Whistler in spring

Maximise your mountain time skiing on longer, sunnier days: no wonder Whistler in spring is a secret Canadians want to keep

Perched in Canada’s southwestern corner, the British Columbian town of Whistler and neighbouring ski resort Whistler Blackcomb are a bucket-list destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

The ski resort is a triple threat – punching above others thanks to its unique blend of scenic beauty, stimulating outdoor activities and luxurious après-ski.

Whether you’re intrigued to explore the ski resort for the first time or just can’t stay away, discover another side to it by visiting Whistler in spring.

Your greatest mountain days are yet to come, with March and April delivering the goods in Whistler. The area enjoys an extended ski season compared to other ski resorts – and quieter slopes, more affordable accommodation and more sunshine makes spring one of the best times to visit.

So why not make the most of the longer days and stay another night or two? Book a third night in Whistler in spring online using the code SPRING2024 and you’ll receive a complimentary £60 ($75) après voucher.

As well as saving money, staying a few more days will give you more time to practise your turns, unwind in Whistler’s spas and connect with friends and family over a drink or dinner – or by challenging them to an outdoor adventure.

First timers won’t want to miss Peak 2 Peak, a cable car that connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. As well as 360° views of the heart of the town, you will soar over snowy peaks, lakes, glaciers and ancient cedar forests.

Once you have your bearings, you’ll be itching to strap on your skis and explore. Vast and diverse, Whistler and Blackcomb have three glaciers, 16 alpine bowls and more than 200 marked runs stretching across 8,171 acres – so you can challenge yourself to the best ski runs in North America and discover a different route each day.

Whistler’s après-ski scene is varied, fun and wild. Try beer yoga, catch some live music or make time to sample Whistler’s unparalleled service and world-class culinary experiences. Whistler has a world-class après scene and spring is the best time to enjoy it. This is the time to celebrate your day in the mountains, a time to refuel, refresh and most importantly, reconnect with your fellow humans on a sunny patio. You might also want to time your visit for the buzzy ambience of Whistler’s World Ski & Snowboard Festival (8-14 April 2024).

Alternatively, after a day in the mountains, take time to reconnect with loved ones while meandering along Vallea Lumina, an illuminated forest trail on Cougar Mountain. You can also treat your aching muscles to a spa. Whatever your age, soaking in warm water will help you to maintain those rosy cheeks and youthful glow.

If you want to step out of your comfort zone, dare yourself to try an outdoor activity such as alfresco ice skating or tubing.

Drawn to new experiences? Then combine snowmobiling and quad biking for a thrill, or ensure you’re among the first of your friends or family to try heli-sightseeing. After boarding a helicopter, you’ll fly over lakes hidden among the Coast Mountains, only stopping to amble through an ice cave deep inside a glacier or to traverse secluded backcountry trails.

Alternatively, try ziplining or bungee jumping. The more you tremble before you jump, the stronger your sense of achievement will be afterwards.

If you live life in the fast lane and like to take things down a few gears on holiday, there are plenty of opportunities to experience Whistler at a slower pace. Nurture your deep appreciation for nature by going hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

Make the most of the last of the snow by fat biking through frosty woodland. Alternatively, visit the valley later in spring and you may spot black bears nibbling on berries or skunk cabbage budding around shimmering lakes.

If Whistler is a gift, then the journey to it is the special wrapping, ribbon and bow.

There are frequent flight options from the UK to Vancouver International Airport along with shuttles to make the transfer to Whistler easy – and as the village is pedestrian friendly, everything is close together making renting a car unnecessary.

The two-hour trip north from Vancouver to Whistler traces the spectacular Sea to Sky Highway, which National Geographic voted one of the world’s 10 most scenic drives. Each gentle curve of the road reveals a new tantalising glimpse of spectacular frozen landscapes that will make you gasp with awe.

And that sense of awe remains long after you’ve arrived. As your shoulders drop, your nose will tingle in the fresh mountain air as you inhale the aroma of the coastal forest and you won’t want to leave. So don’t.

Stay longer, and allow yourself time to enjoy your passions, connect more deeply with the community and nature and make memories that will last a lifetime. And when you do eventually go home, you’ll feel more refreshed than you thought possible.

Find out more about visiting Whistler in spring at www.whistler.com/spring

Main image credit: Tourism Whistler/Mitch Winton