Best in North America
Written: Feb 07 '08
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Product Rating:
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Pros: huge, extensive super steep terrain, nightlife
Cons: occasional rain up into the alpine, but its rare and not a big concern
The Bottom Line: Whistler is the biggest in North America and will push even the most expert skiers to the next level, it simply cant be beat
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| jclark2's Full Review: Whistler-Blackcomb |
I certainly haven't skied as many mountains as many of the reviewers on this site, but I have skied a fair amount. In my opinion, Whistler/Blackcomb is the number 1 ski resort in North America. The extensive terrain, huge vertical, great village and great nightlife all add up for a phenomenal experience. I should say that this review is going to be most helpful for advanced and expert skiers, but I will try to describe some of the best intermediate terrain as well.
Whistler
Advanced and expert skiers should go right to the Peak Chair when skiing Whistler, and it should absolutely be your first stop on powder days. Whistler Bowl under the chair is marked black, but is steep and long. Farther out, West Bowl is as steep with less vertical but fewer people. The entrances into Glacier Bowl are sketchy and impressively steep, the Couloir and the Cirque both tip past 40 degrees. Harmony Bowl also provides good options off Harmony Ridge. Steep technical entrances pour off the entire length of the ridgeline. Farther out still, Flute Bowl requires a stiff hike but pays off with steep sustained vertical and well preserved snow.
For intermediates one of the best options is the Saddle off the Peak Chair. Other good options are the lines down the center of Harmony Bowl and cruisers off of the Emerald Chair.
Blackcomb
When it hasn;t snowed recently, or after the Peak Chair is skied out, Blackcomb is the choice for expert skiers. The bowls off of Spanky's Ladder are the most extensive expert terrain in North America. Over a mile wide and with up to 2000 feet of vertical, they include everything from wide open 40 degree faces to narrow chutes up to 50 degrees. On a poder day the main line down Couloir Extreme will be excellent and the lines off of Chainsaw Ridge will hold powder longer and are even steeper. Lines in the Secret Bowl area, such as Pakololo and Cougar Chutes offer consistent vertical at a serious pitch. For intermediates the Solar Coaster lift provides 2000 vertical feet of cruisers. The Crystal Chair has narrower, winding runs of moderate pitch that take you down to the Excelerator chair.
Apres Ski
Garibaldi Lift Company has a huge outdoor patio and overlooks the bottom of Whistler mountain. Good beer selection and good atmosphere make this a prime winding down spot. The Longhorn also has an outdoor patio. Longhorn in particular is a big night spot along with any of the other bars in the village
Ski School
The ski school at Whistler is excellent and I have had several superb private lessons. For serious experts, the coaches at Extremely Canadian will help you reach the next level. I went to Argentina with them and their skiing ability and level of technical instruction is sure to push you to the next level.
Conclusion
Whistler offers what is probably the most extensive intermediate, advanced and truly expert terrain in North Amwrica. It will be impossible for even the most determined expert skier to cover all of the serious terrain in a week here and especially on Blackcomb, the employment of a guide will enable you to ski terrain that is not on the map and difficult to find. If you are an intermediate looking to push your abilities the steep blue and black runs will afford you the opportunity to do so. Experts will be completely satisfied and seriously challenged by the terrain here.
Recommended:
Yes
Level of Experience Needed: All
Best Time to Visit: February
Best Suited For: Students
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Epinions.com ID:
jclark2
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Location: New Rochelle, NY
Reviews written: 8
Trusted by: 3 members
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