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When you hear Whistler, British Columbia, you probably think of Whistler Blackcomb. After all, Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America and served as the main stage for the skiing events at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Its reputation as one of the world’s best ski destinations precedes it. But Whistler is much more than just a world-class ski destination. Beyond the lifts are tons of unique outdoor adventures, a sprawling Village, a lively après and dining scene, extraordinary cultural attractions, and more. Discover how Whistler is more than just a ski vacation.
Skiing is Where the Quintessential Whistler Experience Begins
No North America ski resort boasts the ski terrain, vertical, and backcountry access that Whistler Blackcomb does. Across two mountains, connected by the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, is more than 8,000 acres of skiable terrain and 5,000 feet of vertical. On top of that, Whistler Heli-Skiing offers access to an astounding 432,000 acres of big mountain British Columbia terrain. Whistler Blackcomb, on average, sees more than 450 inches of snow, which blesses it with one of the longest ski seasons in North America from November to May.
Skiers and riders looking to stack vertical can lap Garbanzo Express on Whistler Mountain or explore the long, cruisy runs on Blackcomb. For wide-open alpine terrain, head to Harmony and Symphony on Whistler or 7th Heaven on Blackcomb. On storm days, the gladed terrain around Crystal Ridge on Blackcomb is a favorite, while powder hounds looking for a challenge can explore Whistler’s Peak Chair terrain or the legendary bowls accessed via Spanky’s Ladder on Blackcomb.
New skiers and riders can take advantage of Whistler Blackcomb’s Snow School for group and private lessons from elite instructors. Whistler Blackcomb guarantees you’ll be skiing green runs by the end of your third lesson with its Green Run Guarantee. If it’s your first time to Whistler, then check out the Whistler Blackcomb Mountain Host program, featuring free daily tours for intermediate and expert skiers.
Go Beyond the Expected: Uniquely Whistler Experiences
Downhill skiing and snowboarding are just the beginning of the extraordinary outdoor adventures in Whistler. Relive Whistler’s Winter Olympic legacy at the Whistler Sliding Centre, where guests can speed down the same track from the 2010 Winter Olympics in a bobsled or on a skeleton sled. Guests can experience another one of the Winter Olympic venues at Whistler Olympic Park, which hosted the Nordic events. It offers 55 kilometers of beautifully groomed trails, 15 kilometers of snowshoe trails, and a network of dog-friendly ski trails. For a unique birds-eye view of Whistler, bundle up to go ziplining through old growth rainforest.
Whistler is home to the kind of fun activities and cultural attractions that you won’t just find anywhere. Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC), located on the shared, traditional territories of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation, is the first destination of its kind in Canada, celebrating their cultures through permanent and rotating exhibitions. Audain Art Museum, which is just down Blackcomb Way from the SLCC, showcases British Columbia’s most celebrated artists. Come nightfall, Vallea Lumina is an extraordinary experience, in which guests can enjoy an immersive walk through an enchanted forest, complete with lighting effects, soundscapes, and interactive storytelling.
After a day of winter adventures, Whistler’s snow globe-inspired Village is your après-ski basecamp. Experience the lively après atmosphere, live music, and dancing at The Longhorn Saloon. Enjoy pub fare at Garibaldi Lift Company, aka GLC, located beside the Whistler Gondola, as you watch skiers rip down the mountain. And experience the coldest vodka tasting room in the world at the Grey Goose Ice Room inside Bearfoot Bistro. Whistler also features an incredible selection of elevated dining experiences, like dining in the wine cellar of Bearfoot Bistro and Bar Oso’s extraordinary blend of Spanish-inspired tapas, house-made charcuterie, and seasonal small plates. This is just a taste of Whistler’s great bars and restaurants.
Round out a full day at the stunning Scandinave Spa Whistler. Surrounded by old-growth rainforest, this Scandinavian-inspired spa invites guests to unplug in complete silence and enjoy a thermal journey through a cycle of hot, cold, and relaxing therapies.
Stay Longer, Experience More
There are so many benefits to staying longer in Whistler. For one, it really makes room for something bigger—like an extra day or two skiing North America’s largest ski resort, learning a new winter sport, enjoying the many off-the-slopes adventures, experiencing the great cultural attractions, and much more. A longer trip to Whistler also comes with greater savings. The longer you stay, the more you can save and the more perks you can enjoy, like free dining credits. Plus, traveling midweek comes with even more savings.
Plan Your Trip
You don’t even need a car thanks to Whistler’s easy access from Vancouver and the 5-star resorts, ski-in and ski-out cabins, and vacation rentals that dot the walkable Whistler Village. Travelers can take the Whistler Shuttle from Vancouver International Airport and downtown Vancouver on a two-hour ride, which traces the world-famous Sea to Sky Highway.
Book by November 30 to save up to 65% on lift tickets and up to 25% on lodging, plus receive a $225 Dining Credit. With the favorable exchange rate for U.S. travelers, there’s never been a better time to visit Whistler. Plan your accommodations, lift tickets, activities, and transportation all in one place at whistler.com/winter.
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