Resort Comparison

Smugglers' Notch Resort vs Whistler Blackcomb

Smugglers' Notch Resort excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and walkability, while Whistler Blackcomb offers more terrain for diverse skill levels. Smugglers' Notch Resort's ski school starting at age 2.5 may be decisive for families with young children.

The Verdict

Smugglers' Notch Resort leads with 4 wins

Best for Families

Smugglers' Notch Resort

Ski school from age 2.5

Best Snowfall

Whistler Blackcomb

379.1" average · Reliably deep

Best Terrain

Whistler Blackcomb

8,171 acres to explore

Best Value

Smugglers' Notch Resort

$99 day pass

Easiest Access

Smugglers' Notch Resort

1h from BTV

Best Village Vibe

Smugglers' Notch Resort

World-class village experience

Smugglers' Notch Resort

Vermont, USA

$$Independent

Whistler Blackcomb

British Columbia, Canada

$$$Epic

Family

Ski School Age

2.5+

3+

Full-Day Program

Beginner Terrain

9.0

8.0

Walkability

8.5

9.0

Village Vibe

9.5

9.0

Mountain

Vertical

2,610'

5,280'

Skiable Area

311 ac

8,171 ac

Green Runs

25%

18%

Trails

78

200

Lifts

8

37

Getting There

Airport

BTV

YVR

Drive Time

1h

2h

Road Ease

7.5

8.0

Cost

Passes

Independent

Epic

Day Pass

$99

$220

Cost Tier

Moderate

Premium

Village

Dining

Moderate

Excellent

Grocery

Spa

Pool

Add a third resort to compare

Snowfall Comparison

Live conditions

Smugglers' Notch Resort

88.3"

avg season

2024-25 season

86.2" total

98%

Whistler Blackcomb

379.1"

avg season

2024-25 season

263.5" total

70%

Season Accumulation (10-Year Average)

OctNovDecJanFebMarApr

379"190"0"

Smugglers' Notch Resort

Whistler Blackcomb

Key Insights

Smugglers' Notch Resort excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and walkability, while Whistler Blackcomb offers more terrain for diverse skill levels. Smugglers' Notch Resort's ski school starting at age 2.5 may be decisive for families with young children.

Key Differences

Smugglers' Notch Resort's beginner terrain score (9.0) exceeds Whistler Blackcomb's (8.0), making it better for families prioritizing beginner runs
Whistler Blackcomb offers more terrain variety (8,171 acres vs 311 acres)
Smugglers' Notch Resort's ski school accepts children from age 2.5, while Whistler Blackcomb starts at age 3
Whistler Blackcomb has greater vertical drop (5,280' vs 2,610'), offering longer runs
Smugglers' Notch Resort is moderately priced while Whistler Blackcomb falls in the premium category

Best For

Smugglers' Notch Resort

Parents with young children (ski school from age 2.5)
Budget-conscious families
Parents wanting full-day ski school programs

Whistler Blackcomb

Advanced skiers seeking terrain variety (8,171 acres)
Parents wanting full-day ski school programs

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Explore More

Regions

British Columbia

Best For

Best for Beginners

Best for Toddlers

Guides

First Family Ski Trip Guide

Best Time to Go Skiing