Skiers are often climbers, and vice versa. It makes sense. While skiing a steep line or climbing a tough route are separate experiences, they capture a similar, free feeling that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s tempting to pick one of these two activities and go all-in—any hardcore skier or climber will tell you that full commitment produces the best results.
But being a well-rounded mountain person is desirable, too, and variety helps keep things interesting. At these five resorts, you can put your skis and harness to use in equal measure, provided you aren’t bothered by doing a bit of driving.
1. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
Squamish, British Columbia, and its not-so-little local ski area, Whistler Blackcomb, is an outdoor sports mecca. For skiing, there’s the resort, of course, as well as numerous backcountry options. Mountain biking trails are countless throughout the Sea to Sky area, too, and if climbing is your jam, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better place to do so.
In the spring, it’s possible to shred the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb before heading back to town for some bouldering, sport, or trad climbing. “The Chief,” a massive granite rock feature visible from almost anywhere in Squamish, is one major draw for climbers. Here, true athletic freaks might be able to climb, ski, and bike all in one day, depending on how cooperative the weather is feeling. Read more at https://www.powder.com/ski-resorts/best-ski-resorts-rock-climbing