The world-renowned Whistler, just 90 minutes from downtown Vancouver is widely celebrated as one of the world’s best snow holiday destinations. The two mountains of Whistler Blackcomb boast North America’s largest in-bounds terrain at over 8,000 acres, with everything from perfectly groomed cruising runs to challenging bumps fields, 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers, world-class terrain parks and 200+ marked trails.
Off the mountains, there’s endless winter adventures, and after the lifts close, the apres fun heats up in the Village with restaurants and a nightlife that welcomes ski boots well into the early hours.
Whistler offers boundless opportunity to create your dream snow holiday – no matter what your personal travel style. To take the hard work out of your holiday research, we’ve curated three epic Whistler winter itineraries to show you how any type of winter holiday maker can have the trip of a lifetime this winter.
This is Whistler – your way. To build your dream Whistler holiday and take advantage of our Early Booking offers before time runs out, reach out to our snow holiday experts today on [email protected]
ITINERARY 1 - WHISTLER'S ADRENALINE ADVENTURES
Chasing thrills? This itinerary will set your heart racing from the moment you arrive.
- Bobsleigh or skeleton: Feel the same rush as the 2010 Winter Olympic Games athletes. Team up with buddies for a bobsleigh ride with an experienced driver, or go solo and pilot your own skeleton. Whistler is home to the fastest ice track in the world! Speeds reached? Over 80 km an hour
- Heli or Cat Skiing and Snowboarding: Off piste, and out of this world. There’s no lift lines out here, just expert guides who know the way, and powerful machines to whisk you to the top of pure white powder fields. Minimal effort, maximum reward.
- Twilight Ziplining: Soar through the night under a blanket of stars for the ultimate rush after sun-down. Feel your senses come alive as you travel through the old-growth forest by headlamp and take in the moonlit mountain views between ziplines.
- Winter Bungee Jumping: Stand on a bridge over a river surrounded by snow, ice and the sharp peaks of the Coast Mountain – then leap. An extraordinary jumping experience at the highest year-round venue in British Columbia.
- Snowmobiling: Get out for a rip in Whistler’s backcountry on these powerful machines. Climb fire roads, explore ridgelines and roop it up in fresh snow or knock it up a notch with a heli-assisted glacier ride tour. You’ll be singing O, Canada before you know it.
- Ice Climbing: This is an elemental experience. Just you, safety gear and a wall of ice. Test your physical and mental stamina on guided ice climbing tours and you could be the first of your friends to say you’ve climbed a waterfall.
ITINERARY 2 - LUXURY SNOW HOLIDAY
Raise the bar on winter
Whistler is a world-class skiing resort with a wealth of high-end experiences. From skiing untouched terrain or exploring an ice cave by helicopter to soaking in a winter oasis, a gorgeous snow-covered village packed with unique winter activities and an enviable fine dining and nightlife scene. These are the foundations of a 5-star snow holiday
- Arrive in Style: Just two hours north of Vancouver by road or 30 minutes by air, Whistler is a destination worth every minute of travel. Luxury transfers from the international airport provide direct, fast and discreet transport. Travel by limousine, luxury SUV or heli jet for incredible views of Vancouver, Howe Sound and the Coast Mountains Range.
- Settle in to Whistler’s Luxury Accommodation: Whistler has a variety of luxury accommodations that will really blow you away. Choose from luxury condos and chalets with ski-in ski-out access and globally recognized and respected hotels where everything you want is at your fingertips – ski valets and rental services, concierges, spas, gyms and pools, family rooms and more. Check out our exclusive luxury packages for the landmark Fairmont Chateau Whistler here.
- Ski like a local with a private instructor: A private instructor allows you to make the most of Whistler Blackcomb’s world-class skiing and riding – priority lift access, coaching on the latest techniques and your own private guide to incredible views, the best terrain and secret powder stashes. You can also take it up a level and Ski with an Olympian. You will receive all of the above benefits, plus the privilege of skiing with one of the best skiers or snowboarders in the world.
