Whistler is located only two hours from Vancouver, along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway, and five hours from Seattle, Washington. The peak elevation is only 2182 m / 7160 feet but the snow is plenty.

Within Whistler are the Blackcomb Mountains, which has over 8,100 skiable acres and one vertical mile drop. Whistler Blackcomb is actually two mountains connected by a pedestrian village. There are more than 200 trails and thirty-eight lifts at this resort and twelve alpine bowls. Of the lifts, there are three gondolas, 10 high-speed quads, and 19 other chair lifts girdling the mountains, this is more than any other resort in the world. Combined, the lifts can handle 55,000 skiers an hour, each of whom has a choice of 7,000 acres to ski in.

Experts who visit Whistler-Blackcomb suggest that the best time to ski is in the spring and summer. Greater Blackcomb is open until April 25th and Whistler until June 11th. One can ski Blackcomb's glacier until August.

What other types of skiing are there at Whistler? How about Cross-Country? There are eighteen miles of track around the village's lakes, golf courses, and creeks, including five kilometers of lit trails. If snowboarding is more your thing, there are terrain parks and halfpipes on both mountains.

Want something a little more adventurous? How about skiing by helicopter. Tour operators with helicopters take skiers to places with untracked powder, endless terrain and breath-taking scenery. The guide will select terrain within a zone according to snowfall, the weather, and you or your group's ability.

If you are just learning to ski or have always wanted to learn to ski, there are many classes offered at Whistler according to your level. For the young at heart, there are also snowboarding classes.

Children who just want to play in the snow by inner tube will love the Whistler Blackcomb Tube Park. Tubes are provided and there is a lift to take you to the top. Prices vary by age and amount of time spent at the park.

Whistler and Blackcomb have many beautiful sites and wildlife so why not rent a snowmobile for the day. Outdoor Adventures provides snowmobile rentals as well as a variety of snowshoe, ATV and 4 X 4 tours. Have you ever been dog sledding? Here is something unique you can add to your ski vacation's list of events that you can tell all your friends about. Outdoor Adventures also provides exclusive dog sledding adventures that takes you deep into the Whistler backcountry. Your professional musher will teach you how to harness and handle your own dog team, as well as everything you need to know in driving your own sled.

Accommodations and activities at Whistler are also top notch and varied. The Village, which is Whistler's focal point, has more than 200 shops and 90 restaurants. Pedestrian friendly, the Village has walkways and plazas that lead you through shops, boutiques, art galleries and theatres. When it comes to currency, Canadian money comes in similar denominations to American money. Coins come in 1 cent, 5 cent, 10 cent, 25 cent, one dollars and two dollars. Bills are in $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 and are multi-colored. Currency exchanges are located throughout the village.

Before traveling to Whistler you can check weather conditions online - this may help you determine how to pack for your trip. Bring layers of clothing so that you can stay warm and comfortable. But don't worry if you forget something as there are plenty of shops and shopping that can be done to fill any gaps. Most of all, be prepared to have a great time on the slopes without worry about not having enough to do - this is one of the best things about skiing at Whistler.