Whistler Blackcomb - Slope

The season runs from November to June (only one mountain usually remains open from the end of April), with summer glacier skiing on Blackcomb from late June until the end of July. In 2010, for the first time, the resort closed for skiing completely for a few weeks in spring before re-opening for summer skiing and boarding – previously it had remained open right through the season.

Whistler Mountain has the edge over Blackcomb when it comes to beginners' terrain. There's a good learners' area under the Olympic chairlift by the gondola mid-station, while higher up, the Emerald Express chairlift serves a nice range of wide, green runs.

Intermediates have an enormous choice of cruisy tree-lined runs and more challenging powder bowls - 55% of the ski area falls into this middle classification. Meanwhile, more than a quarter of the terrain is graded advanced/expert. Several heart-stopping drop-ins lead to steep chutes, bowls and mogul fields. And don't miss Blackcomb's impressive Couloir Extreme.

The tree skiing is out of this world too - there are a number of marked gladed trails, and plenty of widely spaced trees between runs as well. For freestylers hoping to catch some air, there are five terrain parks for all levels from complete beginner up to world class pro, allowing for plenty of fun.

Whistler has an efficient, modern lift system, although queues at popular lifts tend to build up over holiday periods. Ever keen to stay one step ahead of its competitors, Whistler continues to add to its inventory. In 2006, the Symphony Express high-speed chairlift increased lift-serviced terrain by over 400 hectares (1,000 acres).

The two mountains are connected at altitude by the remarkable Peak 2 Peak gondola, which travels 4.4km (2.7 miles) in 11 minutes, carrying passengers up to 436m (1,430ft) above the valley floor. This is a world record for the highest point above the ground that a passenger lift travels, and the distance between the two support towers on either side of the valley is another world beater. For the full effect, some cabins have glass floors enabling passengers to look straight down.

Whistler Blackcomb's ski school offers private and group lessons. Equipment hire is available from numerous locations in the village.