Skiing Whistler Blackcomb: Lift ticket prices, ski rentals and more

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Metro Vancouver is lucky to have several ski hills in the area for those seeking a downhill thrill.

Postmedia has compiled guides on each of the local mountains, from how to get there and where to buy tickets, to the best place for apres ski.

Read on for everything to know about Whistler Blackcomb. Scroll down a list of more B.C. mountain guides.

Whistler Blackcomb

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Address: 4545 Blackcomb Way in Whistler

Distance from Vancouver: Two hours / 121 kilometres

World-class defines skiing at Whistler Blackcomb — there is no higher recognition for a ski resort than to have hosted the Winter Olympics.

It boasts the largest ski area in North America, with more than 3,200 skiable hectares, 200+ runs, 16 alpine bowls and three glaciers. They are all serviced by 35 lifts, including the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. And with a village that is second to none, Whistler has something for everyone, from beginner to world-class skier and even non-skiers.

For the 2024-2025 season, Whistler Blackcomb opened earlier than planned thanks to more than two metres of snowfall and snow-making in November.

Whistler Blackcomb is owned by Vail Resorts and upgrades are done each year to make the improve the experience. They include an upgrade to the Jersey Cream Express, the debut of mobile passes, mobile lift tickets and My Epic Gear, a program that is said to be better than renting and easier than owning.

How do I get there by car?

Take the Sea to Sky Highway north, then follow the directions to Village Gate Boulevard and Blackcomb Way.

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Can I get there by transit or shuttle?

A Whistler Snowbus operates from downtown Vancouver and the airport in Richmond. Pick up spots include Granville and Broadway, Burrard and Comox, Burrard SkyTrain, UBC and Sheraton Wall Centre.

Epic Rides offers a direct shuttle from downtown Vancouver for $44 round trip. 

Once you’re there, you can get around using the Whistler Village Free Shuttle Service.

How much is a lift ticket? Do I need to buy in advance?

A one-day lift ticket bought in advance is $295.

Does Whistler Blackcomb offer gear rental or lessons?

Yes. You can rent almost everything and get group or private lessons. Whistler has a ski school program and Extremely Canadian Ski School that specializes in tackling the resort’s off-piste terrain.

What food and drink options are there at the mountain?

There are more than 170 places in the village and on the mountains. If you crave it, they have it.

Where’s a good spot nearby to enjoy apres ski?

Too many options to list. There’s a place for you.

Are there any discounts available for Whistler Blackcomb?

For the 2024-2025 season, you have to buy passes before Dec. 2 for the best deals. Passes, including one-day passes and EDGE Cards, will go off sale for the season on Dec. 2. To see the deals, visit www.epicpass.com.

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If I don’t ski or snowboard, what else is there to do?

Whistler is a world-class (there’s that word again) arts, entertainment, spas, Olympic experiences and so many events and festivals destination. Ski or don’t ski — it’s a winter wonderland vacation destination.

Any other questions about Whistler Blackcomb or Metro Vancouver’s local ski hills? Email us at vantips@postmedia.com.

Read more B.C. mountain guides:

• Grouse Mountain
• Cypress Mountain
• Mount Seymour
• Whistler Blackcomb

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