Ski Season In Whistler/Blackcomb Canada - Hotels & Ski Resorts
Whistler–Blackcomb is one of the top ski resorts in Canada, but it is also one of the best North American winter vacation spots, being ranked in the first 5 places to go in order to spend a great holiday in the cold months. Located at about 72 miles (115 kilometers) from Vancouver, the majestic mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb have the greatest vertical drop in North America (5,020 feet, respectively 5,280 feet), and consequently there can be enjoyed some of the most exciting skiing and snowboarding in the world. The fantastic ski conditions have been internationally recognized when the region has been designed as host of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (that took place in February–March 2010). To the high popularity of this winter vacation place contributes also the long-lasting ski season, it stretching from mid-November to April in Whistler and from mid-November to June in Blackcomb (even year-round in some parts, details follow below).
Ski vacations in Whistler–Blackcomb are very popular amongst winter sports enthusiasts from Canada and USA (but also amongst tourists from all over the world) because of several reasons. The snow-caped peaks overlook the wonderful valley of Whistler and the slopes offer over 8,100 acres of terrain for Alpine skiing, as well as excellent trails for cross-country skiing – 9.5 miles (15 kilometers) in the Lost Lake Park and 31 miles (50 kilometers) in the Callaghann Valley. The downhill runs are designed for all levels, respectively 25% are for beginner, 55% for intermediate, and 20% for expert level skier. Plus there is more! In this region of British Columbia is the only site in North America where is available skiing on a glacier in the Blackcomb Glacier Provincial Park (hosting the Horstman Glacier) situated on the Blackcomb Mountain. It is accessible from the Showcase T-bar and allows great skiing even in summer, though is recommended generally to advanced skier. Along with Alpine skiing, in the peak season can be practiced very successful cat-skiing, heli-skiing, the already mentioned cross-country skiing, snowmobile tours, dog-sled riding, ice-skating, tubing (there is a great park specially designed for this activity), and others.
Another feature that draws many winter sport enthusiasts to this Canadian mountain resort is the recently opened Peak-to-Peak gondola, a fantastic way to "jump" from the peaks and ski trails of Whistler Mountain to those from the Blackcomb Mountain. The views along the approximatively 11-minute and almost 4.5-kilometer ride are breathtaking and allow tourists to admire the panorama of the entire valley and of the wonderful forested slopes. The cost of using the Peak-to-Peak gondola is included in the price of the regular lift tickets. The ski runs on the Whistler Mountain can be reached from the Whistler Village, while those from the Blackcomb Mountain are accessible both from Whistler Village and Upper Village.
In a ski resort like Whistler–Blackcomb great action can be enjoyed not just on slopes, but also in the localities nested in the valley, Whistler Village, Upper Village, Village North, Blueberry Hill, Nicklaus North, Alpine Meadows, and Whistler Creekside. In all of them are plenty of restaurants, bars and pubs, as well as shops, entertainment venues, spa centers, and other points of interest. Of course, there are also numerous accommodations of all categories, from upscale 5-star hotels and resorts to family oriented condominium and other types of vacation rental properties – chalet, cabins, and homes. In the peak ski season most of them are occupied up to the last room and finding lodging is a very difficult task, so people interested in ski vacations in Whistler–Blackcomb Ski Resort are advised to book vacation packages well in advance. Another thing about which tourists are beckoned is the fact that in weekend the villages tend to be very crowded due to the fact that many people from Vancouver come to spend 2-3 days on the gorgeous slopes from nearby – they have to take only a short drive by car (2–2 ˝ hours). When book early ski packages, tourists can benefit on very advantageous travel deals, vacation specials, discount room rates and different inclusions like kinds stay free, free transportation and much more. However, savvy travelers know that the best time to book vacation packages to the top ski resorts in Canada and USA is September–October, and as a result the best lodgings are sold out in this period.
Travel article written by Victor Tuszing. See his profile on:
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