountain, Whistler Mountain has 1,530 metres of vertical rise (compared to Blackcomb’s 1,609 metres) and total elevation of 2,182 metres (compared to Blackcomb’s 2,284 metres). However, it does have more skiable terrain with 4,757 acres compared to Blackcomb’s 3,414 acres. As well, there are more alpine bowls on Whistler Mountain than there are on Blackcomb.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Whistler Mountain is also known as the slightly more beginner-friendly mountain. The runs on this mountain are flatter and the mountain overall has more green runs than its sister mountain, Blackcomb. Even near the peak of Whistler Mountain folk can find a green run or two, allowing beginners to ski the mountain from top to bottom.
There are 19 lifts on Whistler Mountain. These lifts range in size from small surface lifts to large high-speed gondolas.
For the early-birds, it is usually sunnier on Whistler Mountain in the mornings. However, this does mean the mountain gets darker faster in the afternoon and evening.
Top of Whistler Mountain in Winter
For Kids
Since Whistler Mountain generally has more green (easy) runs, it is considered a good choice for children and folk that are learning. Other options for younger folk include a tree fort accessible by trail and the Family Zone for folk wanting to practice their tricks.
Getting Off the Mountain
The Peak 2 Peak Gondola connects both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains at mid-mountain level. Use of the gondola is included in the price of a lift ticket.
From Whistler Mountain, folk can connect to all areas of Whistler Village. The Mountain is directly connected to the Village Centre area as well as Creekside, so folk can either ski/snowboard or take the gondola directly into those areas. For people looking to connect to the Upper Village, either the Peak 2 Peak Gondola or the Excalibur Gondola connect to Blackcomb Mountain where folk can ski/snowboard or take the Merlin’s Gondola down.
On-Mountain Dining
Guests have eight options to choose from when grabbing a bite on Whistler Mountain.
For true on-mountain dining, check out Chic Pea, The Roundhouse Lodge, Harmony Hut, Ollies Grilled Cheese Shack or Raven’s Nest. All five of these eateries are located at various elevations throughout the mountain and are accessible by chairlift. However, the only two open year-round are The Roundhouse and Ollie’s Grilled Cheese.
For folk looking to grab a bite at the end of a long ski/snowboard day, check out Dusty’s Bar & Grill, Dusty’s Backside or the Garibaldi Lift Company. Dusty’s is located in Whistler Creekside and the Garibaldi Lift Company can be found in Whistler Village Centre.
Other Information
For more details on Whistler Mountain, check out the official Tourism Whistler website.
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