Whistler: Our Winter Tradition of Skiing, Snowfall & Family Memories
Another bluebird day on the slopes — Whistler never disappoints.
Bill and I have always joked that our marriage works because we each get our own terrain. Bill is a true mountain soul — an avid lifelong skier who has taught countless kids and adults in the Pacific Northwest, including those working toward their PSIA-AASI certifications.
Me? Give me sunshine, sand, and salt air any day.
For 46 years it’s been the perfect divide: he brings the skis, I bring the beach bags.
But every winter, without fail, we meet in the middle — or rather, in the mountains — for our annual trip to Whistler, British Columbia. It has become one of our longest-running family traditions. One week. Up to 24 of us. Friends, kids, grandkids, good food, tired legs, and so many memories.
And we absolutely love it.
Getting to Whistler
Reaching Whistler is easy no matter where you’re coming from. You can fly into Vancouver, hop a shuttle straight to the village, or rent a car for the gorgeous drive north. Since we live in Seattle, we usually drive and stop in Vancouver for brunch at the Granville Public Market — a destination worth the trip all on its own.
A friendly word about border crossings:
Make sure everyone has the right ID (passports or Real ID), and if you’re traveling with minors who aren’t your children, bring travel consent letters.
And please — learn from our mistake — don’t bring eggs across the border. Nothing says “welcome to Canada” like your car being unpacked by customs because of a rogue carton of eggs. Yes, we sat on the bench. Yes, we had to repack the car ourselves. No, we will never live this down.
The Sea-to-Sky Drive
The drive from Vancouver to Whistler is its own mini-vacation. The Sea-to-Sky Highway wraps past deep blue water, waterfalls, evergreen forests, and mountain peaks that look almost too dramatic to be real.
Bring extra storage for photos. Or your best camera.
If it’s your first time in the Pacific Northwest, prepare for a lot of unscheduled “pull over, I need a picture!” moments.
And because most accommodations don’t check in until 3 or 4 p.m., there’s no rush. Enjoy the drive, stop often, breathe in the fresh pine air.
Whistler Village: Something for Everyone
Whistler Village is one of the most welcoming winter towns we’ve ever visited. Between the cobblestone walkways, the fire pits, the shops, cafés, and the endless activities, it’s perfect for all ages.
Here’s what our group of 24 tends to squeeze into a week:
Skiing (Of Course!)
Buy passes early or as part of a package — it saves a surprising amount. And nothing beats skiing down Whistler or Blackcomb on a powder day with fresh snow dusting your helmet.
Snowshoeing & Walking Trails
A great option for non-skiers or off-days. Trails vary from forest loops to scenic lookouts depending on snowfall.
Dining
Whistler has everything — fast food, cozy pubs, sushi, Italian, fine dining, and plenty of spots just right for warming up after the slopes.
The Scandinave Spa
This is one of our all-time favorites.
No talking. No electronics. No Kindles.
There are actual “shusshers” who walk around enforcing the peace — and yes, I have absolutely been shushed. More than once.
But after drifting between the steam rooms, cold plunges, and hot baths surrounded by silent snowy forest? Bliss. Pure bliss.
Meadow Park Sports Centre
Perfect for non-ski days: drop-in hockey, swimming, a fitness room, and family-friendly fun.
Shopping
Oh, the shopping.
From big-name brands to boutiques to our favorite treasure hunt: the Re-Use-It Centre and the Re-Build-It Centre. We’ve found everything from $5 sleds to patio chairs — which once rode all the way back to Seattle strapped to the roof next to the skis. Quite the sight.
The Mountains That Keep Us Coming Back
Though we love the village, the mountains are what keep us returning year after year. We usually stay in Creekside, just outside the main village, which gives us quick access to Whistler Mountain. From there we can ski over to Blackcomb via the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, refuel in the village, and then either ski back home or call whichever family member decided to take a rest day and sweet-talk them into picking us up.
Some of our best family stories have started on those chairlifts and ended around a fireplace.
A Tradition Worth Keeping
We’ve built so many memories in Whistler — kids learning to ski, adults relearning, grandparents cheering from the lodge when we are not on the mountain, late-night board games, early-morning first tracks, birthday dinners, laughter echoing down the hall of whatever rental home is bursting at the seams with our group.
Whistler has become our winter home away from home, and we can’t imagine our year without it.
Stay safe during your climbs with these essential safety tips.
