A Local’s Guide To The Festive Season In Whistler
If you’ve never spent a festive season in Whistler, you’re in for a treat. Whether it’s dropping cliffs, après or holidays, we’re known to go big in Whistler. With so much to do and see, it helps to arrive with a plan. In the spirit of holiday giving, we’ve packaged some of our best advice to have the Whistler festive getaway you’ve been dreaming of.
Ready for an unforgettable holiday getaway to Whistler? Book one of our best festive offers now.
Your Holiday Home Base
Fairmont Chateau Whistler is your ultimate home away from home for the festive season. Starting in late-November, we deck our halls with festive decorations, and we celebrate well into the New Year. So whether you’re coming to ski, experiencing a winter wonderland, or simply spending quality family time together, you will love your time at the Chateau.
More than just being a beautiful place to stay, our festive programming will take your experience to another level. From December 17, 2022, to January 1, 2023, we offer a packed calendar of holiday events and activities for our guests. Each day is a little different, with a wide range of crafts, games, live music and even visits from Santa and Mrs Claus.
Explore our festive guide to get excited about all the events and activities we have in store for you while you’re here.
A Winter Wonderland of Activities
If you’ve been dreaming of a white Christmas, you will find it here in Whistler. From our mountain peaks to pedestrian-friendly Village Stroll, Whistler is filled with ways to celebrate the winter season. Here are some of our favourite activities:
Ski & Snowboard
Seasoned skiers know that ski-in ski-out access is a must-have for an effortless holiday. You will start each day just a few steps away from your morning upload, and when you’re done after a day on the slopes you can ski right to après at The Mallard. Our friendly ski valets are right at the base to collect your gear so you can go directly from skiing to dancing in ski boots.
Skate Under The Stars
Lace-up for a magical time skating under the stars at Olympic Plaza. With rentals on-site, this is an easy spur-of-the-moment activity.
Snowmobile
Explore deep forests and untracked meadows with the effortless access of a snowmobile. Whether it’s a mellow family excursion or you’re looking to go steep and deep, there is a tour for everyone.
Snowshoe Through Ancient Forests
Experience the stillness of snow-covered forests with a wander on snowshoes. Each winter, Lost Lake park is transformed into a winter wonderland with an extensive network of trails to explore. You can rent snowshoes and explore on your own or join our Whistler Experience Guide on one of their daily excursions. These tours are included in your Resort Experience fee, so all you need to do is sign up and join in the fun.
Wine & Dine
Make sure to pack an appetite the dining possibilities in Whistler are enough to make any foodie drool. Morning, noon, and night (and even the middle of the night) you will feel spoiled for dining choices.
Breakfast
The Wildflower Buffet
A decadent mountainous buffet. With so much to choose from, it will satisfy even the pickiest petite diners. View Menu
In Room Dining
Spend a little more time in your robe and have breakfast come to you. View Menu
Portobello
A great place to fuel up for a day on the slopes. Enjoy a hearty warm breakfast in the dining room, or pick up your breakfast to savour en route to adventure. View Menu
Lunch
Mallard Lounge
Take a break from the slopes and enjoy lunch mountainside at The Mallard Lounge. If you get too comfortable, you’re also welcome to get an early start on après! View Menu
Portobello
From brisket and roast chicken to build your own sandwiches, these meals are made to satisfy even the biggest appetites. Don’t forget to pick up some donuts for a sweet treat as well; they’re a local favourite. View Menu
Dinner
Mountain Social
This festive pop restaurant is designed with festive dining in mind. With relaxed family-style dishes and plenty of room to accommodate large groups Mountain Social is the place to get together and connect over a delicious meal.
The Chalet
Indulge in savoury fondues, house-made pâté, schnitzel, rösti and artisan charcuterie platters. Be sure to save room for the chocolate fondue dessert and an after-dinner selection from the schnapps wagon. Learn More
The Grill Room
With warm, inviting service, tableside appetizers and the occasional bottle of sparkling wine being sabered, Grill Room is the perfect Whistler restaurant location for a night out with friends or a romantic dinner for two. Learn More
Top 5 Advice From Locals
Leave Your Car At Home
Whistler is designed to be pedestrian-friendly, so you can walk almost anywhere (or ride our complimentary shuttle). Give your car a break and leave it at home. You can learn more about alternate ways to travel here.
Plan And Book Early
It’s much nicer to plan and book from the comfort of home. So take the time now to lock in your accommodation, dining and activities, so you can unplug and enjoy yourself when you arrive. If you need help planning, our knowledgeable concierges are always happy to help plan your perfect getaway.
Dress In Layers
The weather in the mountains is constantly shifting, and the conditions at the top of our mountains can often be drastically different than in the valley. Wearing layers allows you to adjust to the conditions.
Make Extra Room For Photos
Everywhere you turn in Whistler, you will find a stunning scene just begging to be captured and shared. So be sure to clear some room on your phone or camera to capture images you will treasure when you get back home.
Don’t Forget Your Bathing Suit
After a big day in the mountains, there is no better feeling than slipping into a piping-hot pool. Our slope-side health club, complete with pools, cedars saunas, steam saunas and hot tubs, is the perfect place to rest and recover. But don’t worry. If you somehow forget, we sell suits on-site, so you don’t have to miss out!
Snow has already been falling in Whistler, and the holiday season will be here before we know it. So if experiencing the magic of a Whistler Christmas is on your list this year, now is the time book before it’s too late. Explore our offers.
