Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort Review & Guide

[@riseandalpine]

I'm giving away 2 free bottles of LIQUID COURAGE to whoever gets the most liked comment in the comments section. Get after it boys & girls 🌶🌶🌶

[@RodentSelecta]

Best review of any mountain. I like the way you break down all different types of terrain and add some trails to hit up as well.

[@riseandalpine]

Really glad you like the style! I'll be checking out new mountains this year and will get even more review videos up!

[@marcgauthier2368]

Im coming from quebec with a buddy from jan 28th till feb 4th. Can't wait to ride all week!!! Keep uploading those videos, they really are great and satisfying to watch, even from a snowboarder. The stockness level is through the roof!!!!!

[@riseandalpine]

You guys are going to have an absolute blast dude! Glad these vids are getting you stoked!

[@SauveTheWorld]

I’m located in Ottawa, how are you getting there? Train or flight? Also so happy for you man! My only hope is to one day find people to go with :’) my gf is currently learning but it’ll never be the same as snowboarding with the boys💯 have fun up there bro! Stay safe!

[@chianyongchong850]

I’m coming from SG! I’ll most likely be in whistler from 26th Jan - 29th Jan 24 :)

[@tristancleary]

I love this review and video. I lived and worked on Whistler Blackcomb and I've been skiing all over Japan, all over BC, and to a few places in Utah and Colorado. No matter where I am, the benchmark is always Whistler, and Whistler always reigns supreme. That is despite the much better snow I had in Utah and Japan, or some of the epic steeps at Kicking Horse. Whistler has everything they do, and much, much more. The only knock on Whistler is you need a longer trip there, as when you get cement from the snow gods, or nothing at all... it might be a few days before the conditions get back to epic. And that, unfortunately, comes at a high financial cost. Nonetheless, after going back in January for the first time in many years, and finding it was not only just as good as the pedestal I had put it on, but actually somehow even better, I think its well and truly worth it. (PS James I really hope you manage to persuade some Japanese tourist body to get you over there and review the mountains over there. It won't give you the steeps you want (though some pretty steep stuff can be found), but the snow is just beyond insanity).

[@riseandalpine]

Tristan man... So true that a long stay is the only way to guarantee a perfect trip, you've really got to hedge your risk against the weather. When the weather lines up, Whistler is the best. If only a Japanese tourist body would catch wind of my videos, I've been dreaming of Japow my whole life. Fun to hear that we both have a similar perspective.

[@brycethehunteryo]

To me, Whistler is mind blowing. Every time I've gone, it just reminds me that it's on an absolute other level to anywhere else (IMO). There's some downsides, like you said, but even with those the terrain and good snow somewhere on one of the mountains just takes the cake for me. There's nowhere else I've been with the sheer diversity of terrain and such a good mix for all ability levels.

[@riseandalpine]

You couldn't have said it better!

[@AthleticReadyPosition]

So true gotta love WB

[@jhana9220]

Wow. This is totally one of the best reviews of whistler-blackomb that I've read so far. So detailed. I do agree with the cons. Being a visitor since 2018, each year prices get more insane for lodging and the bars are just obnoxious now. However, this place is absolutely heaven. We stay for 7 days and each day we choose a theme. One day is glades only, one day could be bowls at whistler, some days is pure blackcomb mayhem, one day is blasting down groomers. I mean you won't be bored. Keep on creating such amazing content.

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks! I like your style, seems like such a fun way to approach runs on a Whistler vacation!

[@TR-yo5nx]

Nice review. I've been skiing Whistler since the late 70's and you've nailed it. That $300 day ticket is a shocker but I've read the strategy for Vail is to sell their Epic passes instead and they have made them very affordable @ under $1k to include 7 days at Kicking Horse and a number of other resorts.

[@riseandalpine]

Thanks! 100%. The epic pass is actually super reasonable all things considered!

[@krispbacon13352]

As someone who grew up skiing at Whistler everything you said was sooooo accurate

[@ryane2047]

Having attended whistler 7 different years I am sad to report I will not be there this year. The hotel I stayed at for most of my visits raised rates dramatically and with the other high costs that you mentioned it simply reached I level I said "no". A 5% or 10% increase each year is understandable but the same hotel for the same dates was up 216% (not a joke and I will leave their name out to be nice). Whistler is #1 so for me to need to skip this year is unfortunate and I have hopes that by booking even crazier early next year (April/May) maybe I can find rates more in line with that 5% to 10% increase I would normally expect. Keep the great videos coming!

