Whistler Village, Photo Credit: Justa Jeskova

Heading to Whistler for the first time? Spread over 8,171 acres, Whistler can be daunting for first timers to this epic resort! We sat down with one of our ski specialists Marty, to put together a Beginners Guide to Whistler. This guide will help first time visitors, novice skiers and snowboarders navigate the resort, and we will share our best tips and tricks to get the most out of your Whistler Ski Holiday.

Book nice and early, Whistler is a very popular ski resort & booking early has a few benefits. Firstly, there are often amazing sales for early-bookers, and you can save up to 50% off your holiday by getting in at the right time.

Booking early means you can access the best rooms and best hotels before they sell out. This is especially important in peak travel times, such as Christmas or New Years Eve or around Canadian public holidays. Popular Whistler hotels sell out every year over these busy times, so if you really want that White Christmas experience, book as early as you can.
The great thing about booking early is, you don't have to pay in full for the whole booking, so a deposit can secure the best room at a great price and save you loads in the process.

Whistler, Photo Credit: Ben Girardi

We mentioned booking early, but if you are all about saving money, being flexible is a great way to save on your Whistler ski holiday. If you can move your dates slightly, sometimes this can save you thousands.

Whistler is also known for having awesome sales for longer stays, so sometimes you can stay 10 nights for less than an 8-night stay, or 7 nights for the same price as a 5-night stay!

Marty's Tip: If there is a 10-night sale rate, but you can't extend your stay passed 9 nights due to flights times, book the extra night anyway, and then use the room for a late check out. Flights back to Australia leave late at night so you will appreciate not checking out and waiting around for hours before your transfer to the airport.

Whistler, Photo Credit: Justa Jeskova

Whistler is a paradise for kids, there are so many awesome things to see and do that families will love. Visit Olympic Park, ice skating, snow play, tubing and of course learning to ski!

Marty's Tip: We highly recommend choosing a Sunday check in for families, this means that the kids can go into adventure camp starting on Monday. Adventure camp is an educational, immersive, and fun program for kids 3 to 12 years old, they learn to ski, build friendships, and have different themed events during their 5-day program. The camp includes lunches and snacks, and kids love it!

We recommend lessons to all customers, even to those who are more advanced. This gives more experienced riders the opportunity to be given tips for skiing this mighty resort and be directed to some on the best terrain.

Marty's Tip: Lift lines can get crazy on weekends in Whistler - Book your lesson on the weekends to skip the lift lines!

Whistler, Photo Credit: Chad Chomlack

Our team suggest you do an activity on you last day (checkout day), before you catch the bus back to Vancouver that night. When checking out of the room ask to store your bags with the hotel, then go snowmobiling or dog sledding for the morning. Come back to enjoy lunch at the hotel or close-by and wait for the bus.

Marty's Tip: Last time I was in Whistler, we checked out and spent the whole day at Scandinave Spa, then caught the bus back to Vancouver, we were nice and relaxed before our flight home.

Image Credit: Justa Jeskova

Ski runs are broken into 3 main levels, green is for beginners, blue marks intermediate level runs, and black is for advanced riders. We highly recommend lessons for beginner skiers and snowboarders. Not only does it speed up the learning process, but it also means there is someone to show you the best runs for your skill level.

Whistler: The Olympic Chair is the designated beginner's area in Whistler, it's the best place to start on your first day. The Olympic Beginner Zone can be accessed via the Olympic Mid-station and is fenced off to protect newbies from on-coming traffic. Hang out here to practice your turns and make sure you can stop before progressing further up the mountain.
Whistler is a great mountain for the novice skier or boarder, with nice wide green runs which are perfect when you are still mastering your turns. Look out for Upper & Lower Whiskey Jack, Pony Trail, Papoose, Bear Cub and Burnt Stew Trail.
Whistler's ski in, ski out access is a massive drawcard for skiers and snowboarders, and the run from Whistler Village Gondola Mid-station into the village is perfectly suited to new shredders. The green line from 7th Heaven is awesome for learning and has some stunning views (if you take the time to look around) which is a bonus.

Blackcomb: Start your day at The Magic Chair, this is the bunny hill in Blackcomb and the safest place to get your skills down before going in search of more terrain. Green runs in Blackcomb are a little narrower than Whistler but there are still some awesome ones to explore, for a nice wide and mellow start head to the Easy Out run.
The great thing about Whistler & Blackcomb is that there are some awesome advanced green runs & cruisy blues to start tackling once you get more comfortable, so it's the perfect place to build your skills and push yourself to try harder runs.

Photo Credit: Justa Jeskova

A huge part of ski holidays is what you do after the lifts stop turning! Whistler is incredibly versatile when it comes to dining & apres ski options, there is something for everyone! Fun family-friendly evening entertainment includes watching the Fire & Ice show, ice skating & Valle Lumina light show. For luxury travellers, a meal at Rim Rock is a must, as is Barefoot Bistro where you can partake in the exclusive "champagne sabering" in their wine cellar. If you are all about the cheap eats, wings at Crystal Lodge or a burger at El Furniture Warehouse is a great choice.

Whistler is a vibrant and energetic place for apres ski, and you can start at any time of the day at The Longhorn Saloon, other faves include the Garibaldi Lift Company, aka GLC, and if you are down for a late-night spot which stays open into the wee hours, Merlin's or Garfinkles are for you.

Marty's Tip: Make sure you stop by the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Shop & try their chocolate beer paws, they are amazing!

If you want to learn more about Whistler or start planning your own ski holiday speak to one of our ski travel specialists.

Blog by Lauren Robinson
Posted: Sep 2022