The difference between Whistler and Big White

Hey, my name's Millie Mollie May Harris.

I'm 24 years old and from the southwest of England. When I was 22, I decided to step out of my comfort zone. It was only fitting at the time, as my favorite quote was “get comfortable with the uncomfortable.” Rather ironically I used the exact same quote in my interview for a corporate job that I left to get “out of my comfort zone.”

There was a lot leading up to this point. Now, two years down the line and backpacking Canada on foot (literally writing this on the ferry to Vancouver Island) , I look back at all the small moments that helped me make the decision. Of course, it had my poor mum worrying, and my lovely sisters were concerned too and very proud. But with such huge support, it felt odd not to get a little risky and live a bit bolder.

So, there I was with my boyfriend at Heathrow Airport with awfully organised backpacks… yes, I bought way too many shoes than necessary. With nerves in my stomach—let's be frank, I'm a huge crier, not getting around it, so yes, lots of tears in my eyes—I waved off my mum, my boyfriend's parents, and one of his brothers. We had no idea what we were doing but knew that we had a job, a place to stay, and basically nothing to worry about. With the combined support of our families and JENZA we felt set. In fact, we felt more than set; we felt ready.

Many may be confused why one would go on a ski season without really knowing how to ski. I had done it a few times, but my boyfriend had never skied. Literally never. But it was an adventure! All I needed was an open mind and to pop my bubble of fear. Okay, yes, I did read Ant Middleton's Bubble of Fear, which really helped with looking face down Whistler's mountains. I would absolutely recommend the book, regardless of whether you’re thinking of doing an adventure.

My own decisions felt odd to me too, but they felt right, and that’s the feeling I held onto more. I don't know how else to describe it but it just felt right. And having a company like JENZA, that had been a beacon of light for this idea of seeing the world. I never knew you could do both work and travel, which helped with knowing that either way it will be okay.

Now, Whistler, yes it is beautiful, and you know what? It's like Disneyland but for skiers and mountain bikers. Our experience was slow at the start, as getting to the ski season early can be odd, as they have times in the year that are called shoulder seasons. In hindsight, I was actually grateful for the quiet time as I had no idea what was ahead. Nevertheless, we met Brady, who kindly taught us how to ski. In fact, two years later, we are still great friends with him. Whistler was hard, taxing on our new skier legs, but we persevered. We aren’t beating around the bush here; it’s hard. But it’s like riding a bike, walking, climbing, or anything that you basically need to give yourself a good talking to and know there is so much growth that you can get from it. But let's not do anything we don’t enjoy—that’s never the motto.

Now I can’t just talk the talk; I need to walk the walk. So, of course, I’m gonna tell you what I got out of the Whistler experience.

First off…

Whistler gave my boyfriend and me a taste of a sport that could take us all around the world. The vast and varied terrain of Whistler was both challenging and exhilarating. It sparked a drive in us to ski globally, explore different types of snow, and tackle new terrains. Whistler's bustling atmosphere, with skiers and snowboarders from all over the world, provided an excellent environment to meet like-minded individuals hungry for fresh tracks.

In contrast, Big White, while equally beautiful, offered a more relaxed and manageable experience for us as beginners. The terrain at Big White is known to be easier, which allowed us to develop our skills without feeling overwhelmed. The layout of the mountain is more straightforward, making it less likely for someone with my awful sense of navigation to get lost. This was a significant advantage, as it gave me the confidence to ski independently, something I was hesitant to do at Whistler.

Secondly…

The people we met in both places were very special people to both me and my boyfriend, they know who they are! Without sounding cliché, we made friends for life. The international crowd, the shared passion for skiing, and the vibrant social scene meant that connections formed there were truly special. In fact, I've met up with several of these friends in different places around the world since both the Whistler and Big White season ended. The sense of community is hard to compare in both places.

Thirdly…

It’s important to remember to take time for yourself and enjoy the slow moments in both locations. Whether it’s taking deep breaths at the serene lakes around Whistler or enjoying leisurely walks and discovering local food spots like Crystal Lounge for honey and garlic wings or SnowShoe Sams for some yummy burgers, these moments are crucial for a well-rounded experience.

And lastly…

If I reflect on my journey, if someone were to ask me would you recommend starting at Whistler, I would say it depends on your ski ability and confidence. I would recommend for the fastest development in skiing to start at Big White and do the next season in Whistler. The less overwhelming terrain allowed for gradual skill development. Telus Park at Big White made me confident enough to try new tricks, like boxes and large jumps. Although there was one failed attempt at ripping down a tube in the park… but we won't speak about that; however of course I’m determined to get redemption. The park sessions, like Park Chick every Friday, are something I regret not participating in, but there's always a next time.

In summary, while Whistler is the ultimate playground for experienced skiers looking for a challenge and a bustling social scene, Big White provides a more relaxed and beginner-friendly environment, perfect for building skills and confidence. Both places have their unique charm and offer unforgettable experiences, depending on what you're looking for in a ski adventure. I absolutely love them both for their own reasons.