Elevated Living: Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb is a ski and snowboarding paradise. The twin peaks' expansive 8,171 skiable acres of terrain offers something for everyone, but it's the more than 2,200 acres of Warren Miller-worthy black and double-black runs setting it apart—it's also one of the most welcoming ski towns in North America. In the 1980s when snowboarding was still banned at many mountains, Blackcomb embraced the sport. Locals may not reveal all of their secret powder stashes, but they'll definitely club you in to challenging mogul runs and the best aprés spots. What's more, the recent acquisition by Vail Resorts means Whistler Blackcomb is part of the Epic Pass, so it's more accessible than ever. Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, these local tips guarantee you'll experience this premier vacation destination like a true insider.

The Secret Is Out: Here's What To Do

Best Breakfast Spots

If you're looking for something quick and easy to do that can be enjoyed while you're uploading, the Lift Coffee Company at the base of the Whistler Village Gondola is your place for coffee and a wrap. BRED in Creekside Village offers amazing sourdough bread baked daily and fantastic plant-based coffees  If you're not in a rush to snag first tracks, settle in at Elements, where the benedicts and caramelized banana and chocolate stuffed French toast will keep you fueled until the last chair. Prefer a sit-down breakfast? Check out Nita Lake Lodge overlooking the lake!

Best Challenges for Experts 

"Try to keep up with a local," jokes Aaron Peart, a bartender at Garibaldi Lift Company. "This is some 'big boy pants' skiing out here, and I've had my share of tagalongs who had to call it quits after a 10-minute hike into Ruby Bowl." Spanky's Ladder is a great spot to test your abilities, according to Olympian Robbie Dixon. "That run's got a lot of steep and deep and crazy chutes and big lines to rip," he says. On Blackcomb, Saudan Couloir is a local's proving ground.

Best Plan for a Powder Day

Everyone watches the weather forecast apps closely, so if there's a big system moving in, be ready early. They all want to get that fresh pow. Jorge Munoz, chef of Bar OSO, is in the lift line, coffee in hand, by 7:15 a.m. He usually heads straight to the Wizard chair, which is being replaced with a new gondola from Blackcomb Base to the Rendezvous. "Transfer onto the Jersey Cream lift to do a few laps there, then move to the Crystal chair and be first in line for it to open and do a few more laps," he shares. "Finally, move to the Glacier chair and do some runs until Spanky's Ladder opens." Sometimes the best skiing is on lower or mid mountain, where there are fewer lift lines and more shelter on stormy days, advises Tracy Higgs, a massage therapist at Scandinave Spa. "Check out Red Chair, Garbanzo Chair, or the runs leading back to the base of Creekside Gondola," she says.

Best Tree Run

When the alpine is too cloudy or windy, the trees are the place to be. Jorge Munoz, chef of Bar OSO, beelines from Peak to Creek, aka Whistler Peak to Creekside, through the forest.

Best Way to Ride with a Pro

You can skip the lines by booking the Snow School's ultra-exclusive Ski or Ride with an Olympian program. Follow in the tracks of athletes like three-time Olympic alpine and slalom skier Mike Janyk or halfpipe star Crispin Lipscomb. No matter your ability, they'll help fine-tune your technique while sharing Olympic stories and favorite mountain terrain.

Best Aprés Scenes 

Garibaldi Lift Company, locally known as GLC, is consistently voted by locals as Whistler's top post-ski party. You can practically ski onto the recently expanded patio, which is even more popular after the addition of five toasty fire pits and comfy lounge chairs with views of the mountain. An always-changing lineup of entertainment ranges from DJs to live bands like Ruckus Deluxe. "I've worked here four winters and love the true cross-section of Whistler," says bartender Aaron Peart. "You get young and old bonding over beers, skiers and snowboarders laying down differences to take a shot-ski, and locals and tourists swapping ski stories." Dusty's at the base of Creekside is particularly fun on Saturdays, says Robbie Dixon, when longtime resort rockers, Greatful Greg and Guitar Doug of the Hairfarmers jam. If you're looking to let your hair down and dance on the tables, head to Longhorn Saloon, says Olympic snowboarder Mercedes Nicoll. For a more low-key scene, stroll into the village and relax over wine and charcuterie at Basalt.

