Just a two-hour drive from Vancouver along the awe-inspiring Sea to Sky Highway and immersed in the depths of the west coast temperate rainforests, you’ll find a Nordic mecca. Offering an extensive network of over 160km of Nordic cross-country ski trails, there’s no shortage of pristine mountain wilderness in Whistler. But that’s not all you’ll find. Whistler attracts adventurous travellers from around the world with its unparalleled access to world-class recreation and outdoor experiences. From thrilling winter activities to indulgent award-winning dining and captivating art exhibitions and cultural experiences, Whistler makes it easy to plan a multi-day Nordic escape. Not sure where to start in planning your Whistler getaway? Here are a few ways to maximize your Nordic escape in Whistler.
Day One: Discover Whistler Village and Night Ski at Lost Lake Park
Start your getaway discovering a winter wonderland, Whistler Village. Known as Whistler’s base camp for outdoor adventure, Whistler Village is also home to a vibrant arts and cultural scene, award winning dining, outdoor ice skating and endless shops stocked with homegrown and globally inspired goods. With plenty to uncover, it’s easy to fill a day strolling the pedestrian only village, indulging your tastebuds and immersing in Whistler’s cultural institutions.
Later in the day, just a short walk from Whistler Village, step into your skis and discover the Lost Lake Nordic Trails set in tranquil coastal forests. Featuring stunning mountain and lakeside vistas, this idyllic park setting offers over 25km of cross-country ski trails groomed for both skate and classic technique. Along with over 15km of dedicated snowshoe trails to discover, this is the perfect mid-day to evening activity. As a bonus, Lost Lake Park offers 4km of lit trails, allowing you to keep skiing after the sun sets.
Day Two: Chase Olympic Dreams and Legacies
A true Nordic paradise nestled in the pristine Coast Mountains awaits at Whistler Olympic Park. A short drive from Whistler Village, the Nordic venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games boasts 120km of groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing of all abilities. You’ll also find access to dog-friendly trails, scenic snowshoe trails, tobogganing, and biathlon facilities. With a full-service Day Lodge offering food and beverage, retail, rental services and skills clinics, you’ll have no trouble spending a snow-filled day at Whistler Olympic Park.
Later on, keep the Olympic dreams going and visit the Whistler Sliding Centre on Blackcomb Mountain, home to the fastest ice track in the world. Experience the thrill of sliding as a passenger in a bobsleigh through ten twists and turns at exhilarating speeds or opt for a Skeleton ride and slide headfirst down the ice track on your own sled!
Day Three: Relax, Recharge and Revel
Ready to sit back, relax and recharge for those next day adventures? Whistler is home to a wide variety of spa and wellness facilities to help you reconnect through mind, body, and soul. Experience the age-old Finnish tradition of soaking in soothing outdoor baths at Whistler’s Scandinave Spa, stretch out in a yoga class, or soothe your muscles with a relaxing massage at an array of wellness facilities. Embracing moments of calm come easy in Whistler.
Awaken your senses with a little afternoon adventure. Enjoy ziplining through ancient old growth forests or slide and spin down the snow at the Bubly Tube Park on Blackcomb Mountain. Later on, revel and toast to adventure with an après session or indulgent dinner. From salmon bakes and fondue to award-winning culinary delights, fine-dining, cocktail lounges, pubs and breweries, Whistler’s dining experiences satisfy every tastebud.
Day Four: Rugged and Pristine Backcountry Wilderness
Finish off your Whistler experience in a nature lover’s paradise and backcountry adventurer’s playground. Located adjacent to Whistler Olympic Park is Callaghan Country, which features 7,000 hectares of breath-stealing hills and sweeping meadows that are accessible via groomed classic and skate cross country ski trails. You can also access snowshoeing trails, ski touring routes, and snowcat shuttles to the Journeyman lodge, a hand-built, authentic backcountry inn. Complete with a trailside bonfire at base camp, Callaghan Country provides the charm and warmth of traditional ski culture.
Keep the rugged wilderness vibes going by adding a snowmobile excursion to your day. From fully guided breathtaking morning adventures into the backcountry to nighttime runs under the moonlight, snowmobiling in Whistler is a treasured Canadian pastime you won’t want to miss.
To plan your ultimate cross-country getaway in Whistler, visit whistler.com/Nordic.
