Make the Most of Your Day on Whistler Blackcomb
Ski Zones and Run Suggestions for All Ability Levels
Story by Dee Raffo | Images by Joern Rohde
Whistler Blackcomb is North America’s biggest ski resort, with 200+ runs spread over 8,171 acres — home to big mountain skiing, the kind you see in the movies. You know: powder in the face, arcing turns on long, vertical descents and cliff drops with pillowy landings. But while that’s pretty epic (and perhaps a little intimidating), it’s worth noting that 55 per cent of Whistler Blackcomb’s (WB) terrain is green and blue runs (beginner and intermediate). That means you can work up to those powder turns or cruise the corduroy at your own pace and take in the incredible views of the Coast Mountains.
We touched base with Harriet Parnis, WB Snow School training supervisor and Extremely Canadian guide, to find out which runs and zones she’d suggest for beginners, intermediates and experts.
First Timers and Beginners
Lessons are the best way to gain skills and confidence with instructors who know the mountain like the back of their hand, so for anyone just starting out, we suggest booking a few. And as a bonus you get to skip the lift line when you’re doing a lesson.
The beginner zone on Whistler Mountain is at Olympic Mid Station, the first stop on the Whistler Village Gondola. This area is a designated green zone, and it’s a good idea to do laps on the Olympic Chair to get those ski or board legs loosened up.
“The beginner area got revamped a few years ago with new magic carpets and grading,” says Parnis. “It’s such a fantastic zone for those learning to ski with lots of variety and progression.”
On Blackcomb Mountain, the beginner area is at the base and accessed via the Magic Chair. Both beginner areas on the mountains are slow zones, which means skiers and riders must slow down in those areas.
“On Blackcomb, head to Easy Out, which takes you to Catskinner Express. It doesn’t have as much variety, but it tends to be quieter than the Emerald Zone on Whistler,” Parnis advises.
Intermediates
When you’ve mastered the basics and are looking for a bit more of a challenge, it’s time to shift hues to the blues. With 35 per cent of the mountain terrain classed as intermediate, skiers and riders looking to build their skills have a lot to play with.
On Whistler Mountain, the Emerald Zone has some of the more mellow blues. Once those feel good, the Harmony and Symphony zones are go-to’s on fair-weather days.
“The variety of greens on Whistler makes the transition to blues much easier. You can test yourself on Orange Peel before adventuring further afield to the Harmony and Symphony blues, but watch out for GS and Peak to Creek runs, which are more advanced, bordering on black!” cautions Parnis. “Blackcomb blues are fantastic. Head to 7th Heaven when the sky is blue or over to Crystal when the visibility is low,” suggests Parnis.
Once you’ve mastered stopping (critical) and turning (handy), you can set your sights higher. On Whistler Mountain, take the Whistler Village Gondola to the top and head to the left. Cruise down to the Emerald 6 Express via Upper and Lower Whiskey Jack or Ego Bowl, with easy access to the Roundhouse Lodge for hot chocolate breaks.
Experts
For those who love diamonds — black diamonds, that is — 45 per cent of WB’s terrain is designated for you. But it’s important that you are competent and well-prepared before entering these areas. Check weather conditions and adhere to all ski patrol signage.
“The blacks on Whistler are more accessible and often less committing than on Blackcomb,” explains Parnis. “Other than Raven and Dave Murray Downhill, which are often groomed, all the blacks will be bumpy, variable terrain. Some of the best laps are accessible from the Harmony 6 Express and Peak Express.”
As a Level 3 ski coach and guide, Parnis is used to helping people progress to the next level. Extremely Canadian offers two-day Steeps Clinics, during which guides take you to their favourite challenging spots to help you build confidence on advanced terrain.
“We’re lucky to have such accessible, double-black terrain,” Parnis says. “Get it right on a powder day in Spanky’s Ladder, and you can get fresh tracks well into the afternoon. Storm days are my favourite; if you know where you’re going and how to ski and ride safely in the trees, you can have a lot of fun.”
WB has such a range of terrain that even people who have been skiing it since they were young are always finding new places to explore. Trust us: there are memorable ski runs for you among the thousands of acres on the mountains.
“The variety of terrain, aspect and elevation means between Whistler and Blackcomb, there’s something for every level of skier,” exclaims Parnis. “You can make easy terrain hard and hard terrain accessible. You can even ride as a mixed-ability group back to the same chair and choose your own adventure on the way. There’s a reason it’s a world-renowned ski resort, and I’m still not bored after 15 years of over 100 days each season.”