This Canadian Destination Is A Great Spot For A Winter Ski Vacation

The difference in skiing between a subpar mountain and a world-class resort is astronomical. For beginners and experts alike, it's more than worth it to ensure you have the best of the best conditions while you shred down the slopes. For a top-of-the-line skiing experience, spend your next winter vacation in Whistler, Canada. This resort area is just a 2 ½ hour drive from Vancouver and a 5-hour drive from Seattle, Washington. Nestled in Canada's Coast Mountains, the Whistler Blackcomb ski resort encompasses both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, which are adjacent to one another and joined by the longest and tallest gondola in the world — the Peak2peak Gondola. 

Between these two sprawling mountains, Whistler Blackcomb provides visitors with over 8,000 acres of powdery terrain to carve. With more than 200 runs, 16 alpine bowls, and three glaciers, becoming bored on this mountain is a rather tall order. In fact, Whistler Blackcomb was named the No. 1 ski resort in all of Canada by Condé Nast Traveller in 2023. If you'd like an unparalleled skiing experience, it's time to start planning your trip to Whistler.

Whether you've been skiing your whole life or you're just beginning to learn how, Whistler provides exceptional skiing to a variety of skill levels. Of the more than 200 ski runs, about 20% are suited to beginners with about half geared more toward intermediate levels, and the remainder for those with advanced abilities. But beyond this collection of trails, Whistler Blackcomb also offers a handful of incredibly unique experiences to take advantage of while on the mountain. 

For instance, if you're a black diamond regular and are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime challenge, make a reservation for heli-skiing. Accompanied by the resort's trained staff, you'll be transported via helicopter to a remote alpine mountain slope covered in untouched snow powder. 

However, if you're just getting started on skis, don't be nervous. You can book a private lesson or group class with their friendly team of renowned ski teachers as you get comfortable on the slopes.

When deciding where you'll spend your ski vacation, it's important to ensure the conditions, trails, and lifts offer premier runs. But, you also might want to investigate that the mountainside dining is just as good. Because — let's face it — a key element in a fantastic day on the slopes is a cozy, delicious lunch break. As expected, Whistler Blackcomb exceeds expectations in this area. Sip on the finest wines while atop Blackcomb Mountain at Christine's or fuel up for the day with Crystal Hut's beloved buttermilk waffles.

After an exhausting but fulfilling day on the mountain, you'll find that Whistler Village offers everything you could ask for when it comes to aprés. Explore the abundance of shopping, dining, drinking, and entertainment in this charming winter wonderland. Go ice skating beneath magical winter lights, stroll through the festive holiday markets, and prepare for another day of phenomenal skiing.