Things to Do in Whistler if you Don’t Ski: A Locals Guide to Winter Activities
Wondering what to do in Whistle if you don’t ski? Whether you’re recovering from an injury, need a couple of days off the slopes during your ski trip or tagging on with skier friends on a winter trip and your determined to enjoy a winter destination to its fullest as a non-skier – you’re in the right place!
Whatever your reason, Whistler might be a world renowned ski destination, but I’d argue that it’s an epic winter destination regardless of whether you ski or not.
After spending living in Whistler for over 8 years and spending multiple winter seasons without skiing (shoutout to my ankle injury 😅) I’ve figured out the best things to do in Whistler if you don’t ski.
Consider this your ultimate guide for non skiers – with all the best activities (adrenaline and not) to make the most of this epic winter destination.
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.
Is Whistler worth Visiting if you Don’t Ski?
Absolutely! Whistler might be world-famous for its slopes but it’s equally magical for those who never step foot in ski boots. I want to reassure you (and convince you) that Whistler is well worth a visit, as a non-skier!
Whistler is a resort town, not just a mountain, meaning that it’s built and designed around tourists having an incredible experience, and there are so many activities, restaurants, and things to do as a non-skier.
So if you’re wondering what to do in Whistler if you dont ski, I’m here to show you that it’s one of the best winter destinations around!
The Best Outdoor Activities in Whistler for Non-Skiers
Just because you’re not skiing doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun! Whistler truly as a playground of outdoor activities and there are SO MANY epic things you can do outside in the winter, that have nothing to do with skiing!
The Best Adrenaline Activities to do in Whistler if You Don’t Ski
In Whistler, adrenaline isn’t reserved just for the adrenaline sports – these are the best adrenaline activities you can do in Whistler as a non-skier!
Bungee Jumping
Is there a better way to say ‘adrenaline activity’ than bungee jumping?! And is there something more unique than to bungee jump surrounded by snow?! Whistler Bungee in the winter is absolutely stunning, and if you’re up for a serious adrenaline rush, it doesn’t get much better than this!
The Best Snowmobile Tours in Whistler
In my experience, the best snowmobile tour in Whistler is the Yukon Breakfast by Canadian Wilderness Adventures. You’ll be taken out to the Callaghan Valley and snowmobile up the mountain to a rustic log cabin, where you’re served a delicious breakfast that has been cooked on a wood fired stove!
Note: This tour is recommended for an adventurous beginners and intermediate riders. If this doesn’t sound like you, check out their beginner tour, the Callaghan Cruiser!
Ziplining
Ziptrek Ecotours runs 3 epic ziplining tours that connect Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. And doing it in the winter is something pretty magical! You have the choice between doing 4 zips, on the Bear Tour, 5 zip lines on the Eagle Tour, or doing the longest zip line in North America – over 2000m (7000ft) – on the Sasquatch.
Ice skating on a frozen lake or at the Ice rink!
Some might disagree with me putting this in the adrenaline section. Especially those Canadians who could skate before they could walk. But for those of us who aren’t born skaters, I’d argue that ice skating is an adrenaline sport! If you’re lucky enough to be in Whistler during the clear, wild ice season (when its been cold enough for the lakes to freeze, but before snow has fallen on the ice – so it’s frozen clear!), grab a pair of skates, check the ice depth and skate on a frozen lake!
Otherwise head to the skating rink at Olympic Plaza for an outdoor skating session!
The Best Non-Adrenaline Outdoor Activities to do in Whistler as a Non-Skier
Maybe you’re more into taking it chill – here for the adventure, but not the blood pumping kind? Whistler has some epic options for you!
Take a Helicopter Tour!
It’s not only Heli skiers that get to fly around in helicopters and see epic views in the winter! Take a sightseeing flight with Blackcomb Helicopters and see glaciers up close!
Or, if you want to have one of the most incredible experiences of your LIFE, by stepping INSIDE of a glacial cave – take an Ice Cave Tour with Headline! Get flown to a remote ice cave by helicopter, and dine on a charcuterie board while sat on a glacier!
Vallea Lumina
Vallea Lumina is an incredible light show in the forest, with lasers bouncing off the snow and the trees illuminated in glorious colours. Take a magical walk through the forest in the dark, following the story of two long ago hikers!
Snowshoe + Sauna in the Callaghan Valley
Experience the beautiful winter forest and learn about plants, trees and lichen from your experienced guide, followed by a sauna session in a barrel sauna! This is a peaceful and pretty epic way to hike in the snow and see a side of the forest you might not otherwise!
Crystal Hut Fondue by Snow Cat
Want to dine on fondue at the top of a mountain in the dark? This rustic log cabin on Blackcomb mountain is usually only accessible by skis. But at night, a snowcat will take you all the way up to 1,845m (6,053ft), to dine on fondue for dinner! Get your reservations here!
Ice fishing
Ice fishing feels like the ultimate Canadian winter experience, and you can do it right in the heart of Whistler! with incredible fishing guides – I was lucky enough to go out this team in spring and they guided me to catch my first ever trout! You’ll learn a lot, as well as having a lot of fun, trying to catch a fish under the ice!
Gondola Sightseeing
You might not be skiing from the top of the mountain, but it doesn’t mean you can’t go and see the views from up high! If you’ve got skier friends up there, you can even meet them for lunch or apres! And if you really want to go all out – reserve lunch at Christines, at the top of Blackcomb mountain, and then catch the Peak to Peak over to Whistler and grab a drink at the Umbrella Bar before downloading the Whistler Gondola!
