My Dream Skiing Destination: Whistler/ Blackcomb

Ever since I as a 14 year old kid saw a TV show about the powder in Whistler, Canada, I have been dreaming about this place. I even considered moving to Vancouver for “studying” for my bachelors, just to be close to this mountain paradise. I don’t really know why I have been so into Whistler, but I guess it must have something to do with the countless skiing and snowboard movies made there, plus the fact that it has topped several lists of the world’s best skiing destinations, etc.

Whistler is a little village with about 6000 permanent residents, but at any time of the year the number of tourists will easily outnumber the local residents. And the reason is the great skiing. With two huge mountains that offer North America’s highest vertical drop for commercial skiing and more than 200 trails, you will probably not have to run the same slope twice during the long weekend you spend there. The highest lift accessed trail is at 2284 meters (7800 feet), which is 1600 meters above Whistler, the village. To take you to the peaks you have 38 lifts with the capacity to carry more than 60 000 skiers per hour. And even if you are not skiing you should have the opportunity to experience some adrenalin filled adventures. You could for example take the Peak 2 Peak lift, which is a gondola that goes straight from one top to the other! If that doesn’t give you butterflies you are probably dead already. According to the developers themselves, this is the most daring ski lift ever built.

The only obvious downside to this amazing ski paradise is in the critics words: “Whistler is over-developed and over-prized”. There might be a lot of truth in this statement, and even more so after 2010 when the Winter Olympics will be held here. So if you have the money and don’t mind the crowds, Whistler will be a top class safe pick for your skiing vacation. Personally I still have a wet dream of going there, but I have to be honest to myself and admit that I now have discovered a new dream which you should read about here: Kashmir, India: Best Ski Resort in the World!!?

For more information about Whistler / Blackcomb you may visit their website on: www.whistlerblackcomb.com

And last: If you have been to Whistler or another place I should know about, please let me know and leave a comment!!