Whistler Blackcomb Snow Report & Guide
British Columbia • 1609m Vertical • 8171 Acres
Overview
Whistler Blackcomb is located in British Columbia, offering 1609 meters (5279 feet) of vertical drop across 8171 acres of skiable terrain. As North America's largest ski resort, Whistler Blackcomb combines two mountains into one massive ski area connected by the iconic Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Coastal Pacific storms deliver heavy snowfall, averaging 1,162 cm annually. The season runs late November through late May, sometimes extending into June on Blackcomb Glacier.
The resort operates 37 lifts serving terrain split as 20% beginner, 55% intermediate, and 25% advanced. The typical season runs Late November to late May, though weather and snow conditions can shift these dates.
Key Statistics
| Summit Elevation | 2284m |
| Base Elevation | 675m |
| Vertical Drop | 1609m |
| Skiable Area | 8171 acres |
| Number of Lifts | 37 |
| Average Annual Snowfall | 1162cm |
| Season | Late November to late May |
| Beginner Terrain | 20% |
| Intermediate Terrain | 55% |
| Advanced Terrain | 25% |
| Day Ticket From | $189 CAD |
Current Conditions
The data below represents current reported conditions. Snow depth, fresh snowfall, and operational status are updated by the resort daily, typically early morning. Structure is in place for live API integration—currently displaying representative data. Always verify conditions on the official resort website before traveling.
Whistler Blackcomb
Updated: Nov 24, 02:55 p.m.Powder conditions on upper mountain. Packed powder on groomers. Excellent visibility.
Understanding These Numbers
Base depth is measured at mid-mountain and represents total snow accumulation from the ground up. Deeper bases cover rocks and obstacles, generally improving safety and snow quality.
24-hour and 7-day snowfall show recent accumulation. Fresh snow excites powder seekers but can also mean reduced visibility, avalanche control delays, and slower lift operations.
Open lifts and trails indicate current operational capacity. Closures happen due to wind, avalanche mitigation, mechanical issues, or early/late season limited operations. Check which specific lifts and runs are affected—it may determine whether your planned terrain is accessible.
Live Webcams
Whistler Blackcomb offers 5 webcam views from various mountain locations. Use these to assess current visibility, snow coverage, crowd levels, and weather conditions. Note that camera angles, lighting, and lens quality vary. For the most accurate picture, check multiple cams and cross-reference with the official snow report.
Due to technical restrictions, some webcams cannot be embedded and require viewing on the resort's official website. Click "Open in new window" for direct access.
Terrain Breakdown
Whistler Blackcomb's terrain is rated as 20% beginner, 55% intermediate, and 25% advanced. These percentages reflect the distribution of marked trails and are set by the resort—ratings are not standardized across mountains, so a blue run here may differ in difficulty from a blue run elsewhere.
Beginner (20%)
Wide, gentle slopes at Olympic Station (Whistler) and Magic Chair (Blackcomb). These areas feature magic carpets, slow-speed lifts, and terrain progression zones. Avoid crowded times (weekends, holidays) for the best learning experience.
Intermediate (55%)
Groomed blue runs dominate the mid-mountain on both Whistler and Blackcomb. Long cruisers like Dave Murray Downhill (an Olympic run) and Cruiser on Blackcomb offer sustained, moderate pitches. Great for building confidence and covering vertical.
Advanced (25%)
Steep chutes, bowls, glades, and moguls across both mountains. Whistler's West Bowl and Blackcomb's Spanky's Ladder offer expert terrain. Backcountry gates provide access to uncontrolled areas—avalanche safety equipment and training required.
Tickets & Passes
Single-day lift tickets at Whistler Blackcomb start at approximately $189 CAD for adults. This is a starting price for advance-purchase tickets on non-peak dates. Actual prices vary based on:
- Purchase timing: Advance online purchase saves money; day-of walk-up tickets cost more.
- Date and demand: Weekends, holidays, and peak periods (Christmas, New Year's, spring break) command premium pricing, sometimes 30-50% higher.
- Age category: Youth, teen, senior, and child tickets are discounted.
- Multi-day tickets: Buying 3, 5, or 7-day passes reduces per-day cost.
Season Passes
Whistler Blackcomb is part of the Epic Pass network (owned by Vail Resorts). Pass options include:
- Epic Pass: Unlimited access to Whistler Blackcomb and 65+ resorts worldwide.
- Epic Local Pass: Limited access with holiday restrictions. Check blackout dates.
If you plan to ski 5-7+ days across multiple resorts in one season, a pass typically pays for itself compared to single-day tickets.
Affiliate Disclosure: Links to official ticketing and accommodation partners may be affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports PowderDash but does not influence editorial content.
