things to do in whistler besides skiing

Fun Things To Do in Whistler Besides Skiing

Whistler has been named as one of the best ski resorts in the world for a number of years, and quite rightly so.

The resort, located just 1h 45 from Vancouver, boasts incredible snow conditions, breathtaking views and over 8,000 acres of mountain to explore.

As far as skiing goes, there are few other resorts that offer such varied terrain and beautiful runs for both the beginner and the expert. But skiing isn't the only thing Whistler has to offer, and there are so many other exciting activities that don't involve a day on the slopes. If you're planning a winter getaway, here are a few fun things to do in Whistler besides skiing that you may enjoy.

Things To Do In Whistler Besides Skiing

Dog Sledding

When exploring BC's wilderness, it's only right to do it in style. Ride through the Callaghan Valley with the ultimate team - a pack of Alaskan Huskies. Let the dogs guide you through the snowy alpine and experience one of the best adventures that Whistler has to offer. You can even join your musher in harnessing the dogs and learn how to command so you can ride solo. Plus, you get time to play with dozens of dogs when you returned back to the cabin, which is basically heaven if you're a dog lover!

Snowmobiling

If you love a bit of adventure, you have to give snowmobiling a try. Canadian Wilderness Adventures runs a number of amazing snowmobile tours up and around the mountains during the day and at night. For an extra special experience, explore the forested trail under the stars with sweeping views of the Whistler Valley. Wrap up in your winter gear and snowmobile up to Crystal Hut cabin atop Blackcomb Mountain at 6,000 ft, and indulge in wine and a traditional fondue dinner by the log fire.

 Photo credit: Canadian Wilderness Adventures

Things To Do In Whistler Besides Skiing
Things To Do In Whistler Besides Skiing

Snowshoeing 

Meander through the snowy forests and experience a true winter wonderland on snowshoes. Take a guided tour through the depths of Whistler Mountain resort, or go exploring by yourself and wander the many trails that are dotted around the area. There are a number of beautiful trails located just a few minutes from the Village around Alta Lake and across the Whistler Valley. Make sure to wrap up warm as the temperatures can plummet to well below freezing, especially on a clear day. I love these Keen Elsa Boots as they keep my feet warm and dry even in the deepest of snow, and as far as winter boots go, they're definitely the most practical (i.e. stylish) that i've found!

Things To Do In Whistler Besides Skiing
Things To Do In Whistler Besides Skiing

Scandinave Spa

For something a little more relaxing, Scandinave Spa Whistler is the most amazing way to kick back and wind down. Open in both the summer and winter, this Nordic-inspired outdoor spa offers the ultimate relaxation experience. Warm up in the Eucalyptus steam room or wood-burning sauna, cool off in one of the refreshing plunge pools and soak in the mountain views as you relax in your robe by the fire. Perched on the side of the mountain engulfed by forest and wildlife, the spa boasts panoramic views and fresh mountain air, along with hot baths, saunas, waterfalls and treatments. 

Peak 2 Peak Gondola

Even if you're not a skier, the Peak 2 Peak experience is one of a kind. The 4.4km and 11 minute-long crossing, which is the highest and longest in the world, offers incomparable 360 views of both Whistler and Blackcomb mountain and the coastal forest. The gondola provides the perfect photo opportunity, and you can grab a bite to eat at one of the mountain-top restaurants and experience lunch with a spectacular view. A day ticket only costs $50, so you'd be crazy to miss out on the beautiful scenery from what feels like the top of the world.

Things To Do In Whistler Besides Skiing
Things To Do In Whistler Besides Skiing

Tubing

Experience a thrill as you fly down the 1000 ft of tubing lanes at the Snow Tube Park. The lane difficulty ranges from green to blue to black, so it's perfect for both kids and adults, plus you can join up your tubes and go down together which makes it so much more fun! The park's open until the evening and there's a food truck located on site so you can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and a Beaver Tail by the fire to warm up after you've finished sliding around.

 (Photo credit: Mike Crane & Summit Lodge)

What are your favourite activities around Whistler?

Drop me a comment below - I'd love to hear your recommendations!

Things To Do in Whistler Besides Skiing

PARTNER

This winter adventure post was brought to you by our friends at Keen.

I sported their ELSA boots as I explored the mountains and adventured into the alpine. Where will your Keen boots take you? 

 

10 Comments

  1. Mev M.
    January 12, 2016 / 4:18 pm

    Great tips!

    Also, don’t forget about Fat Biking, super fun in the snow! They can be rented in the Village at a few shops or in the Callaghan at Whistler Olympic Park.

    There is Ice Skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza for free ($5 rentals).

    And for the adventurous, Bobsledding or Skeleton at The Sliding Center! Sooo fun!

    Finally, there are two great places to go Cross Country Skiing… I know it still has the name skiing in it but it’s so different. Lost Lake and Whistler Olympic Park are both amazing.

    So fortunate to call this place home! Thanks for posting!

  2. January 7, 2016 / 9:28 am

    I’ve been wanting to get to Whistler for awhile now, it looks like such a fun place to go in the winter! Dog sledding and tubing, especially, sound like a great time.

  3. January 6, 2016 / 10:10 pm

    You had me at spa!!!!! A vacation club we are a part of has a home in Whistler and I always shy away from going because I don’t ski. The spa looks absolutely beautiful and dog sledding, snowmobiling, and tubing all sound like super fun activities.

    LiveLifeWell,
    Allison

  4. January 6, 2016 / 5:28 pm

    I love all of these! I snowshoed and snowmobiled ages ago, but I have never gone dog sledding. Snow tubing sounds great too!

  5. January 6, 2016 / 3:57 pm

    The spa, tubing and gondola ride have my name all over it. I am headed with the kids to CO next week and I’m popping them in Snowboarding school but I am going to be doing activities similar to this list myself. Those boots are SO cute!!!

  6. January 6, 2016 / 10:54 am

    Beautiful images and great tips! I haven’t been up to Whistler in many years and I definitely need to go back. That spa looks amazing!

  7. January 6, 2016 / 9:37 am

    It looks like such an exciting place! My husband loves to ski so I wouldn’t be surprised if we get here eventually.

  8. tila
    January 1, 2016 / 11:02 pm

    I LOVE THE SPA!!!

    • Go Live Explore
      Author
      January 3, 2016 / 2:44 pm

      Isn’t it amazing! I’ve been in Summer but never in Winter – I bet it’s incredible with all the snow!

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