Whistler is a resort with a big reputation — consistently ranked as the top ski resort in North America, it has the largest combined ski area on the continent. It’s also a great place for a family ski vacation, with a wide variety of activities to experience on and off the mountain.
In this blog, we spoke with some locals at Whistler-Blackcomb to ask what they would do with their family for a perfect day on the mountain. Steal these tips for your family’s next visit!
Breakfast-On-The-Go!
Before heading up the mountain, we recommend stopping at a local café to grab some muffins (for the kids to munch in the lift line) and a much-needed coffee to help Mom and Dad wake up!
Whether it’s a bluebird or a powder day, breakfast-on-the-go is the best way to get started with your ski day and beat the crowds to the mountain!
Your Morning: Blackcomb Mountain & the Magic Castle
For the morning, load your family onto the Excalibur Gondola and head up Blackcomb Mountain for a few runs to start the day. The perfect spot will always depend on ability level — we recommend starting wherever you’re most comfortable.
When the kids are ready for a break, head to the Magic Castle at the base of Catskinner Chair — take Easy Out from the peak to get there. This outdoor adventure playground is a great place for younger kids to take off their skis and do some exploring! Access is free and perfect for all ages.
Lunch Spots
For lunch, you have a couple of options on Blackcomb:
- If you’re looking for variety, visit the Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb Mountain and choose from classic burgers, Mexican burritos and tacos, or Southeast Asian noodle bowls.
- If you want an amazing dessert, try the famous Belgian waffles at Crystal Hut — which are sure to be a favourite with the kids!
Or you can head to Whistler Mountain and check out the wide selection of restaurants there, like Raven’s Nest — an all vegetarian restaurant located at mid mountain.
Your Afternoon: 7th Heaven or Symphony Express
After you’re fed and refueled, you’ll want to find those untouched spots for the perfect afternoon. If you’re looking to stay on Blackcomb Mountain, we recommend checking out the 7th Heaven chairlift, where you can find some great cruisers — as well as a few more challenging runs.
At some point, you should take take the world record-breaking Peak 2 Peak Gondola across to Whistler and explore the great terrain there as well. For families with older kids, the bowl underneath Symphony Express is fun to explore and a bit off the beaten track, so you can miss the crowds.
Family Après at Whistler Olympic Plaza
At a certain point in the afternoon, you’ll need to start making your way back down the mountain. Once you reach the village, you should head for the Whistler Olympic Plaza, where the day’s fun continues with Family Après from 3pm to 6pm.
This event is a great way to finish up a day on the hill. The kids can take part in a variety of outdoor winter activities, while parents can enjoy a warm (or cold) beverage. Check in with Village Hosts for details on the event!
Dinner Spot: Creekside
If you’re looking for great dinner spots, then Creekside is your best bet! Most kids love pizza and the Creekbread restaurant is the perfect spot for it. Pizzas are made wood-fired in a clay oven, with all natural ingredients.
We recommend you try the Pemberton Potato Pie, which comes with sliced Pemberton potatoes, rosemary cream sauce, roasted garlic cloves, organic spinach, mozzarella, fontina, and Asiago cheese. Delicious!
After-Dinner Activity: Skating & Hot Chocolate
If your family still has energy after dinner, ice skating at the Whistler Olympic Plaza is the perfect way to spend your evening. Get everyone a round of toasty hot chocolate to warm your hands and enjoy the beautiful lights of the village!
After you’re off the ice, there may be just enough time for a quick soak in the hot tub before bed — and the next day of skiing!
Want to experience it for yourself? Save 15-30% on select lodgings when you book this year’s trip to Whistler before Nov 15.
Looking for more tips for making the most out of your ski vacation? See the last post in our Perfect Day series, A Perfect Day at Sun Peaks, for more ideas!
