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mountain rider
from winnipeg,manitoba
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Feb 24, 2008 |
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Overall Rating: 4.8   |
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that was the beat place i have every been to man it was like so sick, the lift lines are really big on weekends but if u go weekdays they are'nt so bad and the terrain park is amazing. The pow is very nice and all the runs are groomed sooo nice. the runs are not icy at all. the staff people are really nice to and the tree runs i cant even explain its like heaven. The best run i would say would be peak to creek. The hotel i stayed at was very good (whistler village inn and suites). The whole hotel is amazing and very clean. the staff is really nice. the maids cleaned the rooms top to bottom and there wasint a peice of dust i saw lol. but over all i would have to say it is the best place in north america.
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Wolfgang Müller
from Feldkirch, Austria
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Jan 24, 2008 |
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| Overall Rating: 4.6 |
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We are 4 Austrians visiting a different Skiresort every year. We have been to the US, Canada, France, Swizerland, Italy, Poland, Bosnia and of course Austria - wich has the best "apre ski" (drinking after skiing) by far. In 2004 we went to Whistler. Even from Europe easy to get to with direct flights from most major airports. Nice scenic trip from Vancouver which is definitly worth a visit - specially if you came such a long way. Whistler - Blackcomb is a huge resort with fantastic terrain for all level skiers. The resort is actually to big to be explored in only one week. I would recommend to ask some of the locals guides of which there are plenty. You save a lot of time and you will find the best skiing ever. We were lucky to meet Kurt (thanks Kurt) who is an Austrian, living in Whistler for 25 years. He showed us the best runs and places to go.
If you go heli skiing make sure there is some fresh powder out there. There is no point in paying 800 bucks if you end up skiing on "Bruchharsch" (sorry, dont know the english word for that - but its not good). We had an excellent day out there in 2004 but friends of ours who went there the year after werent as lucky.
Rooms are generaly bigger than in Europe. Service is professional and nightlife is pretty good. Make sure you dont go there in gay week - if you dont want to.
I´ll be back....
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Mike
from Mountain View, CA
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Jan 24, 2008 |
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| Overall Rating: 4.4 |
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Whistler is an annual trek for me and my family. We've been going there for over 10 years. In my opinion it has the best skiing in North America. It's a huge mountain (actually two mountains) with runs for every level of skier. The double-black diamonds there aren't a ego-boosting inflated ratings. You've got to be a great skier just to survive them. Snow is plentiful in most years. It's not Wasatch powder but it's not Sierra cement either. Good combo of packed and off-piste and grooming is extensive. Nightlife is tilted toward the younger folks but there are some pretty good restaurants in the village. It used to be a bargain for those of us who live in the US but with the weakening of the dollar it's about equivalent with other major resorts. If you haven't been there you have to go. Easy access from Vancouver. They are installing the Peak-to-Peak tram which should be operational next year. That will be a thrill ride.
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Cesar Villarreal
from Clifton NJ
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Dec 18, 2007 |
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| Overall Rating: 4.0 |
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I took a trip to Whistler in Dec 06,all I can say is this place is huge,awesome mountain and the terrain are sick,the night life is only good on the weekend,it snowed all 5 day we where there, if u can take a trip to Whistler,don't think about it just do it.
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Gene
from Grand Rapids, Michigan
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Dec 14, 2007 |
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| Overall Rating: 4.0 |
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It might be a roll of the dice for early spring skiing. Been there twice in March and dealt with rain at lower elevations and pelting ice whiteouts up top. That said, theres no place in North America that offers the tremendous quantity and diversity of kick-butt runs like Whistler.
Bite off as much as you like - its all there with so many ways to get down youll never get bored. Yes its a mega-resort catering to the masses but you can always find trail adventure just around the corner. Youll finish the day with a glow.
The village is relatively new / planned - reflecting the prosperity of the Vancouver/Seattle region. The dining and pubs are as good as it gets. It also has a bit of an international feel that we often dont get to enjoy State side.
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creed
from Colorado
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Nov 11, 2007 |
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| Overall Rating: 3.6 |
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I spent 5 days at whistler in Feb 02'.
I know it hard to judge a mountain with a short visit,
but here goes.
First of all it rained the night I got there. The rain went all the way to the top of the mountain-what a shame because it had snowed 2.5 feet the day before.
