Local Tips for a Seamless Whistler Ski Vacation

Vacation is a time to rest, relax and unplug from life’s stresses. While in Whistler, you will feel transported to another world, where your biggest problems are often as simple as what ski run to explore next, and selecting just the right après cocktail. With that said, locals know that a bit of planning ahead can make all the difference in your holiday experience. To save you waiting in unnecessary lines and experiencing undue disappointment we have put together some of our best tips for how to have a seamless Whistler vacation.

Book Ahead

If there is one piece of advice you take from this that will make the biggest difference for your holiday, it’s this – plan and book early. Taking a little time from the comfort of home to secure your desired restaurant and activity bookings can make all the difference to having a carefree holiday.

Ski Passes

Whistler Blackcomb announced that they are limiting day ski passes over key holiday periods. This is great news for skiers as it will help keep lines manageable, but if you don’t plan ahead, you may get left out in the cold – literally.

Limited Dates: Dec. 25-Jan. 2, Jan. 14-17 and Feb. 18-27.

Please Note – These dates are subject to change, with the potential of more dates being added depending on availability.

This only applies to single-day lift tickets, not season pass holders or Edge Cards. An additional change this season is that you no longer need to reserve your ski upload. Instead, you can simply walk up and load like the good old days!

You can learn more about this and other changes to Whistler Blackcomb access for the 2021.22 season here – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

LOCAL TIP

If you purchase your lift tickets more than nine days in advance, Whistler Blackcomb will mail them to your home so you can have them in hand when you arrive.

Restaurants

Don’t wait till your stomach starts grumbling to start making meal plans. Hungry can very quickly become hangry. You can reserve your meals at your favourite restaurants at your chosen times.

Reserving in advance is easy; deciding from the endless delectable options is another matter. Visit our Sip & Savour page to get inspired and start planning.

Here are a few options to get you started:

• Wildflower Restaurant – Locally inspired dishes and innovative classics in a family-friendly restaurant setting,
• The Mallard Lounge – Unforgettable après, Canadian and West Coast food, live entertainment and a spectacular mountainside setting.
• New Year’s Eve Gala – Sparkle and shine at the Chateau’s sophisticated New Year’s Eve Dinner!
• The Chalet – Savoury fondues, house-made pâté, schnitzel, rösti and artisan charcuterie platters.
• The Grill Room – Whistler’s AAA/CAA Four Diamond-rated restaurant destination for chops, steak and seafood.
• Mountain Social – Cozy and welcoming, this alpine-themed restaurant features live music signature winter cocktails and a delicious alpine-inspired menu.
• Portobello – Made-to-order sandwich selection and gourmet pastry and coffee.

Leave Your Car At Home

I don’t know about you, but cleaning snow off my car and driving slushy roads are the last things I want to be doing while on vacation. Whistler is designed to be pedestrian-friendly, and when staying with us, you are just steps away from the Blackcomb Gondola and a quick 10-minute walk to the Village Stroll.

With our festive lit paths, walking truly is the best and most beautiful way to get around town. For the times you do need a lift, our hotel shuttle and courtesy car are here to help.

Since you won’t need your car while you’re here, so you might as well leave it at home and let someone else do the driving to get here. Kick back and relax on a bus or private car and enjoy the views. You can learn more about your travel options with our transportation guide.

Visit Mid-Week

Whistler locals love weekdays. From lift lines to restaurants and roads the whole town is quieter Monday to Friday. If you have the flexibility to plan a mid-week visit you can enjoy the slower pace and more space our local’s love.

Stay Up to Date On COVID-19 Regulations

It seems like every week there is a change in COVID-19 regulations. To stay informed with the most up to date information visit our ALL Safe page. We have included all the most important information on hotel policies, travel from the USA and COVID-19 tests available on site.

Of course, one of the most important things to get right for an amazing vacation is your accommodation. Whether a quick weekend getaway, a week-long retreat, or a mid-week getaway, we have the perfect vacation package for you. Explore our offers for the best rates on stays at Fairmont Chateau Whistler.