Number One

It’s been a crazy 12 months since our last Resort Guide, but it’s nice to know that at least some things haven’t changed. Once again, Whistler Blackcomb reigns supreme as the top resort in North America, an honor it has held in our eyes for many years. The behemoth of a resort — clocking in at 8,171 acres with a5,280-foot vertical drop — not only offers something for everyone; it offers pretty damn near the best of everything.

The range of terrain on both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains spans the spectrum, from steeps to cliffs to consequential chutes to not-so-consequential glades to impeccable corduroy. Its Coast Range location means that Whistler Blackcomb is graced with over 400 inches of snow a year, allowing the season to go late into the spring. The combination of world-class terrain and ample snow is why names like Mark Abma, Mike Douglas, Rory Bushfield, Kye Peterson and the Pettit brothers call Whistler home.

Beyond the natural terrain, Whistler and Blackcomb both feature expansive parks. Furthermore, the Horstman Glacier on Blackcomb Mountain plays host to numerous ski and snowboard camps, making Whistler the leading summer camp destination.

The nightlife and social scene in Whistler Village are as legendary as the terrain. The village is littered with restaurants, bars, clubs, shops and hotels, all filled with young, impressionable tourists. Couple the nightlife with the Peak 2 Peak gondola, the Olympics, unbelievable mountain biking and the good ‘ol US exchange rate, and you’ve got yourself the best resort to visit — our number one resort for 2010.

Resort Ranking:
Snow Quality-8
Terrain Quality-10
Hike-to Access-10
Park Quality-10
Nightlife-10
Accessibility-8

Vital Stats:
WhistlerBlackcomb.com
Vertical: 2,850 feet
Acreage: 4,000 acres
Snowfall: 450 inches
Ticket: $74 (2008-2009)

Web Cam

North America’s Top 10 Ski Resorts

1. Whistler Blackcomb, BC
2. Aspen/Snowmass, CO
3. Mammoth Mountain
4. Jackson Hole, WY
5. Squaw Valley, CA
6. Alta/Snowbird, UT
7. Breckenridge, CO
8. Telluride, CO
9. Heavenly, CA
10. Vail, CO

Back to Top 10 Index