Whistler At 60: Nine Reasons This Iconic Ski Resort Is Back On Every Bucket List
When it comes to bucket-list ski holidays, few destinations are as iconic as Whistler. While Brits and Irish skiers have plenty of options, Whistler was the original long-haul ski destination, long before Japan or the US Rockies entered the conversation. The resort is clearly enjoying a renaissance, with bookings up 90% year-on-year and enquiries soaring 178% among British and Irish holidaygoers, according to Ski Safari. Whether it’s the reliable and extended snow season (often longer than many European resorts) or the stunning scenery of British Columbia, it’s easy to see the appeal. With Whistler Blackcomb celebrating its 60th anniversary, here are nine reasons to head to Whistler this season.
Sushi Village Celebrates 40 Years in Whistler. Few ski resorts can claim world-class sushi, but Whistler is different, and Sushi Village has been leading the way for 40 years. Founded in 1985 by three Vancouver restaurant workers who fell in love with the mountain lifestyle, the restaurant was born from a dream to ski every day while running a top-tier sushi spot. From modest beginnings to becoming a local and visitor favourite, Sushi Village is now legendary for its fresh, inventive dishes and vibrant atmosphere. Don’t miss their famous Sake Margarita, a signature touch that adds a fun twist to any après-ski evening.
Embrace your inner Olympian on Whistler’s Olympic Track. There aren’t many ski resorts where travellers can follow in the footsteps of an Olympian, but the Whistler Sliding Centre lets visitors experience the thrill of bobsleigh and skeleton on the same track used for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games. New this season, the Discover Bobsleigh Experience puts guests in the driver’s seat, with expert coaching to master the skills needed to pilot a beginner-friendly bobsleigh down the track at speeds of up to 115 km/h. Available weekly from December 6, 2025, to April 5, 2026, no prior experience is needed. For those who prefer to relax, the Passenger Bobsleigh Experience offers the same adrenaline rush, guided by a trained pilot.
Whistler’s Most Luxury Experience It doesn’t get more bougie than Whistler’s most exclusive alpine escape, The Glacier Table. In partnership with Beyond Whistler, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler takes visitors on a private helicopter flight over the Coast Mountains to a remote glacier or naturally sculpted ice cave. Guests explore the frozen landscape by snowmachine or tracked vehicle before arriving at a glacier-side table prepared by a personal Four Seasons team. The experience is completed with a tasting of Dom Pérignon 2013 Vintage paired with Kristal Caviar, crisp alpine air and a rejuvenating massage, creating a bucket list mountain experience.
A Backcountry Adventure Like No Other Since 1981, Whistler Heli-Skiing has been taking skiers and snowboarders into untouched alpine terrain for unforgettable backcountry experiences. Guests fly in 4-or 10-passenger helicopters, guided by expert professionals, to pristine glacial landscapes that few ever see. With access to vast, powder-filled slopes in one of the world’s most iconic mountain settings, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will certainly give skiers dinner table bragging rights.
Superb Spring Skiing Whistler Blackcomb welcomed skiers back on 21 November 2025, marking the start of one of the longest ski seasons in North America. Thanks to its dramatic vertical rise from valley floor to high-alpine glaciers, the resort is able to deliver consistent skiing from early winter through to spring, with lifts scheduled to run until May 2026. For skiers, this offers an unusually wide window to plan a trip, whether chasing peak winter conditions or returning for classic spring skiing.
Ski With a friend (and Save Money) To celebrate the social side of skiing, “Epic Friend Tickets" allows 2025/26 season-long Epic Pass Holders to share incredible savings with those they want to ski and ride with most. Pass Holders will receive 6-10 Epic Friend Tickets that provide 50% off lift tickets for the 2025/26 winter season. Plus, friends can also apply 100% of the cost of one redeemed Epic Friend Ticket toward an eligible 2026/27 Epic Pass – providing double the savings.
Discover Whistler Blackcomb’s Wonder Routes The Wonder Routes at Whistler Blackcomb provide a fresh way to experience the mountains, guiding visitors through panoramic views from the highest peaks, secret spots for kids and some of the resort’s most iconic terrain. Skiers can explore Olympic and Invictus venues, carve through tree runs, or simply enjoy a taste of the legendary alpine slopes. As the day winds down, alpine huts and sun-soaked patios offer the perfect spots to relax and soak up the vibrant Whistler mountain culture.
Peak to Valley Race: Celebrating 40 Years of Giant Slalom In 2026, the world-famous Peak to Valley Race celebrates its 40th anniversary. Conceived by Canadian ski legend Dave Murray, this unique Giant Slalom challenge brings teams of four down a thrilling course from the Whistler Saddle to Dusty’s in Creekside. The race is a true test of skill, endurance, and teamwork, offering participants a rare chance to experience the adrenaline and history of one of Whistler’s most iconic skiing traditions.
Audain Art Museum Celebrates 10 Years in Whistler In March 2026, the Audain Art Museum marks its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade as one of Whistler’s cultural highlights. Founded through the generous philanthropy of Michael Audain and Yoshiko Karasawa, the museum showcases a stunning Permanent Collection of British Columbia’s most celebrated artists. Housed in a striking building designed by the internationally acclaimed Patkau Architects, the Audain offers visitors a chance to experience world-class art in the breathtaking mountain setting of Whistler, making it a perfect complement to the resort’s outdoor adventures.
Tourism Whistler aims to honour and celebrate the magnitude of Whistler’s rugged mountain environment, and the bold and adventurous spirit of the people who love it. The pedestrian-only resort town is just a two-hour drive from Vancouver, in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia. From the breathtaking alpine playground to the endless options of the Village, Whistler has a diverse offering of rugged West Coast beauty, passionate community and unrivalled selection of refined experiences.
For more information on Whistler visit: www.whistler.com