It got cold again and every thing refroze-then a bit more snow (dust on crust)
I loved the terrain (steep as hell in places), but was surprised how crowded it was at times and how bumped out some of the bowls were (Whistler Bowl-but not Bagel Bowl)
A really dug the Canadian hospitality (lots of GB) -was showed some stashes by locals
Awesome place-but it did rain!
I am looking forward to going back
good food as well
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Bill Eisele
from South Carolina
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Sep 20, 2007 |
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| Overall Rating: 4.4 |
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This location is great for families looking for a bonding experience, and individuals or groups looking for the wilder side. There is enough terrian and variety to accomodate all snow sport fun seekers. The non-snow activities can keep you busy on your "rest days" - but I never understood why you would not want to be on the slopes everyday.
Here is the prescription - upload early, hit lunch at 11:30 to beat the crowds, snowplay until 3 PM, hit the jacuzzi, cruise town for dinner at 5:30, do whatever until bedtime. Repeat daily. Depart with a smile on your face, get home, brag to your friends, make reservatiosn for next year. We've been 8 years in a row and going again.
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Russ Rockwood
from Mukilteo, WA
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Sep 19, 2007 |
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| Overall Rating: 4.6 |
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What can I say. Whistler has terrain for every ability. 2 Mountains to play on and a great village for your non skiing partner.
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Anna
from Switzerland
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May 3, 2007 |
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| Overall Rating: 5.0 |
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I spent the whole winter in Whistler and had the most exciting time ever! Although I grew up in a winter resort in Switzerland I've never seen that much and that good snow before! Skiing was great all the time, people are great and everything was great!!! :-) I'll come back!!!
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Philippa Mason
from New York
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May 2, 2007 |
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| Overall Rating: 4.4 |
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I read the review from Adam in Vancouver. Completely wrong. If it is raining in the village, that invariably means that it is snowing above. We found fresh track 3 out of 5 days, enjoyed the good service and new lifts and the extensive terrain with loads of variety. Restaurants were great, although some can be unjustifiably expensive.
The new Symphony lift offers surprisingly good gladed runs and can often play host to some of the best family skiing without the line ups. My advice is don't be miserable, nursing a hangover watching the rain come down, get out of bed, put your boots on and enjoy one of the best ski mountains on Earth.
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Walt Prest
from Meadville, PA
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May 2, 2007 |
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| Overall Rating: 4.2 |
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Whistler/Blackcomb? Still my favorite area of the over 100 that I've skied, in the U.S., Canada, and in France, Switzerland and Austria. Tired from hitting the bump runs? Relax on a long blue cruiser, then hit the glades for moer fun. You'll always find good snow somewhere on these mountains and there will be enough to keep you satisfied. The newly opened Creekside areas prevent visibility problems by providing tree runs to give contrast. Crowds are only a problem first thing in the morning since the area is so vast that you can ski an entire top to bottom run without passing another skier.There are activities of every sort should you want to take a day off from skiing - but why would you? My only complaint is that the area has become so popular that the economical lodging has been moving further from the base - however as the Creekside base is built up, that area provides access to Whistler Village and a quieter respite from the noise and activity.
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John
from Stillwater,MN
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May 1, 2007 |
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| Overall Rating: 4.4 |
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This was my first trip to Whistler and it was everything I imagined! I was most impressed by the village with its shops, hotels, restaurants and pubs. The skiing on the two mountains was great and lift access in the village is phenominal. The only suggestion I could make is more green runs for beginners.
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john topp
from seal beach cal
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May 1, 2007 |
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| Overall Rating: 5.0 |
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I attended the mountain symposium at whistler apil 16 to april 22.The weather was great some new snow on top.the conditions where outstanding even though it was late season the snow was like feb.huge bowls that go on and on like skiing europe but better snow and prices.service and accomadatins were excellent would recommend whistler to skii clubs and individuals
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Rhiannon Pettit
from Telluride, Colorado
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May 1, 2007 |
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| Overall Rating: 5.0 |
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I stayed at the Aspens on Blackcomb - great location with spacious, clean rooms. Staff was very helpful (especially our check-in agent late night on 4/14/07.) What a wonderful town!
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carla Constantino
from Melbourne, Florida
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May 1, 2007 |
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| Overall Rating: 4.4 |
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I'll be back!
