Best Things To Do In Whistler In Winter

When most people think of Whistler in the winter, they probably think of skiing or biking at North America’s largest resort. However, there’s a lot more to do around the village.
There’s a lot more to Whistler, and we’re happy to share. Whether you want to break up your ski days with another activity or are a non-skier, here is our list.
Things To Do In Whistler In Winter
Ski Or Snowboard

This one is pretty obvious, but Whistler-Blackcomb is famed as a world-class ski resort. It’s a behemoth and easily one of the most recognizable ski areas in the world. With 8,100 acres of skiable terrain spread across two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, the variety of terrain is huge.
Think steep and deep, chutes, groomed runs, bowls, glades, superb high alpine terrain, and even a glacier. Some of it is downright scary, and there is a reason many pros call the mountain home. However, there is terrain for every ability to keep everyone entertained. It has an excellent collection of beginner and intermediate runs that stretch down from the top of both mountains.

As it is a world-class resort, the lifts and infrastructure are some of the best in North America, but they are not quite up to par with European ski resorts yet. Those high-speed lifts are greatly appreciated on a powder day, which happens frequently.

As the resort receives over 11 meters of snowfall annually, chances are you’ll get at least one day of fresh snow when you visit. The only caveat is its coastal snowpack, which goes through periods of drought, rain, and snow. Typically, once a season, the mountain gets the “pineapple express,” which drops rain on the mountain from top to bottom. That said, we’ve also had some of our best days ever on the mountain as the terrain is epic when conditions are good.

Whistler is known for being extremely busy, and it is. Some of the worst lines we’ve ever seen have been at Whistler, even on a mid-Tuesday in early December. Whistler is also very expensive to visit during the winter, with accommodation prices topping $1000 a night!
Everything from accommodation to groceries is higher than you would find elsewhere, like the Powder Highway. Lastly, although the snow falls in abundance here, it’s heavy, wet BC coastal snow, so you may find your legs getting more tired than usual on a powder day. That said, skiing is one of the best things to do in Whistler in the winter. Even if you are a beginner, you should still try it!
Whistler Blackcomb is part of the Epic Pass, which allows exploring 80+ resorts at destinations across North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. To save money it’s recommended to purchase an Epic Pass that is offered ahead of the season. These passes deliver huge savings compared to buying a lift ticket at the window. It also gives you discounts on rentals, food and beverage, lodging, lessons, and more!
Ski The Peak To Creek

Skiing or snowboarding the Peak to Creek run in Whistler is a great challenge for those seeking as much vertical as possible. The intermediate run spans 11 kilometers from Whistler Mountain’s peak to Creekside Village. It’s the longest ski run in North America and is a serious challenge for most riders or skiers.
If your legs tire, luckily, along the trail are some idyllic benches to take in the views! The run moves from an alpine summit to a serene forest. Whether you race down the run or take a leisurely groomer lap, any journey down the famed run is an adventure.
Find the Blackcomb Glacier

While skiing or snowboarding on Whistler Blackcomb, you may as well keep your eyes out for a hidden ice cave – it’s pretty impressive! It’s not always accessible, but it’s a super cool stop.
Fire and Ice Show

The Fire and Ice Show is a blast and iconic tradition in Whistler every Sunday. Many talented local skiers and snowboarders put on an impressive freestyle show. The evening fun has fireworks, flaming rings of fire, DJs, and fire spinners. It makes for an unforgettable evening.
Vallea Lumina

For a little bit of magic, venture out to the Vallea Lumina. It’s an enchanting multimedia night walk through an old-growth cedar forest. As you move through the immersive spectacle, a story about the spirit of the mountains unfolds before you.
The entire trail is a little under a mile and mostly flat, so it’s easy to navigate. However, be sure to leave yourself plenty of time for photo ops and gazing in awe at ethereal and otherworldly installations. Tickets range from $25 to $30, depending on the season. We can’t recommend it enough!
Apres Ski in the Village or Creekside

Whistler Village Apres Scene
After skiing and snowboarding all day, one of the best things to do is enjoy a few drinks with friends. The Longhorn Saloon and Blacks Pubs are two of the most popular places to head in Whistler Village after a day out.
They both have a bit of a notorious reputation, but that’s to be expected in an apres Ski Bar. On a nice day, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a seat. While if you head down to Creekside, it’s best to hang out at Dusty’s with a pitcher of beer.s
Savour Happy Hour


