Whistler — World-class at Vancouver's doorstep★★★
Whistler is not only one of the best ski resorts in the world — it's a year-round outdoor paradise, located just 125 kilometers (1.5–2 hours drive) north of Vancouver. The drive along the Sea-to-Sky Highway is almost as spectacular as the destination itself: The road winds along the Pacific fjord Howe Sound, past waterfalls (Shannon Falls, 335 meters!), through rainforests, and finally up into the alpine zone.
The ski area spans two mountains — Whistler Mountain (2,182 m) and Blackcomb Mountain (2,436 m) — connected by the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, the longest and highest unsupported cable car in the world (4.4 km span, 436 m above the valley). Together they offer over 200 runs, 8,171 acres of ski terrain, and an average of 11.6 meters of snow per season. Venue for the alpine events at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
In summer, Whistler transforms into a mountain biking mecca (the Bike Park is considered the best in the world), a hiking paradise (High Note Trail, Garibaldi Lake), and a zip-line adventure. The Whistler Village — a car-free pedestrian zone in alpine style — offers top-notch restaurants, bars, and boutiques, all against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
💡 Tipp
In summer, Whistler is significantly cheaper than in winter! Hotels often cost only half. The Bike Park, hikes to Garibaldi Lake (turquoise like Lake Louise!), and bear watching on Blackcomb Mountain are top summer activities.
