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Visitors flock to Whistler each winter toexperience world-famous skiing and boarding.With 37 lifts and all types of terrain onWhistler Blackcomb - including steeps, alpinebowls, easy cruisers and terrain parks - thetwo mountains have developed a reputationas a premier skiing and snowboarding destination.In addition to the 8,171 acres of skiableterrain, the two mountains have animmense backcountry, giving skiers and ridersaccess to powder-filled bowls. The land massmakes it the largest ski resort in North America.Whistler/Blackcomb is also the only resortin North America where you can ski orride on a glacier, extending the season wellinto summer months for experienced snowsportenthusiasts.Whistler and Blackcomb mountains areunited by the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, whichsets world records for length and height whileproviding an unmatched experience for skiersand snowboarders. The gondola transportsguests from Roundhouse Lodge on WhistlerMountain to the Rendezvous Lodge on BlackcombMountain in just 11 minutes, travelinga distance of 2.7 miles. Other engineering featsinclude the fact that the unsupported cablespan between its two middle towers is theworld’s longest at 1.88 miles.Other winter activities to experiencewhile in the area are extensive. A partial listfollows.Heli-Skiing and Heli-BoardingThe Coast Mountain range is the alpinesetting for the great heli-skiing and boardingaround Whistler. Suitable for those with intermediateto advanced abilities, heli-skiing andsnowboarding trips allow skiers and boardersto descend through endless untouched powderaccessible only by helicopter.Whistler/BlackcombA PremierMountainDestinationWhistler / Paul MorrisonWhistler and Blackcomb Mountains are known for their challenging terrainwhich includes 12 bowls, three glaciers and more than 200 marked trails. But,many are also attracted to the lively pedestrian-only Whistler Village.Cat Skiing and BoardingQuickly becoming recognized as a qualityalternative to heli-skiing, cat skiing and boardingare a great option because the snow catsrun every day regardless of weather conditionswhile still providing untouched powderruns in the backcountry.Cross-Country skiingNordic skiing is one of Whistler’s mostinvigorating activities. The area offers morethan 130 kilometers of trails at crosscountryskiing venues, including the official Nordicvenue for the 2010 Olympic and ParalympicWinter Games. Located at Whistler OlympicPark, it has earned accolades for its superbtrails that target both classic and skate skiing.Backcountry ToursSkiing and riding in Whistler doesn’t endwhen you move out-of-bounds. Guided winteradventures in Whistler include backcountryskiing and snowboarding tours, ski mountaineering,ice climbing and snowshoeing andoffer bowls, glaciers and gladed runs. Conditionsare almost always favorable with lots ofpowder, although an expert knowledge of avalanchedangers is required.Other activities include tubing parks, ziplines,tree top adventures, snowshoeing, dogsledding, sleigh riding, snowmobiles, ice skating- the list goes on, or just relax. There’s plentyof après ski action in the lively pedestrian villageof Whistler., including shopping, dining andentertainment.21 Far West Skier’s Guide / Digital Edition Insert 2O12 - 2O13The closest international airport is locationedin Vancouver, BC where frequent busshuttles offer direct door-to-door service intoWhistler accommodations. The trip is approximatelytwo and a half hours depending onweather conditions along the scenic Sea to SkyHighway. www.whistlerblackcomb.comWhistler/BlackcombMountain Facts:• 8,171 Acres• 200+ Runs• 37 lifts• Averages over 39’ of annual snow• Glacier Skiing