Ski
Nestled at the foot of Blackcomb Mountain, Fairmont Chateau Whistler is located at the doorstep of some of the finest skiing in North America.
For assistance in booking any of the activities below, please contact a Fairmont Chateau Whistler concierge at the hotel or check the Whistler-Blackcomb website.
DOWNHILL SKIING
More than 8,100 acres of skiable terrain and a vertical rise of more than 5,200 ft. on two magnificent side-by-side mountains have earned Whistler/Blackcomb an unbeatable reputation.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler and Whistler Blackcomb are the recipients of the following prestigious awards:
#1 Ski Resort in North America: SKIING Magazine
#1 Ski Resort in North America: Conde st Traveler
#1 Resort Hotel in Canada: Travel & Leisure
#1 Ski Resort in North America: SKI Magazine
Top 20 Foreign Resorts, Gold List: Conde Nast Traveler
Whistler Mountain Statistics:
- Vertical: 5020 ft. (1530 m)
- Top elevation: 7160 ft. (2182 m)
- Village base elevation: 2214 ft. (675 m)
- Skiable terrain: 3657 acres (1480 h)
- Terrain: Beginner 20% Intermediate 55% Advanced 25%
- Average snowfall: 360 inches/ 9.14 meters per year
- Hourly lift capacity: 59,007 skiers per hour
- Longest run: 7 miles (11 km)
- Trails: 100 +
Blackcomb Mountain Statistics:- Vertical: 5280 ft. (1609 m)
- Top elevation: 7494 ft. (2,284 m)
- Village base elevation: 2214 ft. (675 m)
- Skiable terrain: 3414 acres (1382 h)
- Terrain: Beginner 15% Intermediate 55% Advanced 30%
- Average snowfall: 360 inches/ 9.14 meters per year
- Hourly lift capacity: 59,007 skiers per hour
- Longest run: 7 m (11 km)
- Trails: 100 +
Condition Information
For the very latest recorded weather and activity reports updated several times per day, call the Snowphone at (604) 932-4211, or check the Whistler-Blackcomb website.
Ski and Snowboard School
With a combined staff of nearly 1,200 employees, the Whistler/ Blackcomb Ski & Snowboard School is not only the largest in Canada, but also one of the largest operations of its kind in the world. It is not just the sheer size of the Ski & Snowboard School that makes it unique, it's the people who work in Whistler that make it one of the best in North America. Whistler/ Blackcomb instructors boast certification from the CSIA, CASI, PSIA, NZIA and L'ecole des Ski Francais. With the greatest number of Level IV instructors of any ski school in the world.
Discover Whistler Days: this winter, get to know Whistler Blackcomb and take advantage of a 30% savings on Ski & Snowboard School for kids, teens and adults! Special value periods are as follows: Opening Day to December 16, 2012; January 7-February 8, February 25-March 8 and April 8-21, 2013.
Adult Programs
Learn to Ride: Learn to surf the snow and get addicted to the feeling! World-class instructors have created a step-by-step introduction to snowboarding that will gradually move you from sliding to turning.
Daily Skiing Improvement Workshops: Intermediate and advanced skiers can improve their performance and enjoyment of bumps, powder or parallel skiing, while our qualified instructors guide you to the best terrain Whistler and Blackcomb mountains have to offer.
Daily Ride Clinics: Whether you are improving freestyle form in the park and pipe, laying down strong smooth carves on groomed corduroy, or mixing it up with true Whistler big mountain freeriding, our daily riding clinics offer challenges and excitement for intermediate and advanced snowboarders.
Private Lessons: Move at your own pace, or learn as a family-private instructors are available for half or full day private lessons. All lessons include lift line priority and are available for up to five people of similar ability. Foreign language instructors are available to give lessons to our French, Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, German, Italian and Spanish guests.
Extremely Canadian: For advanced and expert skiers wanting to experience the excitement of Whistler's most challenging terrain. Extremely Canadian offers an intense two days of big mountain freeskiing. Extremely Canadian's guides are some of the best freeskiiers anywhere-- including Rob Boyd, Peter Smart, Wendy Brookbank, Shawn 'Smiley' Nesbitt and Chris Winter. They will guide you to the best Whistler has to offer in steeps, chutes, trees and couloirs.
Dave Murray Ski Camp: Founded by Whistler's own Dave Murray, one of the original Crazy Canucks. Confident intermediate to expert skiers are challenged to train like pros. The ski school's very best coaches in the area inspire, train and improve skiing skills during the three and four day camps offered throughout the winter.
Ski and Ride Esprit: For all levels of skiers and snowboarders visiting the Whistler area, the 'Esprit' programs offer the opportunity to experience both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Offered as a three or four day program throughout the winter, our 'Esprit' programs are the perfect way to explore the mountains in a relaxed and fun group atmosphere.
Women Only Programs
Women's All-Star Snowboard Camp: A chance to learn from the top female pros and members of the Canadian National Snowboard Team in a fun, relaxed and supportive atmosphere. The two day Women's All-Star program covers all types of riding (freestyle, freeriding and carving) for all ability levels.
Alpine Access Ability/ Disabled Snowsports Program: The Alpine Access Ability program provides recreational opportunities for people with disabilities. These programs are available for all abilities, from beginners needing instruction on the basics to seasoned skiers needing only a guide. Certified instructors and volunteers use the latest adaptive skiing techniques to meet the needs of each individual. In cooperation with the Disabled Skiers Association of British Columbia, we provide an inventory of equipment and cutting edge instruction.
Kids and Youth Programs
Whistler Kids offers a broad range of programs catering to kids as young as three months, with kids first taking to skis at three years of age. Teaching more than 140,000 kids every winter, Whistler Kids is Canada's premier recreational operation for children.
Whistler Kids: 500 instructors are dedicated to making the mountains a kids' playground. Whistler Kids instructors are highly trained ski and snowboard professionals, specializing in kids. They understand the uncertainty that comes with learning new things and they coax, encourage and care for kids every step of the way. Whistler/ Blackcomb's unique Kids Adventure Zones are designed to pique a child's imagination, while providing a fun environment for developing skills. A mystical castle, enchanted forest and secret forts draw Whistler kids into a world of their own. Kids-only lifts, such the Magic Carpet, make going uphill easy and kids-only facilities, such as The Whistler Children's Learning Center, provide kid-size amenities.
Daily Programs
A day away from the family provides children the opportunity to break-free, make new friends and meet new challenges. Different programs are offered for different age groups, focusing on specific interests. Teenagers squeeze in as many runs as they can, while younger children will supplement their on-hill time with indoor activities.
Adventure Camp
Adventure Camps are the best way for your children to spend a few days on the mountain making friends with children of similar abilities and with their instructors. Children enjoy their time with the same instructor during two or five day camps, creating a comfortable and fun learning environment.
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
More than 28 kilometers (17.5 miles) of track-set cross-country trails wind through the scenic Lost Lake, Chateau Whistler Golf Course and Nicklaus North Golf Course trails. Additional track-set trails around the Whistler Golf Course offer an ideal beginners' route. Cross-country ski trail maps and lesson and rental equipment information are available at the Whistler Activity Center, or by calling one of the following companies direct:
Lost Lake Cross-Country Connection (604) 905-0071
Whistler Outdoor Experience (604) 932-3389
Whistler X-Country (604) 932-7711
Wild Willies Ski Club (604) 938-8036