From beginner to just out of practice, Whistler is the perfect place to learn to ski. Check out our first-time skier’s guide to Whistler this winter!
What to Wear
The weather in Whistler varies greatly throughout the day, from the valley bottom to the mountain tops. It could be raining below but sunny above the clouds, so pack a good ski jacket and pants with adequate waterproofing. The key to success here is layering. Typically, you’ll want a base layer, an insulation layer (like a puffy jacket), and an exterior shell jacket. On the bottom, we recommend a base layer (such as merino leggings) and outer ski pants. On the colder days, you might want to take up some hand and/or feet warmers, which can be picked up from – Spicy Sports – for $3. A neck warmer or balaclava is essential and doubles as a face-mask which is required to line-up for the lifts.
Rental Tips
This year the rental process, like most aspects of your vacation, will look a little different. Our preferred rental shop – Spicy Sports – has made adjustments to make sure you feel as safe as possible this year; with partitioned areas, a limit on customers in the store, and masks required inside. Allowing you more space and a more personalized rental experience. Great for first-timers! This is a great opportunity to ask an expert about the equipment and get yourself familiarized with the gear. One last tip from the Spicy team is, for those frigid days, remember to charge your phone! It’s beautiful up there and you’ll want to take some photos, but the cold can decrease your battery life dramatically.
Spicy Sports Blackcomb Base Store and Tuning Shop
Ski School
Whistler Blackcomb’s world-class instructors have gone through COVID-19 protocol training and are committed to providing you with a safe and enjoyable experience. All Adult and Child lessons have a maximum class size of six, all lessons will meet outdoors and practice physical distancing. Self-health screenings are required to be completed by all participants within 24 hours of each lesson prior to arrival on the mountain. It is important to note that this winter, Whistler Blackcomb requires a reservation as well as a lift ticket to get on the lifts.
Each lesson comes with a mountain reservation for the lesson taker(s); all participants must have a pass or lift ticket. Lessons need to be booked at least 48 hours in advance. Face coverings are required this season – for more information on Whistler Blackcomb’s safety protocol and what to expect, click here.
Best Learner Areas
Whistler Blackcomb has an array of terrain for all skill levels. Beginner runs are marked with the classic green circle. There are large beginner areas at the Blackcomb Day Lodge and the Olympic Station on Whistler Mountain. Mid-mountain has the Emerald Express, surrounded by green classics like Ego Bowl, Green Acres, Upper and Lower Whiskey Jack, and Marmot; all wide open, beautiful runs that offer a view of the entire valley on a clear day. There are also many monitored slow skiing zones (special slopes for slower skiers); the many easy, wide slopes at Whistler Blackcomb make the resort a paradise for beginners!
This winter is the perfect time to visit Whistler and enjoy a true Canadian Ski Experience. Book with our flexible booking policies and save up to 40% with our current winter offers.