WHISTLER - Welcome to Sea to Sky Country
By David Burke | Images by Joern Rohde
The twinkling lights of Whistler Village always seem to shine just a little brighter when the snow is falling, skis and snowboards are a common sight, and the buzz about today’s amazing powder-induced experiences on the mountains hangs in the air.
Consistently ranked as the best ski resort in North America — the No. 1 rating for 2025-’26 by peakrankings.com being one of the most recent — Whistler Blackcomb (WB) this season celebrates two significant anniversaries: the 60th year of Whistler Mountain and the 45th of its one-time rival and now partner, Blackcomb Mountain.
And “the mountains” aren’t resting on their laurels: Recent upgrades to the Creekside Gondola, Big Red Express, and Jersey Cream Express have reduced lift wait times. This season, WB introduces Wonder Routes, “a curated network of trails, waypoints, and stops designed to uncover hidden gems and iconic landmarks,” WB officials said in a statement. The suggested itineraries fall under headings (Top of the World Route, Family Certified Route, The Alpine Sampler, and Super Blues, for example) designed to appeal to all levels of skiers and riders.
And it’s not just about what happens on the mountains. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned regular, the sheer variety of places to visit and experiences to be had here is impressive. Each time you return, there’s bound to be something new.
The resort sits at the heart of the Sea to Sky Corridor, part of the unceded territories of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations, whose traditional lands overlap in the Whistler area. Before the arrival of the first Europeans, the Whistler area was frequented by the coastal Squamish and interior Lil’wat peoples for hunting, berry picking, and vision quests. The vibrant lifestyles, art, and cultures of the two neighbouring First Nations are showcased at the renowned Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre on Blackcomb Way.
During the Games, Whistler hosted alpine skiing at Creekside; bobsleigh, skeleton and luge athletes slid for gold at the Whistler Sliding Centre; and cross-country skiing, biathlon, ski jumping, and Nordic combined competitions were held at Whistler Olympic Park (WOP), about 15 kilometres southwest of town.
Several sets of Olympic rings and “inukshuks” — Inuit-inspired symbols of welcome used during the Games — can be found in the resort. At Whistler Olympic Plaza, where the medal ceremonies occurred in 2010, you’ll find the cauldrons from which the Olympic and Paralympic flames burned brightly and a display showing the Games medal winners. The plaza is a great place to hang out, skate on its outdoor rink, and enjoy the offerings of nearby cafés and eateries.
An endless variety of unique wintertime activities awaits in and around the resort. You can experience the exhilaration of a snowmobile tour, commune with the elements on a snowy zipline tour, learn to cross-country ski, unleash your inner child on a dazzling nighttime forest stroll, or take the breathtaking plunge on the end of a bungee cord.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in March 2026, the Audain Art Museum features both visiting and permanent exhibitions of world-class art, including one of the world’s best collections of Northwest Coast Native art. The museum’s opening only enhanced Whistler’s reputation as a destination for art lovers, adding to the richness of the resort’s many private galleries.
There’s also a virtual cornucopia of places to enjoy food and drink — from fine dining to quiet, casual après spots to family-oriented eateries — to sate your appetite or wet your whistle.
Looking to relax and rejuvenate after the day’s adventures? Whistler boasts a wide variety of spas, offering treatments and experiences that aim to leave you feeling refreshed and eager for the next day’s activities.
With so much to see and do here, you’ll want to be sure your phone or camera has enough space to capture the countless memories to be made. It’s likely that by the end of your Whistler visit, you’ll agree with the millions of others who’ve found that when it comes to winter fun, there’s no more magical place to be.
For help planning your trip, visit whistlertraveller.com or
tourismwhistler.com.