The welcome mat lies at the base of two extraordinary mountains in Whistler, British Columbia. Surrounded by the rugged Coast Mountains, just 120 kilometres (75 mi.) north of Vancouver, the year-round destination of Whistler offers boundless activities, fine dining, vibrant nightlife, eclectic boutiques, revitalizing spas, and luxurious hotels. Whistler Village blends the charm of an alpine village with the amenities of an urban centre.

Winter in Whistler

Spectacular alpine bowls. Endless terrain. Thigh deep powder. Moguls, cruisers and glades. New, expanded terrain. Unparalleled après It’s no wonder Whistler continues to receive accolades as an award-winning resort. With this year’s number one ranking in Skiing Magazine’s Top 25 Resort Guide plus numerous others over the years, Whistler has enjoyed its top standing for 11 consecutive years in various North American, European and Asian ski magazines. Ski it for yourself and discover why Whistler is number one: 

Test the limits of your thighs on 3237 hectares (8000 acres) of skiable terrian, more than 200 trails and 12 bowls all blanketed by an average of nine metres (30ft) of snow. Set your sights, and your skis, on the greatest wertical rise in North America. Blackcomb Mountain rises a whopping vertical mile (1,609m/5,280 ft) to an elevation of 2284 metres (7494 ft) while Whislter Mountain towers at 2,182 metres (7,159 ft). Five mountain bases equipped with the most extensive high-speed lift system in the world virtually eliminate lift lineups. Ever wondered what it would be like to be able to ski eight months of the year? Satisfy your curiosity in Whistler. Be social. Relive your day on the slopes over drinks and food with friends at Whistler's incomparable apres. Warm, genuine service from people passionate about Whistler. It's infestious.

Go beyond the mountains and be active; this is Whistler after all. Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice skating, sleigh rides and cross country skiing are all easily accessible. Try your hand at dog sledding, ice climbing, heli-skiing, zip trekking and bungee jumping. Winter in Whistler is about limitless possibilities.

After an invigorating day on the slopes, wander through Whistler’s enchanting pedestrian-only Village. Meander through the paved pathways or sip a latte from a sunny patio and watch the world go by. Browse through a multitude of one-of-a-kind boutiques and art galleries; sample from Whistler’s many culinary offerings. After the sun goes down, enjoy an evening amble under the stars, unwind in intimate lounges or dance the night away in high-energy nightclubs.

Whistler is festival-central this winter. National pride will be on the line as riders strut their stuff during the FIS Snowboard World Championships in January 2005. Be part of the action with live concerts and pro invitational snowboard competitions.

For 10 days in April, the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival dishes out high energy action. Free outdoor concerts, demo days and the Ripzone Snowboard Invitational and World Skiing Invitational guarantee an action-packed celebration.

Whistler’s natural playground makes it easy to understand why it was selected, along with Vancouver, as host for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Summer in Whistler

Nothing is quite as spectacular as a Whistler winter …except perhaps a Whistler summer. Warm temperatures, shimmering lakes, endless paths for exploring, countless activities and breath-taking surroundings – immerse yourself in a Whistler summer.

Five lakes and countless rivers dot the Whistler Valley, offering ample opportunity to swim, windsurf, canoe, kayak, whitewater raft or just relax and soak up the sun on a warm, sandy beach.

With four designer championship golf courses, Whistler is a renowned golf destination. The Whistler Golf Club, designed by Arnold Palmer; the Chateau Whistler Golf Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr.; the Nicklaus North Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus; and Big Sky Golf and Country Club, designed by Robert Cupp, offer some of the world’s most scenic and challenging golf. Stunning views surround you as you contemplate your next shot. Perhaps a bear will ramble onto the green. Each course treats players to a truly unique Whistler golf experience. And the critics agree - in 2001, Golf Digest placed Whistler in the top 50 Greatest Golf Destinations in the world while four courses ranked in the Top 100 Courses by SCORE Golf Magazine. Play it for yourself.

Ride the fully enclosed gondola to the top of Whistler Mountain for an experience like no other. The view will take your breath away - glaciers, meadows chock-full of flowers, alpine lakes, and summit after summit after summit. See it for yourself with a guided nature walk or pack a lunch and explore the well-marked trails on your own. At the end of your day, refuel with delicious mountaintop dining.

Adrenalin-seekers can experience guided mountain bike descents or explore miles of trails in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. Coast down gentle beginner trails or set your heart racing on white-knuckle routes.

Whistler streets team with world-class festivals during the summer. An eclectic menu of entertainment, music, magic and merriment from June through September ensure fun for the entire family. Feast your ears and eyes as the Village comes alive with strolling musicians, dazzling magicians and colourful comedians.

In July, the Whistler Arts and Music Festival showcases local artist exhibits, street entertainers, and live music from jazz to Calypso and funk to Miriachi. Watch awe-struck as champion mountain bikers hurl themselves down the mountain and perform gravity-defying bike stunts during August’s CrankWorx.

When it’s time to call it a day, slip under the covers at one of the many inviting accommodations ranging from intimate European-style bed & breakfast inns, family-style condos, luxury hotel suites and to everything in between. By booking your vacation packages early, you’ll save on accommodation and activities. Arranging your Whistler vacation is easy - simply call Whistler’s Official Central Reservations Service at 1-800-WHISTLER and book everything from accommodations and lift tickets to transportation and activities. It’s our version of one-stop shopping.

Visit www.tourismwhistler.com for the most up-to-date information on packages, hot deals, festival and event dates, activities, transportation schedules and more.

When in Whistler, stop by the Whistler Activity & Information Centre located beside the TELUS Whistler Conference Centre for helpful information and activity bookings.