Getting There
By Air
Nearest Airport: Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Drive Time: 2-3 hours from Vancouver
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a major hub with flights from across North America, Asia, and Europe. Rental cars are available at the airport. The drive north on Highway 99 (Sea-to-Sky Highway) is scenic but can be challenging in winter—consider snow tires or chains.
Public Transit & Shuttles
Daily bus service from Vancouver via Epic Rides, Skylynx, or Snowbus
Shuttles are convenient if you don't plan to explore beyond the resort. Book in advance during peak periods as capacity fills up.
By Car
If driving, ensure your vehicle has winter tires (required by law in some provinces during winter months). Carry emergency supplies: blanket, water, snacks, flashlight, and a charged phone. Check road conditions before departure and be prepared for delays due to snow or accidents.
Parking at Whistler Blackcomb costs approximately $25-40 CAD per day depending on proximity and season. Reserve online for slight discounts. Many hotels include parking for guests.
Where to Stay
Budget Range: $200-400/night for lodging, $50-100/day for food
Whistler Village offers a wide range of lodging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Ski-in/ski-out properties command premium prices. Creekside (south of the village) is quieter and slightly cheaper. Book early for holiday periods—prices double and availability shrinks.
Book early for best selection and rates. Midweek stays (Sunday-Thursday) cost less than weekends. Shoulder season (early December, late March) offers discounts but variable snow conditions.
Safety & Etiquette
Your Responsibility Code
- Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid others.
- People ahead of you have the right of way.
- Stop only where you are visible from above and do not obstruct trails.
- Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.
- Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
- Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails.
- Know how to use the lifts safely.
Avalanche Awareness
All marked trails at Whistler Blackcomb are avalanche-controlled by ski patrol. However, if you venture into backcountry or out-of-bounds areas (accessible via gates at some resorts), you enter uncontrolled terrain where avalanche danger exists.
Never duck ropes or ski closed areas. Avalanche control work may be in progress, exposing you to danger and legal consequences. If you plan to ski backcountry, carry a beacon, probe, and shovel, and take an avalanche safety course.
Emergency Contacts
In case of emergency on the mountain, contact Ski Patrol immediately. Emergency phones are located at lift stations and lodges. For medical emergencies, call 911.
This website is not an emergency service. Do not contact us for urgent mountain conditions, closures, or safety concerns. Always consult the resort directly.
Whistler Blackcomb FAQ
Start early on one mountain (typically Whistler for first-timers), ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola to the other mountain around midday, and finish the afternoon there. The Peak 2 Peak connects Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb with Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler—an 11-minute ride that's worth experiencing for the views alone.
Note: Moving between mountains takes time. Factor in lift lines, the gondola ride, and navigation. If powder is fresh, advanced skiers often prefer to stay on one mountain to maximize vertical.
No. Whistler Village is pedestrian-friendly, and free shuttle buses connect all base areas, parking lots, and neighborhoods. Lifts are accessible on foot from most village accommodations. If staying outside the village (Creekside, Function Junction), you may want a car or rely on transit schedules.
December through February offers the most consistent snowfall, with January averaging the coldest temperatures and driest snow. Late-season (April-May) can also deliver surprise storms, though conditions are less predictable. Avoid holiday weeks (Christmas, New Year's, Family Day) if you dislike crowds.
Whistler Blackcomb is part of the Epic Pass network (owned by Vail Resorts). The Epic Pass provides unlimited access; the Epic Local Pass has restrictions. The Ikon Pass offers 7 days at Whistler with Ikon or 5 days with Ikon Base. Choose based on which other resorts you'll visit that season.
Blackcomb's Horstman Glacier offers summer skiing (typically June-July, conditions permitting). It's a unique experience but limited terrain—mostly for park riders and training. Don't plan a midsummer trip expecting resort-wide skiing. Winter is the real draw.
Whistler Mountain's Olympic Station and Blackcomb's Magic Chair both access excellent beginner zones. The Whistler side tends to be slightly less crowded. Avoid the village gondola during peak hours—it serves advanced terrain too, leading to mixed-ability lineups.
Day parking ranges from $25-40 CAD depending on lot proximity and season. Book parking online in advance for slight discounts. Many hotels include parking for guests; some charge $15-30/night. Free parking exists in outer lots with shuttle service.
Yes, ski-in/ski-out lodging is available in Whistler Village and at Blackcomb base, but it commands premium prices ($400-1000+/night). Staying within a 5-10 minute walk saves money and still provides convenient access.
Wind closures happen, especially on upper-mountain and alpine lifts. The resort doesn't refund tickets for weather, but lower-elevation lifts usually remain open. Check the morning report and have a backup plan (spa, shopping, hiking) if conditions deteriorate.
Yes. The Magic Chair on Blackcomb and Olympic Chair on Whistler offer beginner-only lift tickets at reduced prices. These are ideal for first-timers who aren't ready for the full mountain.
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