The Whistler Insider
A photo taken of Whistler Village in the winter time in the purple hues of the evening alpen glow. Whistler and Blackcomb mountains are in the background with the festive lights of the village and Olympic Plaza in the foreground.
In Insider Tips

When to Visit Whistler in the Winter

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While winter may be confined to three months in other parts of the world, in Whistler we revel in it for six! Each month offers unique, must-do events and activities, and choosing which elements speak to you can help you decide when to visit Whistler.

Whether you want to see and do a little bit of everything or you’re focused on skiing and riding one of the best ski resorts in North America – there is a winter month for you. We’re here to help you figure this out with a six-month guide to when to visit Whistler in winter.

NOVEMBER

This is when it really begins to feel like winter in Whistler. Anticipation for the ski season is high and there’s that “this is why we live here” energy in the air that is incredibly contagious. 

But it’s not all about the snow just yet. We’re still celebrating the arts and culinary scene with Whistler’s celebration of food and drink –  Cornucopia. Whistler’s incredible winter lights go up in November and by the end of the month, thousands of strands are hung, turning it into a beautiful twinkle town.

November in Whistler Infogrpahic

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Best Time To:

INSIDER TIP: If you’re coming to Whistler during the peak winter season, now is the time to make some dinner reservations. Check out this blog on avoiding “hangry” moments.

DECEMBER

Whistler in December in one word = magical. The village is a-twinkle with holiday lights and the hot chocolate is flowing. We’re taking in the best Canadian and international films at the Whistler Film Festival and racking up days on the hill. There’s a lot of fun to be had at the Whistler Conference Centre’s Wintersphere, ice skating and more.

December in Whistler Stats

Events:

Outdoor Activity Ideas:

Best Time To:

  • Feel festive and enjoy the Whistler Village lights using the free, Go Whistler Tours app
  • Shop local and find the perfect holiday gift
  • Have a family snow day, and try skating, tubing, snowshoeing and more
  • Take advantage of early season deals at the beginning of the month
  • Book dining reservations in advance and plan for Christmas dinner
INSIDER TIP: Early and mid-December has the same twinkly festive feel as Christmas week, but doesn’t carry the same price tag so can be a great time to come – check in with Whistler.com to check rates.

JANUARY

Fresh start, fresh snow. January in Whistler is officially midwinter which means you have every outdoor winter activity to choose from. The resort also welcomes one of the biggest parties of the year – the Whistler Pride and Ski Festival, complete with a parade, stand-up comedy acts, a snowball and more. A trip to Whistler is a guaranteed way to start the year off right!

January in Whistler

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INSIDER TIP: Visit mid-week for a quieter in-resort experience.

FEBRUARY

Welcome to deep winter. If you’re coming to explore the backcountry, now’s usually the best time to do it. You can take a course or learn a new skill with one of Whistler’s outdoor education providers to get you out exploring, safely. With Valentine’s Day and Family Day also falling in this month, it’s a great time to celebrate your loved ones and get in some quality time together.

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INSIDER TIP: Check out these Valentine’s Day ideas to help you plan ahead.

MARCH

If you don’t live in the Coast Mountains this stat may surprise you – March is one of Whistler’s snowiest month. Winter around here likes to go out with a bang. The sun starts to make an appearance again and every once in a while we’re treated to an overnight snowfall before a bluebird day. The days are also getting longer making it the perfect time to enjoy après and the alpenglow from one of Whistler’s patios. 

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INSIDER TIP: Be aware of spring break dates if you want to avoid the crowds.

APRIL

Not technically winter, this is the month for those who want to ski and snowboard every day but also want to walk around the village in a t-shirt. It’s also the beginning of winter / summer multi-sport days, you can go up the mountain in the morning and hit the lake in the afternoon. The World Ski and Snowboard Festival hits town mid-month so if you like snow, parties, art and mountain culture – you’ve got to be here.

Events:

Outdoor Activity Ideas:

Best Time To:

  • Hit up the terrain parks
  • Enjoy the snow AND sun
  • Take advantage of late-season deals
  • Learn what “party in April, sleep in May” means at the World Ski and Snowboard Festival
INSIDER TIP: Take spring skiing tips from a pro.

There you have it, the plethora of winter in Whistler. If you still have questions about when you should visit or how to plan your ultimate vacation, Whistler.com travel consultants are ready to chat when you are. See you on the slopes!

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. If you're coming this winter, the time to book is now with Whistler Blackcomb Day Passes starting from $97 CAD per day, 30% off lodging and 40% off rentals (free kids' rentals). Epic Coverage is included for free so you can plan ahead with peace of mind.

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. 

Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in 2018 and because we’re frequently asked “When should I come to Whistler?” we’ve updated and republished it!

Author

Nikkey got her start in Whistler as an outdoor guide and the habit of talking about the place has clearly stuck. Whistler’s general laid-back lifestyle and immediate access to fun is what’s kept her around. When not hanging out on the Whistler Insider team Nikkey works as a freelance creative for outdoor and wellness brands. Nikkey’s favourite Whistler animal is the marmot- she just wants to pinch those fluffy cheeks! (but never would because she respects wildlife and really likes having her fingers attached to her hands.)

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