If imbibing in the revelry at the base of the mountain is not your scene, there are still plenty of great spots to have an apres-ski drink. Many restaurants run great happy hour specials, including everything from craft beer to cocktails and pizza.
Balam, a Latin American fusion restaurant, is our pick for cocktails and small bites after riding. While Pizza Antico has killer Neapolitan pizza that pairs perfectly with their wide selection of craft beers, all half-price.
Go Snowshoeing

One of the most fun and easy ways to experience Whistler’s natural landscape is to try snowshoeing! It’s a unique and traditional mode of transportation that doesn’t require special skills in a climate like this.
This makes it accessible to most folks with little to no learning curve involved. Follow forest trails covered with snow-capped pine trees, and keep your eyes out for spotting local wildlife. Take a tour or adventure out self-guided.
There are many trails to try in Whistler, including Sea to Sky, Cheakamus, Rainbow Falls, Real Life, the Whistler Train Wreck, and Nature Trails. Granted, it’s best done after a fresh snowfall.
Stroll Around the Whistler Olympic Plaza

Whistler, along with Vancouver, played host to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The game’s legacy remains in the village, most notable in the Whistler Olympic Plaza. Visitors can grab a photo with the iconic rings, lace up ice skates, or hop on a sled.
A special ice skating rink opens here every winter, and it is such a fun time for everyone, especially when you bring hot chocolate into the mix. It’s a favorite pastime of locals and tourists on the mountain, surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights plus towering mountaintops.
The municipality also creates a small mound of snow for anyone who wants to hop on a sled. Granted, it’s a small hill and best left for the little ones.
Stroll the Whistler Village


After you take your photo at the Olympic rings, the best thing to do is walk around Whistler Village! There are plenty of shops to wander into, places to eat, and pubs to grab a drink at.
Whistler is a surprisingly great spot to enjoy retail therapy and shop until you drop. Whether searching for that perfect souvenir or stocking up on your favorite specialty wares, it’s a lovely day out in the charming village streets full of adorable storefronts. Armchair Books is a legendary local haunt with an impressive selection of good reads.
Everything from fine art to fashion to sports equipment is readily available. 3 Singing Birds, Portobello Market, Nook of the North, and Ruby Tuesday are perfectly curated spaces.
Ice Skate in the Village

One of the best things to do with kids in the winter in Whistler is rent a pair of ice skates and go ice skating on the small rink in the Whistler Olympic Plaza. It’s especially festive around the holiday season when the whole village is lit up in pink, orange, green, and red lights.
See the Village Lights Around Christmas

Whistler knows how to host its guests. Every December, it puts on a wonderful holiday light display, which they leave up long after to add some winter cheer. The streets are enchanting, lit with twinkling lights adorning every tree and building and reflecting in the snow-covered paths.
The Whistler Sliding Centre

One of the most exciting things we’ve ever done is to hop in a bobsleigh. The world’s fastest ice track was built in Whistler for the 2010 Olympics and remains for all to try at the non-profit Whistler Sliding Centre, though it’s still an active training and competition site. It’s a one-of-a-kind thrill ride, as you fly down at unbelievable speeds, either as a passenger or a solo skeleton rider.
No experience is required, though there is an orientation. A trained pilot handles all the steering, which is quite a relief at 80 miles per hour. The run is around 40-45 seconds, and it’s common to hit 4Gs by the last turn. It’s a serious shot of adrenaline that will leave a smile on your face.
Even if you’re not a daredevil, it’s fun to visit the impressive center on a tour or self-guided tour. There is a great viewing area where you can watch the guests and athletes fly down the course.
Cross Country Ski At The Nordic Centre

Another great Olympic sport to try that’s easy for first timers is cross-country skiing also known as nordic skiing. The Whistler Olympic Park is a short drive outside of the village and offers excellent facilities to slide across the snow in a scenic setting.
We’ve really grown to love cross-country skiing, and we recommend it more and more to travellers these days. It’s such an approachable sport that offers wonderful fitness and a more relaxing time. It’s a bit like going for a jog, walk, or run, and you can set whatever pace you’d like. The centre offers rentals, lessons, and even snowshoeing trails.
Go Tubing

The Whistler Tube Park guarantees a good time in Whistler’s winter landscape. It beats traditional sledding as a magic carpet whisks you up the hill, which means even more runs. There are multiple lanes and over 1,000 feet of snowy hill to fly down. You can even try sliding under the lights in the evening.
Relax at Scandinave Spa

