Whistler Blackcomb is BIG, especially compared to East Coast resorts and even by some European standards. It can take days to orientate yourself and work out what’s been groomed to perfection that day and even longer to find secret powder stashes. But you don’t have to go it alone.
If you don’t fancy checking the map every time you get on the lift, you want to meet new ski buddies, up your skill level or you simply want to know the kids are in a safe and fun learning environment, we give you six reasons to book a lesson with Snow School this winter.
1. Skip the Line
Surely the biggest benefit of all! The blue jacket of a Whistler Blackcomb ski instructor parts the crowds and you get to skip the lift lines. Whether it’s getting out of the valley at the weekend, or getting laps on Peak Chair on a powder day, we’ve all been waiting in line when that instructor asks the rhetorical question…
“Do you mind if I just put my group in front of you please?”
That could be you! Skipping the lift lines means more guided mileage and making the most out of your day and your vacation.
2. Learn to Ski and Ride
It’s never to late to pick up a new sport. If you’ve never skied or snowboarded before, you’ll love Whistler Blackcomb’s Green Run Guarantee, where they promise you’ll…
“Learn to conquer a qualifying green run by your third lesson or enjoy your fourth lesson with us—absolutely free!”
Choose between a private or group lesson, a full or half-day, and learn the basics of starting, stopping and maintaining control. You’ll also learn techniques for carrying your equipment, how to get on and off the gondolas and chairlifts, and how to stay safe on the mountain. It’s good to note that multilingual instructors are available, and if you’re unsure of your ability level they have a handy chat for you to self-assess, but your instructor can help you with that too.
3. Kids & Teen Ski Lessons
We understand you’ve come on a family vacation to spend time together, but we’ve seen the dynamics of trying to find something that keeps the kids, teens and adults all happy, and, sometimes, better days together come from a couple of days apart.
The kids’ instructors at Whistler Blackcomb know every side hit and adventure zone that will have your kids screaming with joy and excitement while building confidence on skis in a safe setting. They use a smart GPS system called flaik so they know where your kiddo is at all times and you can see where they’ve been at the end of the day.
Seeing and learning with other groms their size and age gives confidence to kids they didn’t realize they needed when desperately trying to keep up with their older siblings or even mom and dad. Not only will your kids have a great time on the snow with their new friends, and taste the infamous grilled cheese sandwiches (lunch is included), but it will give YOU the day to yourselves.
Better yet, sign them up for Adventure Camp to really get their mileage up, with the same group and same instructor all week and fun theme days, it’s a week they’ll never forget.
And for those older siblings who are too big (or too cool) for Snow School, Whistler Blackcomb has a specific lesson product that’s just for teens. Send them off on for an adventure with qualified, experienced staff (flaik attached), to explore new terrain, improve skills and head down runs they wouldn’t normally do with the family (and you wouldn’t want them going by themselves).
With lunch being spent up at the Roundhouse (lunch voucher included), they aren’t treated like little kids, but given the respect and independence they deserve for their ages.
4. Refresh Your Ski and Riding Skills
We put kids in various forms of learning environments all the time, so why, as adults, are we more hesitant to do the same for ourselves once we’ve learnt the basics? Similarly to kids, being with peers of similar ability levels creates an environment for learning, improvement and pushing yourself while having fun and meeting new ski buddies.
Jealous of the kids’ Adventure Camp week? Whistler Blackcomb offers the same idea for adults called The Camp. You have the same group and same instructor for the week which really nurtures the opportunity to build on your existing skills and levels, technically and tactically.
5. Explore the Terrain
With 32 lifts and 8,000-plus skiable acres, Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski area in North America. You can spend years skiing at Whistler Blackcomb and discover new runs, or parts of runs, every day.
The changing weather and snow conditions add to the excitement and accessibility of a run, along with the insider locals’ knowledge of aspect, elevation and grooming. So why not take the decision-making out of it and let the pros choose your terrain? And if you’ve been skiing at Whistler for years already, your instructor or guide just might show you some of their secret spots!
6. Change your Opinion
The stereotype of snow school lessons is that they are filled with boring drills and exercises with lots of stopping and talking techniques (although if that’s what you’re into, you can ask for that too!). But Whistler Blackcomb offers a variety of specialty programs, whether it’s a season-long weekly group with Club Linc, a women-specific camp, or a day shredding the steeps with Extremely Canadian. Give snow school a chance and fuel or reignite your passion for this crazy beautiful sport of sliding down mountains.
It’s time to take on the largest ski area in North America with one of the over 1,000 instructors in Whistler and push yourself, skip the lines and really maximize your days on the ski hill. What have you got to lose?
Get some early festive feels and a deal! Book 3+ nights between November 21 and December 20, 2024, to receive a free $100 CAD Whistler Shopping Voucher, with rooms starting from $175 CAD per night, accommodation and lift packages at 25% off and rentals at 35% off. Epic Coverage is included for free so you can plan ahead with peace of mind.
Come experience Whistler Blackcomb’s extensive terrain and adventure at every turn to see why we're known as one of the best resorts on the planet. Secure your mountain getaway with Whistler.com for personalized service and the local knowledge of our Whistler-based team.
