Whistler Blackcomb sits at a rare intersection: the best ski resort in North America and a world-class summer golf destination within the same mountain valley. With over 8,171 skiable acres in winter and multiple championship courses opening when the snow melts, Whistler rewards visitors no matter when they arrive.
The Skiing: Why Whistler Blackcomb Stands Alone
Two mountains, one village. Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain are connected by the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola — a 4.4km span with 436-metre clearance above the valley floor. Together they offer 200+ marked trails, 16 alpine bowls, and three glaciers, with an average annual snowfall of 469 inches. No other resort in North America comes close to this combination of scale and quality.
- 8,171 skiable acres across two mountains
- 200+ marked runs from green to double black
- 16 alpine bowls and three glaciers
- PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola connecting both peaks
- 4,139 vertical feet of terrain on Blackcomb
Book ski lessons at the Whistler Mountain Ski & Snowboard School at least 6 weeks ahead for peak December-February windows. The instructor quality here is exceptional — worth every dollar for intermediate skiers looking to break into black diamond terrain.
The Golf: Nicklaus North Golf Course
Jack Nicklaus himself designed the signature Nicklaus North course along the shores of Green Lake, with views of Whistler and Blackcomb peaks from virtually every hole. The course plays 6,961 yards from the tips and rewards strategic placement over power — classic Nicklaus design philosophy.
Course Highlights
- Hole 5: Par-5 dogleg left with Green Lake framing the approach — one of the most photographed holes in Canada
- Hole 12: Mountain backdrop frames the green spectacularly on this mid-length par-4
- Hole 18: A demanding finisher requiring precise driving to set up an approach over water
- Practice facility: Full driving range with Nicklaus target greens
Beyond Nicklaus North: Other Great Courses
Within 20 minutes of Whistler village, Chateau Whistler Golf Club (a Robert Trent Jones II design) offers a dramatically different test through forested terrain with elevation changes of over 400 feet. Big Sky Golf Course in Pemberton (30 minutes north) provides a flatter, links-like experience framed by the Pemberton Valley and glacier-capped peaks.
When to Go: The Seasonal Guide
- December–March: Peak ski season — book 6+ months ahead, highest prices
- April–May: Spring skiing plus early golf, best value window
- June–September: Full golf season, hiking, biking — village at its liveliest
- October–November: Shoulder season — quietest, great deals, weather unpredictable
Where to Stay
The Four Seasons Whistler and Fairmont Chateau Whistler are the two flagship properties, both ski-in/ski-out from Blackcomb base. For golf-focused trips, properties on the north end of the valley closer to Nicklaus North offer convenience without the Village premium.
"Whistler does everything at a level that feels almost unfair — the skiing is the best, the golf is beautiful, the village is alive. Other resorts pick one thing. Whistler does everything." — David Martinez
David Martinez
David Martinez has played golf in 35 countries and contributed to Golf Travel & Leisure magazine for 8 years. His specialty is crafting immersive golf itineraries that blend world-class courses with exceptional local experiences.