Being the single largest ski resort in North America, Whistler Blackcomb boasts over 200 trails to choose from. If you’ve seen the trail map, it’s like a mammoth game of Snakes and Ladders. Nice long cruisy groomers (up to a leg-burning 11kms long), challenging steep double blacks, excellent tree-skiing, and endless hike-to options, there are plenty of options for all ability levels of skiers and snowboarders. So, where do you start?

Here’s Scout’s Top 5 must-ski runs at Whistler Blackcomb to kick off your best ski vacation yet.

5. Gun Barrels

So it’s a power day, and you’re seeking a good spot on the mountain away from the crowds of powder hunters, with plenty of fresh lines on offer well in to the afternoon; Then Gun Barrels is for you. Although the runs are relatively short, they’re easily to access and to do multiple laps. Jump on the Harmony 6 Express chairlift and head skiers right down Harmony Ridge, until you reach the drop off for Boomer Bowl. It’s a nice steep entrance to the start of the chutes, where you are welcomed by perfectly spaced trees and a nicely carved trail just wide enough to make epic powder turns down to the cat track below. Skiers can also take the Krummholz trail and drop in to the bowl on the right to access Gun Barrels.

4. Bagel Bowl

There is no denying that Whistler Blackcomb is home to some of the best bowls in all of Canada (16 to be exact). These pockets of powder are home to exceptional snow quality and you can often find nice stashes days after a big storm to make some memorable carves and slashes. Our go-to bowl is the Bagel Bowl. A lot of advanced skiers head over to Blackcomb Mountain as it has a fantastic collection of chutes, bowls and couloirs, however, we like to catch the Peak Express up to the top of Whistler Mountain, and head down Upper-Peak-to-Creek, which offers a good selection of black and double black trails. If you can tear yourself away from the incredible mountain views, drop skiers right off the trail and you’ll find Bagel Bowl – a nice cornice provides a fun descent into the bowl, where you can make nice and wide powder turns using the natural flow of the terrain. Super fun, and a perfect spot to make use of those powder skis.

Top Tip: Bring your camera!

3. Hugh’s Heaven

Even the most advanced skier loves the feel of perfectly groomed corduroy under their skis. Whistler Blackcomb knows it’s terrain and the grooming is generally impeccable throughout the season. Head up the 7^th Heaven Express on Blackcomb Mountain and you will be rewarded with some of the best groomed runs the resort has to offer. It’s easy to spend all morning lapping these blue beauties, with a fantastic flow of terrain, and many trails to choose from including Panorama, Cloud Nine, and Sluiceway. Our favourite, however, is Hugh’s Heaven, which starts off with a perfect photo opportunity at the start, before flowing through open alpine terrain and down into the tree-lined trails. Cruise along and enjoy the view, or pop in and out of the trees either side, as you make your way back to the chairlift. Best of all, this part of the resort tends to be the least crowded!

2. Sun Bowl

This one is the perfect choice for those who love great fall-line skiing, and it often gets overlooked or missed as skiers explore the resort, meaning you’ll find fresh tracks on most days. Catch the Harmony 6 Express up to Little Whistler Peak, and head skiers right towards the inukshuk statue (a giant stone figure) on Harmony Ride trail. Here you can drop down into Sun Bowl. The trail starts with a nice steep pitch, before dropping into the bowl and funneling down to the Burnt-Stew Trail (which you can take all the way back to the Harmony 6 Express). A nice cornice mid-way through the run is super fun, and you’re sure to feel the might of the mountains as Symphony Amphitheatre towers over you on skiers right.

Top Tip: head to Sun Bowl in the late morning as the sun creeps over the glaciers towards the East. Stunning views and memorable laps to be had.

1. Lake Side Bowl

It’s hard to choose a #1 ski trail when all of Whistler Blackcomb offers incredible skiing, no matter where you decide to go. However, the Lake Side Bowl on Blackcomb Mountain is particularly spectacular, and one of our must-ski runs when we visit this part of the world. For those who have experienced heli-ski terrain know how amazing off-piste skiing in British Columbia can be. The Lake Side Bowl offers a true off-piste skiing experience (without the need for a heli), with deep snow, super steep chutes, and exciting cliff drops. Easily accessed via the 7^th Heaven Express (with a little traverse to get to the start of the bowl), it’s perfect for advanced skiers and snowboarders who are looking for a thrilling and memorable run. 

Explore the best Whistler Blackcomb has to offer with a Canada Ski Package on Scout.