Whistler Blackcomb Awards

"Whistler Blackcomb continues to strive for innovation and guest service excellence. On December 12, the grand opening of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola will set us even further apart from other North American resorts," says Stuart Rempel, Senior VP of Marketing and Sales for Whistler Blackcomb. "This year, we are set to make significant changes that will forever alter the way our guests experience the mountains. These top rankings are a very encouraging indication that we are continuing in the right direction and are a great start to this landmark winter season."

2008.09

Awards

Conde Naste - December 2008
Cond Nast Traveler readers name Whistler No. 1 in North America Whistler, BC

Cond Nast Traveler magazine, a trend-setter in the travel industry, has awarded Whistler the top spot in its annual Best Places to Ski & Stay in North America reader survey in its December 2008 issue. Cond Nast Traveler readers were asked to evaluate North American ski resorts that they had visited in the past three years, and rate each resort. Whistler received the top score on the combined criteria of Terrain and Conditions, Lifts and Lines, Local Ambience, Local Dining, and Apres-Ski/Activities. Whistler Blackcomb also received special accolades for its PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.

Whistler also placed five of its hotels in North Americas top 25 ski hotels in the Cond Nast reader survey: Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre, Four Seasons Resort & Spa, Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa, Westin Resort & Spa, and Fairmont Chateau Whistler.


TransWorld SNOWboarding Magazine 2009 Resort Poll ranks Whistler Blackcomb No. 1

TransWorld SNOWBoarding Magazine readers have named Whistler Blackcomb the best overall resort in North America for a third year in a row; have given its Nintendo Terrain Parks the coveted No. 1 designation for Best Park; and have named Whistler Blackcomb Top 5 in an additional nine categories.

The online TransWorld SNOWboarding Magazine Resort Poll saw 1,600 readers log on to cast their votes, ranking a total of 154 North American resorts in 21 categories. Whistler Blackcomb also received No. 1 rankings for Best Terrain Variety, Best Vibe, Best Lifts and Best Challenge, while making it to the Top 5 in the categories of Best Nightlife (No. 2), Best On-Mountain Food (No. 2), Best Lodging (No. 2), Best Snow Quality (No.3), and Best Pipe (No. 5).

"Whistler Blackcomb's unstoppable three-year winning streak in the overall resort category is a reflection of the undisputable awesome factors at work: fast direct lifts, consistent snowfall, challenging terrain, and a perfect park," says TransWorld SNOWboarding Editor Annie Fast. "The legendary snowboard scene and stacked après options don't hurt. I love that our readers get it so right."


SKIING Magazine named Whistler Blackcomb No. 1 Overall resort in North America
October 2008


SKIING Magazine readers have named Whistler Blackcomb No.1 ski resort in North America for the twelfth year in a row. SKIING'S Best Après Scene award went to Whistler Blackcomb, with the Garibaldi Lift Company receiving accolades for its great food and variety of live concerts. Whistler Blackcomb also received a Top 5 ranking for Backcountry Access, Steeps, and Park; as well as a Top 10 ranking for Trees.

"We survey our readers annually and ask them what they think is the best resort. But this year we tweaked the question. We asked readers where they would go if money were no object. Essentially, where they want to ski most," says Jake Bogoch, editor of SKIING Magazine. "The answer was Whistler Blackcomb. On a personal level, I get it. I've skied at Whistler for the past seven winters and can't seem to stay away."


SKI Magazine named Whistler Blackcomb No. 3 overall resort October 2008

KI Magazine's annual "Top 50 Resort Guide" named Whistler Blackcomb No. 3 for the second year in a row. In addition to a No.3 overall ranking in SKI Magazine's Top 50 Resort Guide, Whistler Blackcomb also received a Top 5 ranking in 8 categories: Terrain/Variety (No.1), Après-Ski (No.2), Off Hill Activities (No. 3), Lifts (No.3), Lodging (No.3), Dining (No.4), Terrain/Challenge (No. 5) and Terrain Parks (No. 5).


