From ice skating to bungee jumping, Whistler Blackcomb has activities for everyone. And whatever you choose during your stay, you’re guaranteed to leave with priceless memories and stories. Now let’s explore some of the family-friendly winter activities you can plan for this season.
Snowshoeing
It’s more strenuous than hiking, but slower paced and more relaxed than skiing or snowboarding. Snowshoeing is a great activity for the whole family to slow down and fully absorb the majesty of the alpine beauty around you. Among the places you can snowshoe are Lost Lake Park, Rainbow Mountain, or the Whistler Olympic Park.
Family Ski Day
There are plenty of green and blue trails on both mountains–just the right combination of ease and exhilaration. Legend has it there’s a secret tree fort on Whistler and an enchanted castle on Blackcomb. You’ll just have to find them first…
Activities for Teenagers
Sometimes teens like to get away from Mom and Dad for a few hours, don’t they? One way to affirm their burgeoning independence is to put them into snow school, where teens aged 13-18 receive ski and snowboard lessons in all skill levels.
It’s a great way to meet other kids their age, learn new skills, forge lasting friendships, and explore both mountains with an experienced coach.
Ziplining
If you’re feeling more adventurous, consider an afternoon of high wire ziplining.
Yes–you can ride a zipline across the valley from one mountain to the next, soaring above the snow capped trees and screaming like a maniac. If you’re especially daring you can try “Superfly,” a zipline spanning more than a kilometer from 200 meters in the air.
There’s nothing quite like it, and if you can convince Grandpa to give it a shot you’ll be the family hero.
Ice skating
A classic Canadian pastime, and there’s a great variety of skating in Whistler. You can skate outdoors at Whistler Olympic Plaza with views of the mountains, or venture further afield and lace up for a skate on one of the local lakes.
If you do skate on lake ice, be sure you understand the risks and can assess the conditions for safety. You want to have at least 6 inches of ice thickness, and preferably several days of cold weather (below -10° C / 14° F) before getting on the ice.
Avoid any signs of open water or slushy conditions. In fact, it’s a good idea to stay close to shore where the water is shallower. Also, never skate alone, stay in groups, and keep a close eye on everyone!
And if indoor skating is more your style, head over to the NHL-size rink at Meadow Park Sports Center where equipment is available for rent at the full service skate shop.
Snow Tubing & Tobogganing
What more really needs to be said? Go flying down a snowy hill at top speed in a snow tube, come to rest at the bottom of the hill, then take a special conveyor belt back to the top and do it all over again.
This is how you can pass your time at the Bubly Tube Park, or you can head over to the Whistler Olympic Park for some good old fashioned tobogganing.
PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola
Aside from a private helicopter ride, this is your best bet for incredible panoramic views. If you start at the Whistler Village Gondola, then take the PEAK 2 PEAK all the way up Whistler Mountain and then down Blackcomb Mountain, you’ll enjoy a continuous 13.5 KM loop with a bird’s eye view of the mountains, glaciers, and forests. There’s even a glass-bottomed gondola along the way to take your sightseeing to the next level.
Whistler Olympic Park
One of the most popular places for winter adventurers. Here you’ll find all kinds of gear for rent, a massive area to explore, a day lodge with cafe, and dog-friendly ski and snowshoe trails. This wintery paradise has cross country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, and even biathlon (that cool sport combining cross-country skiing and rifle marksmanship).
Vallea Lumina
Vallea Lumina is a multimedia night walk that immerses you in glimmering light shows in the forested trails of Cougar Mountain. A perfect activity for all ages, groups, and families. And children aged 5 and under get free admission.
“But Wait–There’s More”
We couldn’t possibly cover all the available activities in this short article! There’s so much to do here in Whistler Blackcomb that if you come here and you’re bored, you’re doing something wrong!
For more information and for pricing on all the above activities (and more) visit: https://www.whistler.com/
If you’re already decided on how you and your family want to spend your visit, or you need a little help planning your trip, get in touch with Aloha Whistler to book your mountain accommodations today.
