Whistler overview
Whistler Blackcomb is North America’s biggest ski resort: 8,171 acres across two mountains, joined by the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. We’re staying at The Delta in Whistler Village, right in the middle of the walkable village and a short walk from the main Whistler base.
December means real winter. Up top, expect highs around −5°C (23°F) and lows near −12°C (11°F), and the summit averages about 34 feet of snow a year. Dress in layers and check the packing list.
On the mountain
Whistler Mountain
Opened in 1966, with 4,757 acres, 100+ trails and the 11 km Peak to Creek run. The Whistler Village Gondola leaves from the village.
Blackcomb Mountain
Opened in 1980, with 3,414 acres, 100+ trails and the resort’s highest lift at 7,494 ft. Ride PEAK 2 PEAK across from Whistler in about 11 minutes.
EPIC pass
Buy through the club link pinned in #ski-snowboard-club-ft and get a rebate of up to $65, depending on pass type.
Skis/poles/boots or board/boots
Rentals run on consecutive days. Taking a day off? Pay for it, or email info@skisync.com to split into two bookings.
½-day beginner group lesson
Discounted through SkiSync for the first day of Big Ski — recommended for first-timers. Full-day lessons are CAD $170 (~US $120) on the Whistler website. Lessons don’t include lift tickets or rentals.
Things to do
Non-skier add-ons — book in SkiSync by Wed, Nov 11 for discounted rates.
Ziplining
Five ziplines over the Fitzsimmons Valley between Whistler and Blackcomb, including a 2,400-ft line.
Snowmobiling
Wide, beginner-friendly trails through the Callaghan Valley to the historic NorthAir Goldmine.
Snowshoeing
A 4×4 ride into the backcountry, then a guided snowshoe past frozen waterfalls, with a snack break.
Scandinave Spa
Whistler’s thermal spa: hot, cold and relaxation cycles with no time limit.
PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola
Glass-bottom gondola linking Whistler and Blackcomb — meet your skier friends on the mountain.
Casual activities
Ice skating, local breweries, yoga and more. Sign-ups go up in #big-ski-whistler-2026.
Where to eat
Our favorite spots in town, from big-night dinners to burgers in your ski boots. No chains.
Dress code
- Easy · ski gear is fine
- Intermediate · smart casual
- Expert · dress up
Price
- $ under $20
- $$ $20–30
- $$$ $31–50
- $$$$ $50+
CAD per person, before drinks. Walks are from The Delta.
Après + casual
Come straight off the mountain.
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Longhorn Saloon
Price: $20–30 per personPub · Après · 8 min walkDress code: Easy (ski gear is fine)The classic après spot at the bottom of the Whistler Gondola. Beers, nachos, live music and a huge patio.
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Sushi Village
Price: $20–30 per personJapanese · 7 min walkDress code: Easy (ski gear is fine)Where locals go for sushi and sake margaritas. Reservations only for 6+, so small groups should go early.
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Hunter Gather
Price: $20–30 per personSmokehouse · Taphouse · 4 min walkDress code: Easy (ski gear is fine)Order at the counter, then grab a table for brisket, cornbread and a local beer. Brunch is great too.
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Splitz Grill
Price: $20–30 per personBurgers · 3 min walkDress code: Easy (ski gear is fine)Build your own burger and add a boozy milkshake. Locally owned and on Main Street since 1997.
Breakfast + quick bites
Grab something before first chair.
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Purebread
Price: under $20 per personBakery · Coffee · 3 min walkDress code: Easy (ski gear is fine)There’s usually a line when they open at 8. It moves fast, and the scones are worth the wait.
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Peaked Pies
Price: under $20 per personAussie meat pies · 3 min walkDress code: Easy (ski gear is fine)Australian meat pies. Ask for yours “peaked” and they’ll pile mash, peas and gravy on top.
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Portobello
Price: $20–30 per personBakery · Deli · 13 min walkDress code: Easy (ski gear is fine)Next to the Blackcomb lifts in the Upper Village. Big breakfast bowls, sandwiches and maple bacon donuts.
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Crystal Hut
Price: $20–30 per personOn the mountain · Ski-in onlyDress code: Easy (ski gear is fine)A little log cabin up on Blackcomb. Ski in for a loaded waffle and a hot chocolate with a view.
Group dinners
For a big table that wants a real meal.
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The Brickworks
Price: $31–50 per personGastropub · 1 min walkDress code: Intermediate (smart casual)In the same building as The Delta. Locally owned, with game meats and a huge gin list. Closed Sun–Tue.
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Bar Oso
Price: $31–50 per personSpanish tapas · 4 min walkDress code: Intermediate (smart casual)Small plates made for passing around, plus a long gin and tonic list. Great if your group likes to share.
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Il Caminetto
Price: $50+ per personItalian · 6 min walkDress code: Expert (dress up)Fresh pasta and risotto in a cozy, fireplace-lit room. People swap the ski clothes for nicer outfits here.
Big night out
Worth dressing up for. Book a few weeks ahead.
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Araxi
Price: $50+ per personWest Coast · Oysters · 4 min walkDress code: Expert (dress up)The answer most locals give for best dinner in Whistler. Hit the afternoon happy hour for cheaper oysters.
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Bearfoot Bistro
Price: $50+ per personContemporary · 7 min walkDress code: Expert (dress up)Part dinner, part show. Saber a bottle of champagne, then throw on a parka for the −25°C vodka room.
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Wild Blue
Price: $50+ per personSeafood · 7 min walkDress code: Expert (dress up)The hardest reservation in town right now. Get the seafood tower and ask the bar for a cocktail rec.