Whistler Winter Activities for Snow Lovers (Other Than Skiing)

Rated the No. 1 Ski Resort by Ski Magazine, Whistler knows skiing and winter recreation. However, there’s more than skiing in this Canadian town. With an annual snowfall of about 700 inches, visitors find plenty of fun winter activities to enjoy solo or with friends and family. In fact, Whistler is home to two mountains – Whistler and Blackcomb – that combine to offer 8,000 acres of explorable terrain. So for all non-skiers out there, here are the top Whistler winter activities.

Top 7 Whistler Winter Activities for Non-Skiers

whistler winter activities

Photo: Ruth Hartnup

Enjoy a Free Mountain Tour

New to Whistler? No problem. The Whistler Blackcomb Mountain Host program provides free orientation tours for skiing, snowboarding and sightseeing. These free tours provide a helpful way to learn about the mountains, the terrain, and find more things to do. The two-hour sightseeing tour reaches the tops of both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains and includes a trip across the Peak 2 Peak gondola.

Tube Coca Cola Tube Park

Hop in a tube and ride 1,000-foot lanes at Coca Cola Tub Park. The park offers multiple lanes and caters to riders of all ages and thrill-seeking levels. There is no equipment or skill level needed — just get ready to for an exciting ride! Snowtubing the park’s lanes ranks as a top family activity as well.

Whistler Winter Activites zipline

Photo: Sarah Sampsel

Zipline in Whistler

Find three guided zipline tours with Ziptrek in Whistler. For true daredevils, they offer a Ziptrek Ecotour that combines ziplining and high-wire adventures. Families also enjoy the Treetek Tour, which focuses on traditional ziplining and navigating suspension bridges.

Take a Snowmobile Tour

Whistler’s snowmobile tours offer something for every family member. Whether it’s a solo or dual ride, guided snowmobile tours provide a fun way to see the area. Canadian Winter Adventures takes riders through old-growth forests. Additionally, the Adventure Group provides tours for all ages, from gentle cruising to power riding. Want more info? See which ones made our top Whistler tours list.

whistler winter activities family vacation

Photo: profernity

Go Dog Sledding

On a dog-sledding adventure, guests tour the area, hear about Whistler’s history, and learn how to control and handle a dog sled. The team travels through the old growth forest of the Callaghan Valley for an afternoon of fun. For couples, try this as an easy way to snuggle while enjoying the action-packed ride.

Watch Bobsledders

Running from December to March, bobsled and skeleton programs provide fast-paced Whistler winter activities throughout the entire season. Ride a bobsled – no matter the weather – and coast through 10 twists and turns, and feel accelerations up to 4 G-force. Skeleton also operates in all weather, and places visitors on their stomach for a head-first ride. Both activities have safety orientation and procedures.

See Whistler on a Helicopter Tour

View Whistler Resort, Blackcomb and Whistler mountains, and Garabaldi Park on a helicopter sightseeing tour. Several packages are available, including private and tours, heli-skiing, and snowboarding adventures. Sightseeing tours typically last 15 to 30 minutes, with one including Cheakamus Glacier and the other Black Tusk, a stratovolcano in British Columbia.

If planning to ski, check out our tips on how to say money on Whistler lift tickets.

Don’t forget to book a Whistler vacation rental. Guests have mountain views, lots of space and luxury amenities.