Last winter we were lucky enough to finally ski and explore Whistler Blackcomb properly. Growing up in Banff, I knew Whistler was a strong contender for Canada’s favorite ski town, and now having visited, I’m happy to say that “I get it.” In addition to the world-class terrain, there are plenty of incredible things to do at Whistler Blackcomb.

In March, armed with our Epic Passes, we were determined to make the most out of our 5 days there as we ate, drank, enjoyed the incredible skiing, and stomped our way around the charming ski-in, ski-out village of Whistler in our ski boots.

Let me walk you through the highlights…

1. Explore Whistler Ice Caves and Scenery

Sightseeing is one of the best things to do at Whistler Blackcomb in winter and summer. Whistler’s STUNNING natural beauty will blow you away. Many people have never seen an ice cave, let alone skied right into the mouth of one but you can actually do that on Blackcomb Mountain. If ice caves aren’t your thing, there is a lot more in the way of mind-blowing beauty located all around the resort. My jaw was on the floor from the moment we reached the top of the first chairlift. The mountain vistas appear to carry on forever.

For those unfamiliar with it, there are actually TWO mountains, Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain, which are connected by the Peak2Peak gondola (an experience in itself, especially if you manage to catch the glass bottom lifts which give you a bird’s-eye view of the valley below!).

It’s hard to ski either mountain in a day, let alone both, which is why the Epic Pass is necessary as it gives you the best rates on multi-day pass or season-long pass options.

Epic Pass lets you ski and ride for less, with great rates no matter how much or often you plan to ski.  

I’ll let the photos speak for themselves but trust me when I say that Whistler Blackcomb truly is a paradise.

2. Massively Improve Your Riding with Extremely Canadian’s Steep Ski Clinics

As someone who grew up skiing, then switching to snowboarding for the last 10 years, it never crossed my mind to take a lesson until we arrived in Whistler. After all, aren’t lessons for beginners?

Not at all. Whistler Blackcomb is home to Extremely Canadian and their “Steep Ski Clinics” — lessons that focus exclusively on tweaking small bad habits you might have picked up over the years, building your confidence, and showing you how to “send it” properly. I walked off the mountain with some massive improvements to my riding that I probably would never have achieved elsewhere.

Extremely Canadian is focused on bringing diversity to extreme outdoor sports and supporting representation in the teaching and guiding space in Whistler. Our snowboard guide for the day, Sandy, was a local indigenous woman who not only SHREDS but shared with us the history of the area and the significance of several surrounding mountains and features. I felt a genuine connection to this special place as a result. This is not your typical ski lesson and should be booked by adrenaline seekers only!

Luckily, more “typical” ski lessons are available at Whistler Blackcomb for every age and ability, and the best news is that Epic Mountain Rewards gives you 20% off these.

3. The Best Après-Ski Scene in Canada — Hands Down

The first thing you notice as you approach the Main Village on your final run of the day is the music. It is fun, it’s unapologetically loud and it makes you want to grab a drink! We enjoyed our après at Black’s Pub, with a couple bulldogs and a fire pit right in the middle of all the action.

Fancy a bite? For a small town, Whistler has an unbelievable amount of dining options. We were absolutely blown away, not only by the intensity of the après scene but the quality and options of the food presented to us, just minutes away from our hotel.

Our favorite highlights:

An on-mountain picnic provided by Extremely Canadian, catered by Picnic Whistler. (Pictured)

Sushi Village — you’re close to the sea, take advantage of the freshest rolls and the most delicious drinks!

Interested in dining on the mountain with stunning views to match? Buying an Epic Pass unlocks the wonderful world of Epic Mountain Rewards where you receive 20% off select on-mountain food and beverage — one of the best pass perks we've hear of!

4. Nita Lake Lodge Cold Plunge and Spa Treatment

Yes, you heard that right. If the adrenaline from a day on Whistler Blackcomb isn’t enough for you, brave the cold waters of Nita Lake in this unofficial (unmonitored) “cold plunge.” Don’t worry, though — guests of Nita Lake Lodge don’t have long to suffer as there is a hot tub close by.

We took the opportunity not only to use the hot tub, but treat ourselves to a couple Swedish Massages at the Spa at Nita Lake. This was followed by a delicious meal at the Lodge’s winter-themed pop-up restaurant, Winter Den.

Ready to relax? The good news is that with Epic Mountain Rewards, you’ll be treated to 20% off of eligible lodging options all over town.

Nita Lake Lodge is located in Creekside. If you’d rather be within walking distance of all the main action, try booking a stay in Whistler Village instead.

5. Unwind in Paradise at Whistler’s Scandinave Spa

No trip to Whistler could possibly be complete without a visit to this haven of peace and relaxation. From the moment you enter its doors, it almost feels like the rest of the world doesn’t exist. Scandinave Spa encourages its guests to achieve maximum benefits by following their Hot-Cold cycle, a practice called hydrotherapy which has existed for thousands of years.

In addition to feeling my anxiety melting away, I was extremely happy to unplug from reality (there are no cellphones allowed) and focus on my own thoughts (talking is discouraged).

To book a hydrotherapy session or other treatment visit the Scandinave Spa website.

Our trip to Whistler was kindly sponsored by Vail Resorts and Tourism Whistler.

If you have any questions about our experience, please feel free to drop me a line on Instagram @wzylouisey or our blog.