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Frontier Ski Whistler & Blackcomb
Whistler & Blackcomb
Whistlers huge area makes it North Americas biggest ski domain. What the statistics dont tell you is what makes Whistler such a great resort. It is not only the snow, the world class slopes and après-ski, but the resorts unique atmosphere that makes it one of the coolest places on earth. On the slopes, whether you are a first timer or an expert, a powder hound or a graceful groomer, or off the slopes, if you are looking for luxury or relaxed fun with family and friends, Whistler has it all.
On piste
When it comes to the terrain, Whistler is second to none in North America, for its sheer size and variety of slopes. Rising high above the village the twin mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, offer all abilities plenty of interest. First timers and novices will find a great selection of gentle introductory slopes and simple green and blue runs, including some tremendous runs high on both of the mountains. Intermediates will relish the huge number of options on offer, from glorious cruising blues to more challenging, yet achievable, black diamond trails. More advanced skiers will find plenty to sate their appetites, from energy sapping double black thrills and knee trembling bumps to kicking terrain parks and steep, dense glades. Both mountains offer much to delight above and below the tree line. The glacier terrain is extensive and the bowls are simply stunning. With the addition of the Peak to Peak gondola enhancing the access options to both mountains, the resort really has the on piste experience covered. There are further adventures on offer too, with Heli- and Catskiing both easily accessible. Prices shown are for the Discover Whistler Days. Children: With friendly English-speaking instructors, small classes and their own part of the mountain, Whistler is a great place to learn to ski. We strongly recommend the 5-day kids camps (starting on Monday). The children are split by age and ability into groups of 8 and usually have the same instructor each day, prices from £187. Full day lesson £64. Adult: Ski lessons in groups of 8 start at £32; the Supergroup with just 3 people starts at £54 for a ½ day. The excellent 3, 4 or 5 day Ski Esprit, which combines guiding and instruction, starts every Monday at £114 for 3 days. Private instructor: £196 for 3 hours.
Rentals
There are around 15 rental shops in Whistler, each offering a good selection of superior and high performance equipment. Offers: 5th, 10th and 14th day free if booked before 15th Nov. Children under 13 rent free except Dec 20 Jan 2 (1 free child per paying adult). 6-day price starts £56.
Lift passes Off piste
Whistler is almost as famous for its après ski as it is for its skiing! The GLC at the base of Whistler Mountain is a favourite place after a hard day on the mountain, as is Merlins at the foot of Blackcomb, but there are plenty of other bars and several clubs to keep even the most energetic entertained through until the early hours. The resort boasts an eclectic mix of restaurants too. From amazing steaks in Hys to Sushi Villages Japanese delights, from Carambas family restaurant to all the fun of the Mongolie Grill, whatever your favourite food, there is something for everyone. The resort has much to offer outside too dog-sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are all available. For thrill seekers there is also the amazing Ziptrek, an exhilarating two-hour journey through the trees along walkways and zip wires, between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain. But there are plenty of more laidback activities too, such as a romantic horse drawn sleigh ride, perhaps combined with a fondue, a number of delightful spas and plenty of shopping opportunities in Whistler or even Vancouver. You can prebook many of these activities often at a discount please check the website. Whistler lift prices: Exact prices are available on request and on the website, but to give you a guide, an earlybird 6 day pass Jan 5 25 will be £161 Children under 13 ski free (1 child per paying adult) except Dec 20 Jan 2. Offers: Earlybird pricing 5th, 10th and 14th day free.
Transport
We usually use our own vehicles for the 2.5 hour journey between Vancouver and Whistler. Frontiers Finest includes private transfers by luxury SUV (see page 7) and you can upgrade to a private transfer for £40 per person or £95 per person for a private SUV transfer. A car is not necessary but we can arrange one if you wish. There is a free and very regular shuttle bus around the resort which runs late into the night. This does not service Creekside, which has its own bus service which costs $1.50 each way. NB: the busses do not have seat belts.
Ski school
Full details are on the website at www.frontier-ski.co.uk and will be sent to you at time of booking but here are some highlights to give you an idea of the scope of the Whistler ski school. We can also highly recommend the ski and board camps to be found on the website. Discover Whistler Days: offer around 40% discounts for select ski school programmes. Applicable dates are opening December 19, January 5-23, and February 23-March 13.
Price guide (pre-ordered from Frontier Ski):
Ski School Adult 2-hour lesson £22 " Child lesson per day £28 " Catskiing day £130 " Fresh Tracks breakfast £9 " Rentals Adults from £16 " Rentals Child from £13 " Dog-sledding from £80 " Snowmobile from £80 " Snowshoe £25
www.frontier-ski.co.uk 13
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