3 days in Whistler (in Winter) Itinerary
Whistler truly is the ultimate winter destination,
Not only is Whistler Blackcomb the biggest ski resort in North America, but there are so many epic non skiing activities, restaurants and accommodation options on and off the mountain.
I have been lucky enough to call Whistler home for the last 8 years, so after doing almost every activity, dining at almost every restaurant and skiing the mountain for 8 winter seasons this article truly does give you an epic, jam packed 3 day itinerary for your winter weekend in Whistler. I want to make sure you can squeeze all the best things into a short trip, make the most of this epic mountain town and convince you to come back for longer next time!
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!
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 1: Rent your gear, get up the mountain and get familiar
Grab and go breakfast
Because getting gear and lift passes sorted can be a bit of a faff around, I’d recommend starting this day with a quick grab and go breakfast, to make the most of day 1. Two of my favourite cafes right in the heart of the village are Forecast Coffee (Village Square) and Lift Coffee Co. Lift Coffee is right at the base of the Whistler Gondola – which does mean, during morning rush hour (at the chairlifts), it can be a bit busier.
Pick up your rental gear
If you have your own ski gear, well done, you can skip this bit. If not, these are places I would recommend renting your ski gear from.
If you’re in the village head to Black Tie Ski rentals
If you’re not staying in the village and want ski gear delivered to your accommodation without the hassle; use Whistler Ski butlers.
Get your lift pass
Now you’ve got your gear it’s time to get your lift pass. The easiest (and cheapest) way is to do this is in advance online. The further in advance you get your lift ticket the cheaper it’ll be. So if you’re reading this BEFORE heading to Whistler, jump onto whistlerblackcom.com and grab your lift tickets ASAP!
If you’re already in Whistler, the busiest but also potentially the most convenient spot to get your lift tickets is right at the bast of Whistler Mountain. The guest services location at Creekside and Blackcomb base both do tend to be quieter if you can jump over there.
But even if you’re heading up today, depending on the phone you have, you do have the option of loading a pass directly on your phone. This will save waiting in guest service lines!
Ski Whistler
Today we’re going to focus on the mountain that started it all: Whistler!
In this particular article I am going to refrain from giving run choices because I dont 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 choices based on your abilities.
Upload the Whistler Gondola from the village and start with the Emerald Chair zone. if the activities of the morning have you peckish – grab one of the famous cinnamon buns at the Chickpea, an on mountain restaurant half way down your ski from the top of the Gondola to the bottom of the chairlift!
If you’re feeling confident (and the weather is clear) head to Peak Chair for, in my humble opinion, the best views on the mountain. The easiest way down from here is a long green cat track all the way around to the bottom of Harmony chair.
If you’re up for it, stop at Symphony chair on the way past for some fun gladded tree runs – be-warned though. Symphony chair is the earliest chair to close, and if it’s closed when you get there, it’s a 45min hike out! So check the lift closure times here and pay close attention to the closed signs and ropes!
Head to either Emerald or Harmony chair to get back to the RoundhouseLlodge for lunch. Hit up the Umbrella Bar for great views and mulled wine to warm your soul (but consider downloading the gondola if you’re having a few drinks).
Depending on your legs, check out Red Chair and Garbanzo Chair before making your way back to the village.
Apres at the Dublin Gate
While Longhorns might have the loudest music when you get to the bottom of the mountain, I think Dublin Gate has the best vibes; Irish music, great beer selection and friendly locals. (They have a happy hour from 5pm-7pm too!).
Dinner at Rim Rock or Harajuku
If you’re looking for the best food in Whistler, and have a bit of cash to splash (and have booked in advance), you will not be disappointed at Rim Rock. Whistlers locally owned seafood and game restaurant that has been serving impeccable food since 1986. My favourite dishes are: starters: lobster bisque or seafood trio, main: venison or the meat trio, dessert: you can’t go wrong.
If you’re more of share plates and fun vibes kind of diner, and love Japanese tapas – Harajuku is the place to go.
Day 2: Make the most of it, then recover hard
This is the day to ski hard early, relax and then have a bit of an adventure.
Start with fresh tracks
Want early access to the mountain, with (almost) no one else around, fresh powder (or fresh grooming depending on the day)?
Get a Fresh Tracks ticket here, jump in line early, and upload the Whistler Village Gondola between 7.30am and 8am. Note: this is limited to the first 600 people and is on a first come first serve basis.
Lap Emerald Chair and Red chair to your hearts content (and before the lines), use your first tracks breakfast voucher to grab something to go from the Pikas restaurant downstairs in the Roundhouse lodge, and jump on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, to eat your breakfast with a view!
