The Ultimate Locals Guide to 2 Days in Whistler (in Winter)
Heading to Whistler for the weekend (or maybe you’re lucky enough to be doing a quick mid week visit) and want to make the most of your short time here?
Having spent 8 winters exploring every corner of Whistler, I’ve condensed everything I love most into this two-day winter itinerary.
It’s jam packed with the best of our little mountain town, the kind of ‘taster’ itinerary that will have you wanting to come back for more!
Are you ready??
For the purposes of this article, I am going to assume you’re an intermediate skier. Comfortable on blue runs, maybe with a push into some easy blacks, and keen to explore the mountain. If you’re more advanced – I trust you know how to find runs that will challenge you, but you can still follow the rough zones if you like.
And if you’re a beginner, ignore most of my skiing suggestions and stick to the learning area at the mid station of Whistler gondola before progressing to the green runs on Emerald and Cat skinner chairs as you get comfortable!
Because transparency matters: some of the links below are affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, I might earn a tiny commission — at no extra cost to you.
Day One: Its a Good day for Skiing Whistler!
Get your breakfast on the run
As much as a sit down breakfast is luxurious (and there are some incredible breakfast spots in Whistler!), you’ve only got 2 days, and with the faff that is getting your gear and lift passes sorted, we need to eat on the run today.
Two of my favourite cafe’s right in the heart of Whistler Village are Forecast Coffee (Village Square) and Lift Coffee Co. Grab a breakfast sandwhich and a coffee and head to get your gear!
Pick up your rental gear
If you’ve come with your own gear already, 10 points, you can skip this part! But if you need to rent gear, these are the places I personally recommend.
If you’re in the village: head to Black Tie Ski Rentals.
If you’re not staying int he village and want the convenience of ski gear delivered straight to your accommodation: Whistler Ski Butlers will come to you!
Time to grab your lift ticket!
The easiest (and cheapest) way is to do this is in advance online, and if you’re reading this BEFORE heading to Whistler, grab those lift passes ASAP, because the further in advance you get them, the cheaper they are!
If you’d rather talk to a real human, you have a couple of options to get them in the village. If you’re staying in Whistler village, your most convenient (but likely busier option) is Whistler Village Guest Services in Skiers Plaza. Blackcomb Guest Services in the Upper Village and Creekside Guest Services in Creekside are often quieter, but are more out of the way.
With the recent upgrade to passes on your phone, even if you’re heading up today, you can still buy online, load the pass on your phone using the Epic App, and not have to wait in line!
Ready to Ski Whistler?!
For your first day on Whistler Blackcomb, we’re going to focus on the OG mountain – Whistler.
In this article I am going to refrain from giving you specify run choices because I don’t know your ski ability, and I wouldn’t want anyone cursing my name when you’re half way down a ski run thats out of your depth! These are chairlift and zone recommendations, but make sure to look at the Whistler Blackcomb terrain map and make your own run choices based on your abilities.
Start by uploading the Whistler Village Gondola, a 26 minute ride up Whistler mountain. Focus on the Emerald Chair zone to start, and when you’re feeling pecking, pop into the Chickpea – an on mountain restaurant with famous cinnamon buns!
If the weather is clear and you’re feeling confident, head to Peak Chair, the view from the top blows me away every time, even after 8 years of seeing it! The easiest way down is a green cat track the winds around all the way down to the bottom of Harmony Chair.
You’ll pass Symphony chair on the way, home to some of the best gladded tree runs on the mountain! But be warned – Symphony chair closes the earliest, and if you get stuck at the bottom it’s a 45min hike out! So pay attention to closure signs and check the lift times before heading down!
Upload Harmony Chair and take Pika’s traverse, another green cat track, to the Roundhouse Lodge for lunch. The Umbrella Bar just outside has incredible views and mulled wine to warm your soul!
If your legs are still working at this point, check out the Red Chair and Garbanzo chair zones before skiing out to Whistler Village (don’t take the route to Creekside!).
The ultimate relaxation – Scandinave Spa
To get those legs ready for day 2, it’s time to get a lil R&R. And the best spot to do that in Whistler is the Scandinave Spa. This place is beautiful. With hot tubs, wood fired sauna, steam rooms, cold plunges, a yoga room, and relaxation lounges, there’s no better place to take a moment of silence (you’re not allowed to speak!!) to relax your mind and your muscles ready for another day of adventure in Whistler.
