Whistler BC Canada

An Insider’s Guide to What to Expect for Winter 2019/2020

The Canadian winter gets underway in Whistler at the end of November, and snow worshippers from across the globe will head north to enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding. Whether a regular visitor to Whistler or planning a trip here for the first time, here is an insider’s guide to what to expect for winter 2019/20.

Axe Throwing is a top apres-ski trend

Forged Axe Throwing are mixing things up when it comes to après-ski traditions, luring skiers and snowboarders to test their aim in the most Canadian of ways - by hurling axes down an alley in the hope of sinking a bullseye! Formerly reserved as an entertainment source for woodland lumberjacks, axe throwing has firmly established itself as a popular timber sport and one of the leading indoor group activities in Whistler. Group bookings are a Forged specialty, and the team will provide all of the needed guidance and training.

The Vallea Lumina has transformed Whistler into a multimedia wonderland

The Adventure Group and Moment Factory have teamed up to create a multimedia 1.5km night walk that brings Cougar Mountain to life. Inspired by Whistler’s natural beauty, Vallea Lumina speaks to audiences of all ages using videos, emotive lights, soundscapes, and scenography. Transporting guests to another world, there are plenty of opportunities to touch, play, explore, and engage with the environment. Unleash your inner child with this family-friendly favorite.

The Spearhead Traverse Huts are this season’s hottest new lodgings

Funded by donations and part of an extensive and inspirational project, three backcountry skiing mountain huts sit along the popular Spearhead Traverse, a 35-kilometre horseshoe-shaped route of stunning Coast Mountain terrain that crosses 13 glaciers over 2,000 metres between Whistler and Blackcomb. Offering a world-class, West Coast hut-to-hut experience comparable to those in Europe, these huts are expected to prove popular this winter. The two-story huts sleep 38 people and cover over 279 square metres.

Dine in an ice cave

Much more glamorous than it first sounds, The Blue Room is an exciting addition to the Whistler dining scene; the result of an exciting collaboration between Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler and Head-Line Mountain Holidays. After arriving by helicopter and enjoying a guided tour of the natural ice sculptures, visitors enjoy a five-course menu in the ice cave accompanied by Krug champagne. Think caviar served on snow, and delicious oysters sourced locally from Vancouver Island.

Snowmobile to the best steak in town

What better way to arrive for dinner at a cozy log cabin, than by snowmobile? Another new experience in Whistler, visitors explore the Callaghan backcountry with Canadian Wilderness Adventures before arriving at a log cabin on Sproatt Mountain to dine on Angus beef sirloin with garlic mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and an indulgent dessert.

Meatless Mondays are a thing

Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for at the Aura Restaurant this winter. The new three-course vegan dinner is brimming with beautifully prepared, local produce. The tasty dishes are a fantastic change, even if you eat meat. Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail at Aura’s Cure Lounge and check out their latest themed craft cocktail program.

Stay in a hotel that thinks “outside the pod”

Launched in 2018, the Pangea Pod Hotel has truly put down its roots as an edgy accommodation option that has redefined shared accommodations. Targeting solo travelers who seek the leading-edge design of a boutique hotel with the social vibe of a hostel, eight custom suites are available alongside 88 independent sleeping pods. Bathrooms are located within the suites themselves breaking with the somewhat outdated tradition of shared dormitory-style facilities. Communal rooms, including a living room, rooftop patio, and toybox enhance the social experience for guests.

Book your Whistler activities in one place

Whether you are visiting Whistler for a family adventure, business trip, party or celebration, or a special event, Whistler Adventures is a one-stop-shop for booking activities. Launched early in 2019, the online platform brings together ziplining, axe throwing, RZR tours, skiing and snowboarding, biking, helicopter tours, sleigh riding and more, offering the best rates and an intuitive booking system.

Ride the new gondola

The unveiling of the much-anticipated 10-passenger Blackcomb Gondola was slightly delayed back in 2018 due to an unusually late start to winter. However, the gondola is ready to get the 2019/20 season underway. Together – the new Blackcomb Gondola, PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, and Whistler Village Gondola – form the first three-gondola connection in the world.