With more than 8,000 acres of skiable terrain and over 200 marked runs, there’s more than enough space to explore on whistler Blackcomb. With that in mind, we’ve compiled five of the best Whistler Blackcomb runs – as chosen by Whistler locals. Add them to your checklist and have the best day ever!
Raptor’s Ride
According to Feet Banks, writer, filmmaker and editor of Mountain Life, the glades are where it’s at. “The good thing about glades is that they’re everywhere”, adds Banks via MEC’s blog, “so depending how adventurous you are, you can always find good tree skiing. Get up for first tracks anywhere on the front side of 7th Heaven and you’re gonna find stuff dreams are made of. If you’re looking at the map, it’s left of the chair.”
Additional runs include: As well as Raptor’s Ride, this area features Yard Sale, Where’s Joe and Watch Out. They can all be accessed by taking Expressway from The Rendezvous.
Blueline
“The perfect place to find your feet early in the morning, Blue Line is our go-to spot”, explains AllTracks Academy. “Standing at the top, you’re at the highest point on either mountain. The air is wonderfully cold and the perfect corduroy straight after first lift always holds a dry squeak under foot. You couldn’t ask for better conditions if you want to work on your carving.”
Find Blue Line by riding 7th Heaven Express to the peak of Blackcomb. Feeling pumped? Detour via black run, Dakine to really warm those legs up.
Burnt Stew
“Burnt Stew Trail has got to be the most beautiful green run in the country”, says The Whistler Insider. “…enjoy mellow terrain in a true alpine environment. Glaciers, open bowls and big peaks give way to a mellow road back to the Harmony Express, or straight to the Village via Sidewinder and Upper and lower Olympic Run.”
Find the Burnt stew Trail by following the cat track from the top of Peak Express to the top of Harmony 6 Express. Don’t forget the obligatory inukshuk/Black Tusk photo at the top!
Diamond
This little double-black treat can be accessed from Spanky’s Ladder on Blackcomb. “It’s a steep, open area with lots of good turns”, explains Gregor, Revenue Manager at Nita Lake Lodge. “It feels almost back-country and there are some great jumps and drops to test your mettle”. Enjoying the pow over here? Give Ruby & Sapphire bowls a try too before heading to the Crystal Hut for their legendary waffles.
Be prepared for a hike – Spanky’s Ladder can be accessed from the Glacier Express. As you exit the chair, take a look to the left – most days you can see people hiking up and so it’s easy to follow their tracks.
Peak To Creek
“When Peak to Creek is groomed it’s pretty fab! 11km with a mile of vertical from the Peak of Whistler to Creekside”, explains Darryl Palmer, journalist and long time local. “Peak 2 Creek on either a powder day for everything it leads to, or on a groomer day for thigh burning speed lines”, adds Sarah Morden, PR at Whistler Blackcomb via snowsbest.com
From the top of Whistler Mountain, take the Peak Express up to Peak Lookout (Elevation: 2,182m). From here, enter the Upper Peak To Creek. As you enter the treeline, be sure to stay skiers left to continue the ride onto Lower Peak To Creek. Now that your thighs are burning something crazy, go ahead and treat yourself to a pint at Dusty’s.
Getting excited about your Whistler ski vacation? Check out our 5 Tips On Preparing For The Upcoming Whistler Ski Season.