Best Place for a Drink with a View 

The Roundhouse located on Whistler Mountain now includes the Roundhouse Umbrella Bar, a circular, 60-seat bar enclosed by glass with unforgettable 360-degree mountain views. Perched higher than 6,000 feet, the bar is accessible by the Whistler Village Gondola and is the hot new, end-of-day hangout, says bartender Peart. The umbrella roof is retractable and the glass panels can be removed so you can soak in rays on bluebird days.

Best Beer Selection 

The Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub as they have over 20 beers on tap and wins best beer selection every year.  Right at the base of Whistler Mountain, it is also the best place to Après Ski in Whistler Village and offers live music daily.

Best Hot Chocolate 

Locals unanimously agree that Blenz Coffee serves the mountain’s best hot chocolate. No powder-y mix used here. The secret to their silky-smooth cocoa is high-quality milk and a mix of dark and white chocolate chips.

Best Cures for Sore Muscles 

Whistler boasts some of the longest runs in North America. Warm up your quads and hamstrings with a yoga class at Yogacara Whistler before you hit the slopes. Robbie Dixon, a former Olympic alpine skier, is used to feeling aches after a big day on the hill. He suggests recovering at the amenity-heavy Four Seasons wellness spa, where the popular après-ski massage includes warm stones, hot towels, and a peppermint foot mask. To be a bit more one with nature, says Dixon, visit Scandinave Spa. “This unbelievable Scandinavian-inspired spa has outdoor hot and cold pools, steam rooms, saunas, and the massages will help you recover for another killer day on the slopes,” says Dixon. Tracy Higgs prescribes the hydrotherapy cycle of hot-cold-relax to increase circulation and aid in flushing out any lactic acid build up, followed by a deep tissue massage to refresh your legs ahead of another hard-charging day on the mountain.

Best Lunch Spots 

Olympic snowboarder Nicoll is a fan of the memorable sandwiches at The Corner Deli (meat lovers shouldn’t miss the charcuterie, piled high with ham, brie, pesto, and raspberry preserve) and the authentic Australian pies at Peaked Pies. Bartender Pert is addicted to the pho, curries, and fried rice at Main Street Noodles. “At one point I was going once a week,” he confesses. And you can’t come to Whistler without trying a Splitz burger from the legendary Splitz Grill. The single 1/3-pound patty with house made sauces is the local go-to (of course with an order of the signature Splitz fries) but the menu also offers free-range bison, Canadian lamb, and spicy lentil burgers.

Best Restaurants 

Whistler has no shortage of amazing eateries. With just a handful of tables, a reservation is required if you want to enjoy the cooking of talented Chef RD Stewart at Red Door Bistro, says Tracy Higgs. His French-influenced West Coast menu features crowd pleasers like a hearty bouillabaisse spiked with crab claws, scallops, and fresh fish. Sushi Village has a reputation for serving the best margarita in town, as well as the freshest selection of sushi and sashimi. Alpine skier Robbie Dixon heads to Araxi to get his oyster fix and Il Caminetto for killer Italian in a classy setting. Bearfoot Bistro is a Whistler classic known for its extraordinary 20,000-plus bottle wine cellar—the largest collection in Western Canada. Wine nerds can learn to saber a bottle of champagne or dine in the cellar while foodies can reserve the chef’s table, located in the heart of the kitchen. “Make sure to order the special nitro ice cream for dessert,” says Dixon. “The servers make it tableside."

Where To Stay 

OWL IN THE WOODS -  4 Bedrooms | 5.5 Bathrooms 

Your luxury vacation home sits above Whistler Creekside Village, putting the valley below on display and offering a closeness with nature rarely found in any of North America's top mountain resorts.

SPIRIT ISLAND - 4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms 

Located high in the mountains about Whistler Creekside Village, the alpine-inspired design and thoughtful floor plan of Spirit Island takes its cue from the outdoors. 

SUNDIAL HOUSE - 4 Bedrooms | 5.5 Bathrooms

The slopes and mountain trails are a short walk from your door. Located across Kadenwood Drive from Viewpoint West and two doors down from Owl in the Woods, Sundial House offers ski-out access when mother nature permits.

VIEWPOINT WEST - 4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms

Viewpoint West features a unique, rustic farmhouse design—picture a spacious gourmet kitchen with bar stools for four leading into a large open dining room.