The Local's List: April

Wahoo, spring skiing and riding! With fresh corduroy in the morning, buttery groomers in the afternoon and the potential for a few late-season powder dumps, spring skiing is the best. Whistler Blackcomb has one of the longest seasons in North America with Whistler Mountain being open until May 20, 2024. However, this does mean that Blackcomb Mountain closes this month on April 14, as does the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. From April 14 to May 20, Whistler Village Gondola and Creekside Gondola run daily from 9 AM to 4 PM.

The World Ski and Snowboard Festival (WSSF – April 8 to 14) is back, wrapping up the season with sports, arts and music. It’s also patio season in Whistler, so take a read of some of our après posts for ideas on which ones to hit up while you’re here. April is also Earth Week, and AWARE Whistler is celebrating in a big way with a week (April 17 to 22) packed full of Earth Week community events.

Here’s what’s happening in Whistler this April.

Outdoor Adventure

You’ll find us:

At the Mummy Mondays XC Ski or Snowshoe events on April 8 and 15. Located at the Alexander Falls Touring Centre Callaghan Country Base, mums can enjoy 25% off rentals (for the little ones too) who come to the Callaghan to ski or snowshoe. This event is a great way to socialize with other mums and enjoy some time in nature.
Seeing if our thighs can handle the legendary Saudan Coulior Race Extreme presented by Helly Hansen, part of WSSF. The steep, double-black-diamond course is 2,500 feet of thigh-burning hell, but the kudos of saying you made it down? Priceless. The race happens on April 12, register online if you’re brave enough!
Soaking in the last few weeks of spring riding on Blackcomb Mountain, which closes on April 14 for the season, including the Peak 2 Peak Gondola operations. Whistler Mountain stays open until May 20 for those hoping to enjoy spring skiing and riding for as long as possible!

Adventure Lite

You’ll find us:

Loving that Whistler’s network of trails is emerging from the snow. Take a spring stroll or cruisy bike ride along Whistler’s Valley Trail. You could head north towards Green Lake or south along the banks of Alta Lake, towards Creekside and Function Junction. Download the free, Go Whistler Tours app for a curated list of self-guided strolls and bikes.
Joining in on an educational stroll at the Monthly Bird Walk on April 6, hosted by the Whistler Naturalists at 8 AM (they’re usually 2 to 3 hours). You’ll be joined by birding experts who compile a detailed inventory list of year-round bird activity. This activity is open to all and free for members, and by-donation for non-members.
Swinging a club at the ultimate golf challenge, the 9-hole Iron Arnie – Sim Edition. Head to the Whistler Golf Course from 10 AM to 9 PM daily until April 7. It’s also good to note that the Whistler Golf Course driving range opens on April 5!
Feeling the G-force on a passenger bobsleigh adventure at the Whistler Sliding Centre – the only place in Canada where the public can try bobsleigh and slide like an Olympian with a trained pilot. This experience wraps up April 7 so check it out while you can!
Taking the plunge at the Arc’teryx Winter Cold Plunge Series at Green Lake on April 9 from 7:30 to 9:00 AM. Learn about the benefits of cold exposure therapy, how to safely plunge in the winter, and of course to take the plunge alongside awesome community members and a cold plunge guide!

More ways to get outside.

Family Fun

You’ll find us:

Spring skiing with the kiddos. With the longer, sunnier days and emptier slopes, spring is a great time to get out there with the kids. We suggest packing some hot chocolate and treats and finding a sunny spot for a family picnic. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Checking out The Cut Rail Jam at Skiers Plaza on April 13 at 2 PM as part of the WSSF. With 40 invited riders in pursuit of a $20,000 prize purse, this event is sure to be entertaining for all! Post-rail jam, spectators can expect a free performance on the Main Stage, where a to-be-announced artist will perform live! ⁠
Sliding through slush or simply watching the hilarious antics, at the Slush Cup presented by Corona as part of the WSSF on April 14. In this iconic spring event, participants charge through the spring snow and send it across a slushy ice pond, preferably in style. With tons of prizes up for grabs, don’t miss this annual fan-favorite event.
On a family adventure like ziplining across the valley, exploring one of the shorter, valley hikes like Lost Lake or Train Wreck (note that in the early part of this month, these trails could still have patches of snow and ice), or renting bikes and exploring the Whistler Valley Trail. Read Top 10 Whistler Spring Activities for Families for more ideas.

More family-friendly activities.