[@riseandalpine]

That's a bummer... the skiing is so good, especially when you hit a great string of weather weather, but it's hard to rationalize with the prices that seemingly have no cap. I'm lucky to live close enough with a seasons or else I'd never be able to afford it. Hopefully the early booking strategy works for next year!

[@billbuffalo6755]

Same here. Although we're going once more this December, our usual hotel (the executive inn mountain side) jacked their rates up by at least 75%. For an old run down hotel, why would they do this ? It's sad. They're pricing out the normal folks out there. WB is my favorite place on earth. Greedy corporation's make me sick.

[@lhasalynn2091]

Good to see you almost back on the snow! What an excellent review, as well! I admit to feeling so sad when ski season returns---without my dear twin Alice with me--I just can't do it. But I'll be back with you on your carves and powder this season! Lynn in NYC

[@riseandalpine]

Always so happy to have my favourite New Yorker along for my ski days ❤️

[@lhasalynn2091]

Thanks!! And I always try so hard not to be green with envy! 💚I confess that 'carving' was just the very best. Alice and I would arise at dawn and hit the best groomed corduroy on the mountain. Or, alternatively, in the East--the best groomed ice on the mountain. It was all good!! Lynn in NYC

[@mackie_p]

Honestly this is the guide I need! I get overwhelmed just thinking about making a whistler trip!!! Lil Alberta boy isn't used to the big BC crowds lmao.

[@riseandalpine]

Glad I can help give a lil' Alberta boy some big BC boy confidence and PATIENCE

[@xAliPoPx]

Will be coming to Whistler for a season all the way from the UK, stoked!

[@riseandalpine]

Let's go!!!! You are about to live the dream.

[@VancouverCanucksRock]

You shouldn't support them. They're going to charge $299 for a day lift pass, once the season begins. I guess, they'd rather us all sitting at home, doing eff all.😡

[@scollyutube]

Came for 2 weeks last season for my 8th trip in 14 years. Mountain has only got better access wise every time. Still has one of the best terrain choices around and if you hit a storm cycle the snow can be great. Crowds, not mid week there isn’t at WB. Weekends yes, but where doesn't now? Skiing is going off everywhere, here in NZ too. Love your content mate.

[@riseandalpine]

Hitting a storm cycle if you're visiting from far away is always the best! I totally agree, all mountains are getting busier, there's constant population growth but no new mountains popping up. How was the NZ season? Will you be coming west this winter?

[@scollyutube]

@riseandalpine Even more West, Europe in Jan/Feb for us this time. I love my quick carving with a bit of room too. 😉 NZ season started a bit later snow wise this year, all finished now in Queenstown but still snowing, so just one of those weather dominent years.

[@VancouverCanucksRock]

​@@riseandalpineThey won't be getting busier now. When they're going to charge $299 for a day lift pass, once the season starts. Criminals.

[@lukerempel596]

the trees right above ptarmigan are the best. I have had the best most fun time ever in there

[@riseandalpine]

When those trees are going they are heaven eh!

[@lukerempel596]

@@riseandalpine for real, but the big rock thing under garbo early season is where its at, nice and big and a mello landing

[@angelicsnoww]

Illl bethere next week, excited cause usually hear this is the number one spot to ski

[@riseandalpine]

You're going to have a blast!

[@jean-francoiscloutier7361]

Right on I couldn't have said it any better. Well done. You're Amazing with all this info. Unbelievable, you're so super, super great review. Keep it up. See you on the mountain. It's just around the corner.........

[@riseandalpine]

Almost at the -30 day countdown!

[@goose9472]

Can't wait to shred this winter!! Idk what the forecast is for snowfall but I hope we get dumped on :)

[@riseandalpine]

Ayyyyeee - We can always count on the south coast to give us a healthy dusting!

[@jimmyisawkward]

I get 10 free days with my Season Pass for Stevens Pass in Washington (Epic local pass), so I might come up for the first time this year!

