New York City 6 hrs

Miami 6 hrs

Philadelphia 5 hrs

Boston 5.75 hrs

Los Angeles 5.75 hrs

Chicago 2.75 hrs

Dallas-Fort Worth 4.75 hrs

San Francisco 5.5 hrs

Whistler Mountain: It's got a 5,020-foot vertical and a top elevation of 7,160 feet. The skiable terrain covers 3,657 acres crossed by over 100 trails with 20% for beginners, 55% for intermediates, and 25% for experts. Lifts number 16, including 2 high-speed gondolas, 6 high-speed quads, 2 triple chairs, 1 double chair, and 5 surface lifts. The longest run goes 7 miles and snowboarders get their own halfpipe and park. Hungry? No need to descend, there are 8 restaurants right on the mountain!

Blackcomb Mountain: It's got a 5,280-foot vertical and a top elevation of 7,494 feet. The skiable terrain covers 3,414 acres crossed by over 100 trails with 15% for beginners, 55% for intermediates, and 30% for experts. Lifts number 17, including 1 high-speed gondola, 6 high-speed quads, 3 triple chairs, and 7 surface lifts. The longest run goes 7 miles and snowboarders get 2 halfpipes and a park. Hungry? No need to descend, there are 9 restaurants right on the mountain!

The twin peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb are set among the rugged Coast Mountain Range of British Columbia, Canada, just 75 miles north of Vancouver. Rising one vertical mile from a village of award-winning West Coast architecture, this resort has the greatest vertical rise of any ski area in North America. There are over 7,000 acres of alpine terrain, 12 bowls, 3 glaciers, long cruising runs, and 5 lakes.

The main thing you probably want to know is, "How much snow?" Whistler gets an average of 30 feet each winter, with a snow base record of 16.5 feet. All four seasons pass in the natural course, but temperatures are around 10° cooler than you are accustomed to at lower altitudes.

Spring average 56°

Summer average 71°

Fall average 60°

Winter average 24°

The slopes are open from November to May, one of the longest ski seasons anywhere! During this time, the mountains and village are buzzing with "bon temps," spurred by skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. Summer is a more relaxed time, but just as enjoyable with a whole new set of activities like hiking, fishing, and boating on the stunning mountains and many lakes.

World-Class Skiing: Whistler/Blackcomb is consistently rated as North America's top ski resort by ski magazines and people's choice surveys. The resort has winter and summer glacier skiing, the longest vertical drop in North America, and one of the most advanced lift systems in the world. Both mountains offer plentiful terrain, great runs, and even mountainside restaurants.

Great Canadian Outdoors: Whistler is also very popular with summer travelers, due to its many hiking and biking trails. A wide range of outdoor activities are on offer and festivals take place under warm, sunny skies amid the thick mountain forests. If you're not much of a hiker or adventurer, you'll still have a great time sticking close to the village, where there are 5 lakes for canoeing, fishing, swimming, and windsurfing, plus 5 golf courses.

Skiing: Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains have everything skiers want, and more of it than anywhere else on this continent. In addition to more than 7,070 acres of skiable terrain, they share a claim to North America's longest vertical drop -- more than a mile! You'll be seriously challenged to dip your tips into each of the 12 alpine bowls, 3 glaciers, and more than 200 marked trails. The green, blue, and double black runs suit skiers of all abilities.

Snowboarding: Surfers go to Maui and boarders go to Whistler.Voted the #1 snowboard destination in North America by Snowboard Canada Magazine, Whistler and Blackcomb are perfect for virgin snowboarders and Xtreme experts. The terrain parks and pipes are maintained continuously with Pipe Dragons and snow cats.

Heli-Skiing/Boarding: Get far from the madding crowd with a helicopter lift to a number of isolated peaks. Moderate and expert powder hounds cap off vacations with trips ranging from simply getting you up there and back, to excursions including a gourmet picnic on the mountain, videotaped evidence of your trek, and an aprés over refreshments.

Dog-Sledding: Long before the grinding whine of the first snowmobile broke the icy stillness of the Great White North, dog sleds were the vehicle of choice. Make like a musher as you learn to guide your team along woodland trails and frozen creeks with an expert guide.

Golf: There are 3 designer golf courses in the Whistler Valley, created by legends like Palmer and Nicklaus, and 4 more world-class courses in the Sea to Sky Corridor that make Whistler a high-ranking golf destination.

