Light Up The Night in Whistler

As the sun sets over the breathtaking landscapes of Whistler, the magic doesn’t fade away with the daylight. Beyond skiing the exhilarating slopes, Fairmont Chateau Whistler invites you to embrace the enchanting winter nights. We have curated a list of our top favorite après activities not only to celebrate the winter solstice but to illuminate your winter getaway. Light up the night with these unforgettable experiences that showcase the beauty of Whistler in a whole new light.

Festive Light Walks – Village Stroll

Distance from the Hotel: 0-10 minutes’ walk

Step outside Fairmont Chateau Whistler and immediately immerse yourself in a wonderland of festive lights, right at your doorstep. Throughout the night and freely accessible, Whistler Village transforms into a radiant spectacle with up to 350,000 individual LED bulbs adorning 6,500 strands of lights. This luminous display extends seamlessly from one end of the village to the other, creating a captivating atmosphere. While many remarkable light exhibits embellish the path to various activities that will be mentioned in this blog, notable mentions include the Fitzsimmons Creek Bridge and Rebagliati Park. These luminous attractions contribute to the 1.2-kilometer Upper Village Festive Lights Tour, a highlight among several self-guided walking tours featured on Tourism Whistler’s new, complimentary app – Go Whistler Tours.

Embarking on the Upper Village Festive Lights Tour begins at Rebagliati Park, nestled between Day Lots 1 and 2, continuing along the Valley Trail toward the Upper Village (Blackcomb Base). Recognition of the tour’s beginning is marked by towering, sparkling woodland creatures and the gentle glow of an illuminated glacial creek below.

Explore the entirety of Whistler’s Festive Light Tours in the comprehensive guide “Walking in a Winter Wonderland.”

Stargazing

Distance from the Hotel: 0-10 minutes’ walk

For an awe-inspiring celestial experience, head to prime stargazing spots such as Lost Lake, Rainbow Park, or Cheakamus Bayly Park. These locations, characterized by their darker surroundings, offer an exceptional view of the brilliant night sky, allowing you to immerse yourself in the cosmic wonders above. Enhance your chances of witnessing shooting stars by joining our Whistler Experience Guides for a specialized stargazing outing (seasonal & weather dependent). If luck is on your side, you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, the mystical Aurora Borealis, gracing the night sky with their enchanting dance.

Cross Country Skiing at Lost Lake Trails

Distance from the Hotel: 9 minutes’ walk

Just a few minutes away from the hotel, the Lost Lake Trails beckon with a serene embrace of nature. Engage in the quiet beauty of cross-country skiing, gliding through snow-covered paths surrounded by towering trees. The forest’s calm takes on a new dimension under the starlit sky, offering a peaceful and picturesque escape.

Ensure you have adequate warm layers – consider full zips for versatility, as you are likely to generate heat during the activity. It’s highly advisable to bring a head torch; although the trails are well-marked and color-coded, having your personal source of light is essential for visibility. While phone torches can serve as a backup, be mindful that phone batteries tend to deplete rapidly in cold conditions.

Time: Open Until 8pm *Subject to weather conditions
Location: Passive House Lost Lake

Fire & Ice Show

Distance from the Hotel: 14 minutes’ walk/ 5 minutes’ drive

Feel the warmth of the evening at the Fire and Ice Show, a spectacular display of fire dancers and stunts on the slopes – a free, all-ages night of entertainment. Whistler’s top skiers and riders spin and twist through a burning hoop. Dress warmly, grab a hot chocolate and prepare to be amazed!

Dates: December 29, 2024 – March 16, 2025* Subject to weather conditions
Time: 7:30 PM (Time TBA for Dec. 31, 2024, NYE)
Location: Skier’s Plaza in Whistler Village (base of Whistler and Excalibur Gondolas)

Ice Skating at Olympic Plaza

Distance from the Hotel: 16 minutes’ walk/ 5 minutes’ drive

Situated at the center of the village, ice skating at Olympic Plaza offers a welcoming experience for beginners and provides picturesque scenery for photography enthusiasts. The rink is adorned with vibrant hanging icicles, complemented by a stunning mountain backdrop and whimsical LED-wrapped trees. Additionally, the rink offers partial coverage, and strollers are permitted on the ice, ensuring a versatile and enjoyable skating experience.

Dates: Open from November 28, 2024, until late-March, 2025* and is weather dependent. The Snow Zone will open as soon as snow conditions permit.
Location: Whistler Olympic Plaza Skating

Hours: TBA

Ziplining

Distance from the Hotel: 14 minutes’ drive

Take the adventure to new heights as you soar through the Enchanted Forest, now illuminated with the soft glow of lights. Ziplining after dark adds a touch of magic to the thrill, creating an unforgettable experience as you navigate through the winter wonderland from above.

Time: Last Zipline Tour Starts at 4:30pm
Location: Cougar Mountain

Bubly Tube Park

Distance from the Hotel:  7 minutes’ drive

For those seeking a thrill, venture to the Bubly Tube Park located at the base of Blackcomb. Feel the rush of speed as you slide down the tubing lanes, laughter echoing in the crisp night air. It’s a perfect blend of speed, fun, and the joy of a winter night.

To access the tube park, visitors can take the Excalibur Gondola from Skier’s Plaza at the base of Whistler Mountain, with free access for tube park users. A steep but brief wooden staircase leads from the gondola to the welcome area. Recommended attire includes shoes with excellent grip for walking on snow, and warm, waterproof clothing.

Location: Whistler Sliding Centre

The sliding fun doesn’t end there! Grab a sled from the Hotel’s Health Club and venture just behind the hotel, where snow piles await your joyful descent. Add an extra layer of delight to your enchanting winter stroll by sliding through these snowy mounds. And while you’re at it, make sure to explore Olympic Plaza, located near the ice rink, and wander through Whistler Village Square to find some other snow piles if you are lucky!

Vallea Lumina

Distance from the Hotel:  14 minutes’ drive

As the night deepens, embark on a mesmerizing journey to Vallea Lumina. A short drive from Fairmont Chateau Whistler, this multimedia night walk takes you through the old-growth forest, illuminated by enchanting lights, creating an otherworldly experience that resonates with the magic of winter.

Vallea Lumina offers a captivating multimedia night walk experience. Lanterns illuminate a winding forest path, leading participants into a camp where myriad-colored lights cast enchanting reflections on the snowy surroundings. As you progress further into the forest, LED displays begin to react to your movements, creating an immersive sensation. Typically, participants spend approximately an hour traversing the trail, with costumed staff discreetly monitoring to ensure the safety of all participants.

Location: Cougar Mountain

Winter solstice or not, Whistler comes alive after dark, offering a symphony of activities to light up your nights. From festive strolls to adrenaline-pumping adventures, Fairmont Chateau Whistler ensures your winter nights are as vibrant and memorable as the snowy days on the slopes. Embrace the magic, create lasting memories, and let the night unfold its wonders in the heart of this winter paradise.