5 days at Whistler: a family ski trip guide

Whistler Blackcomb‘s abundance of high-alpine green and blue terrain is one of the attributes that makes this massive ski resort a popular ski vacation destination among families. Every age and ability level will appreciate the wide-open trails and incredible views, but it’s the kid-appeasing attractions like on-mountain Magic Castle, Enchanted Woods and Treefort, the Coca-Cola Tube Park, Ziptrek EcoTours’ ziplining adventures and Olympic attractions that seal the deal for families. Expect a lot of “Remember when we were in Whistler…” or “When are we going back?” after you’ve brought your young ones to North America’s No. 1 ski resort. If you’re looking to make some memories with your kids this winter, head to Whistler Blackcomb.

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Day 1: Settle into your hotel and explore the base villages

Parents especially appreciate Vancouver International Airport’s close  proximity Whistler. The drive to Whistler via Sea-to-Sky highway only takes about two hours. Once you’ve arrived in Whistler, settle into your hotel and acclimate yourself with the services and amenities your family will be treated to over the next five days.

When it’s time to explore the base village and kick-off your vacation with a fun family dinner be sure to keep in mind that there are several base village restaurants that roll out the red carpet for kids. These include Blackcomb Base II’s Merlin’s Bar & Grill, Whistler Village’s Girabaldi Lift Co. Bar & Grill and Creekside’s Dusty’s Bar & BBQ. All three restaurants feature kid’s menus or kid-friendly cuisine. While you’re out and about keep in mind that the rental shops are open until 9 p.m.

Day 2: First Day of Whistler Blackcomb Snow School

Getting the kids—and their gear—out the door and at ski school on time in the morning is sometimes the biggest challenge on a family ski trip, but that gets a whole lot easier when staying at Legends, since the hotel is just across from the Creekside Snow School location. You can drop them off at the Creekside location at 8:30 a.m., enjoy a full day of skiing, and pick them up at 3:30 p.m. and be just steps from your hotel room. Whistler Blackcomb’s Snow School is renowned for making learning to ski or snowboard fun, so you’ll be in for a lot of stories about the day’s adventures, which could include anything from skiing with characters, like Bart the Bear or Gizmo, to learning new tricks at the Habitat Terrain Park, when 3:30 p.m. rolls around. Snow School includes a hot lunch and snack and lift-line priority.

 

Day 3: Explore The Enchanted Woods and Treefort with Snow School

Whether you’re six or 60, there’s nothing like zipping through the trees, which is why Whistler Blackcomb created the Enchanted Woods. Kids love following the flowy trail through the alpine rain forests and taking advantage of every woop-di-do and mini jump. Snow School tends to spend a lot of time in this area for obvious reasons. Deep within the forest off of Pony Trail near the Big Red Express, kids can stop for a mini-break to play on the Treefort, which features squeal-inducing slides and walkways that make kids feel as if they’re a bird up in the trees. They may even get lucky and spot wildlife from above, or at least furry characters like Bart the Bear skiing by.

Day 4: A day of family skiing followed by  an afternoon at Coca-Cola®/™ Tube Park

A family that skis together, stays together. The best way to maximize your time on the slopes together is to follow Whistler Blackcomb’s designated Family-Certified Route. If the kids didn’t make it to Blackcomb’s Magic Castle and Kids Adventure Park during their time with Snow School, make sure they get to experience it. If you’re coming from the Creekside Base Village, take the exhilarating PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola to Blackcomb Mountain. Ski down Expressway and Easy Out to the Magic Castle, a winter playground complete with a slide.