[@riseandalpine]

Do it!!!

[@Denizz._]

Whistler is the absolute best mountain. Simply.

[@PurgeMaskShop]

Agreed!

[@60SecondMasculinity]

For sure! But the lift lines suck:( Still worth it though

[@rmurph9]

The lack of European Apres kills it though

[@BegieTV]

Goin this january!! So excited.

[@riseandalpine]

Let's gooo! Time to get studying the trail maps!

[@BegieTV]

already on it! haha. Know where I can find the best cliffs? Besides the big known ones like air jordan.@@riseandalpine

[@chianyongchong850]

I’m heading to whistler from 26-29th Jan 2024! A beginner and travelling solo! Finding a group to tag along too

[@BegieTV]

@@chianyongchong850 unfortunately I had to cancel my trip due to lung surgeries and complications!!

[@willisles7205]

Man im from Nz and this Christmas me and some mated got a cabin with direct skin on / ski off for 6 weeks time to hit some crazy runs

[@riseandalpine]

A cabin for 6 weeks.... You're going to live the absolute dream man!

[@VancouverCanucksRock]

So uh, I've just seen a report, saying at Whistler Blackcomb: 1 day lift passes, will be $299, once the season begins?! WTF?!

[@riseandalpine]

Goodness Gracious......

[@604Voodoo]

Love the videos! Let's take it back home and get a Manning review! Being local what does the EC stand for no one can ever tell me! xD

[@riseandalpine]

A Manning Review is an absolute must! 'EC Manning' was the name of same famous logger or something I think. The Park is actually called 'E.C. Manning Park' after him. Most people have ditched that formal name and just call it Manning Park.

[@604Voodoo]

Good to know! Thanks for finally clearing that up! Looking to spend some more time on that mountain this year :)@@riseandalpine

[@petermccarthy7974]

Great video I am getting stoked to be coming out in Jan I will be there for 3 days. I am a intermediate skier (Europen syle) hoping there is enough to ski without having to ski a black run 😆

[@riseandalpine]

Should be lots of snow by January

[@shayneknox6247]

From the island ski Mount Washington going to ski Whistler for the first time December 30-31. I know it’s going to be crazy I am just hoping I can find a person or small group to tag along with . I am an advanced skier but bit nervous of getting myself bundled up in one of those crazy shoots without someone to follow 😂

[@riseandalpine]

Washington is an awesome little hill, I really want to do a few days there this winter and drop by CAIN. Maybe someone in the comments section will be around and able to shred with ya Shayne!

[@IDPyro]

thinking of going to whistler, from north idaho

[@riseandalpine]

Sick! Where do you usually ski in Idaho, I've seen some pretty cool backcountry videos from out there.

[@williamjohnson4787]

Great video! Any tips for some car camping spots near Whistler? The ones I found on Reddit didn't pan out yesterday. Or, maybe you don't want to give up all your secrets... 😏

[@jasoncapecod]

sunshine and 35 degs and endless cord , can be as good or better then pow... really like the narrated vids

[@riseandalpine]

You really can't beat the bottomless cord!

[@skrachycat7182]

Lower gear jammer is also a good carver on blackcomb

[@riseandalpine]

So good! Mix in a slingshot too. I love taking that corner fast!

[@Aboard_and_Abroad]

miss picking up those $98 tickets at 711 on the way up =(

[@riseandalpine]

the glory days!

[@AthleticReadyPosition]

You should do a sun peaks review

[@riseandalpine]

Yooo!! I totally will. Trying to do a few days there this season :).

[@AthleticReadyPosition]

@@riseandalpine yeah don’t rush though. I went for a pre season camp with the club and the snow was horrific

[@Denizz._]

With extreme terrain like double and Triple blacks where should I start?

[@ConnorDevlinSMTB]

Hoping this is the most liked comment lol

[@riseandalpine]

You're off to a smashing start!

