Winter Fun in Whistler
- September 22, 2021
- By Prasad Gopinath
Whistler in winter is magnetic. It is no wonder that Whistler it is almost a permanent fixture on bucket lists around the world with amenities for diWhistler in winter is magnetic. It is no wonder that Whistler it is almost a permanent fixture on bucket lists around the world with amenities for discerning travelers and undaunted athletes alike.
Whistler is a world class resort for anyone seeking fun and adventure. Unmatched terrain, endless options for fun and adventure, diverse offering of a rugged west coast beauty, a passionate community and refined experiences make every visit unique.
Why Whistler
Whistler Blackcomb Mountain Ski Resort is a skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts dream destination, the ultimate in big mountain experiences. The resort offers over 8,100 acres of snow-covered slopes, 16 alpine bowls, 3 glaciers, world-class terrain parks and 200+ marked trails. Visitors also enjoy easy access to the base Village with accommodation, shops and an unbeatable après-ski scene located slope side.
How to get here?
Whistler is located just two hours north of Vancouver. Getting to Vancouver is very easy. The nearest major airport will be Vancouver International Airport (YVR). YVR as well as downtown Vancouver are connected to Whistler Village by the beautiful by Sea to Sky Highway. The resort is served from YVR and Vancouver by both private limousines and taxi services as well as scheduled shuttle transfers.
Whistler Village
Whistler is home to two mountains Whistler and Blackcomb. Nestled at the base of both the mountains is Whistler Village offering a pedestrian only experience featuring shops, restaurants, and accommodations, making it easy to get around. And the ski lift gondolas are just around the corner. Whistler Village is large enough to accommodate all the amenities of a world class resort yet small enough to feel its world class mountain culture and distinctive hospitality.
Whistler Village offers a variety of accommodations from charming mountainside townhomes to full-service hotels to secluded alpine homes and fully equipped condominiums. The Village features more than 100 bars and restaurants catering to everyone’s desires and tastebuds. And for those looking from some shopping therapy, Whistler offers more than 200 shops with everything from souvenirs to outdoor gear and fashions.
One true advantage of Whistler is that gondola ride to the ski slopes is always within walking distance.
Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Whistler is the largest ski resort in North America with the most skiable terrain. It has one f the longest ski season stretching from November to mid-May. Whistler and its neighbor Blackcomb stand side by side and are connected by the world-famous Peak 2 Peak Gondola 4.4 kilometres in distance and 436 metres above the valley floor. It links 16 alpine poles, glaciers and more than 200 trails, and 8,171 acres skiable terrain in a single trail mound. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola allows 360-degree views and provides easy access between the two mountains and great way for non-skiers to enjoy the two mountains and views.
Whistler Blackcomb Mountain Ski Resort offers plenty of terrain to cater to all levels of skiers and snowboarding enthusiasts, from steep and deep power terrain to beginner family friendly slopes. Those looking for back-country skiing can embark from the resort on thrilling helicopter rides to experience vast vertical sky-high views and the most adventure you can pack in a day.
7 Must-Ski Runs at Whistler Blackcomb Mountain Ski Resort
Blue Line
is known as one of the best warm-ups runs on the mountain. The run is rated as a comfortable intermediate and part of its appeal is its incredible panoramic view of the valley below. Blue Line is located on Blackcomb, and you can access Blue Line from the 7th Heaven Chair. From there, you descend across Horstman Glacier and down to the base of Glacier Express.
Burnt Stew Trail
offers a scenic beauty that few green runs offer. It offers some of the best beginner ski runs of Whistler Blackcomb. If you are skiing with a group of mixed levels, Burnt Stew offers access to enough bowls and glades to keep most skiers interested.
Cloud Nine
situated just under the aptly named 7th Heaven Chair, Upper and Lower Cloud Nine are some of the best Blue runs on Blackcomb. These long slopes are great to ski in the morning or at the end of the day when they catch the last rays of the day.
Whistler Bowl
For those looking for a more challenging run, one of the best places to start is Whistler Bowl. This wide, open bowl is accessible from the top of the Peak Express chair. It puts skiers and riders at one of the highest points on the resort. Skiers have a choice of several lines down into the bowl. The bowl offers everything from chutes and drops, opening into a wide powder bowl near the bottom.
Spanky’s Ladder
Someone very familiar with Whistler Blackcomb Mountain Ski Resort once said, “Sparky’s is the epitome of steep skiing at Whistler Blackcomb”. To get to this legendary terrain requires a 50-foot (15-meter) book pack from the top of Blackcomb’s Glacier Chair. Spanky’s Ladder will be a familiar name to veteran skiers. Located on a hidden face between Crystal Traverse and the Blackcomb Glacier valley, Spanky’s is expansive and consists of three bowls: Ruby Bowl, Diamond Bowl, and Sapphire Bowl. Ruby and Garnet Bowl are easier to access and the best places to start. The entrances to Sapphire and Diamond Bowl are more intimidating, but the payoff is greater.
Couloir Extreme
is undoubtedly one of the toughest runs on the mountain. Originally dubbed the Saudan Couloir, Couloir Extreme is a notorious run located on Blackcomb below Horstman’s Hut. Right from the rocky drop to the boulder-lined field below, this couloir is a run that’s reserved for only the most hardened skiers and ridersPeak to Creek - The longest ski run in the continent, the Peak to Creek is a ski trail that is on the ‘must-do’ list of every avid ski enthusiast. The run travels from the absolute peak of Whistler Mountain to the bottom of the valley, finishing in Whistler Creekside at the gondola. The trail runs almost 11 kms long and covers 5,000 feet (1 mile) of vertical descent. An intermediate-rated run, but it will leave you with wobbly legs at the end. It offers breathtaking views throughout and really showcases the incredible variety that Whistle Blackcomb has available.
