Gorgeous mountain vistas, unexplored forests, incredible eats and fantastic sips, Whistler is calling and you must go! Once the snow starts to fall, the town is covered in a blanket of white and transformed from a biking and hiking mecca to a magical winter wonderland filled with endless ski trails and relaxing spas. Make the most of your next long weekend or mid-winter break and check out our guide to plan an unforgettable Whistler escape.
Hit the slopes
When it come to fresh powder, Whistler delivers it in spades. Sprawling over 8,100 acres of slopes, both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains are a skier and snowboarder’s paradise. Hop on a gondola right in the village to explore the 200+ trails, 16 alpine bowls and three glaciers that the mountains have to offer (as well as easy access to drinks and snacks between runs).
Shred some fresh powder and speed down Whistler and Blackcomb’s legendary chutes, steeps and cliffs with the wind in your face and trees rushing by in an evergreen-tinged blur. Or, if you are an expert adventurer looking for the ultimate experience, skip the lift and opt for a helicopter—heli-skiing and snowboarding means no waiting to get out on that crisp, open terrain.
Rejuvenate at a Finnish spa
Once you’ve exhausted the trails (and yourself) for the day, check into Scandinave Spa Whistler for an amazing Finnish spa treatment. Unwind in one of their piping hot outdoor baths and follow it with a quick plunge into a cold bath or Nordic waterfall. Finish off the experience by relaxing in a hammock or receiving a soothing massage.
Indulge in an après feast
After getting the pampered treatment, indulge your appetite at one of the town’s top-notch restaurants. A culinary cornerstone of Whistler, Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar provides a delicious feast of farm-to-table fare. Start by sampling the oyster bar, which serves delicacies from many different islands within the Georgia Strait and Desolation Sound. When it comes time for the main course, we suggest you try the sumptuous Two Tier Seafood Tower, which includes oysters, prawns, mussels, albacore tuna tataki, spicy tuna roll and wild smoked salmon.
Fly high with winter zipline tours
Soar like an eagle above the icicle-laden tree tops of Whistler’s old growth rainforests on an exhilarating high wire adventure. Featuring five incredible ziplines, the Whistler Ziptrek Bear Tour allows you to soak in the region’s stunning winter wonderland as you skim above 33 acres of diverse terrain. This truly exhilarating experience will give you a completely new perspective on the winter landscape, particularly if you’re daring enough to try it upside-down!
Enjoy nature by ice fishing
Not all Whistler winter activities feature breakneck speeds. Slow down and breathe in the alpine air with an ice fishing tour, which are available in five or eight-hour sessions and suitable for beginners or seasoned pros. Venture to local rivers and remote alpine lakes with one Whistler’s expert guides and cast your line for rainbow trout or salmon.
Kick Back and Relax with a lager
Established in 1989, the alpine Whistler Brewing Company is one of the founding fathers of the now booming BC craft brewing movement and a long-standing local favorite. Visit the 100% BC owned tap house to book a tour to discover what goes into brewing some of BC’s favorite beers and sample a lineup of fresh, locally-brewed suds. A little insider hint, try the Bear Paw Honey Lager. A light lager with the sweet tones of organic BC honey, it is both refreshing and delicious.
Whether you spend your time off cruising down the snow-covered slopes or eating and sipping your way through the village, Whistler is sure to satisfy your need for adventure. Afterward, you’ll return home feeling refreshed and invigorated by the crisp, cool mountain lifestyle.
Clipper Recommends:
- Head to Whistler Blackcomb’s Tube Park and experience over 1,000 of sliding bliss as you whoosh down a variety of slippery tube lanes.
- Experience Whistler’s après-ski scene and toast to a fabulous day on the slopes or dance the night away at one of the many popular bars, lounges and nightclubs.
Feature Photo: Andy Fitzsimon