I think last trip there was Feb '03 first was back in Mar '99...over the
intervening years and subsequent three trips I've never experienced the lift
problems you describe. If it's been as busy at the chairs as you describe
you've probably been riding the main pistes and funnelling into the most
congested areas. Learn the piste map and get out away from the motorways and
you'll have empty pistes and v. short queue times.

Hope you go back and have more luck
S

I agree with this entirely. while at the very high season long lines
are unavoidable in the beginning of the day (xmas week, spring break
for vancouver students) as you make your way up the mountain, they
become 5-10 minute lines everywhere but the base. And during those
times all but the main runs are fairly uncrowded. Every other time of
the year lines are not a problem at all. On weekends, if you're
totally line-paranoid, just stay away from the big central lifts such
as big red, emerald, whistler gondola, excellerator chair & the excel
gondola (in the morning). Everything else during those times will be
golden.

Whistler is cheaper for Americans than any other North Amer resort if
only because of the CDN to USD conversion. Many prices, will be the
same number of canadian dollars as they are in american dollars. so
lift tickets will be $55 cdn (or so) at whistler and $55 USD (or so)
in Colorado. A big savings if you're american and expensive if you're
canadian. Also, whistler offers lower rates if you've already been
there or get the express pass, among other things.

--Darrell