Craving powder time? Plan a memorable ski trip in stunning Whistler, Canada. Whistler is a winter paradise filled with snow-covered mountains, legendary après, roaring fireplaces, frozen lakes, and mulled wine to warm you up after a day on the slopes. Here you’ll find the ultimate 7-day ski trip itinerary with no shortage of mountain time, and of course, infused with lots of luxury and time to recharge. Perfect for a solo adventure or a group trip.
Here’s how to spend the perfect week in Whistler.
Travel to Whistler
If you’re within driving distance, Whistler is a stunning 2-hour drive from Vancouver and 4-hours from Seattle. If you don’t have your own wheels, take a coach, or fly into Vancouver International Airport. Don’t skip Vancouver, it’s an amazing city!
Best Time to Visit
Whistler is popular all year but particularly in winter when hotel rates are high. Pay close attention to US and Canadian statutory holidays and try to avoid them. This ensures shorter lift lines and better value for your money.
December 1 – 18: Accommodation rates peak a week before Christmas. The snow can be inconsistent in early December.
January 5 – 15: It’s quiet after the Christmas holiday.
March: March is one of the best snow months, visit after spring break.
April 1 – 18: Skiing ends at the end of April. The snow is still good and you can get great rates.
If you are planning your trip around the best snow, February and March tend to be the most consistent.
Where to Stay
Whistler has some incredible luxury options that will elevate your experience. Two notable places are the Four Seasons and the Fairmont. Book well in advance and take advantage of 7-night stay discounts. The Upper Village near Blackcomb is the best area thanks to the ski-in/ski-out access and the proximity to restaurants.
Modern Luxury: Four Seasons, Whistler
The Four Seasons is an iconic luxury chain and the Whistler property certainly doesn’t disappoint. Check out the Upper Village location. They even have a ski concierge! The rooms are over 550 square feet of modern elegance with fireplaces and balconies. The facilities are excellent; enjoy mountain views from the hot tub, pool, and stand-alone Finnish wooden saunas.
Don’t forget to check out happy hour at the Braidwood Tavern. Be sure to order a S’Mores Man, a specialty cocktail that comes in a smoking glass case, adorned with a marshmallow snowman. It’s a drink and dessert in one!
Old Luxury: Fairmont Chateau, Whistler
The Fairmont is a Whistler icon thanks to its imposing, castle-like appearance at the base of Blackcomb mountain. It’s a hub of activity and the Mallard Lounge is often full of locals and visitors enjoying live music. The Fairmont has the best pool area in the village and the latest addition are snow globes where you can dine in a winter paradise under the stars!
The Perfect 7-Day Ski Trip in Whistler
Day One:
Pick up your rental car in beautiful Vancouver and make the scenic 2-hour drive to Whistler. For lunch, stop at Backcountry Brewing in Squamish and enjoy a delicious pizza in their cabin-inspired taproom.
To celebrate your first night, why not indulge? Check out the champagne and caviar bar at the Bearfoot Bistro. They are also known for their oysters, 4-course tasting menus, and Ketel One ice room.
Day Two:
It’s time to hit the slopes! Pick up a breakfast wrap and coffee from Portobello before taking the Blackcomb gondola. Blackcomb is never as busy as Whistler and the skiing is just as good.
There are a number of restaurants for lunch on Blackcomb. If you’re a fan of waffles stop at Crystal Hut, a log cabin with delicious treats! If you’re feeling fancy head to Christine’s for a fine dining experience with panoramic vistas.
After your first day skiing, you would be crazy not to reward yourself with an après-ski drink! RMU is a local favorite at the base of Blackcomb with live music, fire pits, and cocktails. To continue the party, visit Merlin’s, a mountain bar with shot skis, giant nachos, and a DJ.
After a well deserved hot tub, head to the famed Sushi Village, which has been an institution since it opened in the 1980s. Everyone starts their night at Sushi Village, thanks to the vibe, food, and sake margaritas. Try the unique rolls, sashimi, and agedashi tofu.
