Ski season in Whistler on Friday, November 22, 2024, and to say we’re a bit excited would be a big understatement. If you’re coming to Whistler for the first time this winter season, if it’s on your bucket list for the future or even if you class Whistler Blackcomb as one of your home hills, this post has tips on how to get ready for some big mountain skiing.

Knowing you’d want to hear about skiing in Whistler from reputable sources, we engaged two locals who have some impressive medals and trophies adorning their mantle pieces. Pro skier, Stan Rey and Olympian skier and interim physiotherapist, Kelsey Serwa take us through what you need to know about getting ready for skiing Whistler Blackcomb.

How to Dress for Skiing and Riding Whistler Blackcomb

Main Video Takeaways

  • Go for layers
  • Waterproof outer layer
  • Good socks

Due to Whistler’s coastal proximity, temperatures are moderate through the winter season, rarely dipping below -10°C (12°F) in the valley and -15°C (5°F) in the alpine during the coldest part of the year. You can expect a -5°C (22°F) average daily alpine temperature during most of the winter months, so as Stan says, layering is your best bet.

INSIDER TIP: We recently hit the Whistler Village Stroll to research buying the best ski jacket, take a read of our findings in our Insider’s guide.

How to Choose the Right Skis for Whistler Blackcomb

Main Video Takeaway

  • All mountain skis are a safe bet

Renting ski gear in Whistler means you can ask for advice and potentially swap them in for a different type if the weather changes. It also means you don’t have to wait for them at baggage claim.

INSIDER TIP: Stan has his own YouTube channel, which has some great ski tips for Whistler, like how to carve and ski steep terrain.

How to Warm Up for a Day Skiing Whistler Blackcomb

Main Video Takeaway

  • Lunges are key
  • Make sure you’re not attempting this in a tight lineup situation
INSIDER TIP: Kelsey’s Instagram has lots of other tips for how to get your body ready for all kinds of different sports, or just daily life!

How to Cooldown After a Ski Day on Whistler Blackcomb

Main Video Takeaways

The free Go Whistler Tours app has a curated set of self-guided walks that would be fun to do as a post-ski cooldown.

If you want more information and advice about coming to Whistler for a ski vacation we suggest reaching out to the team at Whistler.com, via email, phone or via their super handy Ask Whistler live chat service. The Whistler.com team is based in the Sea to Sky, so you’re talking to locals who work and play in Whistler. There are also a few more blog posts you might want to check out:

Get some early festive feels and a deal! Book 3+ nights between November 21 and December 20, 2024, to receive a free $100 CAD Whistler Shopping Voucher, with rooms starting from $175 CAD per night, accommodation and lift packages at 25% off and rentals at 35% off

Come experience Whistler Blackcomb’s extensive terrain and adventure at every turn to see why we're known as one of the best resorts on the planet. Secure your mountain getaway with Whistler.com for personalized service and the local knowledge of our Whistler-based team. If all this has you dreaming of Whistler, enter the Find Your Edge contest to win a six-night trip, including flights, accommodation and adventures. 

Author

Stan Rey took his technical background in ski racing and ski cross to the back-country, where he now enjoys chasing powder and busting backies off any drop you care to point out. You can find Stan shredding the slopes of Whistler, ripping on his mountain bike, or slicing a drive on a golf course. His winters now revolve around filming for BLANK Collective Films and his YouTube Channel. He skis fast, sends hard and is dedicated to spreading the stoke for a life well lived in the mountains!