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Greg
from Tahoe
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Apr 30, 2007 |
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| Overall Rating: 4.4 |
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This was my first trip to Whistler ever and it definitely lived up to its reputation. The terrain was awesome with tons of steeps and sick lines and obviously huge. The village was the most lively ski village I have ever experienced although it was during the Telus Festival. I am definitely going to plan another trip there in the near future. The only negative is they lack the clear blue skies and the California sun that Tahoe gets. Other than that Whistler is great.
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Jeremy
from North Lake Tahoe, CA
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Apr 30, 2007 |
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| Overall Rating: 4.4 |
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Whistler is a text book example of a resort town. Add their great terrain and and you have yourselves a solid product. I always love visiting, although it was a bit more affordable to do so when the American Dollar was stronger. Now, it is priced in the same category as any other big North American or European resort. One tip of advice to first time travelers is that they should make sure to stay for a decent amount of time, as the sun is not always out. Visitor's for one week or less can be deamed as "lucky" to see the sun. When the sun does shine, it sure showcases a beautiful place!
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Jennifer
from Denver, CO
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Apr 30, 2007 |
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| Overall Rating: 4.4 |
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Whistler was amazing! The Village was luxurious but fun with down to earth bars and restaurants, and excellent service. The weather is quite deceiving, as it is sunny in the village but can be a blizzard at the top of the gonola after a long ride up. Loved that there is access to both Whistler and Blackcomb from the same village via separate Gondola's. Great spring skiing, with a bit of slush at the bottom, but amazing powder at the top. Great nightlife and bar scene! Be sure to stay in the Village for the best experience!~
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Barbara Haller
from Whistler, BC
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Apr 29, 2007 |
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| Overall Rating: 5.0 |
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Not a lot of ski areas can offer great skiing in mid April- Whistler/Blackcomb can and does. Besides the skiing the scenery, the Village, the shops, the restaurants, the courteous employees, the variety of accommodations. The general spirit of lets have a good time. Really enjoyed the dog show on April 22 and the Telus competitions.
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cathy
from Indiana
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Apr 28, 2007 |
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| Overall Rating: 4.4 |
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My third trip was this April. I have also been there in December and March. Every time there has been good snow, although in April the lower mountain is slush - plan to download halfway. It does rain a lot, but only one day during this April trip. With the Telus Festival going on, the town rocks.Great apres ski scene and music. I still can't find anything in the village, walk around in circles and can't see any distance. It's a bit much if you actually want to sleep at night, but lots of fun. It' s a huge place, some good off-piste challenges and lots of groomers to cruise as well. Beautiful mountani views. I appreciuate the effort to recycle and use real dishes in the cafeterias. Lift lines have not been any problem when I have been there.
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Phil Morris
from Telluride, CO
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Apr 28, 2007 |
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| Overall Rating: 4.2 |
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Stayed at the Aspens managed by ResortQuest. Great location! Right outside was the slopes and Wizard Express Lift. The staff was very friendly and helped me navigate the Whistler Village.
I ate several times at Monk's Grill. Some of the best steak I have ever had.
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Sonny
from Yorktown, VA
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Apr 28, 2007 |
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| Overall Rating: 4.4 |
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Whistler has it all! Two great mountains with slopes for every ability from groomed to "steeps & deeps", well stocked rental shops, many lodging choices from "3 star" to "5 star", restaurants to satisfy every taste and shopping, shopping, shopping! The spring skiing in mid April 2007 was great! Just take a gondola to the upper sections of Whistler or Blackcomb mountain, ski til mid-day, lunch at one of the on-mountain lodges, ski the afternoon, then back to the hot tub! Apres ski leads to a choice of many restaurants and bars to satisfy your taste. An evening walk through the village after dinner for shopping is a must! Then, back to the hotel for a good nights sleep to do it again tomorrow! Everyone should treat themselves to a Whistler Vacation!
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Eric
from Breckenridge, CO
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Apr 28, 2007 |
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| Overall Rating: 4.4 |
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To start, Whistler/Blackcomb is a first class/ world class ski resort. I hadn't been there since 1978 for a Toni Sailor summer race camp and it is definately a different place today. I was there in mid April, and yes, it did rain at the bottom of the mountain but it DUMPED up top and with a 130" base, the conditions were phenomenal. I grew up skiing on the East coast, so I have had to deal with rain and skiing before.
The terrain and scenary are spectacular. You can go as big and steep as you desire. The on mountain staff were great. The cafeteria workers even took my lunch tray after I was done. The prices were a little higher than I'm used to even living in Breck, but it was worth every penny.