Hardy's Skiing and Snowboarding Guide 2009 vote GLC Best Après-Ski Venue in North America

Hardy's Skiing and Snowboarding Guide 2009, another UK-based publication, has given the Garibaldi Lift Company the award for Best Après-Ski Venue in North America. The awards are judged by a panel of experts, including the authors of the guide, and take into account nominations supplied by readers.


Outside Magazine - November 2008

Whistler Blackcomb ranked No. 2 Best Ski Resort in North America by Outside Magazine. The November 2008 issue named the Top 15 best resorts, as judged by Marc Peruzzi, a Colorado-based ski reporter, former Outside staffer, and editor of SKIING magazine from 2003 to 2008


Onthesnow.com readers rank Whistler Blackcomb North America's Favourite Ski Resort

Whistler Blackcomb also received the designation of North America's favorite ski resort by visitors of OnTheSnow.com, a popular online snow sports portal. The website, which attracts a Nielsen-audited 1.2 million unique monthly visitors during the winter, gave its visitors the opportunity to write reviews of all resorts in North America and they chose Whistler Blackcomb as their favourite.


Where to Ski and Snowboard's Best North American Resort Development 2008

The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola received the award for best North American Resort Development 2008 by leading UK publication, Where to Ski and Snowboard.

2007.08

Awards

#1 - Skiing Magazine

Whistler Blackcomb remains the top ski resort in North America for the eleventh year in a row, upholding its No. 1 ranking on SKIING Magazine's "Top 25 Resorts in North America" list. In addition to a top overall ranking, SKIING Magazine readers also voted Whistler Blackcomb in the Top Five for the categories: Steeps, Backcountry Access and Parties


#1 - TransWorld SNOWboarding Magazine

Whistler Blackcomb named #1 Ski Resort in North America for the second year in a row. TransWorld SNOWboarding Magazine attributed Whistler Blackcomb's No. 1 ranking to a winning formula that combines awesome on-hill and off-hill activities with numerous resort improvements in anticipation of the 2010 Olympics.

Parks and Pipes: Whistler Blackcomb received additional accolades from TransWorld, making it to No. 4 on the magazine's Top Ten Best Pipes list and jumping up to No. 2 from No. 5 in the Top Ten Best Parks category


Ski Magazine

SKI Magazine's annual "Top 50 Resort Guide" bumped Whistler Blackcomb up one spot to No. 3. Whistler Blackcomb made the Top 10 list in 11 categories for SKI Magazine, including top five listings for Terrain/Variety (#1), Lodging (#2), Apres-Ski (#2), Dining (#4), Off-Hill Activities (#4), Lifts (#4), and Terrain Challenge (#5).

   

Canadian Ski Council Industry Recognition and Excellence Research Award 2008

Whistler Blackcomb's employees were recently recognized for delivering exceptional guest service during this last winter season. The company has been named National Winner of the 2008 Canadian Ski Council Industry Recognition and Excellence Research Award, awarded recently at the Canadian Ski Council's (CSC) annual conference.

Whistler Blackcomb ranked highest amongst Canadian ski resorts for customer loyalty, customer satisfaction and a strong commitment to boosting participation in skiing and snowboarding. Results were based on customer service and satisfaction questions that were included in the CSC national consumer profile and satisfaction survey.


Forbes Traveler Magazine named GLC as one of the "Ten Hottest Aprés Ski bars in the world" December 2007

Excerpt below:

"Nothing says "Whistler" quite like après ski at the Garibaldi Lift Co., which is invariably jammed with youthful skiers and riders. When the menu features a variation on fondue called "sex cheese," it's little surprise that young women wander around the room offering $20 neck massages. The restroom doors are marked with vintage photos of Maggie and Pierre Trudeau, a clear indicator that you're above the 49th parallel."