Ski Blackcomb
Today we’re skiing for views and food.
Head to the Seventh Heaven chair for a couple of laps in the (hopefully) sun. Then, depending on your ability, either follow the run on skiers left of the top of the chair, into the Glacier Express zone, or follow the green run down to the top of the Rendezvous lodge and down to the bottom of Glacier express from there. Explore the Glacier Express or Jersey Cream express zones before heading over to the Crystal Chairlift for the real treat of the day.
As you get close to the top of the Crystal chair, take in the delicious smell – that, is your lunch – Crystal hut waffles. Add all the toppings, because why not, you’re on holiday, and savour every bite!
And now it’s time to wrap up the skiing and head to…
The Scandinave Spa
For the ultimate relaxation. Hot pools, steam rooms, wood fired sauna, heated hammocks to relax in, fires to sit by and read, and a yoga room to stretch out those tired muscles.
Make sure to reserve in advance so you dont end up on the waitlist!
Dinner from Barn Nork Thai
After the ultimate relaxation, if you don’t feel like getting dressed to be publicly presentable again – you are lucky enough to be right next Whistlers BEST take away: Barn Nok Thai.
You will want to order in advance though – phone orders start at 3.30pm and the last order is at 8pm. And when they’re sold out for the night (which happens often) then that’s it!
My recommended dish: Beef massaman curry – it’s to die for!
Day 3: It’s time for a different kind of adventure!
Dont worry, you’re still going to ski, but to kick off the day you’re also going to see an entirely different side of Whistler.
Morning breakfast tour with CWA
After living here for 8 years, and doing pretty much all of the activities Whistler has to offer, I think the Yukon Breakfast Snowmobile tour is the most unique, fun and spectacular.
You’ll be taken out to the Callaghan Valley in a bus, the home to some of the 2010 Winter Olympics games. You’ll get suited up in all the appropriate attire and safety gear, be taught how to drive a snowmobile, and taken up to a cabin in the sub alpine overlooking a frozen lake. In this warm log cabin, you’ll be served a delicious breakfast, cooked over a fire stove, before snowmobiling back down the base (with some EPIC views in front of you!).
Note: This is rated as suitable for adventurous beginners and intermediate riders. If you’re unsure of your ability or comfortability driving snowmobiles, call the Canadian Wilderness Adventures office at +1 604 938 1616 – their reservations agents are incredibly helpful and will be able to recommend what tour is approbate for you!
Afternoon Ski
You’ll be dropped back into village around 12pm – the perfect time to head up for same afternoon laps! Choose whichever zone has been your favourite over the last 2 days, or explore somewhere new if you’re feeling brave!
Dinner for any budget from Whistlers locally owned restaurants:
Hunter Gather: Cheap(er) and delicious with a focus on local produce and local beers.
21 Steps: If they have space, 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!
Evening Activity: Vallea Lumina – A magical light show
I’ll be honest, when this first opened in 2018, I was a bit skeptic. It sounded pretty lame 😱 – a light show in the woods?!
But, when I finally went for the first time in 2019, I was blown away! It’s so epic Ive been back 3 times! You can check out times and ticket options here.
Where to stay in Whistler in the Winter
If you’re reading this article, Im going to assume it’s your first time to Whistler. And if its your first time to Whistler and you only have 3 days, I strongly recommend you stay in the village, or at most, the upper village. This way you’re walking distance to most things and will cut down on your time finding parking and getting to and from everywhere.
These are my top hotel recommendations:
My Personal Recommendation: The Sundial Hotel. Right in the heart of it all, literal steps from the lifts, epic views, rooftop hot tub (or private hot tub if you book a suite!) and with a full kitchen – this is actually where I choose to host our Womens MTB Trips in the summer, and for good reason! Check out dates and prices here.
Best Midrange Hotel: The Aava Hotel – hot tub on site, 5 mins walk from the Gondola, and a few steps outside of the hustle and bustle of the village. You can book here.
Best budget option: The Pangea Pod Hotel This one is a very unique stay! But it’s the cheapest option to be right in the heart of Whistler Village! Check out dates and prices here.
Now to start planning your return!
3 days in Whistler during Winter, is just enough time to get a taste, and develop a pinning for coming back. Not only is there more to do in the winter season, but, there’s whole other world to explore – and that is Whistler in the summer!
And if you need to cut your trip down to just 2 days – you guessed it – check out the perfect 2 day winter itinerary here!
They say once you visit Whistler, it’ll be in your soul forever. So join the club of Whistler lovers. I hope our little mountain town showed you all of her true colours.
