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.
If your Whistler getaway is all about non-stop fun, you have to stay in where the fun never stops: Whistler Village.
The village is where it all happens in Whistler, from free outdoor concerts with bands like Broken Social Scene to a dance club scene that attracts the world’s best DJs and MCs. And with festivals like the TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival and Crankworx bringing in entertainment from around the world, there is always new sounds to be heard in this awesome mountain setting.
Enjoy Whistler nightlife on foot
The biggest advantage of staying in Whistler Village is that you can quickly walk anywhere. (The interior village walkways are pedestrian only.) There’s absolutely no need to drive. And with BC’s new drinking and driving restrictions, it’s way better to be safe than sorry – especially with “sorry” meaning a blood alcohol rate of .05 or one drink. Why stay at your aunt’s timeshare at the other end of town and risk it?
Tips on staying steps away from the best clubs, pubs &bars
While life is lived in Whistler on the slopes and the golf greens during the day, at night, the village’s dozens of clubs, pubs, bars and restaurants come alive. The fun can kick off with après at one of Whistler’s great heated patios, continue over some amazing regional cuisine, move over to a pub for a set by a local singer-songwriter and end the night in one of Whistler’s many nightclubs – all within a block or two of your hotel’s lobby. (Check out the entertainment sections of The Pique for what’s happening.)
Taking advantage of staying in the heart of the action doesn’t have to mean a heart-attack hotel bill, if you look into affordable options. And if you’re coming to Whistler for the party, spending extra dollars for an in-house spa or 24-hour room service that you’re not going to use just doesn’t make sense.
Looking for Whistler Village Accommodations?
Check out Aloha’s complete listing of accommodations in Whistler. Then contact our in-resort local experts for more information or to book your lodging, events, and activities!
Whistler Tube Park
Whistler Tube Park on Blackcomb Mountain is one of the most popular family-friendly winter activities in Whistler. Located at the Excalibur Gondola mid-station, it offers 1,000 feet of sliding fun for kids, teens, and adults looking for an exciting way to enjoy the snow.
With green, blue, and black lanes, the Tube Park gives guests a choice of runs depending on their comfort level. A magic carpet makes it easy to get back to the top, while a nearby fire pit, play area, and snack station help make the experience comfortable and convenient for the whole family.
Family Fun on Blackcomb Mountain
The Tube Park is designed to be simple, fun, and accessible. It’s open during the day and into the evening, making it a great choice for families looking for a winter activity after skiing, snowboarding, or exploring the village. Because it does not require any ski or snowboard experience, it’s an easy option for visitors of all ages.
The atmosphere is part of what makes it so appealing. Families can warm up by the fire pits, grab a snack nearby, and enjoy a classic Whistler winter experience together. It’s an easy way to add a memorable activity to your mountain holiday.
Tube Park Details
Your ticket includes a tube, and only park-issued tubes are allowed. Sleds, toboggans, and self-owned tubes are not permitted in the Tube Park. For younger guests, a Mini Zone with mini-tubes is also available, with a minimum height requirement of 36 inches.
Whether you’re planning a family outing or looking for a fun evening activity, Whistler Tube Park delivers a fast-paced, easy-to-enjoy snow experience right on Blackcomb Mountain.
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Whistler Road Conditions
Whistler road conditions can change quickly, especially on the Sea to Sky Highway, so the safest approach is to check before you drive. Rain, snow, freezing temperatures, wildlife, and variable mountain weather can all affect Highway 99 between Vancouver and Whistler, and winter tires are required on the route from October 1 to April 30.
Whistler Driving Conditions
The drive to Whistler is beautiful, but it is still a mountain highway, which means conditions can shift fast from one section to the next. Tourism Whistler recommends checking DriveBC for current road conditions and using live webcams to see what is happening before you leave. In winter, this is especially important because snow and ice can accumulate quickly at higher elevations.
If you are heading up during a storm, it is smart to build extra time into your trip. Delays, slowdowns, and temporary closures can happen, especially when visibility drops or traffic is heavy. Variable speed limits are also used on Highway 99 to improve safety in poor weather.
Live Traffic Cameras
These are some useful camera links for checking Whistler and nearby road conditions:
- DriveBC Whistler Village Gate – South
- DriveBC Whistler Village Gate – North
- DriveBC Lake Placid – North
- DriveBC Function Junction – West
- DriveBC camera search page
- Whistler webcams
Best Time to Check
It is a good idea to check road conditions before leaving Vancouver, again before you reach Squamish, and once more near Function Junction or Whistler Village. That gives you a clearer picture of what is happening along the route, rather than relying on a single snapshot. Morning commutes, holiday weekends, and storm days are the most likely times to see heavier traffic or slower travel.
Practical Travel Tips
If you are driving in winter, make sure your vehicle is properly equipped for mountain conditions and keep a bit of flexibility in your schedule. A full tank of gas, windshield washer fluid, and warm clothing can make a big difference if conditions change unexpectedly. For the most up-to-date information, DriveBC remains the main source for closures, alerts, webcams, and delays.
Looking For Whistler Accommodations?
Aloha Whistler has everything you need to relax and unwind throughout your Whistler vacation. If you’re looking for Whistler condo or townhome rentals and luxury home accommodations during your stay, we’ve got you covered.