Whistler is home to two ski resorts, Whistler and Whistler Blackcomb and the area itself has three main neighbourhoods to choose from. Accommodation is spread between Creekside, Upper Village or Benchlands and Whistler Village, each area has its own vibe and perks depending on what kind of snow holiday you would like to enjoy.
Whistler offers a selection of ski in, ski out hotel options as well as budget hotels and luxury resorts. Visitors love Whistler’s Village Stroll, a great hub offering plenty of options to unwind after a day on the slopes.

Whistler is popular among both locals and international visitors from all corners of the worldwide skiing community. Make sure to book nice and early over peak times, especially if you are dreaming of a white Whistler Christmas or enjoying the New Year.

For more information on Whistler ski accommodation click here.

Whistler and Whistler Blackcomb sit side by side and collectively they make up 8,171 acres; which is connected by a one of a kind peak-to-peak gondola. Whistler Blackcomb is North America’s largest skiable area, with over 240 runs, 37 lifts and 5 terrain parks that cater to all levels of skier or snowboarder. The peak-to-peak gondola can be also be accessed on foot, which is popular for non-skiers who don’t want to miss out on the incredible views from the summit!

Winter or more specifically the snow season runs between late November & late March in Whistler, boasting an average annual snowfall of almost 12 metres at the top and 4.3m down in the village, with January through to March being the highest snowfall months on average.

Compared to some other Canadian ski resorts, Whistler actually offers quite mild winter temperatures and is a great option to introduce people who don’t usually visit the snow to winter. Another great feature are the long runs, reaching up to 11kms top to bottom, you are sure to end with some solid leg burn! Both Whistler and Blackcomb are skiable on one lift pass, so patrons can ski the closest lift or choose to explore as much of the terrain as possible during their snow holiday.

For more information about Whistler lift passes click here.

Fly into Vancouver International Airport located in British Columbia, Canada. From the airport it will be approx. 1.5hrs to Whistler Blackcomb. There are Shared and private shuttle services from Vancouver to Whistler, or visitors can choose to hire a car and drive themselves.

Once you are in Whistler, there are free winter shuttle services that run loops to major attractions and the ski lifts. Depending where you choose to stay, there are often restaurants, bars and shops within walking distance of your hotel and many hotels also have these facilities within the hotel itself.

There is plenty to entertain and excite visitors around Whistler. Obviously skiing and snowboarding are the most popular winter activities, but there is so much more to do during a visit.

Thrill seekers enjoy all the expected adventures, try cat skiing, ziplining, heli-skiing, dog sledding and snowmobiling or for something a little different head to the Whistler Sliding Centre and try your skills on the bobsleigh.

Whistler is a great place for families, with a selection of family friendly activities such as horse and sleigh rides, ice-skating and tubing. At night enjoy Vallea Lumina, a magical illuminated walk through the forest, a visual treat for all the whole family. Whistler Olympic Plaza also offers family après sessions during winter. On Sunday evenings, make sure to check out the Fire & Ice shows at the Whistler Plaza to watch skiers and snowboarders preform tricks through a flaming ring of fire! To top it all off, Whistler has fantastic ski schools and child-minding facilities available to allow parents time to enjoy themselves too.

If you are more into relaxation, unwind at the incredible Scandanave Spa, these outdoor Nordic inspired baths are a definite must-do to soothe aching muscles. There is also excellent shopping to be done in Whistler, from high-end boutiques and quirky gift shops to all the usual snow sports brands and department stores.
Avid skiers and snowboarders that want to optimise their time on the ski fields will love the Fresh Tracks program, get up early and indulge in a buffet breakfast at the Roundhouse Lodge before beating the crowds for the freshest snow. During peak times Fresh Tracks does sell out, with a limited number if spots available.

Whistler village is a hive of activity, with a great selection of après options to suit all budgets and musical tastes.

An institution, The Longhorn Saloon has a large outdoor patio at base of the Whistler and Blackcomb gondolas. Longhorn has a country feel and is a great option for cold beer and snacks and all-day après . Another awesome Whistler après spot is Merlin’s, make sure to get their famous nachos and if you are daring join in for some tabletop dancing. Situated at the base of the Wizard chairlift, Merlin’s run fun themed nights and karaoke as well. Another awesome spot is the GLC (Garibaldi Lift Company), drink cold beer or margaritas and listen to live music, the GLC has an excitable buzz in the air.

For a more laid-back après option, head to Cinnamon Bear Bar which is located under the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa. This pub style venue has pool tables and has large screen tv’s which makes it popular for sports fans. If you want to dance the night away, hit up the biggest nightclub in town – Garfinkles.

Whistler has so many quality dining options to choose from, its hard to know where to start! You can enjoy everything from incredibly cheap meal deals through to exquisite high-end fine dining.

If you are craving wings or like the sound of $6 meals, don’t miss El Furniture Warehouse. Not only is food exceptionally well-priced, they play great tunes, and the music isn’t overpowering so you can still mingle and chat easily. Another great budget friendly dining option is Crystal Lounge, located under the Crystal Lodge in the heart of Whistler Village, they offer live music, daily meal deals, extended happy ‘hour’ and excellent wings. There is something enticing about wood fire pizza in winter, we love Pizzeria Antico for rustic traditions pizza at an excellent price.

Japanese lovers should not miss Sushi Village, the food is incredibly fresh, and our team love the sake margaritas! Sushi Village is super popular, so we highly recommend going before you get too hungry but promise it’s worth the wait.

For fine dining, you can’t miss the Rim Rock. The restaurants moody, cosy atmosphere is accompanied by a high-quality menu, and are especially well known for their incredible seafood, melt in the mouth venison, extensive wine list and large cellar. Another fine dining favorite is the Barefoot Bistro, their tasting menu is a delightful dining experience and guests also love the exclusive champagne sabering in the wine cellar.

Note: These are the best restaurants in Whistler, from our Ski Experts perspective. If you think have a favourite option and think we should add it to the list – feel free to email us!