Arts & Culture

You’ll find us:

Checking out the Anonymous Art Show at the Maury Young Arts Centre, which runs until April 27 (buying night is April 5). The participating artist’s identity is kept secret until you select your art. Purchase your entry ticket to ensure your spot at Whistler’s most adrenaline-fueled gallery event!
Unleashing our creativity at the Still Life Painting Workshop hosted by the Audain Art Museum on April 6. This is a popular event, so be sure to purchase your tickets in advance.
Having a laugh at Laugh Our LIVE! Presents: The Great Gorby Gap, expect high-energy improv, side-splitting sketches and uproarious stand-up comedy with a Whistler twist! Happening April 12 and 13 at the Maury Young Arts Centre, presented by Arts Whistler.
Participating in the Earth Week events with AWARE Whistler from April 17 to 22, 2024. Be sure to check out the full schedule and join in on the Earth Week celebrations!
Listening to piano, saxophone, bass and violin at The Four Jays concert at the Maury Young Arts Centre on April 17. Doors open at 4:30 PM. Purchase your tickets in advance to make sure you secure your seat at this incredible, classical music concert!
Experiencing the powerful Cacao Ceremony, Sound Journey & Leela Hypnotherapy Experience at Yogacara Whistler on April 20 from 6 to 8:30 PM. Feel the nourishing properties of the sacred Cacao, straight from Costa Rica, support you in the opening of the heart-led realms, with curated sound landscapes and guided meditation.
Immersing ourselves in poetry at Take The Plunge, a Whistler Writers Festival Event on Saturday, April 20. Local poet Leanne Dunic will read her most recent work, followed by an open mic night, offering local writers a chance to connect and share. RSVP online prior to the event, doors open at 7 PM.

Eating, Drinking & Shopping

You’ll find us:

Dancing in our ski boots live music from The Hairfarmers at Merlin’s Bar & Grill every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, or at Dusty’s in Creekside on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 6:30 PM until April 13.
On the patio of the Longhorn Saloon on Tuesday, April 9 from 2 to 7 PM, enjoying the classic Swedish Afterski party in parternship with the WSSF. It’s set to be the ultimate après ski celebration!
Embracing the Quebec tradition of celebrating the maple tree harvest with Bearfoot Bistro in partnership with Quebec Maple Syrup Producers and Maple from Canada. From April 10 to 30, indulge your senses in the Magic of Maple, as Bearfoot Bistro transforms into an authentic “cabane à sucre” (sugar shack). Read more about it in our dedicated blog and book your table now!
Eating our way through the spring dining specials around town. From spring tasting menus to happy hours, there are plenty of spring dining specials to choose from this month!

More on Village shopping, dining and arts and culture.

Save the Date

Be a Responsible Traveller: Don’t Love It to Death

Help keep Whistler green by choosing tap water over bottled water, avoiding single-use plastics, leaving the car at home, choosing active transportation and sorting garbage properly to reduce your waste.
At this time of year, our hiking and biking trails are just coming out of the snow. Before you head out, check Trailforks to see which trails are open so you don’t damage them before they’ve had a chance to bounce back after the winter. If you’re using the trails regularly, consider donating to or joining WORCA, a local organization that maintains Whistler’s trail system.
Be AdventureSmart and always practice Leave No Trace principles.
Consider our Responsible Travel pillars, Respect Nature, Think Environment, Don’t Love It to Death and Support Local.
Whistler Alert is the official emergency notification system used by the RMOW to communicate with residents and visitors during emergencies via text message, phone and email. We encourage you to sign up for it while you’re here (just in case). When you register, you will be asked to provide your contact number and the date you plan to leave Whistler so that you don’t receive alerts when you’re back home.

If You’re Driving . . .

Take a read of Go Car Free: 8 Reasons to Ditch the Car on Your Whistler Trip in case we can convince you that you don’t need your car!
Help reduce congestion on the highway by travelling during non-peak times. Peak travel times on the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler include Friday afternoons and evenings, weekends and holidays. To avoid this busy time, plan to visit Whistler midweek when the highway and the resort are typically quieter. Extend your weekend – plan to arrive on Thursday night and leave on Monday morning to avoid the weekend traffic. If you’re visiting Whistler only for the day, plan on staying for dinner to avoid the rush of day traffic leaving the resort after the mountain closes.
Always check DriveBC for current road conditions before getting on the road. Follow @DriveBC on Twitter and listen to MountainFM for the latest updates.
Paid parking is in effect in all the Day Lots although there is complimentary parking from 5 PM to 8 AM. Overnight parking is allowed after March 31 in the Day Lots (with a max stay of 24 hours), but no overnight camping or sleeping in vehicles. Please check the RMOW website for more information on parking including an interactive map.