Visited March 2009
Whistler/Blackcomb is generally rated as the best ski resort on the planet [here and here] so is was only imperative we had to go there at some point 🙂
The 2008-2009 season until March had been relatively one with relatively little snow, however on the way there [Three hours by car/bus from Vancouver Airport] it was constantly snowing and it snowed for the next 3 days, totaling 130 cm for those days. The scenic drive was supposed to be very beautiful except it snowed most of the way and visibility was low. We stayed at the Delta Whistler Village suites and it was pretty good, its in the middle of Whistler village and about a 5 minute walk to the lift entrances, so a good warm up in the morning. Whistler village is a planned, well groomed, modern village with lots of shops and restaurants and there is something for everybody, really good and expensive restaurants, bar, Crepe places.
As Whistler Blackcomb is so big the snow and ski conditions can vary much across the mountains, so it is important to look for the most favorable snow conditions depending on the weather. Getting around the mountains is now very easy with the opening of the [Peak to Peak] lift. Look for the silver gondola’s if you want a glass bottom view. Overall there is so much ski able terrain tht its almost intimidating specially for novice skiers, its a dream for the initiated ones 
Here is the [trail map]. And if you really and to get a sense how big the Whistler Blackcomb ski area really is check the [ Compare Acreage ], it is HUGE.
I especially liked the [Fresh tracks] option, this is an additional lift ticket for 10 $ that will allow the first 650 (max) skiers to get on the mountain early, breakfast included and fresh powder and groomed slopes as soon as Ski Patrol gives the go-head. You may have to get up early to claim you seat on the first 650 but it was definitely worth it and it may be very busy on powder days.
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If you an avid skier I recommend buying one of these books, the describe in great detail each run and variations and dangers (depending if you are an off-piste skier or ski groomers mostly):
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Ski and Snowboard Guide to Whistler Blackcomb: Advanced/Expert Edition
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Ski & Snowboard Guide to Whistler Blackcomb: Intermediate Edition
Blackcomb side favorite off-piste: Blackcomb glacier off the “Show case T-Bar” lift. A short hike to the back side opens up an amazing bowl and relatively easy to ski even if you aren’t that good yet in the powder/crud. For the more advance dive straight left for the blow hole.
Whistler side favorite off-piste: Whistler bowl for accessibility to steep, powder terrain. Just take the peak chair, and no hiking! Also Harmony bowl is very nice, but it takes a while to get there and come back.
Whistler side favorite pist:
Food, dining, and Apres-ski:
Favorite Apres ski bar: [Garibaldi’s Lift co]
Favorite food places: Tandoori Gril, on mainstreet.
Enjoy the photos we took:
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Or view the [slideshow]
Some useful links:
- Peak 2 Peak [link]
- Whistler Blackcomb official site [link]
- Virtual Whistler [link]
- Heli skiing Whistler [link 900 (can)
- Snowcat skiing [link1] [link2] 499 (can)
- Whistler guides [link]
- Flickr pool Whistler [link]
Lift tickets $89 (can) per day = 56 euro, 7 days web price = 336 euro so 48 euro per day (season 2008-2009)