I will go back for sure.
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GUY GODIN
from hilton quebec
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Apr 28, 2007 |
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| Overall Rating: 5.0 |
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It was my first time at MTS, the meeting were very good with good ROI with TO and particularly with US ski clubs.
Guy Godin
Tour and Travel sales manager
Hilton Quebec
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Rick
from everywhere
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Feb 11, 2007 |
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| Overall Rating: 4.4 |
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Whistler well....its big! the biggest and the veritical is true but so is the weather. It rained when I was there even up to 6000 feet and this was in early February. There was although penelty of snow on the ground even at the lowest elevations.
8000 acres of terrian is amazeing and they grooom 1300 acres of terrian. So much terrain! At the end of day your upset you only skied less than 1% of mountain.
The village does lack character (it is like a shopping mall) Banff's restaurants and bars are better and more fun.
You still need to try this place!
Big
Big
Big
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Ben
from San Jose, CA
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Dec 26, 2006 |
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| Overall Rating: 4.0 |
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Was there in Dec 2005. Less than half of the two mountains was open. Downloading was required. The runs we did were real icy and the weekend days were ridiculously crowded. We waited in line at some lifts for ~20 minutes. And price was still $75CAD. Should've gone in Dec this year it turns out. But anyway, it can probably be a really neat mountain. But having enough snow is key. The village is fun. Lots of flat service roads to get where you want sometimes. That is annoying.
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Matt
from Toronto, Canada
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Oct 22, 2006 |
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| Overall Rating: 4.2 |
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I've been to Whistler-Blackcomb twice now, and I have to say that I enjoyed both trips. The experience is that to not physically being able to do all of the runs, or even half for that matter in a weeks time. Mostly because there are so many runs, but also becasue of lift lines, and difficulty to even find certain lifts, because the runs get confusing. Another one of my concerns is the weather. It gets foggy like no tommorrow; one day it was physically impossible to see 4 metres in front of you in some parts of the mountain. You can imagine how fast/enjoyable that must be. If you're planning a 7 day trip there, expect 4 days to be foggy. The snow was not an issue of my concern, I thought I found it have more wet, heavy snow in some parts than icy terrain.
The food and service was great; a real strong emphasis on hamburger and french fry type of food. The pricing wasn't cheap, but then again my eyes didn't bulge out of my face when seeing the cost.
Another thing I loved was the apres ski, I spent very little time in our hotel room; there was just so much to do.
In conclusion, this is a huge resort which will facilitate a great vacation for you, but you may be annoyed by the foggy weather which is a standout problem.
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Ross Gilmour
from Calgary Alberta
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Sep 12, 2006 |
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| Overall Rating: 4.4 |
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I have skied Blackcomb for 14 years now, and every time i come up and find something new. Both mountains are huge and offer unique challenges. They both offer an friendly and helpful staff. While most the mountain does get crowded on the main pistes open runs can be found with a little effort. The expeirience here is unlike any other that i have come across I highly recommend the resort to anybody considering a ski holiday away from home in North America.
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Patrick
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Mar 6, 2006 |
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| Overall Rating: 3.2 |
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Great size and great terrain but the snow always is better in the Rockies, whether it be the canadian or colorado. The place just seems to be a bit unreliable. Due to its low base elevation, the bottom runs always have nothing but manmade snow and therefore are garbage and the one could find terrain just as good at say Lake Louise or Kicking Horse. Don't get me wrong though because when whistler is good, oh it is good
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Bill Eisele
from South Carolina
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Nov 11, 2005 |
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| Overall Rating: 4.8 |
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Been there every year for 8 years. Christmas is a little crowded but so is everywhere else. The Spring is great; no crowds, great conditions. It is usually 20-25 in the morning and 35 - 40 in the afternoon. The top of the mountain is always in good shape. Plenty of runs and variety.
Doctors Orders: upload early, eat lunch early, ski till 3, hot tub, refreshments, eat dinner early - repeat as necessary.
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Adam
from Vancouver
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Nov 4, 2005 |
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| Overall Rating: 2.2 |
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Terrible mountains - AVOID AT ALL COSTS! People downplay the rain, but trust me, it's always raining in this crumby town. If you do get tricked into coming and wasting your money, stay on the runs at the bottom, the upper mountain sucks.