Get Pampered: There are several spa clinics in Whistler where you can drop by for a quick and soothing massage, but if you really want to go the luxury distance, book a half-day at the Spa at the Chateau Whistler. How does a full body massage, herbal steam bath, a swim, and hot tub sound for starters? Follow up across the hall in the Mallard Lounge with a brandy by a picture window and a jazz pianist tickling the ivories.

Fishing: The five lakes and many rivers of Whistler just about spill over with fish. Feisty rainbow and cutthroat trout are most populous, and Lucille Lake to the south is the only lake in the area with brookies. Dolly Vardens are aggressive fighters that easily reach six pounds and anglers from around the world know the inexhaustible steelhead that regularly top 20 pounds.

Eco-Hikes: British Columbia is home to soaring mountain ranges, ancient forests, deep blue fjords, and wild coastlines. It's the ancestral home of Native Americans whose culture echoes the land. Join experienced guides, naturalists, and First Nations members on a fun trek that respects the land while teaching you about it.

Biking: Fast becoming one of North America's mountain biking meccas, the Whistler area is streaked with hundreds of trails for all levels of ability. Guided tours, lessons, rentals, and maps are available from most shops, as are guided descents of Whistler Mountain.

Water Sports: Windsurfing, canoeing, rafting, kayaking, and sailing are all popular on Whistler's 5 lakes and many rivers. Four of the five lakes are strictly non-motorized and are popular for swimming in summer. For wake-boarding and water-skiing, go to Green Lake, a glacier-fed lake where motors are allowed. All the lakes have BBQ facilities, and over on Lost Lake and Rainbow Park there are also beaches and volleyball courts.

Whistler has some of Canada's finest chefs catering your culinary fantasies, so whether you're in for a sumptuous meal or just want to grab a sandwich before hitting the slopes, you're in for a treat. The resort's international reputation extends right to its cooking, with more than 80 restaurants, bistros, buffets, and pubs serving international fare from rack of lamb and spicy Thai cuisine, to sushi and traditional North American recipes.

Gourmet

Araxi, where classic French and Italian traditions are combined by creative chefs with local ingredients, is hailed by the London Times, Vancouver Magazine, and many others as "unquestionably the best restaurant in Whistler." The accolades also note the wine list, recipient of over a dozen honors from the Vancouver Wine Festival. 4222 Village Square

Brasserie Val d’Isère: Come here if you're feeling peckish for some fabulous French food. Chef Roland hails from Alsace, a region in eastern France renowned for its classic cooking techniques, rustic regional flavors, and tradition of warm hospitality. In the heart of Whistler's Town Plaza, be seated in a modest yet elegant dining room and peruse the menu for a variety of delicious treats. Be sure not to overlook the substantial wine list. Whistler Village

Highly Recommended

Bearfoot Bistro's main dining room radiates warmth, with tall leather chairs, dark wood, and top jazz acts for an all-night dinner event. Chefs create everything from scratch and the exquisite wine collection puts the finishing touch on your perfect meal. To make the evening extra special, reserve the wine cellar for your private party! Food critics praise the Bearfoot as Whistler's "most sophisticated restaurant." 4121 Village Green

Citta's Bistro: Pronounced "Cheetahs", this highly respected favorite among the locals has reputedly been here as long as the village itself. Boasting one of the best outdoor patio spaces for people watching, Citta's is a natural gathering place, and even those just popping in to say "Hello!" to friends end up staying for a full meal. Close to the mountains, close to the pharmacy, and close to the liquor store, what more could you want? Whistler Village

Local Flair

Raven's Nest, located atop Whistler Mountain, has beautiful views of Whistler Creek and plenty of patio seating, making it a great place to escape for a quick bite between runs. The cappuccino bar has fresh-baked goods and specialty coffees. Top of Whistler Mountain, Creekside Gondola

Garibaldi Lift Co. Bar & Grill: Overlooking the base of Whistler Mountain atop the Whistler Gondola entranceway, this popular restaurant provides relaxed après excitement. Part lounge, part restaurant, part club, the GLC attracts Whistler's in-crowd, and plays the latest ski and snowboard videos to a background of ambient reggae and dance music. The menu features tapas, gourmet entrees, and affordable martinis. Whether nachos and beer or a formal a la carte meal, you'll find it here. Whistler Village

Romantic

Aubergine Grille: This spacious indoor/outdoor restaurant features a show-kitchen, where you can watch the culinary masters prepare your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Executive chef, Hans Stierli, has created an eclectic selection of menus that include west coast seafood and salmon favorites, plus grilled meats and rustic pizza and pasta entrees. With floor-to-ceiling windows commanding views of the mountains, the setting could not be more ideal for a Whistler restaurant. Whistler Village