Tickets for sightseeing are available online or at Whistler Blackcomb Guest services – the ticket includes access to the Peak 2 Peak Gondola – one of the longest unsupported gondola spans in the world!
Indoor things to do in Whistler if you don’t ski
While you can have incredible outdoor adventures in Whistler as a non skier, there are also plenty of cozy winter activities to do inside, that will still make you feel like you’re making the most of Whistler in the winter, without the cold!
Whistler’s Top Spas
There is nothing more magical than sitting in a hot tub while snow gently falls around you. So if you have snow in the forecast while you’re in Whistler, make sure to book a spa day!
The Scandinave Spa Whistler
This is more of an indoor/outdoor experience, but the best spa in Whistler has to be the Scandinave. With hot pools, wood fired saunas, steam rooms, a yoga room, fire pits and heated lounges around the property, it’s a little silent (seriously, you can’t talk here!) oasis in the mountains. Do a few hot and cold cycles and you’ll feel like a new person!
The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge
Looking for a massage, a facial, or maybe you’re wanting some medi spa treatments while you’re in town?The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge is the place to go! If you want a truly luxurious experience, my favourite treatment is the Nita Signature; a full body scrub and mud wrap, followed by a massage – you’ll leave with glowing skin and relaxed muscles!
The best indoor activities in Whistler
Activities aren’t just reserved for outside around here, and if you want to stay inside for the day, it doesn’t mean you have to just sit down and drink tea. If you’re looking for some fun indoor activities to do on your non-skiing holiday in Whistler, this is it!
Forged Axe Throwing
Get your competitive side out and book an axe throwing session at Forged Axe Throwing! Located down in Function Junction.
Whistlers Escape Room
Want to spend a few hours solving puzzles while locked in a room?! Head to Escape Room to test your brains, and your friends!
Take a dance class in Whistler
Align Whistler is a locally owned dance studio right in the heart of Whistler Village. With fun drop in classes for all the usual dance genres like Hip Hop, Contemporary and Jazz, they also have classes like Yoga and Pilates.
The Best Cozy Cafes in Whistler for a Snowy Afternoon
If it’s snowing outside, and you want immerse yourself in it, without actually being in the snow, this is my personal list of places I love to go when I want a cozy cafe to sit in and watch the world go by:
- Fix Cafe at Nita Lake Lodge: cozy vibes down in Creekside
- Alpine Cafe: community feel and a locals gem
- Portobellos: Warm, bustling and great for sweet treats!
- Lift Coffee Co: if you want to feel a bit more ‘amongst it all’, Lift Coffee Co is right next to the base of the Whistler Gonodola and is always bustling with people. Their covered outdoor patio has heaters to sit under – perfect for feeling like you’re outside, but staying warm in the process!
Winter Day Trips from Whistler to Take as a Non-Skiier
While everyone else in your crew might be spending every day riding the mountain, you’ll have time to explore areas around Whistler a littler further afield. While yes, there is plenty to do in Whistler as a non skier, taking a day trip out of Whistler will give you a unique perspective that a lot of the skiers that visit never get to see!
Day Trip to Pemberton from Whistler
Head north to Pemberton, for incredible mountain views, and amazing beer and food. Start at the Bread Warehouse for coffee and pastries, before going out to the Beer Farmers for a pint and wrapping up with dinner at Mile One.
Day Trip to Squamish from Whistler
If you came up to Whistler from Vancouver, you would have driven through Squamish, but head back down for a day trip! Take the Sea to Sky Gondola for stunning views over the Howe Sound, grab a famous donut at the Fox and Oak cafe and stroll their gorgeous shops.
Where to stay in Whistler as non-skier
For a detailed break down on where to stay in Whistler in the Winter – check out this guide. But if you’re wanting to maximize the fact that you’re not skiing (so proximity to ski lifts isn’t important to you) these are the three places I would recommend:
Nicolaus North: for a big houses, in a quiet and exclusive neighborhood.
Nita Lake Lodge: for a romantic getaway out of the village
Fairmont Chateau Whistler: for the ultimate escape, within walking distance to everything you need!
A Local’s Tips for non-skiers visiting Whistler
Book early – Winter is busy season in Whistler, so make sure to book your accommodation, activities and restaurants as early as possible to lock in good pricing and ensure you dont miss out on the things you want to do!
Bring micro-spikes for the trails! If you’re planning to go for walks on the beautiful valley trail, I recommend bringing micro spikes or yeti yak tracks (link) for those icy days. You generally wont need these if you are only walking around the village, as the village areas are regularly cleared and salted, but they valley trail can get more icy.
Get the shuttle if you’re not comfortable with winter driving: Driving the Sea to Sky highway from Vancouver to Whistler can be very snowy in the winter. I’ve written a full guide on how to get from Vancouver to Whistler – but my suggestion is booking a shuttle if you don’t need a car during your stay!
Final Thoughts
Don’t be scared to visit Whistler as a non skier – you absolutely dont need to be a skier to have a magical winter holiday here. There is so much to do in Whistler if you dont ski, so much so that you might have a better trip than the skiers, with a different activity to do everyday! Your winter getaway will be anything but boring.
And if you need help planning your unforgettable itinerary for your Whistler holiday – book a 1-2-1 and I can help tailer an epic itinerary, unique to YOU!
