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    Tourism Whistler/Guy Fattal

Best of Whistler In Winter

Posted by Megan on Thu November 3, 2022 in Whistler Blog.

Voted as one of North America's biggest and best ski resorts, it's no wonder it's at the top of many people's travel bucket lists! From powder-packed days on the slopes to celebratory events in the Village and an endless menu of family-friendly adventures on your doorstep - We guarantee a memorable vacation unlike any other!

We've put together a list of Whistler's top winter highlights so you can plan your stay and not miss a beat of this season's jam-packed itinerary.

Four Ways to Get a Buzz This Winter

Blackcomb Heli Tours. Photo Credit: Heath Moffatt

For over twenty years, Whistler's helicopter pilots and mountain guides have introduced outdoor enthusiasts to the spectacular views of British Columbia. An awe-inspiring experience, each tour caters to a wide range of interests, fitness levels, and budgets, including tailored tours for special events. Take your holiday to new heights with Blackcomb Aviation.

Snowmobile Tours. Photo Credit: Tourism Whistler/Claire Lang

Get out for a rip on these powerful machines through the pristine Callaghan Valley for a fabulous introduction to the backcountry by snowmobile or ride through thickly forested trails and explore frozen lakes while taking in the breathtaking views of Whistler Blackcomb. Choose from Canadian Wilderness and the Adventure Group, each offering a wide range of tours to suit your adventure thrills.

Epic thrills of bobsleighing. Photo Credit: Whistler Sliding Centre.

Located above Whistler Village on the side of Blackcomb Mountain, the Whistler Sliding Centre is a world-class bobsleigh, skeleton and luge facility. Slide like an Olympian through 10 twists and turns at speeds of 125+ km/hr in a real bobsleigh, or slide solo on your own skeleton sled. This unique but exhilarating experience is a must on anyone's list!

Superfly Zipline Tours. Photo Credit: The Adventure Group

Soar through the air on an exhilarating, heart-pumping, high-wire adventure at The Adventure Group Superfly Zipline Tours. This scenic experience allows two guests to zip through the air side-by-side on multiple dual zip lines, each on their own cable, while taking in the wide-open spaces and breathtaking views of Cougar Mountain.

Exploring North America's Biggest & Best Ski Resort - Whistler Blackcomb Mountain

And if that's not enough, shredding Whistler's powder slops from the peaks of Whistler Blackcomb will be sure to get your heart racing this season. 

Whistler Blackcomb skiing. Photo Credit: Tourism Whistler/Guy Fattal

What happens here is big mountain skiing and snowboarding, the kind you only see in the movies. And if powder in the face, graceful, arcing turns on long, vertical descents, and cliff drops with pillowy landings sound too daunting for you? Then you can take comfort in knowing that Seventy-five percent of Whistler Blackcomb's terrain is green and blue, perfect for beginners and intermediate. This means you can go at your own pace and work your way up to those powder turns while taking in the stunning views of the Coast Mountains.

Book your Whistler Blackcomb lift tickets or buy your day pass here: whistlerblackcomb.com

Sightseeing for Non-Skiers

No planks? No problem! The idea that you need to ski or snowboard to experience mountain life is a thing of the past. Grab your snow boots and winter layers and get ready for panoramic views of mountain vistas, delicious wine tasting above the clouds, Olympic legacies, and glass-bottomed gondola rides. Here's a great list to get you going on your mountain sightseeing for a non-skier experience in Whistler.

PEAK 2 PEAK 360 Experience. Photo Credit: Tourism Whistler/Mike Crane

Enjoy stunning panoramic views of Whistler Village, mountain peaks, lakes, glaciers & forests on the  PEAK 2 PEAK 360 Experience. Tickets cover you for access to the entire gondola system; this includes Whistler Village Gondola, Blackcomb Gondola and the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, a continuous lift system stretching a whopping 13.5 kilometres.

On-mountain sightseeing spots include the Olympic rings and flags and the Olympic Legacy Display, which showcases local athletes' achievements and highlights from the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Be sure to snap the perfect Insta-worthy inukshuk monument (The Inuit and North American people from the Arctic regions use these stone landmarks for guiding and marking areas.)

Panoramic Views Dining In The Clouds

On top of the world dining. Photo Credit: Tourism Whistler/Ben Girardi

For the perfect on-mountain dining experience, complete with stunning views at 1,850 meters, we recommend any one of the options below:

  • The Roundhouse Lodge is one of the most renowned restaurants on the mountain and offers three different food court-style areas. You can enjoy everything from your standard burger and fries to curries, deli-style sandwiches, soup, chilli, pizza, and much more.
  • If you are looking for a more upscale dining experience, look at Steeps Grill & Wine Bar. They have a farm-to-table approach to their menu and wine list, featuring local growers and producers.
  • The Rendezvous Lodge has a mountain-top wok station, drool-worthy burgers, and a fresh Mexican counter where you can get burritos, tacos and salads...YUM!

Off The Slopes Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities

Festive Ice Skating. Photo Credit: Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova

Looking for outdoor activities and magical views of Whistler Village, mountain peaks, lakes, glaciers & forests, but skiing is not for you? Don't sweat; we have the perfect adventure for you. Whether you want to try ice skating at the Olympic Plaza under the twinkling lights, go on a multimedia adventure hike filled with magic at Vallea Lumina, discover the charm of Whistler Village, or relax and enjoy a unique winter wonderland experience at Scandinave Spa - The possibilities are endless! 

Use our guide to the best winter activities and plan your perfect vacation: Whistler Winter Activities

Whistler Village Dining & Aprés

Après-ski. Photo Credit: Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova

Try something new every day with Whistler's endless menu of diverse dining scenes. From casual après-ski snacks to award-winning fine dining restaurants, many feature organic, locally-sourced ingredients. For a complete list of dining options, look at the Open Table Directory for all available restaurants and enjoy festive dining in the Village or a holiday meal kit to go - Be sure to make a reservation before you go.

Memorable Holidays in Whistler: Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova

Whistler is the perfect place to experience a true Canadian Christmas and family vacation, with twinkling lights throughout the snow-covered Village and an endless menu of holiday events and festive activities to entertain the whole family. We're certain you'll experience a wonderful stay in Whistler this holiday season.

Further Reading

Whistler Vacation Rentals, Canada Source: Tourism Whistler/Guy Fattal
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Celebrate The Festive Season in Whistler

The snow is falling, the fire's crackling, and the holiday excitement has officially settled in. From Whistler's all-out annual seasonal lights and holiday décor displays made up of thousands of twinkling lights to a diverse range of holiday entertainment and activities like ice skating, festive performances and more, Whistler has everything you need for a memorable holiday with the family.

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