Whistler Blackcomb vs Banff Sunshine
Whistler Blackcomb has more vertical (5,280 ft vs 3,514 ft); Whistler Blackcomb has more skiable terrain (8,171 acres vs 3,358 acres); Whistler Blackcomb has more snow in an average season (448 in. vs 360 in.). Whistler Blackcomb is on the Epic Pass and Banff Sunshine on the Ikon Pass. Snow usually peaks in January at both.
The mountains
| Whistler Blackcomb | Banff Sunshine | |
|---|---|---|
| Area | Coast Mountains, British Columbia | Banff National Park, Alberta |
| Vertical drop | 5,280 ft | 3,514 ft |
| Summit | 7,494 ft | 8,954 ft |
| Base | 2,214 ft | 5,440 ft |
| Skiable acres | 8,171 | 3,358 |
| Trails | 200 | 137 |
| Lifts | 37 | 12 |
| Average snowfall | 448 in. | 360 in. |
| Pass | Epic | Ikon |
| Usual season | Nov 22 – May 18 | Nov 8 – May 25 |
| Fly into | YVR | YYC |
Resort statistics are approximate and change year to year.
Month by month
Typical snowfall, crowds and trip prices (flights and lodging against each resort's yearly average).
| Month | Snow | Crowds | Trip price |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 63 / 50 in. | Moderate / Moderate | -21% / -21% |
| December | 81 / 65 in. | Very busy / Very busy | +12% / +12% |
| January | 85 / 68 in. | Very busy / Very busy | +12% / +12% |
| February | 72 / 58 in. | Very busy / Very busy | +16% / +16% |
| March | 67 / 54 in. | Packed / Packed | +26% / +26% |
| April | 40 / 32 in. | Busy / Moderate | -8% / -9% |
Pairs read Whistler Blackcomb / Banff Sunshine.
This week
- Whistler BlackcombOpens ~Nov 22
- Banff SunshineOpens ~Nov 8
Grades for the next few days from Veabird's snow model, updated Oct 3, 19:00 UTC. Higher is better: A+ to F.
Good to know
- Whistler Blackcomb: Biggest ski area in North America; rain possible in the village.
- Whistler Blackcomb: Summer bike park makes July and August peak lodging months.
- Banff Sunshine: Gondola access from the car park to the village.
- Banff Sunshine: Banff summer tourism is intense — lodging peaks July–August.
Questions
- Is Whistler Blackcomb or Banff Sunshine better?
- Whistler Blackcomb has more vertical (5,280 ft vs 3,514 ft); Whistler Blackcomb has more skiable terrain (8,171 acres vs 3,358 acres); Whistler Blackcomb has more snow in an average season (448 in. vs 360 in.). Whistler Blackcomb is on the Epic Pass and Banff Sunshine on the Ikon Pass. Snow usually peaks in January at both.
- Which is less crowded, Whistler Blackcomb or Banff Sunshine?
- They are about equally busy over the season (busy on average).