Condé Nast Traveler Annual Readers' Choice Awards – November 2007

Whistler Resort in British Columbia Canada is celebrating another No. 1 ski resort ranking as Condé Nast Traveler magazine awards Whistler the top spot in its annual "The Best Places to Ski & Stay in North America" reader survey.


Sunset Magazine's Top Ten Mountain-Top Restaurants 2007

Traditional magazine restaurant ratings are alive and well as Sunset Magazine proved, ranking Blackcomb Mountain's Crystal Hut one of North America's Top Ten Mountain-Top Restaurants. The Crystal Hut's specialty are Belgian-style waffles topped with fruit, chocolate, fresh whipped cream and syrup. The Crystal Hut is located at 6,053 feet at the top of Crystal Chair.


National Ski Areas Association - 2007 Silver Eagle Award for Fish & Wildlife Habitat Protection

Whistler Blackcomb has received the 2007 Silver Eagle Award for Fish & Wildlife Habitat Protection for the development of the Symphony Amphitheatre, which opened on December 16, 2006. The Environmental Excellence awards were announced on May 7, during the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) National Convention and Tradeshow held at La Quinta Resort & Club in La Quinta, Ca.

Whistler Blackcomb placed habitat protection at the centre of its 2006 Symphony Project, which involved expanding its terrain into an alpine area known as the Piccolo Peak/Symphony basin. A team of planners and engineers, which included a bear biologist, foresters and mountain planners, developed a minimalist design that kept wildlife habitat intact. Ultimately the project's footprint was reduced from an original estimate of 40 per cent down to less than five per cent.

 

   

2006.07

Awards

Skiing Magazine – November 2006

Whistler Blackcomb is celebrating as king of the mountains with a No. 1 ranking from SKIING Magazine for an unprecedented tenth year in a row. "Why has Whistler Blackcomb dominated our resort poll for ten years running? SKIING readers and the athletes we survey know the skiing kicks ass, that's why," says Marc Peruzzi, Editor-in-Chief of SKIING. "The biggest vertical in North America, tons of advanced terrain, 400-plus inches of snow, and a rowdy party scene doesn't hurt. Whistler Blackcomb goes off."


Freeskier Magazine – October 2006

The ranking from Freeskier Magazine lists Whistler Blackcomb as the No. 1 resort in the Pacific Rim and remains their favourite place to ski overall. "Whistler Blackcomb once again topped our list of the best places to ski because of the unbeatable combination of epic big-mountain terrain, advanced park features and raging nightlife," says Matt Harvey, Senior Editor of Freeskier. "For the first time, we split our resorts into varying regions to give others a chance to shine. But, as we wrote in our 2006/2007 Resort Guide, 'If a guide to the best ski resorts doesn't put Whistler Blackcomb at the top of its list, you can be assured it's bogus.' Whistler Blackcomb is still our favorite place to ski in North America."


TransWorld SNOWboarding Magazine – December 2006

Transworld SNOWboarding readers awarded Whistler Blackcomb the No. 1 position following a winter that included record-breaking snowfall totals. Whistler Blackcomb was the only Canadian resort on the list and also received reader accolades for their challenge, lifts, lodging, food and overall vibe.


SKI Magazine – October 2006

In SKI Magazine's annual "Top 50 Resort Guide", Whistler Blackcomb was named No. 1 for Terrain/Variety and No. 2 for Lodging and Après, while receiving Top 5 standings in Dining, Service, Terrain/Challenge, Lifts and Terrain Parks. The definitive reader's poll has placed Whistler Blackcomb in the Top 5 for the last ten years.


Favourite Ski Resort - British Travel Awards 2006

Whistler took top prize at the prestigious British Travel Awards, winning "Favourite Ski Resort" as voted by consumers. Both consumers and travel trade were invited to vote online for their favourite nominees in more than one hundred categories, ranging from travel agencies, airlines, and hotels to tourism destinations from across the globe.


Best in Mountain Environment - First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards 2006

Whistler Blackcomb won "Best in Mountain Environment" award, presented at the First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards (FCRTA) in London.