La Rua Restaurante: Easily one of the best restaurants in Whistler, come and experience fine white-tablecloth continental dining with excellent service. The delicious pasta and seafood entrees are simply divine. La Rua is conveniently located in the Upper Village and has an open-air patio that's perfect for romantic summertime meals for two. Upper Village

An evening amble under the stars, movin' to the groove, a pint of lager in a cozy pub, breaking in a pool hall, popcorn and a movie, playing up to a street comedian, and on it goes! The flip side of Whistler is all about winding down, and since everyone has a different way of going about that, the resort comes through with choices for all. For weekly happenings, pick up a free copy of Whistler's weekly news magazine, The Pique.

Boot Pub: Whistler's oldest bar is known as "the local's living room," and is the place in the village for live music. Sit at the bar to watch the hockey wars on the giant screen TV and you've got the next best thing to sideline seats. When the band hits the stage, you hit the dance floor and give it your best head-bang, bus-stop, two-step, or whatever the ever-changing tunes call for.

Longhorn Saloon: Skiers have rated this the #1 après-ski spot for well over a decade. It rocks hard during the après hours so you can dance, play some pool, and lounge on the heated "concrete beach" with a rockin' view. The National Post calls this "one of the most favorable locations in all the drinking world"!

AlpenRock House: This big basement club has a stage as the size of a mountain -- well, almost. Heavy-hitting musical acts are becoming commonplace and the log cabin decor sets up lots of cozy nooks. There are also loads of video games, pool tables, a 10-pin bowling alley, and a bunch of mini 5-pin lanes. And it's family friendly!

Garibaldi Lift Company: Live music is the least of the attractions at this top-of-the-gondola hang out. Mike the manager is so friendly, he sometimes invites guests to join him on his next run to Vegas. There's a girl in the hot tub who'll give you advice on just about anything. Less intriguing but good to know about are the fireplace, heated deck, pool table, and a full menu.

Buffalo Bill's Bar& Grill: The grown-up crowd prefers the smooth cool of this night pot. Though DJ classics and top 40 dominate the music, this is the place big-name musicians play when they're in town…really big, like Melissa Etheridge and Tragically Hip, who get the good old live and sweaty music thing rockin'.

Dubh Linn Gate: Ay mate, ha's a fine pint! An authentic Old Irish pub set on a bit o' the new sod with lots of crannies to huddle in. A bonny draught line-up and live entertainment of lads and lassies put you in an Emerald Isle mood.

Appleton Rum Peak to Valley Race: Teams of 4 compete in this popular top-to-bottom ski race. The course runs more than 3 miles. February

Whistler's Gay Ski Week: This annual event, newly sponsored by GayWhistler, continues its tradition of bringing together gays and lesbians for winter sports, entertainment, and parties, all in the name of raising money for charity. New in 2007 is WinterPRIDE Whistler, celebrating diversity. February

Kokanee Couloir Extreme: Dubbed as the steepest GS race on the planet, expert skiers and boarders make their way from the top of the Couloir to the base of the Jersey Cream Chair -- 2,500 thigh-burning feet below the start. With top racers finishing in just over 2 minutes, this is a true extreme test! March

Women's Week: Gals gather to celebrate women and to take part in ski and snowboard camps, unwind at apres-ski events, and fundraise for woman-related causes. International Women's Day is recognized during the week. March

Pontiac GMC Canadian Alpine Ski Championships: Canadian racing stars meet and compete for junior and senior national titles in downhill, super G, giant slalom, and slalom. March

Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival: The single largest annual sports event in North America, this festival is a showcase of high-flying competitions between 2,500 athletes. Celebrity events, film festivals, and bands make it one heckuva party that the Vancouver Sun calls "the most ambitious collection of winter recreation events ever held outside the Olympic Games." April

Mouton Cadet Spring Festival: Two days of strictly-for-fun individual and team ski races because winners are chosen on a "guess-your-time" basis, you can come out on top even if you weren't first! Other activities include a costume competition, mountain picnic, and barbecue both days. April

Sierra Wireless Whistler Cup: Girls and boys ages 11–14 compete in this premier international juvenile skiing event. Participants have gone on to become Olympians. April

Street Shows: The streets of Whistler come alive every Saturday and Sunday with a variety of street performers and music of all sorts, such as blues, world beat, rock, and classical. May-June

