Customer Reviews

Ski & Snowboard Guide to Whistler Blackcomb: Intermediate Edition

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I visited Whistler without this book back in 2004 and found it to be rather overwhelming. I had no resources other than the trail map and the occasional recommendation to the ever-popular "7th Heaven" and "Burnt Stew Trail". Those are great but now I see how much great terrain I missed out on. With a planned trip coming up in February 2011, I am thrilled to have this book in hand already. I can see how it is literally going to improve my trip 10 fold. I keep the books (I also have the Advanced/Expert Edition) on my bedside table and enjoy glancing through them before going to bed. I feel like I know the resort very well and I know exactly where I want to go when I get there!

One thing I wish the book did a better job of is recommendations for different weather situations (i.e. "if it's sunny, go straight to 7th Heaven" or "If you missed the fresh stuff at _____ in the early morning, head over to ______ , as it doesn't get tracked up as quickly" or "if it's windy, find relief at ______"). The layout of the book is a little difficult to follow, as the trail map does not take into account some of the topography and ridge lines. One more thing I'd like to see is a "Top 10 Runs" or something similar. (The Advanced/Expert Edition has this section included).

All in all, I see this being the best $20 investment anyone could make for their first (or return) trip to Whistler. Although a little outdated, this is certainly the definitive printed resource for the Whistler skier or snowboarder. A must have, in my opinion.

This book provides excellent intermediate trail information for the vastness that is Whistler/Blackcomb. With over 8000 acres of terrain, WB provides the largest area of in-bounds ski terrain in North America. Having been to WB three timex in the past five years, this book provides suggestions and ratings to all BLUE square trails, in addition to some beginner and expert terrain as well. I highly recommend this guide for people heading to WB...There is also a Expert Edition of this guide also.

This book is packed with great black & white aerial photos that show you where the routes are, along with tidbit information about each one. Also included is insightful fun and valuable information about Whister. This book is pocket-sized and fits easily into a ski jacket without notice. The pages are nice and thick.

Don't get me wrong, the colorful free ski maps that Whistler gives out are pretty nice, but this book offers so much more with even small bits of information I found to be fairly accurate. My one regret is that we didn't buy this book before we went, which is my one advice; buy it before you go. I first spotted this book at the ski shop in Whistler as we were leaving. It cost over $30 USD. For such a small book it felt pretty pricey after our vacation paying resort prices. Luckily I found it online for about $15, though it took about 4 weeks to get. Still, even afterwards it's a great book to hang onto. We thumb through it just to reminisce about the routes we skied and what we plan to ski on our next trip!