For a true relaxation retreat, we recommend Scandinave Spa. These Scandinavian baths are set in a peaceful and quiet environment. The outdoor oasis, which is on the edge of Lost Lake Park’s spruce and cedar forest, has various thermal pools, saunas, and steam rooms.
It’s the perfect place to head on a rest day after skiing, and it’s especially lovely when the whole area is covered in snow. Access to the baths starts at $120. This spa is silent, and no technology is allowed inside. It’s best to book in advance for guaranteed access during busy periods.
Try Your Hand At Ice-Climbing

If the conditions on the mountain feel a bit icy, why not embrace it and try ice climbing? It’s also a great sport to try out if you’re looking for some variety on the mountain. Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures runs an introduction to ice climbing for anyone looking to experience the sport.
It does require a moderate level of fitness, as ice climbing is very difficult, but the guides are great with newcomers. Even older children and minors can enjoy the sport, but it’s best they’re accompanied by an adult. The only caveat is that a lift pass is required to access the climbing site.
Enjoy the Many Whistler Lakes

Whistler has an abundance of clear, shimmering mountain lakes to explore. There are five in the valley: Alta Lake, Alpha Lake, Nita Lake, Lost Lake, and Green Lake.
- Alta Lake: I particularly love Alta Lake because you get great views of both Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains.
- Alpha Lake: This is an excellent place to take the dogs for a walk and enjoy the area with children.
- Nita Lake: This is the closest lake to the Creekside Gondola and one of our favorite lakes in BC. It’s a stunning lake with open views, and in the winter, there’s often a little dedicated cold plunge area – if you dare!
- Lost Lake: Lost Lake is great in the winter, as you can ski Nordic skiing around the lake!
- Green Lake: Green Lake is the largest and most northerly lake in Whistler. Its shores are lined with plenty of million-dollar houses to fantasize about.
Walk the Valley Trail

The Whistler Valley Trail is a paved, car-free trail that connects many of Whistler’s neighborhoods, viewpoints, and lakes. Locals and visitors use over 45 km of this trail daily for running, walking, and fat biking in the winter.
It’s accessible year-round, and getting out on it is a great way to see what Whistler has to offer. My favorite thing to do on a nice day is take a walk through the forest on the Valley Trail. Much of the trail is quite far from the sea to the sky, and there is noise pollution. It is also extremely well-signed and difficult to get lost. Get the map here.
Dine In One Of Whistler’s Great Restaurants



As Canada’s premier ski resort, Whistler has fantastic dining. On any given night, you’ll be able to get whatever kind of cuisine you fancy. For a fantastic dining experience we have to recommend Wild Blue.
The seafood-focused restaurant is recognized as one of Canada’s Best 100 Restaurants. Its dishes are innovative and pair brilliantly with its excellent wine cellar and craft cocktails.
Have A Picnic!

Hand crafted charcuterie boards are available from Picnic Whistler and we think they are brilliant! It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking to spend a relaxing meal in or having a get together with friends. The boxes can be delivered to your hotel or picked up and the spreads are delectable. We LOVED having ours in our hotel room by the fire after a day of riding.
Have a Beer at a Brewery

Whistler isn’t just fancy restaurants! You can get a great craft beer at many of the breweries around town. Two of my favorites are Whistler Brewing Company and Coast Mountain Brewing, both of which are part of the BC Ale Trail.
Where to Stay in Whistler
My two favorite places to stay in Whistler are the Fairmont Whistler, Pan Pacific Whistler and Nita Lake Lodge.
Pan Pacific Whistler

Nestled in the heart of the vibrant Whistler Village, the Pan Pacific Whistler is the perfect blend of comfort and luxury. The suites feature fully equipped kitchens and cozy fireplaces, perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes. It’s also got a heated pool and hot tub.
Fairmont Whistler

The Fairmont is nestled at the base of Blackcomb Mountain and is the most beautiful ski-in/ski-out accommodation you can score. It’s luxurious on the inside and out and offers unparalleled guest service.
Nita Lake Lodge

Nita Lake Lodge is perched perfectly on Nita Lake near the Whistler Creekside Gondola. It’s easily one of the nicest places to stay in Whistler and provides guests with a comfortable stay in a surreal location!
Visiting Whistler in the Summer?

These are just a few things to do when the snow is falling. We recommend the summer if you want to visit Whistler when the weather is a little more cooperative! From mountain biking to hiking up to Wedgemount Lake, you can read here for the ultimate summer guide.