After instructing at Whistler Blackcomb years ago, plus a few holiday trips, I figured I knew the place pretty well. Turns out, I was wrong.
With over 8171 acres of skiable terrain plus backcountry access all serviced by a rocking pedestrian village who was I kidding?
A mid-mountain pop-up from internationally acclaimed EDM DJ John Summit was just the start, that literally had skiers and snowboarders flocking to the makeshift stage for an unscheduled party.
Then there’s the new Seven Wonder Routes (seven self-guided tours) launched this season to celebrate the resort’s 60th birthday proving the old dog still has new tricks.
But that’s not all. Here’s three new (to me) experiences that got me frothing for North America’s largest ski resort and planning my return before I’d even left.
Dawn Patrol first tracks on Blackcomb mountain
This is no ordinary fresh tracks program. Dawn Patrol, launched in 2023, was originally designed as an alternative to heli skiing when stormy weather grounded the helicopters but you can now also purchase it as a stand-alone product.
While intermediates are hitting up the OG first tracks offer on Whistler Mountain, Dawn Patrol offers a more advanced experience on Blackcomb and you’ll head out with a Whistler Heli ski guide long before public access. A 7:30am upload means you’re well and truly ahead of the crowd.
Our guide, Francois, had also worked as an instructor at Whistler Blackcomb for years so he knew the mountain like the back of his hand. We went on a brilliant morning adventure, first ripping wide turns on groomers, and then hiking a line up into the alpine, gaining access to the Grey Zone that had collected windblown pow.
Dawn Patrol lets you see the mountain as it’s just waking up, and it feels like Whistler Blackcomb has become your own private ski resort for the first hour. You’ll be guided for a full half day with lift line priority and access to local terrain knowledge.
The Dawn Patrol experience will set you back CAD$399 for half day plus first tracks.
Private Steep Clinic by Extremely Canadian
Whistler Blackcomb is the land of big terrain. Alpine couloirs, rocky chutes, steep trees – it has it all. If you’re keen to explore the more adventurous terrain then it really pays to have a specialist guide to help navigate high consequence zones. Enter Extremely Canadian – the team of pro guides and coaches who know the mountain inside out and can show you the best spots to get your heart pumping.
I was stoked to have Dom Oshanek as my guide for the day, a Level 4 snowboard instructor Evaluator and member of the Canadian National Technical Team. We hiked Spanky’s Ladder (he may have even pulled me up one slippery section), he guided me through cliff sections to access double black diamond bowls, and at my request, made sure to point out all the best mossy trees, big impressive rocks and ice waterfalls.
We even stopped at Crystal Hut for waffles, which is an essential Whistler Blackcomb experience. If you know, you know.
Every Extremely Canadian guide I’ve met has been an absolute master of their craft and a joy to spend time with. In a private session you can have up to six of your friends, and mix skiers and snowboarders. With lift line priority and excellent tuition it truly is the best way to access the serious terrain Whistler Blackcomb has. You also get lift line priority and the guides are in contact with each other through the day, checking in for where the best pow has landed.
Check out all the different Extremely Canadian guided tours on offer here. The Steeps Day starts from CAD$1255.
Lift passes are not included but if you have an Epic Australia Pass then you get 10 days skiing at Whistler Blackcomb as part of the pass.
Mystic Mountain Dome by Blackcomb Snowmobile
Snow dome in a remote forest accessed by a luxe snow cat? Sign me up.
I hitched a ride into the Callaghan Valley on a Mystic Mountain Dome experience with Blackcomb Snowmobiles and would 10 out of 10 recommend.
Who wouldn’t want to spend time in a mountain top dome with panoramic views, wood fire pizza oven, charcuterie boards, a plethora of Canadian inspired desserts and hot apple cider on tap. You can even pull up a bean bag and drink in the view as the snow falls. Best of all? The dining table converts into a pool table.
Outside you can warm up by the fire pit, go for a wander and take gorgeous photos of the forest. We even finished the night with fireworks.
Choose from a lunch or dinner experience (CAD$249 pp) or book it out for a private experience with a six person minimum.
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**Alex was a guest of Vail Resorts Epic Australia Pass (pass holders get 10 days skiing in Whistler), Whistler Blackcomb and Tourism Whistler.
** Feature image: Tourism Whistler/Guy Fattal
