SNOW-TIME – GET OUTSIDE DURING WHISTLER PRIDE
The snow is piling up in Whistler and the Whistler Pride festival team is giddy with excitement – so many ways to play in the snow. With less than two weeks until the festival now is the perfect time to consider the many ways to take in the awe-inspiring winter wonderland that makes Whistler one of the most popular and loved ski resorts in the world. There’s a lot to see and do, and with Whistler Pride being one of the busiest weeks of the year it is highly recommended to book your activities in advance. Here is a list of our favourite reasons to get outside, in no particular order.
Ice Skating At Olympic Plaza
Known simply as skating in Canada (is there really any other kind?), outdoor Ice Skating in Whistler can be done at Olympic Plaza, in the heart of the village with great views of the mountain. Go in the evening and make it romantic with hot chocolate and a hot date. Admission is free. Skate rentals are only $7.
Tubing at the Coca-Cola Tube Park
Whistler Pride guests can relive childhood memories by whooshing down the mountain in a tube at Whistler Blackcomb’s Coca-Cola Tube Park. No special equipment or training required. Easily accessible from the Village and open to everyone this is a perfect way for those who don’t ski to experience the mountain.
Pride Parade Day
Seeing the rainbow flags fly down the mountain gives us all the feels! This year, Parade Marshal Lady Bunny will greet the parade at the bottom of the mountain and lead the march through the Village in a celebration of freedom and inclusiveness, thanking Whistler for welcoming the festival with open arms every year. The Parade ends at the Conference Centre for the big Friday T-Dance, which offers free entry to guests 19 and older until 5:30pm.
Vallea Lumina at Night
A magical multimedia night journey in pursuit of hidden wonders. Vallea Lumina is Whistler’s newest attraction and a great activity for groups and couples. Ignite your senses with an immersive light show set in the forested surrounds of Cougar Mountain. Enjoy marshmallows, hot chocolate and other non-alcoholic refreshments at basecamp before embarking on your journey into the magical forest. This is the perfect way to walk off your dinner before heading to Splash Pool Party on Thursday night.
Charity Ski Race
Test your skill and your predictive abilities – zoom down the racecourse and raise money for A Loving Spoonful! The race runs from 1-3pm on Thursday January 30th at the GMC Race Centre on Blackcomb Mountain. All abilities welcome and no race experience necessary. Skiers and snowboarders welcome. Run as many times as you feel like donating. Racers can donate with cash or credit cards. The winners for fastest, slowest, and for closest to their predicted time will be announced at the free festival Après at the CABN on Thursday afternoon.
Snowmobile Tours
There is a certain thrill of conquering the snow with the help of a powerful machine between your legs. Take a guided sled tour through the snow and into Whistler’s backcountry to experience this treasured Canadian pastime. No experience needed. Just think of the Instagram photo and story opportunities!
Skiing and Snowboarding Guide Groups
The main attraction – 8,171 acres (33 km2) of ski terrain – could easily feel overwhelming to a newcomer, but with the support of Whistler Blackcomb, Whistler Pride and Ski Festival provides free-to-join (lift ticket required), inclusive guided groups for skiers and snowboarders. Divided by skill level, the groups enable festivalgoers to explore the mountain in great company. Check the app for the schedule. Registration is encouraged to help tour guides plan.
Rest your Body and Spirit at Scandinave Spa
Secluded and serene, Scandinave Spa is a must-do experience! And Sip ‘N Dip at Scandinave Spa has become one of the festival’s most popular events, selling out in advance every year. Ease into your trip by soaking up the spa at the start of your trip. Recharge between festival events with a mid-week visit. Or schedule a day of detox and recovery after a week of wonderful indulgences. Bookings are required for treatments, but are not necessary for bath-only access.
Secure Your Spot
Visit the Plan Your Trip page to book winter activities like snowmobiling, tubing, snowshoeing, winter zip-lining and Vallea Lumina. Visit our Ticketing Site to register for the guided ski/snowboard groups, purchase tickets for events including Sip ‘N Dip, and to get additional information about the charity ski race and the parade.
Share Your Stories
These are just some of the many incredible ways to make your visit to Whistler unique. The festival team hopes that every guest has an unforgettable experience. Reconvene and regale your friends with the stories from your adventures at the free daily Après and please share your photos and stories on social media. Please tag your photos using #whistlerpride and #OnlyInWhistler and help shape the story of how much fun can be had at Whistler Pride!