[@Daniel-qx1nm]

lift lines are decreaseing every year. last time I went was on christmas break, and the most i had to wait was 5 minutes on harmony

[@riseandalpine]

Christmas has been dead the last few years, but, the conditions have been marginal

[@Simon-Simon-Simon]

I spent 6weeks 2000 and another trip 4weeks ski courses to be honest flying from Australia prices vs lift lines am kind of scared to go back

[@riseandalpine]

Lift lines are honestly chill on the weekdays... It's just the weekend, pow days and holidays that bite really hard

[@gavinsibbald2766]

Awesome Video. You need to get yourself over to Scotland for some real Skiing 😂

[@riseandalpine]

😂😂😂 Thanks Gavin. I would really love to visit Scotland though... but probably not just for the skiing hahah

[@gavinsibbald2766]

Well we have awesome fishing that’s for sure!

[@copalo343]

Trying to mix it up this winter (been to Whistler a lot) should I go to Revelstoke or Kicking Horse? I knokw you've made a few reviews on them

[@riseandalpine]

Who are you going with? I'd say Kicking Horse, especially if your preference is skiing advanced + extreme terrain. If you want something a little more well rounded with more going on in the ski town, pick Revy.

[@riseandalpine]

Both are amazing!

[@copalo343]

@@riseandalpine Was thinking of staying at Lake Louise and skiing that and Sunshine, than making the drive for a few days at Kicking Horse. What do you think?

[@riseandalpine]

@@copalo343 Yes dude!! that sounds like the perfect rip. Exactly what I want to do this winter. It's so fun changing it up and seeing new mountains and terrain.

[@farcanaussie]

@@copalo343 Lake Louise has 1 bar and is dead as fuck in terms of anything outside the mountain. If you want to have some drinks and enjoy apres or something after riding I wouldn't recommend lake louise.

[@DaveSearle]

300$ is ludacris. Top end resort in Europe is a third of that. Would still like to visit WB one day but dang that's and expensive lift ticket!

[@riseandalpine]

Crazy eh! You gotta buy a pre season multi day or a seasons ticket or else you're being robbed!

[@lucasrocha633]

I Bought two days Epic Pass to Whistler and I think to visit in March/April is it good weather and snow?

[@riseandalpine]

100% March and April are the bomb!

[@chrisschwarz5562]

Have you ever skied Sunshine Village? Can you do a review of it? Also, please bring liquid courage to Alberta! 😊

[@riseandalpine]

I'm really hoping to get there this season, I've heard so many things. LC needs to get to Alberta stat.

[@Bigredfitnessmoshe]

Love sunshine . Less crowds then whistler . Beautiful mountain

[@ridderzzz2031]

Any plans for a ski trip to Europe in the future?

[@riseandalpine]

It's an absolute dream of mine! Probably wouldn't be able to bank roll that in the near future, but if I can get this channel to grow, Europe and Japan are both on my bucket list.

[@Rickyyyyyyy7]

Great vid! I am looking to come to Canada for the season. I am in to big mountain and park riding. Whistler seems like one of the only places with both big mountain tree skiing aswell as a good top to bottom of chair park lap. Are there any other resorts you’d recommend for good quick park laps aswell as good big mountain?

[@riseandalpine]

If you're serious about park and big mountain, Whistler is without a doubt the place to be. I can only speak for Canadian mountains, but, you're not going to beat the mix at Whistler. Most other mountains I've been to have one or the other. Whistler excels at both.

[@trx_haz186]

sun peaks review next season???

[@riseandalpine]

100%

[@HS-ob3fz]

cant wait bro

[@riseandalpine]

We needs these temperatures to cool off!

[@Markforever47]

Hey. I just bought my skis. Mainly for the east cost. Would you recommend I take my head shape v2 to whistler? It's 70 width. Or should I just rent?

[@riseandalpine]

Unless you get a very dry visit you will 100% want something 90mm wide minimum. However, if you ski mainly groomers then the 70 will do okay. 100-110 is a great width if you're planning to ski off piste.

[@Markforever47]

@ @ thanks for getting back to me. Would you say the green and blue trails specifically at whistler are powder or mostly groomed?

[@Puzzoozoo]

It also tends to rain a lot in Whistler during the winter, as for vertical drop Chamonix in France has 2,800 metres & Zermatt in Switzerland has 2,200 metres of drop distance, as for powder Serre Chevalier and Val d'Isere in France which reports a whopping 3,900 & 10.000 hectares of ski terrain respectively. So go figure as the Americans say. In 2025 or 26 I might try Whistler, or I'll be going to Aspen, it as always depends on finances. Peace.

