Whistler Blackcomb

For families planning a winter adventure together, Whistler continues to stand out as one of the most rewarding snow holiday destinations in the world.

The combination of vast terrain, exceptional ski and snowboard schools, a pedestrian-friendly village and a long list of kid-focused winter activities makes it remarkably easy for families to enjoy the mountains together.

From the moment families arrive in Whistler Village, everything is designed to make a ski holiday seamless and fun for travellers of all ages.

A Mountain Playground for Young Skiers and Snowboarders

One of the reasons families return to Whistler year after year is the incredible variety of terrain and epic ski school.

With two huge mountains and more than 8,000 acres of skiable terrain, the resort offers everything from gentle beginner slopes to wide cruising runs and alpine bowls. Skiers and snowboarders can explore both Whistler and Blackcomb in a single day via the spectacular Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which floats high above the valley between the two mountains.

For children learning to ski or snowboard, Whistler Blackcomb’s Snow School is one of the best in North America. Programs start from as young as three years old and are designed to help young riders build confidence while having fun with instructors who specialise in teaching children.

Multi-day camps allow kids to ski with the same instructor and group throughout the week, which often becomes one of the highlights of their holiday.

The Magic Castle and Tree Fort

One of the most magical experiences for children on the mountain is discovering the Magic Castle and the Tree Fort.

These hidden play areas are tucked into the forests on both mountains and provide a wonderful place for kids to take a break from skiing or snowboarding and simply play in the snow.

The Magic Castle sits on Blackcomb in the Children’s Adventure Park above the Catskinner chairlift. The Tree Fort can be found on Whistler Mountain just off the Bear Cub trail near the Big Red Express chair.

Kids can explore towers, slides, bridges and snowy hideouts, making these areas feel like a secret winter clubhouse in the forest. They are free to access and often become a favourite stop during a family ski day.

Winter Adventures Beyond the Slopes

Whistler offers far more than skiing and snowboarding, which is another reason families love the destination.

A few favourite winter activities include:

• bubly Tube Park on Blackcomb for high-speed tubing fun
• Ice skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza, located in the heart of the village
• Dog sledding tours through the surrounding forests
• Snowmobile adventures across alpine terrain
• Ziplining above Whistler’s rainforest on the longest ziplines in Canada
• Snowshoeing tours through scenic trails

The outdoor skating rink at Olympic Plaza is particularly special in winter. Surrounded by mountain views and village lights, it creates a magical evening activity after a day on the slopes.

Kid-Friendly Dining and Après

Dining in Whistler is relaxed and welcoming for families, and many restaurants cater especially well to younger travellers.

Some of our favourite family friendly dining spots include:

Garibaldi Lift Co. (GLC)
Located above the Whistler Gondola, this famous terrace is one of the resort’s most popular après ski venues and remains family friendly until the evening.

Dusty’s Bar & BBQ
A lively Creekside favourite known for its welcoming atmosphere and kids menu.

The Old Spaghetti Factory
One of the most popular family restaurants in Whistler Village thanks to its classic comfort food and fun atmosphere.

Caramba
European-inspired cuisine meets warm hospitality at this locally owned restaurant. Savour handcrafted dishes in a lively atmosphere

For families dining on the mountain, Crystal Hut on Blackcomb is a must visit. Known for its famous waffles, it is the perfect reward after a morning on the slopes.

A Village Designed for Families

Whistler Village is one of the most family friendly ski towns in North America.

The pedestrian-only village makes it easy to walk between hotels, lifts, restaurants and shops without worrying about traffic. Many hotels sit just steps from the gondolas, meaning families can move between the slopes and village with ease.