Snow begins to fall as we wind our way along the mountain road, dusting the pines and softening the world outside the windscreen. By the time we turn off the highway into Whistler, it’s clear why this village has earned global icon status. Wrapped in fairy lights and framed by soaring peaks, it feels like it has been plucked straight from a snow-globe.
This season, Whistler Blackcomb is celebrating 60 years with fresh ways to experience its legendary terrain. Alongside one of North America’s longest ski seasons and more than a metre of annual snowfall, the new Wonder Routes invite skiers and riders to explore glades, Olympic runs and scenic lookouts through seven self-guided journeys designed to reveal the mountain’s quieter magic.
Between turns, there’s champagne-fuelled lunches at Christine’s, glass-bottom views aboard the iconic Peak 2 Peak Gondola, and the rare luxury of a private instructor to fast-track both confidence and technique.
Back in the village, indulgence unfolds effortlessly. Mornings ease in over long breakfasts, afternoons slow in forest-framed hot pools and evenings move between candlelit dining and bespoke cocktails. Culture and calm sit alongside adrenaline here, from a quiet moment with local art or a meditative walk in the rain.
At the centre of it all is the Fairmont Château Whistler, the iconic ski-in, ski-out address, where days wind down with yoga, hot tubs and fireside nights.
Here, we’ve curated the best that Whistler offers the discerning traveller.
STAY
Stay At Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Whistler Nestled at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, the Fairmont Château Whistler defines mountain luxury. Expect polished service, elevated dining, a serene spa and the exclusive Fairmont Gold lounge for those who prefer their alpine escape with an extra layer of luxury.
After a day on the slopes, don’t miss a yoga class to stretch those tired legs or, if recovery à la decadence is more your style, slip into the hot tubs and enjoy drinks delivered to your side.
DO
Fly High On A Gondola
As I crossed over the valley on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, connecting Whistler and Blackcomb, I looked through the glass-bottom floor to spot two deer squaring off far below, an almost surreal moment suspended between mountains. Spanning 4.4 kilometres, the Peak 2 Peak offers skiers and sightseers a serene aerial journey with sweeping 360-degree views of Whistler Village, glaciers, lakes, forests and snow-capped peaks. More than just a quick 11-minute link between mountains, it’s a world-famous attraction.
Spa Time At Scandinave
Who knew downtime could be the highlight of a Whistler escape? At Scandinave Spa Whistler, tucked within old-growth rainforest and framed by dramatic alpine views, guests are invited into a phone-free, silent sanctuary designed for deep restoration.
Set aside at least two hours for the signature Thermal Journey, moving through eucalyptus steam rooms, outdoor hot pools with thermal waterfalls, saunas and invigorating cold plunges, before drifting into the final rest phase: unwinding with a book beside a firepit.
Whistler Festive Lights Self-Guided Tour
There’s something undeniably magical about wandering a snow-covered town after dark, wrapped in winter layers as twinkling lights glow against the snow.
The Whistler Festive Lights trail invites you to explore the village’s most beautifully illuminated corners, with perfectly timed stops to warm up along the way, think rich hot chocolate or a glass of wine. It’s an effortless pre- or post-dinner stroll that captures Whistler at its most enchanting.
SKI
Guided Ski Day On Whistler Blackcomb
The height of luxury? A private instructor for the day on Whistler Blackcomb. After more than a decade off a snowboard, my confidence was at zero, but my instructor spent the day guiding me with calm assurance, fine-tuning technique, rebuilding confidence and offering the kind of advice that fast-tracks you from tentative beginner to almost pro.
If you’re feeling generous, share one with friends or family.
Celebrate 60 With Wonder Routes
As part of Whistler Blackcomb’s 60th anniversary celebrations, the resort invites guests to experience the terrain through Wonder Routes, a curated collection of seven self-guided journeys that reveal hidden corners, iconic landmarks and a fresh perspective on these legendary slopes.
Ski All Year Round
Epic Australia Pass delivers unlimited access to Perisher, Falls Creek and Hotham this winter, plus access to more than 80 world-class resorts across the globe for the 2026/27 Northern Hemisphere winter season, including Whistler Blackcomb in Canada.
One Pass can take you from Aussie winter laps in July to unforgettable international adventures next January.
CULTURE
Forest Therapy with Talaysay Tours
Sitting on the forest floor as rain filtered softly through the canopy, I was guided to simply listen, drip, drip, drip, the sound growing louder and more hypnotic the longer I focused, mirroring the rain sound tracks I use to fall asleep back home. This quietly powerful experience is Forest Therapy, led by First Nations Talaysay Tours: an immersion in nature designed to reconnect you with the land, your senses and the present.
A Vision Of BC With Audain Art Museum
A pause from the pistes, the Audain Art Museum offers a quietly powerful cultural counterpoint to Whistler’s alpine adrenaline. Housed in a striking cedar-clad building that feels as considered as the art within, the museum showcases an exceptional collection of British Columbian and Canadian works, from Indigenous artists to contemporary icons.
First Nations Connection With The Squamish Lil’wat
Designed in collaboration with the neighbouring Indigenous peoples of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre offers an immersive introduction to the region’s original custodians through contemporary art, traditional carving, storytelling and interactive exhibits.
EAT
Seafood Dinner At Wild Blue
For the most luxurious dining experience in Whistler, book a table at Wild Blue, a restaurant that fuses Pacific Northwest sensibilities with high-end culinary theatre. The dim, moody lighting sets the tone, while the menu leans into exceptional seafood (with plenty to satisfy non-seafood lovers, too).
Start with a Sea to Sky Martini, crafted with 21 Copperpenny Oyster Gin and a forest tincture, an ode to the rugged coastline and alpine air. Don’t miss the BC oysters topped with green chili granita. Let the team guide you through a pairing of standout British Columbia wines.
A sign of a good evening: the restaurant was still full at 10pm with many smiling faces. Frequently named among Canada’s best restaurants, Wild Blue is the kind of place that anchors a trip.
Lunch On The Slopes At Christine’s On Blackcomb
“See you at Christine’s for champagne.” Perched high on Blackcomb, Christine’s delivers a true fine-dining moment on the mountain, where contemporary Canadian dishes meet sustainably sourced ingredients and panoramic alpine views that make every glass of bubbles taste even better.
Must-Try Fondue At The Chalet
For a true alpine moment, book a fondue feast at The Chalet, where the snowy surrounds and twinkling lights channel a European winter escape. Choose from several fondue options, including a hearty three-course menu that ends with decadent chocolate fondue. Fret not if you have dietary requirements: the vegan cheese was just as delicious as the rest of the menu.
Breakfast At Lorette Brasserie
In the heart of Whistler Village, Lorette is a charming spot with Québec roots and Parisian flair. Named in honour of family matriarchs, it blends classic French technique with seasonal BC ingredients, warm service, cult-favourite waffles of the day and coffee that’s genuinely Australian-worthy, making it an effortless, feel-good way to start the morning.
Sushi At Sushi Village
Sushi Village is about as famous in some circles as the world-class ski resort itself. Known for its casual yet vibrant atmosphere, terrific sushi, and legendary sake margaritas, Sushi Village is as much a social experience as it is a dining one.
Cocktails at The Raven Room
For an elevated nightcap, The Raven Room offers an experience unlike anywhere else in Whistler. Expect expertly handcrafted cocktails made with clean, considered ingredients and a thoughtful selection of low-intervention wines.
For more, go to whistler.com.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
