What to Expect in Whistler – Winter 2023.24

We may be biased, but there isn’t much better than a winter getaway to Whistler. With so much to enjoy and experience, a bit of planning from home can go a long way to helping you to have the vacation of your dreams. Our team of vacation experts have assembled everything you need to know for your upcoming holiday.

What’s New at Whistler Blackcomb

Lift Tickets

Planning your ski or snowboarding days in advance is crucial this year. With the season’s opening day on November 23^rd (weather permitting), pre-booking your day passes can save you up to 65% on lift tickets. Learn more about lift tickets here.

LOCAL TIP

As a guest of Fairmont Chateau Whistler, you have access to our personalized ski-in/ski-out facilities. Our on-the-slopes Ski Host guest services are conveniently located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, ready to greet you with a cup of hot chocolate at the end of the day.

Fitsimmons Express, Creekside Gondola, and Big Red Express Upgrade

To reduce lift line wait times, expect upgrades to a couple of our major ski lift and gondolas. The Fitzsimmons Express will now be a high-speed, 8-person chairlift. The Creekside Gondola, previously a 6-person gondola, will now be a high-speed 10-person gondola. The Big Red Express, once a 4-person lift, is now a high-speed, 6-person chairlift. Find more information on hours of operation here.

My Epic Pass

Become a hill expert by downloading Whistler Blackcomb’s My Epic App before your trip. This app provides real-time operational alerts, lift line status, forecasts, live webcams, weather updates, interactive trail maps, and even your personal stats. NOTICE: Whistler Blackcomb has informed us that their RFID gates are not able to read your pass from the app. Please remember to bring your physical pass card for ease of access to the slopes.

Returning Must-Sees

• Whistler Blackcomb Fire & Ice – Welcome the New Year in true Whistler style at Whistler Blackcomb Fire & Ice, where world-class athletes defy gravity by flipping and twisting through a burning ring of fire. This family-friendly event concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. Weekly performances are scheduled every Sunday at 7:00 PM (Dates TBD).
• Whistler Pride and Ski Festival – Celebrate a week filled with incredible events dedicated to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. From guided skiing and snowboarding to the Snowball main event, you can be part of one of North America’s largest and most captivating queer-focused ski weeks.
• Whistler Film Festival – The Whistler Film Festival promises film premieres, industry summits, talent programs, celebrations, and special guest appearances by renowned actors and directors. If you can’t attend the festival in person, you can still access online content, including shorts, filmmaker Q&As, and the Virtual Awards Celebration.
• Eberspacher Luge World Cup Whistler – Marvel at the world’s fastest luge athletes competing at the Eberspacher Luge World Cup. With athletes representing over 20 countries, you can cheer them on as they compete for World Cup titles.

Signature Whistler Activities

Whistler Festive Lights

Whistler’s wonderland of lights is even better this year! You can enjoy a guided experience at your own pace through the convenientGo Whistler Tours app, available for download on the App Store or Google Play. Each year, Whistler Village, the Upper Village, and Creekside Village are adorned with thousands of strings of lights. This enchanting experience can be enjoyed in between planned reservations, and it’s absolutely free.

Chateau Festive Activities

This magical time of the year is one of our favorites! So much so that we have extended our festive programming into the new year until January 6th. To add to the festivities, this year we have some soon-to-be favorites including:

• Whistler Family Feud
• a Pajama Party
• Journey to the North Pole with Ventriloquist Kellie Haines
• Additional family fun craft making including snowman cookie decorating, festive greeting cards, candy apple decorating, and craft wooden bookmarks.

The festive calendar also includes returning favorites like wreath making, story time with Mrs. Claus, Kids Playrooms, and Hot Chocolate by the Fire. To learn more about everything happening during the festive period (December 15th to January 6th), click here.

Dine in the Winter Glow

Chateau Dining

The legendary après at The Mallard Lounge is returning for another season of celebrating your day on the slopes with boot stomping tunes and delectable food and drinks. We’re also looking forward to the reopening of The Chalet on December 1st for another season of delectable dining.

Festive Chateau Dining

The festive season is the best spent around a table with the ones you love. To help you all come together and celebrate the season, we have curated seasonal celebrations for the whole family. (Please note: Dining in The Wildflower and The Grill Room on December 24th and 25th is exclusive to hotel guests).

• Christmas Eve Dinner in The Wildflower or The Grill Room
• Christmas Day Breakfast in The Wildflower
• Christmas Day Dinner in The Wildflower of The Grill Room
• Family Christmas Gala Dinner
• New Year’s Eve Dinner in The Wildflower and The Grill Room
• New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner & Dance
• New Year’s Day Breakfast in The Wildflower

LOCAL TIP

If you’re heading to the village, make reservations in advance. Restaurants tend to be busy during this period, so securing a table beforehand is the best way to avoid post-skiing hunger.