The Jutland Post (Jyllands-Posten) - September 14, 2006

The largest selling newspaper in Denmark named Whistler Blackcomb the best resort in the world. Forbes Traveller Magazine September 2006 After canvassing a number of its leaders of the ski community, the panel voted Whistler Blackcomb the number one resort in North America.


Condé Nast Traveler Annual Readers' Choice Awards – November 2006

Whistler hotels swept the top three spots for the top ten Canadian resorts. The Pan Pacific Mountainside, Four Seasons Resort Whistler and the Westin Resort Whistler nabbed first, second and third place respectively. The prestigious annual list also ranked the Fairmont Chateau Whistler at number six. Whistler hotels garnered more rankings than any other Canadian destination.


Luxury Travel Magazine Summer 2006

For the second year in a row, this Australian magazine named Whistler the best overseas ski resort.


Luxury Spa Finder

The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Whistler was named the third most loved spa in the world, capturing the natural serenity of the mountain wilderness.

 

   

2005.06

Awards

Luxury Travel Gold List Awards - Australia

Whistler in British Columbia, Canada, won "best overseas ski resort" for the second consecutive year at the Luxury Travel Magazine Gold List awards. The awards are the result of a survey in which tens of thousands of Luxury Travel Magazine's subscribers and readers nominate the World's Best Hotels, Ski Resorts, Spas, Cruise Lines, Golf Courses, Airlines and Destinations - a total of 22 categories in all. Results were tallied from an extensive online survey, conducted between September and October this year, where no prompts to respondents were provided, simply allowing readers to choose their favourite luxury travel experiences.


SKIING Magazine - November 2005


Whistler Blackcomb retained the No. 1 ranking in Skiing Magazine's annual Top 25 Resorts in North America for the ninth year in a row. "Whistler has scored so well in our resort surveys year in and year out, not because it has a little of everything -- but because it has a lot of everything. It's huge in every direction, and you couldn't ask for a more diverse and thriving nightlife scene. Our readers love it, and the athletes who take our survey can't say enough about it," says Mike Kessler, Executive Editor of Skiing Magazine.


Freeskier Magazine - November 2005

Freeskier Magazine also ranked Whistler Blackcomb No. 1 as the best place to live and ski in their Resort Guide 2006. "It's not surprising that Whistler Blackcomb consistently finishes at the top of everyone's list. The terrain is vast, the snow is deep and the party scene is one of the best in the northern hemisphere. In fact, just thinking about it right now makes me want to go there!" says Tom Winter, editor Freeskier Magazine.


SKI Magazine - October 2005

Ranked the top Western Canadian resort, and 3rd overall in SKI Magazine's "top 50 Resorts." Whistler Blackcomb is proud to have been rated in the top three 11 times in the 17 year history of the annual survey and 16 out of 17 years in the top five. Here are some of the top ten rankings that Whistler Blackcomb achieved this year:

Terrain/Variety - #1
Apres-Ski - #2
Lodging - #3
Terrain Parks - #3
Lifts - #3
Off-Hill Activities - #3
Dining - #4 Service - #5
Scenery - #6
Terrain/Challenge - #7
On-Mountain Food - #8
Family Programs - #10



Where to Ski and Snowboard 2005

"Best new North American Development 2005 – Whistler. For 2004/05, Whistler extended its terrain by 1100 acres, which includes 700 acres of formerly out-of-bounds terrain in Flute Bowl and four new 1500m/4,920ft vertical runs from Whistler Peak to Creekside."


Transworld SNOWboarding – September 2005

Whistler Blackcomb took top honors as the best snowboarding town for its true village atmosphere, long snow season and unparalleled riding.


Transworld SNOWboarding - 2005 Annual Resort Guide

In Transworld Snowboarding's Annual Resort Guide, Whistler Blackcomb was the only Canadian resort ranked in the top ten and earned the No. 3 overall spot with No. 3 for parks and No. 4 for pipe. TransWorld SNOWboarding's 2005 Resort Guide rankings are determined from responses to a reader survey distributed in the magazine last spring. Resorts are ranked in 22 categories with terrain park and halfpipe scores making up two thirds of the total.