Especially if you’re visiting on a weekend, I recommend booking your spot in advance, so you don’t end up on a waitlist! With only 2 days in Whistler, we dont have time for standing around!
Eat local, at one of these locally owned Restaurants:
If you’re not just feeling like going straight to bed after the Scandinave Spa, these are my top recommendations for locally owned restaurants in the heart of Whistler village:
Hunter Gather: Cheap(er) and delicious with a focus on local produce and local beers.
21 Steps: Ask to sit upstairs on their second level, for a cozy vibe!
Quattro: The best pasta I’ve ever had in my life was from here. Unfortunately is was a chefs daily special, so it’s not always on their menu but don’t skip their Tiramisu
Day 2: Choose your adventure
Two days in Whistler is not alot of time. So, if you just want to ski again today, I understand. BUT… if you’re up for a bit of an adventure before an afternoon of skiing, I have a treat for you.
Go snowmobiling in the Callaghan valley
Being a local in Whistler for over 8 years, I have tried almost all of the activities that you can do here, and I think the absolute must do for our 2 day Whistler itinerary is the Yukon Breakfast Snowmobile tour.
Out in the Callaghan Valley, you’ll see a side of Whistler that most people dont see. Your guide will get you suited up, teach you how to ride a snowmobile and then take you up to a rustic log cabin at the top of a mountain. In this cabin, your mountain chef has cooked you a delicious breakfast over a fire stove. It sounds like something out of a story book right?! After breakfast you’ll back down the mountain, looking over impressive views all the way down the valley, before finishing up and being taken back to the village!
Note: This tour is suitable for adventurous beginners and intermediate riders. Not sure if this is you? Call the very helpful reservations agents at +1 604 938 1616 to double check!
An Afternoon Skiing on Blackcomb
If you’re lucky enough to be in Whistler while the sun is shinning, the afternoon is the PERFECT time to ski Seventh Heaven chair! Views for days and hopefully soaked in sunshine, I think this is the best view on Blackcomb mountain. Depending on how much time you have, head over to Jersey Cream or Glacier Express for a few laps to finish out the day.
If you decided to opt to ski all day instead of going snowmobiling, dont miss getting the famous waffles at the Crystal Hut!
Apres like a Local:
On the ski out, follow the signs to Whistler Village, and you will ski almost to the front door of the Dublin Gate Irish Pub, a local favourite. Great beer, hearty meals, live music and a happy hour from 5pm – 7pm.
If you’re up for squeezing every last drop out of your 2 days in Whistler, grab an early dinner at the Dublin so that youre ready to head on your last adventure of the trip!
Vallea Lumina – An immersive light experience
The perfect end to an epic weekend, book a trip to Vallea Lumina, an immersive light show that winds through the forest, and takes you on a journey through a magical story.
Where to stay in Whistler in Winter
If you want to know the best locations for the kind of ski holiday you are looking for, I have written a detailed breakdown of where to stay in Whistler in Winter!
But for this particular itinerary, because you only have 2 days in Whistler to explore our stunning mountain town, I strongly recommend you stay in the village. This will give you easy walking access to most things without having to waste time driving and finding parking.
My top Hotel Recommendations in Whistler Village:
My personal recommendation: and in fact where I host our Womens MTB trip in the summer for good reason: The Sundial hotel.
Best Midrange Hotel: Slightly outside of the hustle of the main village stroll, but still within easy walking distance to everything is the Aava Hotel.
Best if you’re on a budget: This is unique stay, but if you want to stay in the village on a budget – The Pangea Pod Hotel is it!
A weekend to remember
My hope is that your 2 day winter trip to Whistler is the taster you needed to already be planning your next visit, whether winter or summer, Whistler has so much to offer!
If after reading this, you want to have a little more time to explore, check out my 3 day winter itinerary here!
Or if you’re ready to start planning your summer adventure, this is a list of the Best Activities in Whistler in the Summer to get you inspired!
For more related posts:
How to Get from Vancouver to Whistler in Winter: Your 5 Best Transport Options
