Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort Guide

Whistler ski resort is consistently ranked the number one resort in North America and it's easy to see why. Whistler has the largest skiable area and one of the longest vertical drops on the continent, topped off with an enviable snow record.

Skiing here dates back to 1966, when the ski area consisted of just four lifts and a day lodge. These days, five-star hotels and luxury condos grace the foot of the slopes, and the resort attracts 2 million visitors each winter.

The skiing is spread over two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb. There are three neatly arranged pedestrianised bases - the Upper Village (at Blackcomb), Whistler Village proper, and fast-developing Creekside.

Along with Vancouver, Whistler will play host to the 2010 Winter Olympics, holding the alpine and cross-country skiing, biathlon, ski jumping, bobsleigh, skeleton and luge events.

Whistler is situated in the Coast Mountains in Canada's westernmost province, British Columbia. The resort is 125km (77 miles) north of Vancouver just outside Garibaldi Provincial Park.