Arts Experience: Local artists and performers showcase their talents and works in a weekend filled with public workshops, displays, gallery walks, and more. June

Summer Glacier Skiing & Riding: The season opens, and advanced skiers and riders can work on their park and bump skills even though winter is over. June

Village Jesters: The cobblestone streets bustle with the animated antics of professional jugglers, comedians, magicians, musicians, and stunt cyclists all summer long! June-September

Oktoberfest: Whistler's European-style alpine village is the perfect setting for this Old World festival of beer and bratwurst that includes a Munich-style beer hall with traditional oom-pah-pah music and folk dancers. There's even a root beer garden for the kids! October

Cornucopia Food & Wine Celebration: Whistler celebrates the harvest bounty of the Pacific West Coast with the region's leading chefs and winemakers. The weekend includes wine tastings, demonstrations, and many special events. November

Whistler Film Festival: More than 80 Canadian and international independent films compete for awards and cash prizes. The 4-day event includes workshops, guest appearances, parties, and more. November-December

First Night Whistler: A family-friendly and alcohol-free celebration of arts and entertainment to bring in the new year. December

Whistler Christmas: A tree-lighting ceremony, village train rides, dogsledding, caroling, storytelling, and more inspire all members of your family catch the holiday spirit. December-January

Discover Whistler Days: You and your kids get 50% off select learn-to-ski and learn-to-snowboard programs and clinics during certain weeks of the winter season. Improve your skills and get the inside scoop about the area from experienced professionals. Dates vary. Check with the Tourism Board for details.

Casual dress is the norm. In summer, bring a raincoat, warm sweater, hat, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses. In spring, summer, and fall, a light coat or warm jacket may be required, particularly at the higher altitudes. In winter, layers including a heavy coat, winter boots, hat, gloves, and scarves are essential, as are sunscreen and sunglasses.

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Bears: Black bears are active from March to November, and you may encounter them. Don't panic, don't run, don't play dead, and certainly don't try to approach them. If the bear sees a way out, it will usually take it and be glad to leave you alone. Talk softly, back away slowly while facing the bear, and don't go calling for the police, who often end up having to kill the animal to quell unnecessary human fears. If charged, fight back and remember that bears can climb trees!

Drinking: Legal drinking age in British Columbia is 19, strictly enforced. You'll need a North American driver's license with picture or a passport.

Tax Refund: The GST (Goods & Services Tax) is reimbursable upon departure, but you must keep your receipts. Simply pick up a copy of the Tax Refund Application for Visitors at any Customs Office and most tourism centers, duty-free shops, and some hotels. The form is short and easy to fill out and, along with your receipts, is all you need to be reimbursed on the spot as you exit the country.

The current is the same as in the United States, so you will not need an adapter or transformer to use your American appliances.

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Entry: A photo ID (such as a passport) is required to enter Canada, as is proof of US citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate). Visas are not required.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: Effective January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including US citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

The passport requirement does NOT apply to US citizens traveling to or returning directly from a US territory. US citizens returning directly from a US territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport. US territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Canadian Customs: Visitors may enter Canada with personal effects duty-free provided that they declare them to the customs officials upon arrival and that the goods are not subject to restrictions. Persons aged 16 and over are authorized to take 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, and 2.2 pounds of smoking tobacco. Persons 18 and over may take 40 ounces of duty-free alcoholic beverages.

Cultural Property: Canada has restrictions to ensure that objects of historical, cultural, artistic, or scientific significance remain in Canada. To take objects that are more than 50 years old (or made by a person who is no longer living) out of the country -- including artifacts, fossils, fine art, decorative art, rare books, or archival materials -- you may require an export permit. You must check with the Movable Cultural Property Program, 15 Eddy Street, 3rd Floor, Room 13, Hull, Quebec, K1A 0M5, Canada; phone 819-997-7761, fax 819-997-7757.

US Customs: US residents returning from Canada after a visit of 48 hours or more may return with $800 worth of duty-free articles for personal use. Up to 100 cigars (non-Cuban), 32 ounces of alcoholic beverages (travelers over 21), and 200 cigarettes per person may be included in the duty and not included in the basic exemption. Works of art are exempt, however a receipt of purchase may be required.

US Consulate: 1095 West Pender Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 2M6, Canada; phone 604-685-4311

Tourism Whistler: 4010 Whistler Way, Whistler, V0N 1B4, Canada; phone 604-664-5625, fax 604-938-5758