In Whistler for the Winter Season? 10 Winter Adventures to Explore
Never heard of Whistler? Whistler is a beautiful municipality located in the southern Pacific Ranges on the Coast Mountains in British Columbia, Canada. It is a great destination to visit year-round, but it is especially appealing in the winter months.
During the holidays, the town creates a winter wonderland complete with festive decorations and activities that are sure to delight the whole family. It also has plenty of outdoor and indoor activities making it a cold weather adventurer’s dream.
And if you have those post -holiday blues, visit Whistler in January for a pick me up that is guaranteed to lift your spirits.
If you are thinking of making this winter a Whistler winter, the possibilities are endless. Here are some examples of some things you won’t want to miss when you visit.
In Whistler for the Winter Season? Here are 10 Can’t Miss Activities
1.Ziplining
Ziplining is a must do when visiting Whistler – even in winter.
Ziplining is an invigorating winter sport that every adventurer should have on their bucket list. Imagine soaring over a scenic view while feeling the speed of movement take over your entire body. Whistler’s unmatchable scenery makes for a ziplining experience you are not soon to forget.
The municipality’s most popular ziplining experience can be found at Superfly ziplines. There you can climb up to see the network of trails and boardwalks that make up the city. You’ll have a moment to take it all in and then it’s right back down again as you and another adventurer plummet down the mountainside together.
Ziplines are available year-round and are especially lovely in the winter season when everything is covered with snow.
2. Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is a great way to enjoy nature. It consists of catching fish through in opening in the ice in a frozen body of water. Some may think ice fisherman are crazy for doing what the do, but others would argue that the peace and connection with nature the experience brings is priceless.
In Whistler, ice fishing is becoming more popular every year. The lakes are stocked with a wide variety of fish including rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and popular destinations include the following:
- Alpha Lake
- Jane Lakes
- Lost Lake
- Lucille Lake
- Showh Lakes
- Loggers Lake
Those that are feeling a bit more adventurous might travel to Pemberton which is just 25 minutes north of Whistler. Lakes in this village boast trout in excess of 10 lbs which includes species like bull trout, Dolly Varden, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout and more.
3. Axe Throwing
No skiing required at Forged Axe Throwing
Axe throwing might seem like a bizarre activity, but more and more people are turning to it as a great way to relieve stress and have an all-out terrific time. In fact, many bachelorette parties, birthday parties and business outings are headed to Forged Axe Throwing these days.
Axe throwing can also be beneficial to those who are working on building up their lumberjack skills and it is a great indoor activity to engage in when temperatures plummet.
If you are in Whistler and looking to have some axe throwing fun, try Forged Axe Throwing. There you can train with an experienced timber sports veteran to hone your skills and more advanced players can even compete in a league. They are available for parties, group events and more.
4. Back Country Skiing
Back country skiing is a great way for advanced skiers to get even more adventurous with the sport. It involves skiing on unmarked or unpatrolled areas inside or outside a ski resort’s boundaries. Although it can be risky, many say the sublime ride down makes it all worthwhile.
Just because Whistler has a reputation as a glamorous ski resort town, that doesn’t mean their backcountry skiing experience can’t pack a punch. And more than that, they are making conditions safer than ever.
The municipality provides adventurers with a three day avalanche forecast for the backcountry area. They also provide chairlift access which is accessible only when avalanche conditions allow.
5. Sleigh Rides
If you are in town for a Whistler Winter, you won’t want to miss out on an exhilarating sleigh ride. Nothing is better for getting you in the holiday spirit. Think of taking your family along or cuddling up with a sweetheart for some romantic alone time.
There are many options for sleigh rides in the Whistler area, but for an unforgettable experience, Blackcomb Sleigh Tours is highly recommended. During their tours you can look out on the municipality’s beautiful scenery while sitting on a comfortable padded bench with warm, cozy blankets on top of you.
