TRAVEL | 10 Reasons Why Whistler Blackcomb in Canada is Awesome (& You Should Totally Go There)

October 5, 2015 Shell Robshaw-Bryan

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Firstly I must point out this isn’t a sponspored post, I’ve not been asked to write this, I just love Whistler, I mean, really, really love. It’s just a bit of a bummer that I live in the UK though…

I’ve been snowboarding for about 18 years now, and I go to the mountains at least once most seasons, and have been known to take as many as 3 snowboarding trips in one season; no mean feat on a basic holiday allowance!

I’ve been all over Europe, but time and time again, I’m drawn back to my very favourite snowboarding destination, Whistler Blackcomb in stunning British Columbia, Canada.

It’s a long journey from here in the UK, usually about 26 hours door to door, which makes it tiring and more expensive than a trip to Europe, but in my opinion, the jet lag and extra cost are well worth it.

Most winter sports fans have heard of Whistler, especially since the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010, with most of the events being held in Whistler, (about 2 hours away from Vancouver), and it still maintains its excellent reputation, regularly voted as the best resort in North America.

Here are 10 reasons why I love Whistler

1. There’s A Big Family Friendly Area On The Mountain

The family zone is a go-slow area on Whistler mountain that’s ideal for, yup, you guessed it, families. It’s a great place to head to for mixed ability groups and for learners wanting to gain confidence after their first few lessons too.

Here you’ll find the gentle wide open, tree-lined runs to choose from, like Ego Bowl and Whiskey Jack for beginners and Ptarmigan for the more confident.

Whisky jack run whistler — *Lower Whiskey Jack run on Whistler mountain*

2. There’s Loads For People Who Don’t Ski or Board To Do Too

None skiing or snowboarding family members will love Whistler too, they can take a sight-seeing pass and meet you at the top of Whistler mountain at Roundhouse for lunch, or they can choose from loads of fun activities and trips.

The whole central area of Whistler village is pedestrianized and totally chill. It’s great to walk around and is packed full of ski and snowboard shops, artist studios, and great little places to eat and drink.

*Roundhouse, near the top of Whistler mountain*

3. Purpose Built Resort For Easy Mountain Navigation

The mountains are easier to navigate than any of the big resorts in Europe that I’ve snowboarded in, and I’ve boarded on a lot! A gondola whizzes you straight to the top of Whistler mountain and you can choose from more than 100 routes down, with a further 100+ routes on Blackcomb mountain right beside it.

4. Your Can Pretend To Be A Winter Olympian

The Dave Murray Downhill run hosted the World Cup Downhill and Super-G races in the early 90’s, and is my favourite run on the whole mountain. Granted I’m not going to be breaking any kind of speed records as I pick my way down, but at any speed, it’s really exhilarating and good fun, especially on a powder day. If you aren’t quite brave enough for that, try the slightly more mellow Franz, the women’s downhill run.

me snowboarding — *Feeling pleased with myself after another black run*

5. Breakfast A Dustys Creekside Is EPIC

Having a huge breakfast at Dustys, Whistler Creekside makes me happy. Get up early, catch the first lift up to Roundhouse, and then take a run down to Creekside (Bear Paw and Franz are fun ways to get there) where they do huge and delicious breakfasts that will keep you fueled for the rest of the day.

Dusty Backside Creekside — *The view back up the mountain from Dusty’s Creekside*

6. You Get To Ride The Longest, Highest Gondola In The World

The peak to peak gondola is breathtaking. It’s the worlds longest and highest gondola, and man is it high! Take the glass bottom gondola for an even more incredible view.

7. Filling Your Face On Poutine Is A Must

I love going to GLC at the base of Whistler mountain, and sharing* a lunchtime cocktail pitcher and chowing down on a hearty, utterly delicious pulled pork Poutine.

Pulled Pork Poutine at GLC — *Pulled pork Poutine at GLC, simple but damn tasty!*

8. Family Fun To Be Had At The Tubing Park

The tubing park on Blackcomb mountain is such fun, and always puts a smile on my face. What’s great is that even the members of our family who don’t ski or board can join us and have a great afternoon out on the slopes with us.

9. Whistler Is Great For Wildlife

The potential to spot wildlife is good, even in winter. I’ve been early in the season and it was still so mild that bears were wandering around! Even if you go later however, you’ll definitely spot Marmots; cute little squeaky critters.