In Whistler, adventure doesn’t come in small doses. This is, after all, North America’s biggest ski resort.
We’re talking a skiable terrain of over 8000 acres, a whopping 5280 feet of vertical, 200 runs, 16 alpine bowls and 36 chairlifts… and that’s all just Whistler Blackcomb.
There’s so much to discover and experience throughout Whistler; from the major après scene to the endless activities on offer, the family-friendly side and the side that offers a front-row seat to true Canadian culture.
It’s also easy to access, via a direct international flights through to Vancouver followed by an easy two-hour transfer from the airport up to the resort. Once you’ve arrived, everything is so conveniently located that it’s easy to settle in right away and relax into your trip.
Here’s our guide to the must-sees and must-dos of a place where bigger really is better.
Bigger mountains
With all that terrain spread across two peaks (Whistler and Blackcomb mountains), this resort isn’t just big, it’s colossal.
The legendary PEAK 2 PEAK gondola, the world’s highest lift of its kind, connects the two mountains with a ride that’s just 11 minutes long. You get stunning 360° views over snow-drenched forests and dramatic alpine ridgelines, and you begin to understand why skiers and snowboarders come back to this magnetic mountain year after year.
But don’t be intimidated. Whistler’s terrain diversity makes it a magnet for thrill-seekers and family adventurers alike. Beginners will love the wide, gentle green runs and dedicated learning zones, while intermediate and advanced adventurers can explore the more exhilarating options… of which there are plenty.
Did we mention BIG snow? An average of 11.8m each season and one of the longest ski seasons that rolls from November each year all the way through to May.
Bigger menus of things to do
Beyond the mountains, Whistler’s pedestrian-only village is a winter wonderland all its own. There’s something for everyone here, from cosy bakeries to high-end culinary delights; you can shop for artisan wares by day, slip into a cocktail bar for a fireside drink, then indulge in dinner at an oyster bar… just as easily as you can get a Whistler craft beer and plate of nachos for après before carving up a DJ-fuelled dance floor.
At the heart of it all is a creative, welcoming community that blends adventure, art, and culture. Stroll through the Audain Art Gallery, stop in at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, and discover more about the First Nations people of Whistler. It’s so much more than just the snow; it all forms experience that stays with you long after you’ve gone.
Bigger experiences
Those big memories are built through big days from sunrise to beyond sunset. All the winter activities will just fill your calendar right up, from snowmobiling to tubing, bungee jumping, heli-sightseeing, Nordic skiing, axe-throwing, bobsleighing at the Olympic centre, the list goes on…
Our top picks? Ziplining by night under a starlit sky; Scandinave spa, which offers traditional Scandanavian baths in a stunning forest setting; the Whistler Fire & Ice Show, which showcases world-class athletes demonstrating their best through a literal ring of fire; and the magical Vallea Lumina enchanted forest night walk, with a multimedia light and sound show to boot.
The big tips
Once you arrive in Whistler, everything you need is at your fingertips; accommodation, dining, shopping, and activities, all walkable within the vibrant pedestrian-only village. So save the cash you’d spend on a car rental and stash it away for everything you’ll want to do once there.
Skiing a lot? Lock in the best price on Epic Passes, or Whistler Blackcomb Day Passes, before they disappear in early December.
If you want to really relax into things, see everything and do everything you want to do, plan to stay for at least ten days. Or, you know, forever (plenty of Aussies do!).
The big deals
We know what you’re really here for… the perks!
Now’s the time to book for winter 25/26 in Whistler to ensure the best rates, prime accommodation choices and peace of mind for a stress-free ski holiday.
When you book before September 1 via Whistler.com, you’ll also score some serious perks, including discounts on rentals, ski school, lodging, lift passes and more. And then there’s the dining… stay 7+ nights and receive a $100 CAD dining voucher, or stay 10+ nights and receive a $250 CAD dining voucher.
Convinced? Ready to start planning your next trip to Whistler? Click here to begin.
