Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America. Its 8,171 skiable acres and 24 lifts attract die-hard skiers, snowboarders, and first-timers worldwide. With Gondolas uploading patrons directly from the Whistler Village Stroll up into the Alpine, it makes Whistler a top vacation destination in Canada. Preparing for a ski or snowboard trip can be tricky, so here at the Crystal Lodge, we have put together a few things you should consider as you plan your best ski trip ever!

DO YOU NEED RENTALS?

Maybe you pull out your skis after being in storage for the Summer to see that they need significant fixes. Or perhaps you don’t want to carry your ski gear up the Sea to Sky highway. Luckily rentals are available all over Whistler Village. Our recommendation is  Premium Mountain Rentals, conveniently located in the Crystal Lodge.

HAVE YOU PURCHASED A LIFT TICKET YET?

Whether you are Sightseeing, Skiing or Snowboarding, you will need a lift ticket. The more days you buy, the cheaper the ticket becomes, and you can also package them up with lessons. For more information about the lift tickets, please click here.

WHERE ARE YOU STAYING?

There are many options for accommodation in Whistler, so you want to ensure that you have the best experience possible. We recommend staying on the Village Stroll. You are just a few steps to the Whistler Blackcomb Gondola. An insider tip is to find accommodation with complimentary Ski Valet and Storage. At Crystal Lodge, we provide free Ski Valet and Storage and a complimentary Boot and Glove drying room on every level!

HOW ARE YOU GETTING TO WHISTLER?

Located a 2-hour drive north of Vancouver, travelling to Whistler is relatively easy as one road (Highway 99) travels in and out of the town from both the North and South directions. If you are flying into Vancouver Airport, there are three shuttle bus companies, Epic Rides, Whistler Shuttle and YVR Skylnx,  to get you up the Sea to Sky highway. You can rent a car from the airport, or if you would rather someone else drive in the Winter conditions, you can book a coach from either the Vancouver Airport or Downtown Vancouver.

WHAT WINTER CLOTHING DO I NEED IN WHISTLER?

Whistler is one of Canada’s most Western ski resorts; this means we see a lot more precipitation than other ski resorts in Canada. This is excellent news as when it is cold, and this precipitation comes in snow form! We recommend getting yourself a good quality Gore-Tex jacket, waterproof boots and toque. It is not uncommon to wake up to a 40cm powder day in Whistler, and you will be happy when your toes are still dry and warm.

These are the basics when planning your unforgettable ski vacation to Whistler. If you would like more information on what activities there are to do in Whistler besides skiing and snowboarding, check out our Winter Activities page.

Whistler offers excellent experiences for everybody, and at Crystal Lodge, we love to make everybody’s experience one that they will never forget. If you have any questions on how to make your Whistler getaway unforgettable, you can contact our Guest Services Team, and they can assist you in finding Whistler accommodation at the best rates and offers we have at [email protected] or 1 800 667 3363.