For post-dinner cocktails, visit Earls for their late-night happy hour starting at 9 pm in the lounge. Although it’s a chain, it’s loved by locals for the drink specials and mountain decor.
Day Three:
Head up Blackcomb again and take a few runs before riding the Peak 1 Peak. Getting to Whistler from Blackcomb is a treat in itself. The Peak 2 Peak is the longest singular cable in the world, spanning 4.4km. After skiing, have a drink at the Umbrella on Whistler, a glass circular bar with 360 views.
Après-ski options in the village include the GLC, with a huge patio and live music, and the Dubh Linn Gate, the coziest pub in Whistler.
For a one of a kind experience, have a 5-course meal with wine pairing inside a snow-globe at the Fairmont. If the domes aren’t your jam, head to the Chalet for fondue followed by warm drinks by the fire.
Day Four:
Take the day off from skiing, enjoy room service with breakfast on your balcony, then stretch your legs with a snowy hike. There are lots of options that are 1 to 2-hours, including the Valley Trail, Brandywine falls, Rainbow Falls, and the Trainwreck hike.
Have a relaxing afternoon and try a traditional Scandinavian hydrotherapy experience amidst a spruce forest at Spa Scandinave. Enjoy the outdoor baths, saunas, steam, and relaxation rooms, and for the ultimate pampering book an accompanying massage.
To continue the day of luxury head to, Nita Lake Lodge for a drink overlooking the lake. It’s close to Red Door — one of the best restaurants in Whistler. Their French-inspired West Coast cuisine is beloved so be sure to book. For drinks after dinner, visit Roland’s, the dive bar next door.
Day Five:
Hit the slopes and visit Steeps Grill on Whistler for lunch or a wine flight.
As an alternative to skiing, take a drive to Pemberton, 45-minutes north of Whistler. Stop at One Mile Lake and wander the boardwalk. Enjoy coffee and breakfast at a working farm. At North Arm Farm, you can even feed the animals! Visit Beer Farmers Brewery and have a cider by the fire. For lunch, stop by Mile One Eatery for comfort food.
This evening, have an early dinner at SideCut steakhouse in the Four Seasons — or if you prefer more sushi, Nagomi is excellent.
Next head to Vallea Lumina for a multimedia night walk through an enchanted forest. It sounds tacky but it’s actually beautiful! Bring your own thermos to stay toasty.
Day Six:
Start off the day dog-sledding through snowy forests. The dogs are well-loved and it’s an experience you will never forget. For lunch splurge on Pacific Northwest cuisine at Araxi, consistently voted Whistler’s best restaurant.
After lunch, stroll the boutiques in the village or visit the Audain art gallery. Enjoy some R&R back at the Four Seasons unwinding in their sauna or hot tubs. End the afternoon with mulled wine and smores by the fire at the hotel’s Vintage Camper.
To celebrate your last night take yourself on a tour of the village. Start at Basalt and enjoy a winter spritz with a charcuterie board. Next, transport yourself to Barcelona and enjoy cocktails and tapas at Bar Oso. If you’re a fan of a Negroni you can’t miss the locally owned Raven room, recognized as one of Canada’s best cocktail bars. Their food is also excellent. The Mallard Lounge in the Fairmont is the perfect place for a nightcap!
Day Seven:
Sadly it’s time to depart, although it’s never too late for room service and one last dip in the pool! On the way to Vancouver have lunch at Fergie’s Cafe, a sprawling property north of Squamish. Sit by the fire and stroll by the river after lunch. If you didn’t get the chance to spend some time in Vancouver, make sure to check it out now!
Now you have all the best tips to plan the ultimate ski-trip in Whistler. From powder time to downtime, and everything in-between — we’ve got you covered!
About: Nova Tregaskis
Nova originally hails from Sydney, but now resides in Vancouver. She grew up traveling since birth, thanks to her art dealing parents, and has worked in the travel industry for the past decade. Nova now combines her lifelong love of writing and travel, working as a freelance content creator, travel writer, and specialty consultant.
