Editor’s Note: This blog on Whistler’s best beginner ski runs was originally written in 2017! We’ve checked it for accuracy, updated a few things and revamped the imagery – enjoy!
Did you know that nearly 20% of the 200+ runs, covering 8,171 acres, at Whistler Blackcomb are green ski runs for beginners? We’ve put together some of the best beginner-friendly ski run suggestions for first-time skiers, cautious beginners and families skiing Whistler Blackcomb. Be sure to check the daily grooming reports and review the Whistler Blackcomb trail map before you go!
Beginner Green Ski Runs on Blackcomb Mountain (Whistler Blackcomb)
They call Blackcomb “the dark side,” but it gets more sun than Whistler Mountain, so that doesn’t make a lot of sense. As such, it also has some nice sunny green runs.
From the Top Beginner Runs
The Expressway traverses from the Rendezvous to the bottom of the 7th Heaven Express and is about as mellow as they come. On soft snow days, you may even find yourself towing or pushing little kids along.
From the top of Blackcomb Mountain, the best beginner option is to ski down the front side of 7th Heaven and take Green Line back to the Rendezvous. This route lets you enjoy big mountain views without committing to steeper or more technical exit runs.
Mid-Mountain Beginner Runs
The top of the Crystal Ridge Express is not really mid-mountain (it’s at treeline), but if you get there, Crystal Road is the only green option down, making it a reliable choice for beginners who want a stress-free descent. It meets up with the lower section of Green Line, which is smooth sailing all the way to the Village. (If you feel a bit bolder next time you are up at Crystal Ridge, take Ridge Runner; it’s blue, but confident beginners often progress to it comfortably.)
Another great mid-mountain green option is Easy Out, accessed off the Expressway run to 7th Heaven. This one is fun because it has a bit more fall line (but not too much), and takes you to the Magic Castle, which is a hit with the kiddos.
Lower Mountain Beginner Runs
It’s all about the Yellow Brick Road, conveniently located under the Magic Chair, so you can session Green laps all day long. Even more convenient, Merlin’s Bar & Grill is literally right at the bottom, so no matter how your day is going, après is just steps away. This is the go-to place for learning (and if you take a ski lesson, you will learn way faster!)
To summarise, our suggested beginner runs on Blackcomb are:
- Expressway
- Green Line
- Crystal Road
- Esay Out
- Yellow Brick Road
Where to Find Them: Video of Suggested Blackcomb Mountain Beginner Green Runs
Beginner Green Ski Runs on Whistler Mountain (Whistler Blackcomb)
The original ski hill in town, Whistler, has more green run options than its sister across the valley, and more green variety.
From the Top Beginner Runs
Burnt Stew has got to be the most beautiful green run in the country. From Whistler Peak (get that obligatory Inukshuk pic with Black Tusk mountain in the back), head down the cat road to the top of the Harmony 6 Express and onto Burnt Stew to enjoy mellow terrain in a true alpine environment. Glaciers, open bowls and big peaks give way to a mellow road back to the Harmony Express, or straight to the Village via Sidewinder and Upper and Lower Olympic Run.
Mid-Mountain Beginner Runs
It’s all about the Emerald Express, which is literally surrounded by green classics like Ego Bowl, the as-peaceful as it sounds, Green Acres, Upper and Lower Whiskey Jack and Marmot, which gives you the option of heading up the Harmony Chair, or sidewinding back to Emerald.
On the Big Red Express side, Papoose and Bear Cub are good times, but it’s really all about the Pony Trail, the oldest run on Whistler and named because it was the route packhorses would use to ascend the mountain during construction in 1965. It’s mellow, but there’s one perfect pitch near the end that can make a hero out of anyone.
Lower Mountain Beginner Runs
There’s no super easy way to get to Whistler Creekside, so if you end up on that side of the mountain, just take Expressway back over to the Village side and link up with Lower Olympic Run. Coming from Harmony and Emerald chairs, there can be great snow left on Upper Fantastic, and It Happens, even later in the day.
And that’s that. And if things are feeling good, don’t be afraid to drop into a mellower blue run either. Harmony Ridge and Symphony Piste offer some lower-key blue options with rolling, wide terrain, as does Highway 86 off Peak Chair. And on Blackcomb, if you can get out into the Blackcomb Glacier, it’s like being in another world.
To summarise, our suggested beginner runs on Whistler Mountain are:
- Burnt Stew
- Sidewinder
- Olympic Run
- Green Acres
- Upper and Lower Whiskey Jack
- Marmot
- Bear Cub
- Papoose
- Pony Trail
- Upper Fantastic
- It Happens
Where to Find Them: Video of Suggested Whistler Mountain Green Runs
Whistler Blackcomb Wonder Routes
The new Wonder Routes take you to some of the most scenic places on Whistler Blackcomb, and there are two options for all-level skiers. Check out the Top of the World and Family Certified routes for two fun ways to explore the mountains (view the Wonder Routes map).
Whether you’re learning to ski, skiing with kids, or easing back into the sport, Whistler Blackcomb offers some of the best beginner terrain anywhere. Most important is to have fun, and if you want to sound legit at après, just remember, “Death before Download.”
Learn more about the origin of the run names on Whistler and Blackcomb with the Insider, and if you are looking for more ideas for family activities, we can help there, too.