Men's Journal - November 2005

Men's Journal proclaims Whistler, BC as the Coolest Mountain Town in North America. In the accompanying story, author Rob Story recounts his adventures in skiing, dining and nightlife in a "village that is known the world over as the ultimate skier's idyll."


Travel + Leisure - October 2005

Top Family Friendly Resorts in the Continental US and Canada: #2 - Four Seasons Resort Whistler (#1 - Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort, #3 - Disney's Grand Californian Hotel)



Travel + Leisure - August 2005

2005 World's Best Hotels - #40 Four Seasons Resort Whistler, #70 Fairmont Chateau Whistler



Successful Meetings - August 2005

2005 Hotel Winners for Mexico & Canada - The Fairmont Chateau Whistler and the Westin Resort & Spa were both listed 2005 Conference Centre Winners - TELUS Whistler Conference Centre was listed


Score Golf - August/September 2005

Best Golf Resort in B.C. and the Best Scenery in B.C. - Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club


The Georgia Straight - September 22-29, 2005

Best place to Drive for a Short Getaway: #1 - Whistler (#2 - Harrison Hot Springs, #3 - Squamish) Best Romantic Getaway: #2 - Whistler (#1 - Tofino/Long Beach, #3 - Harrison Hot Springs) Best City/Town after Vancouver: #2 - Whistler and Montreal tied (#1 - Victoria, #3 - Kelowna) Best Getaway Hotel: #2 - The Fairmont Chateau Whistler tied with the Opus Hotel (#1 - Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa, #3 - Sylvia Hotel)


Travel + Leisure Golf - October 2005

Best of the Best Best Golf Resort/Canada: #2 - The Fairmont Chateau Whistler (# 1 - Fairmont Banff Springs, #3 - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge) Best Resort For Buddy Trips/Canada: #2 - The Fairmont Chateau Whistler (#1 - Fairmont Banff Springs, #3 - Deerhurst Resort) Best Resort for Family Trips/Canada: #2 - The Fairmont Chateau Whistler (#1 - Fairmont Banff Springs, #3 - Deerhurst Resort) Best Resort Course/Canada: #2 - The Fairmont Chateau Whistler (#1 - Fairmont Banff Springs, #3 - Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello Golf Club) Most Underrated Course/Canada: #1 - The Fairmont Chateau Whistler (#2 - Greywolf Golf Course, #3 - Algonquin Golf Course) Best Restaurant/Canada: #1 - The Fairmont Chateau Whistler (#2 - Fairmont Banff Springs, #3 - Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello Golf Club) Best Spa/Gym/Canada: #1 - The Fairmont Chateau Whistler (#2 - Fairmont Banff Springs, #3 - Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge)

 

   

2004.05

Awards

SKIING Magazine, October 2004

Besides ranking #1 overall for the eighth year running in Skiing Magazine, Whistler Blackcomb was also awarded the highest accolades for Vertical and Après, and #6 for Snow.


SKI Magazine, October 2004

In SKI Magazine's 17th annual "Reader Resort Survey" (October 2004) Whistler Blackcomb ranked #1 for terrain and earned the title of "Best Singles Adventure" for the variety of nightlife, terrain, and off-hill activities. Overall Whistler Blackcomb placed fifth among resorts in North America.


Transworld Snowboarding Magazine, October 2004

4th Annual Resort Poll that appears in the TransWorld SNOWboarding Resort Guide:
Top Ten Overall
1. Whistler, B.C., CAN
Top Ten Parks
2. Whistler, B.C., CAN
Top Ten Pipes
3. Whistler, B.C., CAN


Freeskier Magazine, October 2004

Whistler Blackcomb ranked #1 as the best place to live and ski in their Resort Guide 2005


FREEZE Magazine

Ranked an A+ in the 2005 FREEZE Terrain Park Guide and included as one of 16 parks worth planning a winter around.


