Dave Treadway shot by Eric Berger.

AS SEEN IN THE NOVEMBER 2011 ISSUE OF FREESKIER.

Why is Whistler Blackcomb our number one resort yet again for 2012? As it happens, the terrain is still the best lift-accessed in North America, and there’s still more of it than you can ski in a season. The five terrain parks and two halfpipes will keep even the most die-hard park rat happy day in and day out. The snow, especially last year, is about as good as you could ever hope for, this side of Utah. The pro scene is still off the charts, while the below-the-surface local ski culture still shines as bright as ever. The hill keeps buzzing all summer with a huge glacier camp scene. The après ski is beyond comprehension. And last but not least, the late-night partying is still the best on the continent for a ski town and is amongst the best in the world. Barring a mass exodus of talent, a mowing down of the parks or an apocalyptic-scale earthquake that flattens its mountains, Whistler Blackcomb will remain Freeskier’s favorite ski resort in North America for the foreseeable future.

This season, Whistler Blackcomb has made a couple of key improvements, especially in the terrain parks. For one, the resort is upgrading the rails. Long a sore spot among park skiers, the new rails and jibs will bring a refreshed look to the park. This will be the icing on top of the always-good jump lines and the 22-foot halfpipe on Blackcomb.

Whistler is also introducing its “Whistler Blackcomb Live” mobile app this year. The app lets you track your vert, your total distance skied and your max speed of the day, all through GPS. No word yet on whether you can earn a GNAR badge for breaking 60 mph on McConkey’s.

As the season winds down and your legs can’t take any more laps in Spanky’s or on the Peak Chair, the festivities in the village kick up to a whole new level with the arrival of the World Ski and Snowboard Festival in April. Bands on bands; DJs on DJs; art shows; world-class photography and video showcases; and the AFP World Championship pipe, slopestyle and big air contests all combine to make one of the biggest events of the season. Last year, with the festival came abundant powder laps as Whistler was pounded with snow, which solidified Whistler’s place as a skiing Mecca to those who only visit once a year for the event.

With all that Whistler Blackcomb has to offer, it’s a must-visit destination. So if you’ve never made the northbound trek to WB, put it at the top of your list this season.

WHISTLERBLACKCOMB.COM
ACREAGE: 8,171 acres.
VERTICAL: 5,280 feet.
2010-11 SNOWFALL: 621 inches.
2012 IMPROVEMENTS: Mobile app to track your days on the hill, upgraded rails in the park, on-mountain wireless at key locations.
HAPPY HOUR: Longhorn Saloon at the base of Whistler or Merlins at the base of Blackcomb.
PARK/PIPE: Five terrain parks, two halfpipes (one 22-foot).
DON’T MISS: Spanky’s on a pow day or the raging après scene.

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