The Best Ski Runs In Whistler with Guy Hetherington of Alltracks Academy
Earl Knudsen | 20 October 2017 | Ski Resorts
Guy Hetherington is the Head Coach at Alltracks Academy ski school in Whistler, and a long-time Whistler local. He leads an unrivalled coaching team who coach on ski instructor courses, off-piste skiing, and all-mountain ski improvement courses. With years of experience in the resort, Guy is an expert and knows all the best ski runs in Whistler. Here he let’s you in on his secret list of top trails.
Whistler Ski Runs
Whistler, Blackcomb is blessed with over 200 ski runs making it the largest and most diverse ski area in Canada. Like all vast resorts, new visitors can become slightly disorientated and sometimes miss the best options due the sheer size of the area and the amount of runs available. If you are planning an unforgettable ski trip in Whistler this winter, make sure you are well-prepared with Guy’s top three ski runs in this amazing area. Let the countdown begin…
In 3rd Place: Gun Barrels
If there has been heavy snowfall overnight, there is no time to waste on some gentle cruisers first thing in the morning. Other skiers are competitors for powder, so your run choice has to be on point! Every morning, I check the Whistler snow alert, and if there has been 20cm of snow or more, Gun Barrels is my go-to ski run. Located on the outer ridge of Harmony Bowl on Whistler Mountain, the “Barrels” are only a few minutes ski away from the well-located Harmony Express lift. Amazingly, the barrels are usually quiet and skiers are able to find fresh snow throughout the day.
In 2nd Place: Lake Side Bowl
I have been fortunate enough to Heli-ski multiple times, and I know how much the guys on the Alltracks Academy off-piste courses enjoy their time with Whistler Heli-Skiing. If you are craving the Heli-Skiing adrenaline rush, a few runs at Lakeside Bowl should satisfy your cravings. Located just beyond the resort boundary, on the Blackcomb side, Lakeside Bowl offers up a true off-piste feeling with deep snow, steep chutes and some exciting cliff drops.
In 1st Place: Surf’s Up
I would like to pretend I had to think long and hard over my top choice. But to be frank, it was an easy decision. Surf’s up on Blackcomb regularly boasts the very best snow in the entire Whistler Blackcomb area. But it is not just about the snow. It is significantly exposed due to cliffs. There is also a no-return entrance if you catch my drift. Naturally, this run is for strong, confident skiers and snowboarders. Once in the couloir, you will need to nail a couple of jump turns (or straight-line it if you are up to that). After this, you will be welcomed to a slightly convex slope offering up the opportunity for some great turns. When you reach the bottom, promise me you will look back and enjoy the fine view of this magnificent slope and your tracks upon it!
Hotels in Whistler
If you are thinking of booking a ski holiday in Whistler check out our hotels in Whistler. There is a wide range of accommodation options in this world-class resort to suit most tastes and budgets.
About Guy Hetherington & ALLTRACKS
Guy is a director and Head Coach at Alltracks Academy. He is one of a handful of CSIA Level 4 Examiners, a Rossignol International Athlete and recognised as one of the finest ski instructors in the country. Alltracks Academy offer a variety of ski courses: Ski Instructor Courses, Off-Piste Ski Courses and All Mountain Ski Improvement.
For More info: [email protected] +44 (0)1794 301 777
