Family Friendly Whistler Winter Itinerary
Days 1-5. Ski or Snowboard everyday!
Private skiing lesson in Whistler, B.C. with my daughter and instructor. Start off your lesson at the Whistler Village Gondola. Be sure to make some time for shopping in the Whistler Village for any warm gear you may need and souvenirs.
Day 1– If you are planning on getting on the slopes, get your rentals and gear (if needed), and lift passes ready. Spend some time exploring Whistler Village. Go souvenir shopping or shop for any gear you may still need for your winter activities.
Days 2, 3, 4– Ski or Snowboard (Take group or private lessons, remember it’s best to book these ahead of time). Read here for more tips on how to prepare for your lesson.
Add in Tubing at bubly™ Tube Park (no lift ticket required, accessible from the Village by the Excalibur Gondola) or take a scenic gondola ride on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola (requires lift ticket).
Remember that the gondolas and lifts close at 3:30pm so you still will have lots of time to hang out in the village for some Apres Ski or shopping.
Day 5– Depending on how old your kids are, look into these fun winter activities like Snowmobiling, Dogsledding, Ziplining, Ice skating (indoors/outdoors).
Snowmobiling
There are various companies that offer snowmobiling in Whistler, B.C but Canadian Wilderness Adventure offers the Callaghan Cruiser tour which main focus is on first time riders and families. The snowmobile activity runs for 3 hours roundtrip taking you through wide, winding trails of spectacular scenery. Kids 5-12 ride free (one per paying adult). Minimum age for this snowmobile tour is 5 years old.
Another family friendly option by The Adventure Group is 2 hours roundtrip called the Snowmobile Adventure Pass. This tour offers both beginner and intermediate options and is perfect for the whole family. If you opt for a beginner snowmobile tour, kids ages 6-12 are free. Passengers must be at least 6 years old, over 4 feet in height and also must be able to fit a XXS full face helmet.
Dogsledding
Read more into our dogsledding experience here. Dogsledding is one of the best family friendly activities you can add to your trip. The minimum age to ride is 3 years old and was perfect for our 6 and 3 year old. You can book your dogsledding adventure from Blackcomb Dogsled here.
During our ride, we got to stop at the look out point and take photos and hang out with the dogs. The Canadian wilderness is absolutely breathtaking and it was so nice to be out there. After some bonding time with the dogs and letting the dogs have a quick break, we were dogsledding again. The dog musher also gave me the chance to drive the sled with him which I highly recommend trying! Driving added a different element of thrill and fun to the activity.
Ziplining
Ziptrek Ecotours offers the longest zipline in Canada and the United States. This thrilling winter activity is for adults and only older children age 6 years and up (age 10 and up for The Sasquatch® tour). Kids less than 65 lbs who are 6 years or older will need to go tandem ziplining with a guide (Bear Tour).
If you do go with the whole family, kids under 6 years old are able to go only on the TreeTrek Tour for free (infants would need to be in backpack style carriers). Treetrek Tours offer the same spectacular treetop views without going on a zip line but rather via suspension bridges, stairways and trails.
For more information or to book your activity, visit the Ziptrek Ecotours site.
Ice Skating
Outdoor Ice Skating at Olympic Plaza- Admission is free to the outdoor ice skating rink located right in Whistler Village in the winter. You may rent skates there for $6. This rink is more restrictive to just skating round and round since they want to keep the surface safe and family friendly. If you are a seasoned skater, hockey and figure skating are not allowed.
Skate underneath the stars at the outdoor ice skating rink at Olympic Plaza. Enjoy the twinkling lights and enjoy all the great photo opportunities in the village. A nice evening stroll is always a good idea.
Indoor Ice Skating at Meadow Park Sports Centre– Public indoor skating is available year-round at the Meadow Park Sports Centre. Be sure to check their schedule regarding public skating sessions. Skate rentals are available in their shop as well as any aides needed.
Tubing at bubly™ Tube Park
The bubly™ Tube Park is located on Blackcomb Mountain (the first stop on the Excalibur Gondola, next to Lot 8). A bit of a walk is required to get to the tube park from the mid-station of Excalibur gondola so you also may drive to Lot 8 (free parking) to get direct access to the park. In the winter, hours of operation are dependent on weather conditions and the tubing park may be closed on days of poor weather. No ticket is needed to access the gondola to the tube park but tickets are required for the actual tube park and can be purchased there.
Do note that kids have to be at least 3 years old and at least 36” in height to tube. Those between 36” and 41” in height can slide on mini-tubes (a parent can also join in on this).
Peak 2 Peak Gondola
The Peak 2 Peak Gondola is not your typical gondola ride and is unique to Whistler. Get Whistler’s best view and sightseeing experience accessible to the whole family. If you’re a non-skier or non-snowboarder, get a peek into what this looks like from a bird’s eye view. The views are breathtaking with the snow capped trees between the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. If you don’t have an active lift ticket (you won’t need to buy another ticket), you may purchase your tickets at Guest Services.
Take the Whistler Village Gondola to the top and find the Olympic rings on your way to the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Not all Peak 2 Peak gondolas are the same as some offer bottom glass views.
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