Are you a non-skier? Whistler has plenty for you too.
A true winter destination, Whistler also bears plenty for non-skiers to do.
Dog Sledding
Why not discover the forests and trails surrounding Whistler in a truly Canadian way by racing across the snow-covered landscape pulled by a team of exuberant huskies.
Snowmobile Adventure
Explore the back country on a three-hour snowmobile tour through pristine wilderness. Or journey to mountain hut and enjoy a delicious meal.
Snowshoeing
Perhaps the most basic way to explore the snowy forests and lakes, on your own two feet! Snowshoeing is affordable and accessible for anyone. It gives you the opportunity to wander deep into the magnificent old growth forests and lakes around town.
Winter Ziplining
Zipline over snow covered forests and slopes on an exhilarating highwire adventure.
Valea Lumina
at night, ignite your senses with a multimedia night walk through the forests with Valea Lumina.
Ice Skate in the Whistler Olympic Plaza
in the heart of the village with views of the surrounding mountains, the Olympic wing, and thousands of twinkling festive lights.
Snowtubing
For families looking for fun, there is the Coca Cola Snowtubing with no experience needed this is a great activity for kids or those looking to let their inner kid out.
Explore the magnificent Ice Caves
Fly deep into the rugged and pristine Coast Mountains by helicopter and go explore the magnificent ice caves.
Whistler Helicopter Ride
Soar above the mountains of Whistler and its snowy peaks and fir-scattered valleys on a 25-minute helicopter flight. Start with a bird’s-eye-view of the resort, followed by a glacier landing on Rainbow Glacier.
No matter what adventure you choose, Whistler has options for all budgets and dreams.
Cultural & Shopping Scene
Whistler is home to more than just mountains with arts and cultural scene flourishing in the local community.
The Audain Art Museum
is an iconic building that houses the permanent collection of artworks from across British Columbia as well as rotating exhibitions from around the world.
The Squamish Lillooet Cultural Center
the first of its kind in Canada celebrates and shares the story and arts of the Squamish and Lillooet nations.
Spas
Whistler’s large variety of spas and wellness facilities offer a complete range of treatments that helps you rejuvenate, restore, and refresh yourself in the mountain. The unique Scandinave Spa combines rustic elements with magnificent scenery. While you enjoy the age-old finish tradition of soaking in soothing outdoor baths.
Whistler Blackcomb's Fire & Ice Show
Every Sunday night during winter, see a spectacular display of ski and snowboard skills at the legendary Fire & Ice Show in Skier's Plaza. Whistler's best skiers and riders jump and flip through a blazing ring of fire accompanied by fire spinners, a DJ and fireworks display. An electrifying evening of free, live entertainment to enjoy with family and friends.
Apres & Nightlife
The GLC
Rated one of North America's best après bars by SKI magazine, the GLC at the foot of the Whistler Gondola is a great choice for groups that are looking for a sophisticated lounge-style restaurant.
Dusty’s Bar & BBQ
reputed for its location at the base of the 2010 Olympic downhill runs and home to Whistler's sunniest patio, Dusty's is nestled into the base of Whistler Creekside.
Merlin’s Bar & Grill
One of the most famous party venues in Whistler awaits, amidst incredible views of Blackcomb Mountain, both inside and out.
Garfinkels
Garfinkel’s plays top party hits of the day in a venue built to dance and celebrate. When it comes to the weekend both “Play Day Fridays” and Saturday’s “The BIG Night Out” lead the charge. It’s host to live music events, being a tour stop for some of the hottest acts in resort, as well as hosting event after-parties and art throw downs. It also has the longest running local’s night every Thursday.
Longhorn Saloon & Grill
The Longhorn Saloon & Grill has been a popular place to après and party since its opening in 1981. Located at the bottom of Whistler Mountain it’s at the heart of the action. The patio is the ideal spot for a plate of legendary nachos and a cold glass of beer.
Moe Joe’s
is possibly one of Whistler's most popular nightclub. With their world class DJ's, its no wonder their Sunday Glow Parties sees all kinds of party people from all kinds of places making Moe Joe’s their first choice for good times in Whistler. Moe Joe's is fun; no attitude, no pretentiousness.
The Firerock Lounge
is the perfect place to kick back and relax with a great cocktail, craft beer, and a delicious plate of appies. The Lounge is in The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler, a hidden gem just off the beaten path that boasts the sunniest patio in Whistler.
Our recommended Hotels
- Fairmont Chateau Whistler
- Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa
- The Westin Resort & Spa Whistler
- Aava Whistler
- Crystal Lodge Hotel
Check with us for Whistler Ski Packages. We offer Ski and Stay Packages right from 3 nights all the way to 14 nights and longer. Our Ski and Stay Packages offer clients the choice of full service stays as well as self-serviced condominiums. As a part of the Whistler Packages, we also include ski lift passes. Ski Schools and Equipment Rentals are offered as an optional addon. For those clients who are non-skiers, we do offer Whistler Package Deals that includes a variety of winter adventure and fun activities aimed both at adventure seekers and families.
Check with us for our Whistler Packages.
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