Conde Nast Traveler, December 2004

50 Top Ski resorts in North America: The Fairmont Chateau Whistler came in at #6, The Westin Resort & Spa came in at #7, The Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside came in at #15, The Whistler Village Resort came in at #21 Note: Stein Eriksen Lodge in Deer Valley, Utah came in at #1


Outside Traveler, December 2004

Top North American Ski Resorts – Whistler Blackcomb was listed among 20 top resorts


Luxury Travel & Style, December 2004

The Gold List: Best Overseas Ski Resort – Whistler/Blackcomb was rated #1 out of 25 Note: Vail, Colorado was #2 & Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado was #3 The Gold List Awards are voted by American Express Gold Cardmembers and Luxury Travel Magazine readers and subscribers


Snow Awards 2004 - 4th Annual Resort Poll

Best North American Winter Resort – Whistler Blackcomb #1 with 39 per cent of the votes Best Worldwide Winter Resort – Whistler Blackcomb #1 with 30 per cent of the votes Best Winter Mountain Restaurant – Roundhouse, Whistler Blackcomb 17 per cent of the votes Independent awards that will reward and promote the £1 Billion UK Snowsports Industry. Public votes & nominations have been taken to show who is the best snowsport related companies in 2004.


Daily Mail Ski and Snowboard

Best New North American Resort Development: Whistler, Canada Three runs named in the Best 84 Runs in the World "round-up" Steep'n'Deep – Best Hardcore Off Piste – Couloir Extreme on Whistler Mountain Fast and Furious – best runs for warp-speed riding – Dave Murray Downhill on Whistler Mountain Long Distance Traveler – World's Longest On-Piste Runs – Peak to Creek Whistler Mountain


Fine Living TV Network, November, 2004

10 Perfect Winter Wonderlands – Whistler/Blackcomb was listed among 9 other resorts. Note: Other resorts included in rating were: Squaw Valley/California, Telluride/Colorado, Park City/Utah, Gore Mountain/New York, Killington/Vermont, Jackson Hole/Wyoming, Big Sky/Montana, Vail/Colorado, Sun Valley/Idaho


Plenty Magazine, November, 2004

Top 10 North American Eco-Friendly ski resorts – Whistler Blackcomb, BC was listed among nine other spas.
Note: This was ranking was also published in various other publications. Other resorts included were: Aspen, Colo. Sundance, Utah Smuggler's Notch, Vt. Jackson Hole, Wyo. Bretton Woods, N.H. Alpine Meadows, Calif. Mt. Bachelor, Ore. Mad River Glen, Vt. Moonlight Basin, Mont.


Meetings & Conventions Magazine, November 2004

Gold Key International Winners – Readers selected 25 international properties they considered worthy of the meeting and industry's highest honour. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler was included among these 25 properties listed. Note: The 8-time winner was - JW Marriott in Hong Kong

 

   

2003.04

Awards

SKIING Magazine

#1 Overall
#1 Nightlife
#1 Classic hike to terrain
#2 Terrain parks
#2 Classic steeps


Transworld Snowboarding

#1 Overall
#1 Terrain Park
#1 Terrain
#1 Food
#1 Lodging
#2 Pipe


SKI Magazine

#2 Overall


Freeze Magazine

"Total Package" Category Winner


Freeskier Magazine

#1 Steeps
#2 Terrain Park
#2 Deep Snow Mecca
#2 Best Towns to Bar Hop


Daily Telegraph (UK)

Best Ski Resort- Readers Poll


Sydney Morning Herald (Aus)

Best All Round Ski Resort

 

   

2002.03

Awards

SKIING Magazine - #1


Transworld Snowboarding - #1


Freeskier Magazine - #1


SKI Magazine - #1Dream Vacation


Sports Illustrated Women - #1 Best of Snow (Skiing)