The 10 Best Whistler Ski Holiday Things to Do

A Whistler ski holiday is often on many people’s bucket lists, and with good reason. Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America. It offers breathtaking mountain vistas, epic skiing and snowboarding, and an abundance of activities for days spent off the mountain.

You won’t be short on things to do in Whistler if you fancy a rest day from skiing or don’t ski at all. There is literally something for everyone, and I have compiled a comprehensive list of the must-do non-ski activities you won’t want to miss!

Why take my word for it? I lived in Whistler for 3 years and have seen and done absolutely everything on this list so I know you are going to love it! Discover the 10 Best Whistler Ski Holiday Things to Do below.

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Après Ski in Whistler

No Whistler ski holiday is complete without après ski. Après ski is a quintessential ski holiday activity involving post-skiing social activities with drinks, music and mountain vibes. Quite often you will head straight from the slopes in your ski gear to enjoy the fun and frivolity. In my opinion, you don’t have to ski to enjoy it either so it is something everyone can enjoy.

Whistler is home to a wide variety of great après ski venues with my favourites being The Longhorn Saloon, Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub, Garibaldi Lift Co., Crystal Lounge, Dusty’s Bar & BBQ in Creekside and my secret spot the Raven Room.

If you want to delve deeper into the best bars and restaurants in Whistler, check out Whistler Dining: The Ultimate Guide to Whistler Restaurants and Bars.

Vallea Lumina

Vallea Lumina is a multimedia night walk through an enchanted forest in pursuit of hidden wonders. It is located on Cougar Mountain about 20 minutes drive from Whistler Village and is a feast for the senses. You won’t find a more magical experience in Whistler than this! You can enjoy s’mores around a crackling campfire at Basecamp, twinkling lights, epic light displays and more (I don’t want to spoil the experience).

Wrap up warm, wear sturdy shoes, bring a torch and prepare to be absolutely amazed! This one is suitable for all the family! You don’t want to miss this Whistler ski holiday activity!

PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola

If you ski in Whistler you will experience this, but if you don’t then you need to add a journey on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola to your Whistler ski holiday bucket list. The perfect experience to enjoy epic mountain views for those looking to sightsee in Whistler.

You take a gondola up the mountain from either Blackcomb or Whistler Village, here you can enjoy lunch with epic mountain views before heading across the Guinness World Record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Enjoy stunning 360-degree panoramic views as you pass across the valley between Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain. Feeling fancy? Book Christines on Blackcomb for lunch or just pop into the Umbrella Bar on Whistler Mountain for a drink.

Ziplining on your Whistler Ski Holiday

I took my mum ziplining in Whistler during a ski trip and she absolutely loved it. Nothing quite beats zooming through the snowcapped trees on a glorious winter’s day. You are rewarded with incredible views, an adrenaline rush and memories that will last a lifetime!

Ziplining in Whistler is an absolute must-do Whistler ski holiday activity! There are two companies that you can zipline with, Ziptrek Ecotours who are located in Whistler Village and is a great option if you don’t have transport and Superfly Ziplines who are located in Cougar Mountain about a 20-minute drive from Whistler Village.

Scandinave Spa Whistler

In my mind, no Whistler ski holiday is complete unless you have experienced a luxurious spa experience. Who doesn’t love to relax and unwind after a hard day of skiing with a massage, bubbling hot tub and a sauna? In my opinion, there is no better spa in Whistler than Scandinave Spa. Nestled in the forest, this outdoor thermal spa offers something truly unique. When the snow is falling, this place is like something out of a dream! The experience is so magical and relaxing and the views are absolutely breathtaking.

If you are looking for spa hotels in Whistler, my favourites for their spa facilities are Nita Lake Lodge Resort and Spa (my first pick), Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Four Seasons Resort Whistler, Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside, The Westin Resort & Spa.

Read about where to stay in Whistler in my Ultimate Guide to Whistler Ski Resort here.

Snowmobile in Whistler

There is no better way to experience the beauty of the backcountry than on a thrilling snowmobile ride. Power your way through magical forests and take in the epic mountain views. There are a variety of different tours you can do, suitable from beginners to expert powder hounds. I had never been on a snowmobile before and enjoyed my first experience very much. We were blessed with a huge amount of snow which made the experience even more magical. You can also enjoy an authentic cabin-cooked breakfast or fondue mountain-top dinner on some tours.

Fire & Ice Show

Every Sunday during the winter season (normally from around New Year’s Eve onwards) you can witness Whistler Blackcomb’s spectacle – Fire & Ice. An adrenaline-filled show of world-class freestyle skiers and snowboarders performing epic tricks through literal rings of fire. There’s music and entertainment, and every show ends with a fireworks display. This family favourite free activity is a must on your Whistler ski holiday! Check the Whistler Blackcomb website for the full schedule.

Ice Skating on Your Whistler Ski Holiday

Whistler is home to its very own outdoor ice skating rink at Whistler Olympic Plaza. You can hire skates, zoom around the rink surrounded by twinkling lights and pretend you are in the Winter Olympics. Or if you are like me – use the skating aids to help stop you from falling over. You can also ice skate at the indoor ice skating rink at Meadow Park Sports Centre in Alpine.

Helicopter Scenic Flight

If you want a bird’s eye view of the mountains below, then opt for one of the most breathtaking activities you can do on your Whistler ski holiday. Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight and see a whole new side of Whistler. If you feel the need for even more adrenaline, why not opt for a heliski trip, where you helicopter to the top of the mountain and ski down?

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

Visit the heart of Whistler’s authentic Indigenous experience – the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. A First Nations Museum and Art Gallery with a gift shop and cafe. Connect with Cultural Ambassadors as they share a traditional drum song, an inspiring short film, and take guests on a guided tour of the Museum sharing stories from two distinct Nations the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and the Lil̓wat7úl. No Whistler ski holiday is complete without a visit here.

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