Guests can choose from a Scenic Mountain Sleigh Ride or Private Mountain Sleigh Ride. Both are close to an hour long and include a stop at Blackcomb’s cozy cabin to warm up by the fire and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.
6. Hot Springs Near Whistler
Hot springs are a natural wonder. These geothermically heated pools of water rise from the earth’s crust to provide you with a relaxing experience that can be beneficial to health. Many soak in them to take in their high mineral content as they are said to contain rich amounts of calcium, lithium and radium.
There are several hot spring destinations near Whistler. These include:
- Sloquet Hot Springs: This is a waterfall fed hot spring that is easily accessible to nearby camping areas. It is wonderfully scenic and full of natural beauty.
- Skookumchuck Hot Springs: Located on the historic Harrison-Lillooet Gold Rush Trail, this site features rustic yet charming tubs where bathers can gather and relax.
- Keyhole Hot Springs: These cliffside springs are located alongside the Upper Lillooet River. Cement modifications form tubs which provide the utmost in relaxation.
7. Helicopter Trips
What could be more perfect than taking in Whistler’s winter wonderland while soaring in a helicopter? Not nearly as bumpy as you may think, a helicopter ride provides great serenity and is the perfect way to see the countryside. Whistler is an ideal location for a helicopter ride as guests will have the opportunity to view its mountains, lakes volcanoes and more.
Blackcomb Helicopters provides and unforgettable above the air experience. They offer guests the option of customizing their trips to make their helicopter ride even more of an adventure. Options are available to participate in Heli-Yoga, Heli-Hiking and Heli Picnic and more.
And those who come in the wintertime will have the added bonus of enjoying a glacier landing.
8. Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is another activity most winter weather adventurists have on their bucket list. They can be hard to get used to, but once you get the lay of the land, many find that this is an exhilarating and nearly addicting experience that they just can’t get enough of.
There are several Whistler companies that offer snowmobiling packages, but Blackcomb Snowmobile is one of the finest. They offer exclusive access to the Whistler backcountry and a wide range of tours that allow you to pick an adventure that you are sure to love. Choices include a family tour, a wilderness tour, a scenic tour, and extreme tour and more.
9. Ice Skating
Ice skating is the perfect winter activity. It is a great way to bond with family members, it’s terrific exercise and nothing beats that effortless feeling that you get when gliding on the ice. It’s also perfect for getting you in that holiday spirit.
If you are looking for an ice-skating adventure in the Whistler area, there are a wide range of options available. When conditions are right, skaters can ice skate on local lakes. This makes for an unforgettable experience that truly connects you to nature.
Of course, if you are unsure as to whether or not you will be safe skating on local lakes, there are other locations to choose from. The Whistler Olympic Skating Plaza is a terrific outdoor ice-skating destination. With breathtaking views of the Whistler Mountains, the Olympic rings and thousands of festive twinkling lights, the Plaza is sure to provide fun for the whole family.
If you prefer indoor skating, Meadow Park Sports Centre provides safe skating, skate rentals, lessons and tot public skate sessions.
10. Snowshoeing
Don’t ski, but want to get into the snow? Try Snowshoeing!
Snowshoes were once essential for fur traders, trappers and anyone else whose livelihood involved walking around in the snow. In modern times, snowshoes are still valuable for certain trades, but they are also used recreationally by hikers, runners and other outdoor enthusiasts who like to keep their hobby going in the wintertime.
The great thing about snowshoeing is that anyone can do it. You don’t need any special skills, just grab a pair of snowshoes, choose your trail and you’re off!
Whistler has a lot of territory you can explore, but if you feel better heading out in a group, the municipality has several organized snowshoe tours you can participate in. Check out the Medicine Trail, the Snowshoe Teepee Tour, the Natural Mystic Tour and more.
Whistler is a great place to visit any time of year. Come during the holidays or visit Whistler in January to knock off those holiday blues. Just be sure to make it a Whistler winter.