14 Things to do in Whistler in the Winter
Other than being the best in the business for skiing in North America, there is plenty more to do on and off the slopes in Whistler. The best things to do in Whistler in the Winter vary depending on how many people you are hitting the village with, and what your group are visiting for.
As the waters start to freeze, and snowflakes begin to fall, there is no doubt that Whistler becomes a Winter Wonderland. We’re here to provide you with the scoop on all the best things to do in Whistler in Winter, ensuring you make the most of our snowy paradise.
Ski
Afterall, that is what Whistler is renowned for – being one of the best hot spots for skiing in the world. Whether you have been taking to the slopes for years, or this will be your first time, there are tracks or lessons for every skill level in Whistler. As one of the longest ski seasons in North America, you can enjoy snowfall and skiing from mid-November through to May. Despite the resort’s enormity of 8,171 skiable acres, it’s easy to navigate thanks to the ski lifts and Peak to Peak Gondola that allow you to hop from mountain to mountain.
For beginners, we recommend joining one of the many ski school classes before heading to the Burnt Stew Trail off Harmony Express chair to catch insane views. For the more advanced out there, head to Hiking Fluke Bowl to keep the adrenaline rushing.
Ziplining
No matter what time of the year you visit, don’t miss out on ziplining across the beauty of Whistler. Ziplining during Winter is the best way to take in the frozen rivers and frosted branches of a Canadian Winter. Renowned as one of the best regions to zipline in the world, both casual adventurers and adrenaline junkies are catered to by the two tour operators in the area. Superfly Ziplines boast four side by side ziplines for you to glide across Whistler’s mountain wilderness. Then there is the ‘Best Adventure Tour’ award holder, Ziptrek Ecotours, that offer a variety of trips, with one taking on the longest zipline in all of Canada and the USA.
Snowshoeing
Head down the stunning tree lined trails into the depths of Whistler Mountain. This activity is perfect for every group, young and old as all you need to know what to do is walk. Like the locals say, ‘If you can walk, you can snowshoe.’ Going on a snowshoe tour will have you strolling past Cedar, Fir and Hemlock trees by going far into the wilderness – the best way to be one with local flora and fauna.
Whistler Sliding Centre
Situated on the side of Blackcomb Mountain is a first-class bobsleigh, skeleton and luge centre. Slide down what has become a Whistler icon; a former Olympic track leftover from the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Open for a ride from December through to March, the centre is popular among visitors being one of very few sliding tracks in the world. On a bobsleigh, expect to reach up to a whopping 125 kilometres per hour! If you don’t want to go it alone, a skilled professional can pilot your trip with you. For the brave, take the skeleton slide alone and experience the same thrill the athletes do! Are you game?
Skiing in Whistler
Coca Cola Tube Park
Popular among both families and all those that are young at heart is the Coca Cola Tube Park in the Base 2 Zone of Blackcomb Mountain. The snow laden version of a Summer water park will have your whole group running back for more. Grab your tube and feel the wind on your face as you race your mates to the bottom of the hill.
Free Mountain Host Guided Tour
If you are among the Whistler first timers, a mountain host guided tour is how you should be starting your trip. The orientation tours get you acquainted with the Village. You will find out about the trails, slopes and even the best places to eat. Want insider tips on Whistler? Take a mountain host guided tour!
Snowmobiling
Experience a Canadian pastime and snowmobile your way around the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. If your group are up for a little indulgence, make it a true Canadian experience an book a tour inclusive of a full Canadian Yukon breakfast on Sproatt Mountain. While snowmobiling is a thrilling adventure for adults, children can also have their fun on their own tour. The more leisurely adventure goes on a mini route where children can drive mini-mobiles just like the grown ups!
Dip into a Fondue
You read right; a warm fondue to end a long day on the slopes sounds too tantalizingly perfect to be true. But it is. Both sweet and savoury fondues can be devoured at many of the eateries around the Village. Whether you’re a sweet tooth at heart, or you’re more of a savoury fan, the Chalet at Fairmont Chateau will hit the spot. They do a to die for three course fondue, as well as a chocolate fondue for dessert! You will find us here among their warm hospitality, sat aside a crackling log fire. A night full of good food and good company at this Winter warmer is bound to become a fond memory of your Whistler trip.
Whistler has its fair share of good food
Eat your way around Whistler Village
With Whistler’s growing popularity has simultaneously come a growing foodie scene in the Village. So, when it comes to taste testing the culinary goodness of Whistler’s local cuisine, you may just find yourself at a new eatery for every meal, trying to get through all that Whistler has to offer. The region has taken up a reputation for its farm-to-table dining, owing to the surrounding farmland that provides Whistler with its fresh produce. With that said, you can expect to see seasonal menus on offer. When your horde begin to get hangry, head to Bearfoot Bistro and Bar, Alta Bistro, Purebred Bakery, Stonesedge or Christine’s on Blackcomb.
Cross-country Skiing around Lost Lake Park
With over 30 kilometres of cross-country skiing trails, Lost Lake Park is a must try for those both beginning and advanced skiers visiting Whistler. The park is just a short walk from the Village and shows off picturesque views of the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Skiers are welcome to hit the trails from 8am, though the park is also open until 8pm for those wanting to give night skiing a go.
Lounge in a Hot Tub
There is no denying that our Canadian Winters can be rather harsh, especially to those that are visiting from year-round warmer climates. After spending much of your trip in the snow, it’s finally time to thaw out those bods. Just like they do in the movies; step into a steaming hot tub while watching the snow fall outside. At Whistler, you can relive those scenes, except in your take, look out and watch as the skiers come down the hill at night. To live out this daydream, check out the Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside, they are here to make it come true.
Peak to Peak Gondola
Whether you’re on your way to the slopes or not, the Peak to Peak Gondola is an absolute must when visiting Whistler in the Winter. Stretching 3.03 kilometres long, the gondola is here to give the best views of the entire region. Dangling between the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, its passengers are treated to 360˚ views from 436 metres high. Trust us, you don’t want to leave Whistler without ticking the Peak to Peak off your list!
Peak to Peak Gondola
Fire and Ice
End your ski day watching how the professionals do it at the free Whistler Fire and Ice show. Here, you will witness the best ski and snowboard talent spinning and jumping through rings of fire, while Dj performances, fire spinners and fireworks light up the atmosphere. This event runs every Sunday throughout the Winter, welcoming all ages. If your group are down for some frosty brews and a taste of Whistler night life, head to the Fire and Ice after party to dance the night away. Sorry youngsters, this one is for adults 19+ only.
Ice Fishing
If you happen to be searching for a true local experience, ice fishing is as Canadian as you get! Renowned as offering some of the best ice fishing in British Columbia, you have chosen the right destination by coming to Whistler. In our frozen waters, you can expect to predominantly catch Rainbow Trout, though you also have the chance of hooking Cutthroat, Kokanee, Bull Trout and Dolly Varden. As an exciting and unique experience available to all ages, ice fishing is the best activity of choice for when your group are up for a break from the skis. Don’t forget to dress for sub zero temperatures, but don’t worry, the spectacular settings surrounded by old growth forests and frosted trees will make those temps well worth it!
Whistler is undoubtedly the best vacation of choice for those seeking the beauty and adventure of a Winter wonderland. So, gather your party and dig out your mitts, you have a bucket list to tick off!