[@riseandalpine]

France & Switzerland sound like dream ski destinations for me! Would give up a testicle to experience them!

[@trailmapvideos]

Any guide services you'd recommend?

[@riseandalpine]

Everything is extremely expensive but I know a lot of great guides and people who work for Extremely Canadian

[@skymedium1366]

Its so crowded, they need to open up at least 88 new runs.

[@riseandalpine]

Breaking news.... "Vail resorts opens 69 new runs on Whistler Blackcomb!!"

[@_graysonm]

Hey, hey! I have to say it. First!

[@riseandalpine]

Yeehaw! I always appreciate the first commenter!

[@rmurph9]

Great resort but.. Unfortunately let down massively by a lack of any on mountain apres (or even one that isn't effectively an early nightclub where people leave the mountain to change before it...), ridiculous traffic and insane ques.

[@riseandalpine]

Smasha tha bass

[@magmaxcherry6308]

I wanna go so baddd

[@riseandalpine]

You'd love it!

[@freedomrider5906]

WB has great terrain but Vail Resorts has ruined the experience. Way too many people, way too expensive for the experience to ski west coast cement. There are so many better options in the interior of BC that have better quality snow, no crowds and way less expensive. Revelstoke, Kicking Horse, Fernie, Red, etc.

[@goldenretriever4330]

You can’t blame Vail for their being too many people. Those issues were projected long before Vail took ownership of WB. WB’s goal was always to get to a point of distributing people throughout the resort and increasing ticket sales. It’s why theirs two mountains and tons of lifts.

[@riseandalpine]

@@goldenretriever4330 Totally... I'm not really talking about lift lines. Nothing you can do with the explosion in population in BC and the increase in interest for such an awesome sport. There used to be a lot more fun community events and cool things going on at the hill.

[@FinduroVR]

@@riseandalpineas someone working for vail in Whistler I’ve seen effects of their decisions over the years, budget cuts especially. The teams we have are super motivated to make the Whistler experience as amazing as possible for everyone, but what we get paid vs the cost of living here is completely imbalanced and not feasible long term at all. Huge turnover means people who could make a massive difference end up elsewhere because they can’t afford to keep up with the lifestyle. That being said Whistler lifestyle is friggin awesome and I ain’t leaving for a while- too much powder shreddage and mtb goodness to get involved with!

[@riseandalpine]

​@@FinduroVR The Whistler lifestyle is sooo good eh. It would be criminal to leave a place so flipping fun. All the WB employees are amazing and y'all are the glue that makes the mountain so good! I'm so grateful for all of you. It sucks to hear that so many talented and hardworking people aren't being compensated appropriately. Living costs across BC are so wacky. But at least we have the best playground in the world, makes the hardships so worth it.

[@FinduroVR]

@@riseandalpine Those of us still here (and there is quite a lot!) are certainly gonna make the most out of what we got. The complaints can’t even come close to how insanely dope it is to live this kinda lifestyle! It’ll be my first winter season as well after years of just summer work, I’m so stoked to finally get to ski this amazing place. I’ll be doing mtn events, so hope I see you around!!

[@ESB_Media]

Best kept secret - $49 backcountry pass

[@riseandalpine]

Totally forgot to mention the Backcountry pass move! Great day in the BK and a fun run down. Pretty solid value for sure. Is it actually still $49?

[@ESB_Media]

@@riseandalpine not sure about this upcoming seasons pricing but last year it was still $49!

[@chengzeli-jr7gb]

Remember to like the pin comment

[@riseandalpine]

LOL... If I win my own hot sauce, I guess I'm going to have to do a full bottle chug video.

[@saadamiens]

hello, how can we have you as a ski teacher

[@riseandalpine]

I love teaching skiing but I don't do any formal teaching anymore.

[@chrisS-xb8kv]

Shitty western and lifts crowded with peuple for raina weather up to the top of the Hill. Way too expensive to justify a spend in this end of décember

[@riseandalpine]

It's high risk to plan a trip to Whistler, but for us living close by, it always produces deep days in December!