- Heli-Skiing: Fly to your own powder field. No lift lines. No resort boundaries. Wild, wide open terrain and deep powder. Fire up the rotors on this ultimate ski or snowboard experience.
- Indulge at Altitude: Be whisked away by snowcat for an exclusive dining experience overlooking all of Whistler. Dip and sip delectable fondue and wine pairings as you cozy up in the charming Crystal Hut. Feeling extra adventurous? Ride a snowmobile up instead.
- Unique Wilderness Excursions: Take a helicopter ride and be transported into BC’s ancient and pristine wilderness. Enjoy the views from above or choose your own adventure and trek across a 12,000 year old glacier, snowmobile over an ice cap or explore icy labyrinths in secret caves.
- Après, Cocktail Style: Cozy and intimate lounges serve classic cocktails, craft beer and food with a little live music on the side. Sip and savour by an open fireplace and add sparkling conversation for the perfect end to your day.
ITINERARY 3 - FAMILY FUN!
You won’t hear the words “I’m bored” once
See the magic of winter through the eyes of your kids. Here are our top suggestions for things to do with the family – toddlers and grandparents included. Quality time with minimal planning needed? Break from the usual routine? Play in the snow like a kid? Check, check, check.
- Cross-Country Skiing at Whistler Olympic Park: Located just 20 minutes south of the Village in the beautiful Callaghan Valley, Whistler Olympic Park has cross-country skiing and snowshoeing for the entire family – even the dog. There is gear for rent, oodles of terrain to explore and a big day lodge for warming up. Make sure to get a family selfie in front of the Olympic Rings.
- Tubing: No skills or experience are needed to ride the bubly™ Tube Park at Whistler Blackcomb, meaning the whole crew can slide together. It’s open into the evenings under lights for a bit of after-dinner fun. Anyone want to race?
- Family Ski Day: Take a day to explore the green and blue trails on either mountain. Find the hidden Treefort on Whistler or the Magic Castle on Blackcomb where everyone can kick off their skis for a while and romp around. If energy levels dip, head into any on-mountain restaurant for a warm-up and bite to eat.
- Find the Perfect Base Camp: Hotels are fun, but when you’re travelling with the whole clan, that feeling of home is hard to beat and condos provide plenty of room for the family to spread out. Choose extra services like full housekeeping, 24-hour front desks, slopeside locations and amenitites like pools and fitness rooms to put the icing on the cake. Check out our extensive range of accommodation options here.
- Teen Time: Looking for fun activities for your teen in Whistler? There’s a bunch of stuff to keep them entertained around town, most just a short walk from your accommodation. There’s special teen-only ski and snowboard groups, pirate ships to escape, skating under the stars at night and teen-friendly après spots.
- Get Out and Play: Some of the best fun you can have in snow doesn’t cost a cent and is as fun for the young as the young at heart. Go sledding at the Snow Zone adjacent to the skating rink at Whistler Olympic Plaza, make snow angels and create your very own family of snowmen. It never gets old.
- Indoor Adventures: Playing in the snow is awesome fun, but if there’s a need for a change of pace or a break from the weather, the indoor activities in town have you covered. Tackle challenging puzzles and obstacles together in order to escape your selected scenario at Escape!, Whistler’s newest indoor adventure. Chill out with a visit to the Audain Art Museum or Whistler Museum, or burn off excess energy with indoor ice skating at the Meadow Park Sports Centre arena.
- Bonus Family Tip – Childcare: The best family vacations are those where everyone gets to play together AND gets the space they need. Childcare is there for the nights when Mom and Dad need a little quality time together or days when perfect powder beckons parents to the slopes.
EARLY BOOKING INCENTIVES - TIME IS RUNNING OUT!
Your dream snow holiday to Whistler has never been closer, and with Early Booking Incentives and offers due to end on August 31, now is the time to lock in your adventure for winter 23/24
Enjoy up to 25% savings, complimentary upgrades and $250CAD Resort Credit for food & beverage when you book by August 31.
Reach out today on [email protected] for more information, ideas and travel advice.
Main image – Photo credit: Destination BC / Blake Jorgenson