What to Expect in Whistler – Winter 2024.25

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.

Snow Forecast

Powder hounds rejoice, all signs are pointing to the 2024.25 season being a very snowy one. After a dry and warm 2024 winter, strongly influenced by El Niño, the 2025 winter forecast is predicting a strong La Niña to return.

In La Niña winter typically, the cooler Polar Jetstream dips further South than usual and collides with the moister Pacific Jetstream somewhere over the Northwest Coast of BC. It usually brings cooler and snowier conditions.

“The ski season in Western Canada is expected to get off to a very good start with a quickly established snowpack”, stated AccuWeather Canadian Weather Expert Brett Anderson.

Thus, we are expecting a big winter, cooler and much snowier than the last, so if you’re winter plans include a ski holiday, you’re going to want to be here.

What’s New at Whistler Blackcomb

Get ready to experience the thrill of the slopes like never before! Whistler Blackcomb, your neighboring mountain paradise, is thrilled to unveil exciting new enhancements that will elevate your winter adventure. From upgraded lifts to innovative technology, we’re committed to providing you with an unforgettable experience.

Upgraded Jersey Cream 6

The newly upgraded Jersey Cream Express chairlift made its highly anticipated debut this winter. This new high-speed, six-person chair improves uploading capacity, getting guests on the snow faster in the Glacier Creek Zone of Blackcomb Mountain.

It’s one of several lift upgrades Whistler Blackcomb has invested in in recent years, as just last year the Fitzsimmons Express was replaced with a high-speed, 8-person chairlift. The upgrade helped reduce lift line wait times out of the base at Skier’s Plaza in Whistler Village, increasing uphill capacity and improving circulation in the mid-mountain area.

Skip the Ticket Line with a Mobile Pass

This year, you can buy your lift ticket or pass online and then activate it in the My Epic app. When you arrive at a Whistler Blackcomb chairlift or gondola you’ll get scanned by low-energy Bluetooth ^® technology designed for low-energy use. This gives you a hands-free, one-stop app for lift access, real-time resort updates, personalized stats and account info.

To ensure a smooth transition, Whistler Blackcomb will continue to provide and activate physical cards for passes and lift tickets during the 2024/25 season, as requested.

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.

EVENTS

This season, the mountain town is buzzing with exciting events and activities that will make your visit truly unforgettable. From thrilling competitions to festive celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

• Invictus Games – Whistler is hosting this renowned international adaptive sporting competition for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and Veterans from February 8-16, 2025. The event brings together over 500 competitors from over 20 nations to compete in the first-ever winter edition featuring Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding on Whistler Blackcomb.
• 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 convenient Go 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.

Festive Celebrations Fairmont Chateau Whistler

DECEMBER 18, 2024 – JANUARY 5, 2025

From enchanting holiday décor to a host of festive activities, immerse yourself in the holiday spirit like never before. Come and discover a world of enchantment in the heart of the mountains.

Celebrate the festive season in your home-away-from-home at Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Our team has curated magical festive experiences for the whole family to enjoy.

Dine in the Winter Glow

Chateau Dining

The legendary après at The Mallard Lounge is back 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.