When it comes to skiing, the size of a resort is often a key factor in choosing where to hit the slopes. With so many ski resorts around the world, it can be hard to determine which one is the biggest.
One popular contender for this title is Whistler Blackcomb, located in British Columbia, Canada. But is Whistler truly the biggest ski resort in the world? Let’s take a closer look.
What Makes a Ski Resort “Biggest”?
Before we dive into whether or not Whistler is the biggest ski resort in the world, let’s define what makes a resort “biggest” in the first place. Generally speaking, when people refer to a ski resort as being “big,” they are usually referring to one or more of these factors:
- The amount of skiable terrain
- The number of lifts and trails
- The vertical drop (i.e. how much elevation change there is from top to bottom)
Whistler Blackcomb: The Basics
Whistler Blackcomb is often touted as one of North America’s premier ski resorts. It boasts two connected mountains – Whistler and Blackcomb – that offer a combined 8,171 acres (3,307 hectares) of skiable terrain. The resort has 37 lifts and over 200 marked runs, with something for every level of skier or snowboarder.
One thing that sets Whistler apart from other resorts is its sheer size. Its longest run, Peak to Creek, spans over 11 kilometers (7 miles) and has a vertical drop of more than 1,500 meters (5,000 feet). Moreover, Whistler’s Peak 2 Peak gondola – which connects Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain – is the highest and longest lift of its kind in the world.
Other Large Ski Resorts
While Whistler Blackcomb is certainly an impressive resort, it’s worth noting that there are other ski areas around the world that give it a run for its money. Here are a few other contenders for the title of “biggest ski resort”:
Les 3 Vallées, France
Les 3 Vallées is located in the French Alps and boasts over 600 kilometers (370 miles) of interconnected runs across eight different resorts. With over 180 lifts and a vertical drop of more than 2,700 meters (8,858 feet), Les 3 Vallées is often considered one of the largest ski areas in the world.
Whistler’s Competitor: Park City Mountain Resort, USA
Park City Mountain Resort in Utah is often cited as Whistler’s biggest competitor for the title of “biggest ski resort.” The resort offers over 7,300 acres (2,954 hectares) of skiable terrain, with 41 lifts and over 300 trails. The resort also has a vertical drop of more than 1,000 meters (3,000 feet).
Sella Ronda Circuit, Italy
The Sella Ronda Circuit in Italy’s Dolomite Mountains spans four different valleys and connects several popular ski resorts. With over 500 kilometers (310 miles) of runs and more than 80 lifts, this interconnected circuit is one of Europe’s largest ski areas.
So..Is Whistler Blackcomb the Biggest Ski Resort in the World?
Based on sheer size alone – namely its skiable terrain – Whistler Blackcomb may not be the biggest ski resort in the world. However, it still holds its place as one of North America’s largest and most popular resorts. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner hitting the slopes for the first time, Whistler Blackcomb has something to offer everyone.
Conclusion
While it’s hard to definitively declare any one ski resort as “the biggest,” there are certainly several that are in the running. Whistler Blackcomb, with its two connected mountains and vast amount of skiable terrain, is undeniably one of North America’s premier ski resorts.
However, it faces stiff competition from other resorts around the world that offer similar – if not larger – amounts of terrain and lifts. Ultimately, the best way to determine which ski resort is “biggest” for you is to hit the slopes and see for yourself!