While Whistler is renowned for downhill skiing and riding, this beautiful mountain town also offers incredible Nordic skiing experiences for beginners and experts alike. The great part? There is not just one Nordic skiing centre to choose from, but three, each offering their unique flair and experience.
I have spent a decent amount of time cross-country skiing in Whistler, whether with my old pooch along the dog-friendly trails of Whistler Olympic Park with a child in tow, or making my way up to Journeyman Lodge to ski-tour, or getting leisurely laps in closer to town around Lost Lake.
I love the glide, the fresh alpine air and the full-body workout. As Nordic aficionados know, cross-country skiing, whether you skate or classic, is a fantastic workout. You get upper body, back, core, glutes, legs and cardio all in one fell swoop. I cross-country ski not only for the exercise and the rush of endorphins but also as an excuse to cozy up in the lodge afterwards and enjoy a hot bevy and a treat while the snow falls outside. That’s true winter magic.
This winter, I reached out to Lost Lake Nordic Trails, The Callaghan and Whistler Olympic Park to learn about their latest offerings for the 2024/25 season and they do not disappoint!
Whistler Olympic Park
Nestled in the breathtaking Callaghan Valley, 20 minutes south of Whistler Whistler Olympic Park boasts over 55 kilometres of expertly groomed cross-country trails, more than 15 kilometres of snowshoe trails and a wide network of dog-friendly trails, that weave through thousands of hectares of pristine Canadian wilderness.
As the host of the Nordic events during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Whistler Olympic Park is a world-class destination for classic and skate skiing, and snowshoe adventures. After some time on the trails, you can recharge at the licensed Day Lodge with hot drinks and delicious meals. If you need gear, all equipment is available for rent on-site, as well as lessons and tours.
With diverse terrain and trails for all skill levels, Whistler Olympic Park has terrain for beginners and elite athletes alike. Ski lessons and tours cater to all abilities, including hands-on biathlon introductions.
“Rediscover the wonder of winter among the rugged peaks and towering trees of Whistler Olympic Park in the Callaghan Valley,” says Catherine Aird, Marketing Manager at Whistler Olympic Park. “Join the excitement as the Sea to Sky region emerges as one of North America’s premiere Nordic recreation destinations.”
New for this year is their expanded hours. Whistler Olympic Park is open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and until 6:30 PM on Thursdays, starting in the new year. Evening specials have expanded to both Monday and Wednesday nights from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Specials include $10 rentals, $10 tickets, $10 dinner specials, and eight kilometres of groomed lit trails and headlamp access to all trails.
Other highlights include:
- A new Kids’ Snow Play Area & Learners Loop
- Kids’ Snow Play Sundays (NEW): Drop the kids off with instructors and enjoy a ski!
- New discounted tickets after 2 PM (and for students).
- New camp and lesson offerings
- New exciting sports and community events like the Rossignol Women WeRise (Jan 19) and Invictus Cross-Country Ski and Biathlon (Free Event Access on Feb 11)
Whistler Olympic Park is a non-profit organization and visitor revenue supports Nordic athletes and helps maintain the venue for public enjoyment. Parking is free.
Cross-Country Skiing at The Callaghan
Also located in the stunning Callaghan Valley, The Callaghan’s Base is a gateway to winter adventures like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ski touring. With 40 kilometres of professionally groomed cross-country skiing trails, new this year is a one-kilometre beginner loop close to the base and some new family-friendly facilities to enjoy (more on those below).
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Elevated Experiences for Adventurers
“The Callaghan is a landscape for the seekers,” says Keith Byers, General Manager of the Callaghan. It has unmatched access to the most pristine, natural environment in the entire Sea to Sky corridor. From the base at Alexander Falls to the highlands of the Callaghan Conservancy, our trails are a portal to nature in its pure and wild form. When you’ve experienced it for yourself, you instantly understand the local’s reference ‘hidden gem’.”
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Ride on the grooming cat to Callaghan Lake (aka the Lake Bump), where you can enjoy rustic backcountry trails in the serene, sub-alpine terrain of Solitude Valley. Here, you can access Morningstar, Ring, Meadows and Solitude Loops; The Callaghan’s premiere sub-alpine, featuring 18 kilometres of Nordic trails. For a truly special day, enjoy a gourmet lunch from $30 in the alpine dining room at Journeyman Lodge, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape – it’s the perfect way to refuel before heading back down to the base.
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Also new this year – level up your avalanche readiness! Practice essential avalanche safety skills at the Arc’teryx/Mamut Avalanche Beacon Training Zone. This public-access park offers a safe and controlled environment to hone your beacon search techniques in the event of an avalanche event. Practice with your own equipment or rent on-site, just speak to the team at the base and they’ll tell you where to go.
No matter your level of experience, The Callaghan offers something for everyone—from beginners to seasoned pros. And finally, you cannot leave without enjoying a cozy après and gathering around the new fire ring and picnic area!
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Lost Lake Nordic Trails
Just steps from Whistler Village lies the Lost Lake Park cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. With 25 kilometres of cross-country trails and 15 kilometres of dedicated snowshoe paths, the views of Lost Lake and Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, make this location unique. You can also double-dip on your ski experience with downhill during the day and Nordic at night with four kilometres of illuminated trails – the only night skiing option near Whistler Village.
“With trails suited for all skill levels, from beginners to experts, you can enjoy the views of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains at your own pace,” says Roger Weetman, Manager of Recreation at the RMOW. “We also offer a range of lessons to get people going or to help hone existing skills.”
You can pick up rental gear and book lessons at Lost Lake PassivHaus, which is also home to the Cross Country Connection Café where you can grab a coffee, hot chocolate and snack.
Chasing Tracks and Making Memories
One thing is undeniable: Whistler’s access to premium cross-country trails, set amidst breathtaking and untouched wilderness, is truly extraordinary.
Whether you’re gliding through The Callaghan’s pristine wilderness, chasing Olympic dreams at Whistler Olympic Park, or sneaking in a twilight lap at Lost Lake, there’s one thing I know for sure: I’ll be the mom bribing her kids with hot chocolate and cookies to keep up… and loving every snowy second of it. See you on the trails!
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.
