You don't have to be a ski family to enjoy a winter holiday in Whistler because there are so many other things to do! Plus, you can spend a day or two learning to ski and who knows, you might just find a new family tradition!
Even if you are a ski family it's always nice to do something different and I highly recommend taking a day or two off skiing to enjoy some other amazing winter activities in Whistler as well as giving your bodies a break!
Here are some ideas of super fun things you can do that don't require skiing in Whistler:
Head up by snowmobile or snow cat (warmer option and fits more people) to Crystal Hut under the starts for a night of fondue, wine (snow cat guests only) and fresh fruit pies!
Must be 10+ to be a snowmobile passenger and 8+ to ride in the snow cat. Make sure to dress warm and wear your snow boots!
You can zip line with Ziptrek which goes directly from Whistler Village or at Superfly Ziplines which is about a 10 minute drive north of Whistler at Cougar Mountain.
Ziptrek has a minimum age of 6 weight of 65lbs (tandem options available those who don't meet the requirements). Superfly Ziplines require participants to be 7 years old and over 60lbs.
Make sure you dress warm and wear glasses/goggles if it's snowing! For more info and booking, click here.
Go for a steak night or Yukon breakfast by snowmobile in a back country cabin on Sproatt Mountain.
During the day, both TAG (The Adventure Group) and Blackcomb Snowmobiles offer family oriented experiences where the kids even get to ride their own mini snowmobiles!
The tube park is a family favourite! If you have a car you can park as Base 2 and walk over to the park. If not, you can upload from the Excalibur Gondola in the Whistler Village and get off at the first station which drops you off directly at the tube park.
Kids 12 and under need to be accompanied by an adult. You can buy your tube park tickets here.
Ice Skating
Head over to Olympic Plaza where the ice rink is set up normally from late December (you can check here if the rink is open or not). You can also skate on the lakes if conditions allow or all year round at Meadow Park Sports Centre.
Dog Sledding and Sleigh Rides
Another family favourite! All ages including babies are welcome on the sleigh ride where you will get to ride through the forested trails on Blackcomb Mountain and stop in a small cabin for a fire and some hot chocolate!
Dog sledding is available for ages 4+. You'll get pulled through the old growth forest in the Callaghan Valley and you'll also get to meet the dogs! Make sure you dress very warm for both dog sledding and sleigh rides. Goggles are also recommended for dog sledding.
For more info and booking on sleigh rides click here and dog sledding click here.
Sightseeing in the Valley and up the Mountain
You can book a sightseeing walking village tour or a shuttle bus tour which will take you on an adventure through the entire Whistler Valley visiting all the iconic spots in Whistler including Green Lake, Rainbow Park, Nita Lake and more! Tours are suitable for all ability levels and ages.
For more info and booking valley tours click here.
You can also head up the mountain for breathtaking views of Whistler from above. Jump in the Whistler or Blackcomb Gondola to the very top and then take the Peak to Peak Gondola over to the other side. There are two glass bottom gondolas so you can look straight down into the valley (if there's a long wait don't worry because you can get the same view on any of the Peak to Peak cabins just by looking down out the side window).
There are restaurants and bathrooms at the top of each gondola so you can have lunch and a coffee while you're up there.
Snowshoeing or Cross Country Skiing
You can cross country ski right in the village at Lost Lake park or in the Callaghan Valley at the Whistler Olympic Park (10 mins south of the village). Lessons and rentals available at each location (click the links above for tours).
Snowshoe tours are also available at these two locations as well as up the Whistler Gondola. Choose and book snowshoe tour here.
A must see night time walk through a trail of lights put on by Cirque du Soleil at the base of Cougar Mountain (10 mins north of the village). Shuttle Available.
Combine an unforgettable heli sight seeing tour of the Coast Mountains with an ice cave tour! This is one of the best ways to get out of the tourist area and really explore what BC and the magnificent mountains have to offer. A once in a lifetime experience!
Cross country skiing, biathlon, disc golf on skis, tobogganing, snowshoeing, outdoor bonfires and so much more! Guided tours, lessons, rentals and self guided tours available.
You can try bobsledding at Whistler Sliding Centre which is the fastest bobsleigh track in the world! Must be 14+ to ride.
Check this one off your bucket list and bungee jump of a bridge over a river in a magical snow covered forest. There is no age restrictions for bungee jumping but participants must be 45lbs+.
Free Activity Ideas
Go tobogganing, ice skating in Olympic Plaza, take a stroll through the village, walk along the valley trail, build a snowman, have a hot chocolate and sit by an outdoor fire, go to the library and read a book, explore the Lost Lake forest.
