-- Worldwide Ski Resorts - USA - Whistler--

Together Whistler and Blackcomb mountains have the largest ski area in North America, with just over 7,000 acres of skiable terrain and more than 200 marked trails. In addition to the pisted terrain there are 12 huge Alpine bowls including three with glaciers.

Together Whistler and Blackcomb mountains have the largest ski area in North America, with just over 7,000 acres of skiable terrain and more than 200 marked trails. Both mountains divide terrain, lifts and acreage relatively equally. In addition to the pisted terrain there are 12 huge Alpine bowls including three with glaciers. The area's lift system includes ten high-speed quad chairs, three gondolas that are faster still and there are five different base areas from which to access it all. Despite having the most skier/'boarder visits of any North American resort this powerful lift system has helped the resort win awards for also having the shortest lift queues.

There's a vast choice of terrain of course, steep powder chutes, challenging mogul fields, secluded tree skiing and endless smooth groomed cruisers. Runs are up to 7 miles (11km) in length on both mountains. Beginners have easy trails and dedicated learner areas directly above Whistler village and will soon be able to ride gondola or chair up one of the mountains to take an easy run down. 55% of the terrain is ranked intermediate and there can be few better choices for non-stop opportunities at this level of skiing. Intermediates and experts can both opt for heli-skiing excursions, enabling them to clock up 8 - 10,000 feet (2500 - 3000 metres) of virgin powder. A range of pack-ages including heliorientation, guide services and even gourmet lunches is available. Experts have around 60 black trails on piste to enjoy also, more than almost anywhere else.

The Couloir Extreme run on Blackcomb mountain, with a 48 degree pitch, is particularly notorious and the site of what is believed to be the steepest downhill race on earth in early April each year. There is a wide variety of specially designed tuition programs. Ski and Ride Esprit is designed for all levels of skier or 'boarder wanting three or four days of tuition in a group. There are also Women Only ski classes and Atomic Dave Murray Ski Camps using state of the art Atomic demo skis for intermediate to advanced level skiers who wish to chalk up around 5 hours of on-hill training per day in a fun atmosphere with one of North America's top coaches. Daily group lessons and private classes are of course also available. Apart from downhill and 'boarding, guided back country powder tours are offered and there are 17 miles (28km) of cross country trails.

Quite a lively resort after dark with a range of pubs and clubs, well frequented by Brits. Not a good destination for smokers, unless you're trying to give up that is, there's no smoking in public building's throughout the province of BC. Vancouver is a day trip away and the big city can be a welcome change of scene from the insular world of the resort.