As one of British Columbia’s quintessential mountain towns, Whistler is a sweet spot year-round. The hub of Whistler Village is tailored to pedestrians, with quaint shops and cafes lining the chalet-style streets. But to make the most of your visit, no weekend in Whistler would be complete without exploring the town’s winter activities out in the local snow-filled terrain. 

While the Whistler Blackcomb mountains are a huge draw for skiers and snowboarders, Whistler offers heaps more options for outdoor adventuring. Read on for our favourite unique adventures to try in Whistler this winter – updated for 2022!

Whistler’s Must-Do Adventures: 

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing in Whistler is both captivating and pristine. The powder is ever-present, the trails are never ending and you can find gear anywhere (whether to rent or buy).

Whether you’re headed out for the first time or you’re just looking to find a new hidden gem, you have a few options: 

Experience pristine natural beauty snowshoeing in Whistler’s backcountry

Join Yervana Local, Ollie, on a half-day or full-day snowshoe tour throughout Whistler’s pristine backcountry. You’ll step into a winter wonderland on amazing trails of old-growth forests with ancient cedars in geologically interesting landscapes. Experience a unique atmosphere of natural beauty at a relaxing and enjoyable pace with a certified guide.

Learn to Ice Climb

Ice climbing is the perfect adventure for rock climbers to extend the outdoor season or for the rest of us adventure-seekers, looking for a new perspective scaling frozen waterfalls. While it may seem a little intimidating, ice climbing is a beginner friendly sport if you start out with the right knowledge. Still unsure if it’s the adventure for you? Take a read of our Ice Climbing 101 to get all your questions answered!

Whistler Ice Climbing

Take your winter day to new heights by embarking on this ice climbing adventure with Yervana Local, Ollie! Whether it’s your first time climbing a frozen waterfall or you’re an experienced climber, Ollie will customize the adventure to suit your level!

Explore Backcountry Skiing Near Whistler

The snow has started and doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. This is the perfect time to get into the backcountry with a guide and explore the hidden valleys and perfect lines. 

Intro to Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding in Whistler

Have you been wanting to try backcountry skiing or snowboarding? Spend the day with a professionally certified local guide and learn to enjoy the backcountry. No backcountry experience is required to do this Intro to Backcountry Skiing and Splitboarding adventure.

Among the many skills you’ll be introduced to are basic avalanche rescue, terrain analysis, track setting, uphill and downhill skiing technique, route finding, tree skiing and trip planning. Spend a full day skiing and riding while covering uphill and downhill skills in powder, equipment use and safety awareness.

Yervana Local, Ollie, also offers a more advanced Backcountry Ski Touring and Splitboarding Adventure! 

Whistler Ski Touring

Looking to take on some epic powder skiing around Whistler and Squamish? Head out with Yervana Local, Monte on epic runs from open tree skiing in the sub-alpine glades with amazing terrain and powder to high alpine, glaciated skiing!

Monte customizes each trip depending on skill level, from beginner to advanced, both skiers and split boarders, he’ll find the right runs for the group. Explore with a Yervana Local to discover the secret backcountry power stashes and amazing big mountain lines that only the locals know about!

Avalanche Skills Training (AST) 1

Whether you’re snowshoeing, snowmobiling, splitboarding, skiing or spending any amount of time in the backcountry during winter, if you’re exploring independently you’ll need to be safe and get your AST 1. So why not have fun while getting it? Local, Ollie is a blast! He’s ready to get you certified and ready for more backcountry exploration. 

Already taken your AST 1 but looking for a refresher course? Book in with Yervana Local, Monte to update and refresh your skills, learn any changes in best practice or technology, and practice in the backcountry to make your winter travels in avalanche terrain safer and more enjoyable.

Where to Eat & Drink in Whistler Village

After a long day of adventuring (or relaxing, no judgement here) you’ll be craving some apres in Whistler Village. With heaps of options to choose from, deciding on where to dine can suddenly seem a little overwhelming. Enter Yervana Local, Dean! His Finer Things Dinner Tour stops by four award winning Whistler restaurants, with a delicious course at each.

The ultimate choice for foodies, you’ll have the option to enjoy locally made British Columbian wine pairings, and visit an impressive 15,000-bottle wine cellar where you’ll learn to saber champagne! Walking from each restaurant, you’ll pick up local knowledge around Whistler’s history, and tips on activities to make the most of your stay.

Treat yourself to a Finer Things Dinner & Cultural Walking Tour of Whistler.

Getting to Whistler 

Vancouver is the closest major city to Whistler, so if you’re travelling by plane, your best option is to fly into Vancouver International (YVR). 

From Vancouver, Whistler is about a 2 hour drive by car, along the incredibly scenic Sea to Sky Highway. You’re in for a treat! Since this is a mountain highway with unpredictable conditions, make sure you’re prepared with winter tires between Oct-Mar. Check road conditions before you set off. 

There’s plenty of car rental options in Vancouver, but if you’re visiting for the day, check out Vancouver’s local’s car share option; Evo. Take advantage of free Evo driving minutes as a Yervana Explorer. There are also a number of buses and shuttle services between the airport, downtown Vancouver and Whistler Village.

Whistler is a great getaway for those nearby or abroad. Make it your next vacation destination and be prepared for endless Adventure combined with ultimate relaxation. If it’s your first time exploring Canada during the winter season, check out our guide on what to pack to stay cozy on your outdoor adventures!

We can’t wait to see you in this cozy mountain town! Keep us in the know with your Adventures and tag us using #Yervana on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.