Whistler's 3 Bases and How to Choose One

Whistler is huge and there is more than one base (who knew?). Each base has it's own pro's and con's which I will share with you below. Hopefully it helps you figure out the best place to stay for you and your family.

CREEKSIDE:

Creekside Base is the first one you come to when you enter into Whistler from Vancouver. It's the smallest and most quiet base but with that brings less amenities and a further drive to the main village and other activities. The ski school is for kids ages 5-12 only so if you are looking for lessons yourself then this is not the base for you.

Pros and Cons: 

Small, quiet and perfect for families
Grocery store and restaurants (just a few)
Kids ski school
Accommodations just steps from the Creekside Gondola
Walking distance to Nita Lake and Alpha Lake for summer swims
Ice cream
Not many other activities or things to do other than ski school and swimming
No adult or teen lessons (privates only)
Ski school is very small and the learning area isn't the best (great for more advanced kids who are off the magic carpet) 
Need to drive, bus or taxi if you want to go to the main village

WHISTLER VILLAGE:

Whistler Main Village is where are the action happens. Everything you could possibly need is within walking distance and there is plenty to do in summer and winter.

Pros and Cons: 

A huge variety of restaurants and multiple grocery stores
Family apres at Olympic Plaza
Ski school for kids, adults and teens
Accommodations just steps from the Whistler VIllage and Excalibur gondolas (access to Whistler and Blackcomb)
Walking distance to Lost Lake for summer swims
Tons of activities
Access to an amazing beginner area
Ice cream
Busy, busy, busy
Can be noisy at night
The beginner area is at the mid-station of the gondola where there is no place to go inside for a break or to warm up unless you are in Whistler Kids ski school (you need to go up to the top 15 mins or 7 mins back to the base)

UPPER VILLAGE (BLACKCOMB BASE):

The Upper Village or Blackcomb Base is a happy medium between the Main Village and Creekside. It is small and quiet with more amenities and is within walking distance to the main village. This is where you will find the higher end shops and hotels such as the Fairmont and Four Seasons.

Pros and Cons: 

A variety of restaurants and one grocery store
Walking distance to the Main Village
Ski school for kids and adults
Accommodations just steps from the Blackcomb gondola
Walking distance to Lost Lake for summer swims
Great learning area for kids and adults at the base
Multiple places to go inside to warm up and have a break if you are skiing at the learning area
Since the learning area is at the base it doesn't get snow early in the season and the snow can be gone later in the season so you would need to go to the Whistler learning area (with a higher elevation)
No teen lessons but it's just a short walk over to the meeting place in the main village