Sometimes, when I can't fall asleep, I'll lay in bed and pick out some of my favourite routes from my favourite resorts and recreate them in my head. Why? Because I'm a loser. And because I find it kind of hard to do, it puts me to sleep pretty quickly. But recently I thought: hey, this could also double as blog content! So below I will list my top five runs at Whistler Blackcomb.What are yours? Or better yet, what are your favourite runs at your favourite resorts, and why?

Anyone who has been to Whistler will quickly realize my top five are marked trails within the boundaries of the resort. Given my skill level, I think that's the safest thing for me to do at this point.  :)

Anyway, here are my top five (drum roll) ...

1. The Run: Peak to Creek, Whistler Mountain
How to Get There: Take the Peak Express, hang a right.
The Scene: A long, sloping blue run, Peak to Creek is seven kilometres long. I repeat: SEVEN KILOMETRES. This run can take you an hour or two if you feel like taking your time. Once you're done, grab a bite at Dusty's, take the gondola back up and do it again.
Things to avoid: Highway 86, which runs into the trail a couple of times. It's flat and boring.

2. The Run: Panorama, Cloud Nine, Southern Comfort, Green Line: basically anything that leads to the 7th Heaven Chair
How to Get There: Take 7th Avenue from the top of the Solar Coaster
The Scene: The huge, wide-open runs and the spectacular views from the base of the 7th Heaven Chair make this area a MUST VISIT. DO NOT MISS THIS AREA WHEN YOU VISIT BLACKCOMB. IF YOU DO, YOUR TRIP IS INCOMPLETE.
Things to avoid: Hard-to-see bumps. The terrain is so wide and white that moguls are hard to spot. My ankle still hurts from one spill I took up there earlier this year.

3. The Run: Dave Murray Downhill, Whistler Mountain
How to Get There: Boot down Upper Whiskey Jack, stay to the left past the Chic Pea , make a quick right, ride ride ride
The Scene: If the course isn't closed so that some national downhill team can practice, you're in luck. This black diamond run can shoot you to Creekside Base in a matter of minutes if you're willing to push it. Home of the men's downhill and Super G in 2010, this run is fast, steep and has lots of fun, tight turns. Another MUST VISIT.
Things to avoid: Novices who think "black diamond" means "really easy" and are on their asses as a result. Hard to avoid at high speeds.

4. The Run: The Saddle > Franz's Meadows > Franz's > Highway 86, Whistler Mountain
How to Get There: Take the Peak Express, hang a left.
The scene: The run starts at The Saddle, a wide, big-assed drop blown into the side of Whistler Mountain. It can be icy and windy, but it's also nice and wide. Stick to the middle and take a quick jaunt through Franz's Meadows, a small glade run with tight turns. Then it's into Franz's, home of the Women's Downhill and Super G in 2010 (make sure to take a photo next to the sign announcing that fact). Follow Franz's down to Highway 86, and take it to Big Red Express. You're back up in ten minutes to do it all over again.
Things to avoid: The nutjobs givin'er on Highway 86. It can get very congested.

5. The Run: Ridge Runner, Blackcomb Mountain
How to Get There: Take the spectacular Glacier Express, hang a left. Can be a little confusing.
The Scene: Ride a speedy narrow ridge (imagine that) on top of Blackcomb mountain. Spectacular views and challenging, tight turns make this a really fun ride. Stop at Excelerator and go back up.
Things to avoid: Slowpokes on Glacier Road.