Whistler Blackcomb vs Revelstoke Overview
Skiing Terrain and Experience
If you’re staying for an extended trip or just want access to tonnes of terrain then Whistler Blackcomb is by far the better option.
Whistler Blackcomb’s resort consists of two mountains which are both larger than the single mountain found at the Revelstoke resort. Whistler has 4757 acres of skiable terrain, Blackcomb has 3414 acres and Revelstoke has 3121 acres.
For beginners and intermediates, Whistler Blackcomb is the better option compared to Revelstoke as there is far more easy skiable terrain and runs available. However, for advanced skiers and snowboarders, Revelstoke offers the steepest runs, longest run and highest percentage of Black Diamond trails.
One big benefit of Revelstoke is that it is a quieter resort compared to Whistler, so you won’t have to wait in lines for nearly as long. Whistler isn’t too busy mid-week but during peak season and on the weekends it can be frustrating.
The downside of Revelstoke though is the lack of lifts. If one breaks down then it can really restrict the amount of skiable terrain you have access too. Whistler and Blackcomb mountain both have loads of lifts so this is rarely an issue.
If you’re riding park, Whistler Blackcomb is by far the best option with 5 terrain parks in total, compared to Revelstoke’s single terrain park. Unfortunately, only Revelstoke offers night skiing.
Ski Season Length
Check out the table below for the previous ski season dates.
Climate and Snow Quality
Although it takes a bit longer for Revelstoke to get going in the ski season, the snow quality is usually better from January to February in particular as it is colder and drier. Whistler does have a tendency to get a bit wetter snow. Whistler only really has better snow quality at the very start and end of the season.
Village, Restaurants and Other Activities
Whistler Blackcomb has three main bases/ villages: Whistler Village, Creekside and Blackcomb Base II. Whistler Village is by far the largest with a lively atmosphere, great nightlife, and loads of restaurants, spas, shops and other activities to keep you entertained. Since it is all enclosed, everything is close together and you can walk to the slopes from most of the accommodation.
Revelstoke Village
Whistler Village
On Mountain Dining
Whistler mountain and Blackcomb mountain both have 9 on-mountain dining locations each with the choice between self-service and table-service restaurants, cafes and bars so there’s something for everyone.
There are only two on-mountain dining options on Revelstoke:
- Mackenzie Outpost: located at the top of the Revelation Gondola. This is a self-service restaurant which sells burgers, sandwiches, mac n cheese, chicken, and breakfast options.
- Revelation Lodge: located at the mountain station. This restaurant sells sandwiches, wraps, burgers, noodles, steaks and desserts.
Getting to the Resorts
Whistler Blackcomb and Revelstoke are both located in British Columbia, Canada. They are roughly 550 km away from each other which equates to 6.5 hours in the car.
Revelstoke is in south-east British Columbia and is 640 km east of Vancouver and 415 west of Calgary, Alberta. Whistler Blackcomb is located in north-west British Columbia and is 120 km north of Vancouver.
By Plane
Although both resorts offer a shuttlebus which takes a similar amount of time from the nearest major airport, it is usually a bit easier to get to Whistler Blackcomb because Vancouver International Airport is larger compared to Kelowna International Airport so offers more direct flights.
Driving and Parking
There are several carparks available at Whistler Blackcomb. The most popular free parking is in Creekside Village and Blackcomb Base II. Alternatively, you can pay $5 per day to park at Whistler Village which has the most central location. For overnight parking, Whistler Blackcomb charges $10.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort also offers free parking. You can also park in the town which is a 10 minute drive away. You can park overnight for 1 night free.
The drive to Whistler is typically easier compared to Revelstoke which can be a pain to get to in bad weather.
| Location | Drive Time to Whistler | Drive Time to Revelstoke |
| Kamloops | 4 hours | 2 hours 30 mins |
| Vancouver | 1 hour 30 mins | 6 hours 30 mins |
| Kelowna | 5 hours 30 mins | 2 hours 30 mins |
| Banff | 9 hours 30 mins | 4 hours 30 mins |
| Seattle | 4 hours 15 mins | 7 hours 30 mins |
| Big White Resort | 6 hours 30 mins | 3 hours |
| Sun Peaks | 6 hours 30 mins | 3 hours |
| SilverStar Resort | 5 hours 45 mins | 2 hours |
Accommodation Options and Prices
There are more accommodation options in Whistler with the option of being based in Whistler Village, Creekside Village or Blackcomb Base II. You’ll be able to choose from hotels, lodges and condos. On average, accommodation for 2 adults in January for 6 nights will also cost roughly $1800-$4000.
Accommodation in Revelstoke Mountain Resort is fairly limited with just 2-on site hotels however, you can stay in Revelstoke town as well if you don’t mind travelling 10 minutes. On average, accommodation for 2 adults in January for one week and will cost approximately $1200-$2000.
Ski School
The ski school in Revelstoke offers better value for money compared to the ski school in Whistler Blackcomb.
Private lessons in particular are much cheaper in Revelstoke compared to Whistler Blackcomb, especially if you’re in a group of 3 or less. Children’s group lessons are also significantly cheaper in Revelstoke, and this is the only resort which offers half day children’s group lessons. However, only Whistler Blackcomb is offering adult group lessons at the time of writing.
Please see the table below for more information regarding pricing.
| Lesson | Price in Whistler-Blackcomb | Price in Revelstoke |
| Half Day Private (All Ages) | $799 (1-5 people) | $389-$479 (1-3 people + $129 for extra people) |
| Full Day Private (All Ages) | $999 (1-5 people) | $649 (1-3 people + $129 for extra people) |
| Half Day Group (Adult) | $179 | N/A |
| Full Day Group (Adult) | $299 | N/A |
| Half Day Group (Child) | N/A | $89-$119 |
| Full Day Group (Child) | $279 | $159 |
Costs are based on the most recent ski season at the time of writing and are subject to change. Please check the resort websites for up to date prices. Prices are in US dollars.
Ticket and Rental Costs
Lift tickets for adults and teenagers are slightly cheaper at Revelstoke compared to Whistler-Blackcomb. However, Whistler offers cheaper children and senior lift tickets so the best value for money resort will depend on your group.
Equipment rental costs are fairly similar at both resorts, with Revelstoke being the cheaper option of the two for certain packages and equipment.
Please see the tables below for more information.
| Ticket Price Day Lift | Whistler-Blackcomb | Revelstoke |
| Adult | $167 | $159 |
| Teenager (13-17) | $142 | $123 |
| Child (6-12) | $84 | $123 |
| Senior (65+) | $150 | $123 |
| Equipment Rental (Daily) | Whistler-Blackcomb | Revelstoke |
| Ski Package | $55 | $37 |
| Boots | $20 | $20 |
| Helmet | $10 | $5 |
Costs are based on the most recent ski season at the time of writing and are subject to change. Based on daily rates when buying in-advance online (better value offers are available when booking for multiple days). Please check the resort websites for up to date prices. Prices are in US dollars.
Which Location is Best?
Both resorts are amazing, but they suit different people.
If you’re looking for the biggest mountain and best village then Whistler Blackcomb is probably going to be your favourite. It’s also better for families, beginners and intermediate skiers and has some amazing on-mountain dining.
Revelstoke on the other hand will suit more advanced skiers and snowboarders looking for a big challenge. It also is less crowded and the cheaper resort of the two.
Check out the following articles for more information: