Winter Vacations in Whistler

Winter Vacations in Whistler

Whistler Blackcomb is the best choice for your winter getaways. With over 8000 acres of terrain to explore, variety is an understatement. There are steeps, deeps, chutes, bowls, glades, superb corduroy, long cruisers, high alpine and gentle rollers. Riders and skiers alike will revel in our Terrain Parks and Pipes featuring the new Superpipe - lit for night skiing and riding - the Highest Level and Chipmunk Terrain Parks, World Cup Halfpipe, rails, berms and table-tops. Plus natural launch pads, hits, wind-lips, cornices, cliff drops, and ridges all over the mountains - the place is like a huge natural terrain park!


The fun doesn't end when you come down from the mountains. Pedestrian-only Whistler Village offers world class shopping, fantastic restaurants, funky après and wild nightlife action.

What to Expect

Snow

Whistler Blackcomb is blessed with an average snowfall of 9.14 meters (30 feet) per year on the summit. View our snow stats for full details. Our web cams are also a great tool for keeping an eye on the live conditions.

Weather

Whistler's coastal location makes for moderate temperatures in the valley with the thermometer rarely dipping below -10°C (12°F) during the winter months. The average alpine temperature is -5°C (22°F). Check our daily snow report and forecasts to help you prepare for your visit.

Disabled Traveller Information

All guests, regardless of physical/mental ability, deserve the very best mountain experience possible. See our disabled traveller information to help you plan your visit to Whistler Blackcomb.

How to Prepare for Your Trip - Pre-Book for Savings & Convenience

Where to Stay

We recommend visiting our online vacation planner to help you find the best accommodation to suit your needs. Our reservations agents know Whistler and will help you find the best place at the best price. Whistler offers 115 hotels and more than 5,200 rooms ranging from luxurious five-star properties to family-oriented condominiums.

The online vacation planner will also help you plan other aspects of your Whistler vacation including flights, lift tickets, rentals and ski/snowboard programs.

During the winter months and holiday periods, we recommend making reservations for children's ski and snowboard programs and restaurants prior to your arrival in resort.

Ski & Snowboard School

The Whistler Blackcomb Ski & Snowboard School is world renowned. Top pros and programs and camps for all abilities mean everyone can benefit from a lesson. First timers will be up the mountain in no time and experts can challenge boundaries with a race or freeride camp. A great way to meet people, learn the secrets of the mountains and have fun.

Rentals

If you are travelling from far away or have yet to invest in your own equipment, renting is the way to go. Whistler Blackcomb offers the largest rental fleet of skis and snowboards in the valley. 15 rental outlets located throughout Whistler make picking up your equipment fast and convenient. Book online for great savings and be sure to collect your stuff the night before. If you wake up to 20cm of fresh snow, the last thing you want to be doing is waiting in the rental shop line-up.

What to Wear

On the mountain: In the mountain environment, weather can change quickly, so you need to be prepared for all conditions. Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing conditions. Avoid cotton - it retains moisture and leaves you damp and cold. Wear breathable fabrics specially designed to wick away moisture. Your mum was right - you lose most of your body heat through your head. Wear a touque (that's a hat in Canadian). Clothing rentals are available for your convenience.

In the Village: Although typically warmer than in the alpine, you will want to be prepared for all kinds of weather in the village as well. Shops, bars, and restaurants are well heated and most restaurants will have a coat-check available. Walking shoes/boots with a rubber sole are a must for walking around the village.

When in Whistler

Take a free mountain tour: If you are new to Whistler but not new to skiing, we suggest taking a free mountain orientation tour with one of our mountain hosts. These seasoned locals will give you the scoop on where to ski and when. Free avalanche awareness tours are also available.

Know where to ski: Whistler Blackcomb offers an authentic big mountain experience – the natural features of the mountains offer bowls, steeps, tree skiing and chutes for the more adventurous skier/rider. If cruising the groomed runs is your preference, we have plenty of those too. Be sure to grab a trail map before you head up and check the daily grooming maps at the bottom of the mountains and in the on-mountain restaurants.

Lunch time already? There are 18 on-mountain food and beverage outlets between Whistler and Blackcomb.

Start early: One of the best ways to start your day in Whistler is by experiencing our Fresh Tracks Breakfast.

Stay in touch: E-mail friends and family, make a quick conference call, use our Bloomberg stock-checker. It's all possible at our TELUS Guest Communication Centre on Whistler Mountain.

Winter activities: When you think you've had enough skiing and riding for the day (some would argue that this is impossible), there's a huge selection of other activities at your fingertips. Choose from spa treatments, indoor rock climbing, ice skating, snowmobiling, heli-skiing, snowshoeing, tennis, and more. Find out more about the resort at our Whistler Welcome Night. Another good source for information is the Whistler Information Centre, located on Gateway Drive next to the taxi loop in the main Village. The Centre is open 9am-6pm daily.
Tel: 604.932.5922 ex 17.

Special events: Whistler hosts a myriad of festivals and events throughout the year. Consult our calendar of events to help you plan your visit. Christmas is special time of year in Whistler and guaranteed to be white. Consider spending the holidays in the mountains.

Preserving the Memories

Leaving Whistler will be tough, but we have a few tips to make it easier on you.