Photo: Strolling through Whistler Village in December 2010. Source: Robyn Hanson
Let’s face it, not everybody going to Whistler in the winter is coming to ski. Sure, Whistler is considered one of the world’s best ski resorts, but there’s plenty to do as a non-skier! Whether you’re planning for a day trip along the Sea to Sky Highway or an extended getaway, here are five non-skiing activities to do in Whistler in the winter:
5. Relax and Rejuvenate at the Spa
Perhaps you’re visiting Whistler as a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Maybe you’re just killing time while your friends are out skiing. Either way, whether you typically go to spas or not, you must spend some time at the Scandinave Spa – there’s really nothing else like it.
Photo: Scandinave Spa. Source: Scandinave Spa via Facebook.
Currently ranked on TripAdvisor as the number three thing to do in Whistler (out of everything you can do), it’s the most talked-about spa in the region. What makes Scandinave Spa so unique is its alfresco setting. Spread across three acres in the Whistler woods, you’re not only getting spa treatments, you’re also connecting with nature. The Scandinavian bath treatments range from thermal baths and Finnish saunas to cold pools and Nordic waterfalls. There’s even yoga and an assortment of massages. Looking for a piece of heaven in Whistler? Here it is.
4. Experience a Winter Adrenaline Rush
Photo: Ziptrek Eco Tour in Whistler. Source: John Biehler via Flickr.
Seeking some adventure? If you’re in the mood for some adrenaline-inducing fun, consider a bungee jump or a zipline through the rainforest. Ziptrek Ecotours and Whistler Bungee operate year round and offer unique ways of experiencing the winter landscape of the Coast Mountains. Another idea is to book a public bobsled or skeleton ride at the Whistler Sliding Centre. These sessions include full training and mock runs, finishing off with a real run around the 2010 Olympic tracks. All these activities are very popular and do sell out, so it’s always best to reserve well in advance.
3. Learn about the Local Indigenous Cultures
The resort town of Whistler may have only been built a few decades ago, but people have been living in the area since time immemorial. If you’re interested in learning about Whistler’s native culture, art, and history, you won’t want to miss the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.
Photo: Inside the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. Source: Raul Pacheco via Flickr.
Located in Whistler’s Upper Village, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is kind of like an art gallery/museum/cultural learning centre/ecology centre hybrid with a focus on the Lil’wat and Squamish First Nations – the two native groups that call the Whistler region home.
This is not a traditional museum by any means. The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre wants visitors to truly experience their First Nations culture by participating in activities and by having meaningful conversations with members of the Lil’wat or Squamish First Nations. To get the full experience, be sure to take one of their guided tours – that’s when the cultural centre truly comes to life.
2. Ride the Peak2Peak Gondola
If you’ve never been to the top of Whistler mountain, then you’re seriously missing out on what I think is the best part of the Whistler experience, especially as a non-skier: the alpine scenery. I honestly feel that if you only stay at the bottom of the mountain around Whistler Village, you’re not getting the full picture. You really can’t comprehend what you’re missing until you take the gondola to the top, and then the whole appeal of visiting Whistler in the first place becomes plainly obvious.
Photo: The PEak2Peak Gondola at the top of Whistler. Source: F1Daniel via Flickr.
Although the Whistler Gondola is used by skiers to transport themselves up to the top of the mountain, you can certainly ride it as a non-skiing tourist – just buy a Winter Sightseeing Ticket. This allows you to ride the Whistler Gondola up the top of Whistler, and then board the Peak2Peak gondola which connects Whistler Mountain with neighbouring Blackcomb Mountain.
Photo: On Peak2Peak just 9 days before the 2010 Olympics. Source Nicki Varkevisser via Flickr.
Taking 11 minutes to cross the 4.4km journey, Peak2Peak has broken world records for having the highest gondola above ground as well as as the longest free span of cable between towers (3.03km). For the ultimate experience, wait for one of the two glass-bottom cabins for a real 360 degree view of the alpine setting. The wait will be worth it.
1. Join in the Après-Ski
Skier or non-skier, everyone’s welcome to join in the Whistler après-ski scene; a winter visit to Whistler wouldn’t be complete without it. As defined by Whistler Blackcomb, “Après-ski (French: after skiing) refers to going out, having drinks, dancing, and generally socializing after skiing”. Since the ski lifts stop by mid-afternoon, après-ski starts early around 3pm and goes for several hours. It’s really a phenomenon that only exists during the ski season and it’s a great way to explore all the different pubs and restaurants.
Photo: Dusty’s at Whistler Creekside. Source: Tourism Whistler via Flickr.
If you’re wondering where to go, we have a few recommendations.
Whistler Blackcomb recommends what they call “the trinity of mountain base bars”: Merlin’s Bar & Grill at the base of Blackcomb, Garibaldi Lift Co. (GLC) at Whistler Mountain Village base and Dusty’s Bar & BBQ in Whistler’s Creekside. Dusty’s is actually one of the oldest bars in all of Whistler and is famous for Caesars garnished with beef jerky.
When I visited Whistler in December 2010, I enjoyed the lively (if not downright wild) atmosphere of the Longhorn Saloon. They have what has to be the busiest outdoor winter patio. If you’re looking for a cozier atmosphere, you can’t go wrong with Brandy’s Bar on the main floor of The Keg. They have a great menu of cocktails and appetizers – try the green bean tempura!
And don’t be afraid to head into the village and explore what the hotels have on offer. Many of them have great après-ski deals. The Crystal Lodge told us that their Crystal Lounge serves chicken wings for 35 cents. They also recommend by The Mix by Ric’s for martinis, cocktails, and some of the best poutine. We also were told by The Opus Hotel’s Jeremy Flewelling that if you’re in the mood for beer and nachos, be sure to check out the Cinnamon Bear at the Whistler Hilton – one of Whistler’s finest bars.
Of course, one of the nicest ways of experiencing apres-ski in Whistler is to simply bring your own food and drinks back to your accommodation and go for a soak in the hot tub as the snow gently falls. It can’t get better than that.
