The Benson Preferred Guide
Whistler, British Columbia in the Winter
British Columbia, Canada
The Benson Preferred Guide to Whistler, British Columbia (Winter)
Why Should You Visit Whistler in the Winter?
Some destinations leave an impression on you long after you've gone home. For me, Whistler has always been one of those places.
Oddly enough, when I think back on my first trip to Whistler, the very first thing that comes to mind isn't skiing or snowboarding. It's the drive from the airport. Winding through towering coastal mountains with massive glacial rivers carving their way through the valley below was one of the most beautiful drives I've ever experienced. I remember thinking, "This place doesn't even look real."
It's been many years since I last visited Whistler, which is one of the reasons Diana and I are so excited to go back together and experience it with fresh eyes.
There are destinations that immediately feel familiar, and then there are destinations that feel like an adventure waiting to happen. Whistler has always felt like the latter.
Who Is Whistler Perfect For?
Whistler is perfect for:
- Skiers and snowboarders
- Couples looking for a mountain escape
- Travelers who love breathtaking scenery
- Families who enjoy winter adventures
- Anyone who appreciates luxury mountain accommodations
- Travelers looking to explore one of North America's premier winter destinations
If you've ever dreamed of spending your days in the mountains and your evenings soaking in a hot tub while snow falls outside, Whistler belongs on your list.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Whistler in the Winter?
One of the things we're most excited about is that there is still so much for us to discover in Whistler.
Our list for our next trip includes:
- Snowboarding Whistler Blackcomb
- Exploring Whistler Village
- Relaxing at Horstman House after a day on the mountain
- Riding the lifts and taking in the incredible mountain scenery
- Discovering our favorite restaurants throughout Whistler
- Spending quiet evenings in the hot tub
- Exploring the surrounding mountain landscapes
Sometimes it's okay to leave a destination guide with a little room for discovery. Whistler is one of those places for us.
What Is Whistler's Signature Winter Experience?
For me, it's simply being in the mountains.
Growing up in Utah, I've spent my entire life skiing and snowboarding some incredible terrain throughout the western United States. Even so, there was something uniquely beautiful about Whistler's coastal mountain environment that immediately stood out to me.
The scale of the mountains, the rivers, and the forests create a pretty incredible experience that feels distinctly different from the mountains of Utah and Colorado.
If you love mountains, you'll understand exactly what I mean the moment you arrive.
Where Should You Stay in Whistler?
Horstman House is one of our Benson Preferred Properties, and we're excited to experience it ourselves on our next trip.
The property offers complimentary shuttle service to both Whistler Village and the ski lifts, ski-in access via the Home Run trail, a pool and hot tub, and billiards and entertainment spaces that make it ideal for both couples and families.
We're especially looking forward to spending our evenings relaxing at the property after full days on the mountain.
Sometimes half the fun of travel is having something wonderful to look forward to, and Horstman House is definitely one of those things for us.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Whistler in the Winter?
- Peak Season: December through February offers incredible winter conditions and a classic snowy Whistler experience.
- Shoulder Season: Early March can provide excellent snow conditions with slightly longer days and fewer crowds.
- Best For:
- Skiing and Snowboarding: December through March
- Mountain Scenery: All winter season
- Couples' Getaways: Winter season
- Family Adventures: Winter season
Insider's Secret
Don't rush from the airport.
As strange as it may sound, one of my favorite memories of Whistler was simply getting there.
Take your time driving into Whistler. Pull over when something catches your eye. Appreciate the scenery. The journey into the mountains is part of the experience.
We're often so eager to arrive at our destination that we miss some of the best moments along the way.
What Is a Great 5-7 Night Itinerary for Whistler?
- Day 1: Arrive in Whistler and take your time enjoying the drive into the mountains.
- Day 2: Explore Whistler Village and enjoy the resort amenities.
- Day 3: Ski or snowboard Whistler Blackcomb.
- Day 4: Relax and discover your favorite local restaurant.
- Day 5: Another day on the mountain.
- Day 6: Enjoy a leisurely day exploring the village and surrounding scenery.
- Day 7: One final morning in the mountains before heading home.
Founder Favorite
This may be one of the more unusual favorites in the collection, but it's completely honest.
My favorite memory of Whistler is simply being awestruck by the mountains.
I've traveled to some spectacular places around the world, and I still remember driving into Whistler and realizing that this place was something special. Sometimes a destination doesn't need to immediately overwhelm you with activities to earn a place in your memory.
Whistler earned its place because of how it made me feel.
Member Tip
Leave a little room in your itinerary to discover Whistler for yourself.
Not every destination needs to be planned down to the hour. Some of our favorite travel memories have come from wandering into a restaurant we hadn't planned on trying or spending an extra hour enjoying a beautiful view we hadn't expected to find.
Whistler feels like one of those destinations that rewards curiosity.
Favorite Experiences
This guide is a little different from the others because it's really an invitation to rediscover a destination I loved visiting a long time ago.
Diana hasn't yet experienced Whistler, and it's been many years since my last visit. We're excited to stay at Horstman House, spend our days on the mountain, and discover what has changed and what has remained the same.
There are some destinations that immediately become annual traditions. Others quietly stay on your mind until it's finally time to return.
For us, Whistler has always been the latter.
We're looking forward to sharing everything we discover when we return.
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Bull Sharks in Playa
They gather off this coast for a few months a year. Close enough to count the scars, calm enough to stay a while.
The walk at golden hour
Costa Rica’s Pacific coast empties out just as the light gets good. Most evenings, the beach is yours.
Hot chocolate at the bottom
The part of the day nobody photographs, and the part everybody ends up remembering.
First chair, fresh snow
Up the mountain before anyone else, on a morning that still has every track left in it.
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We're lifelong adventurers who believe travel is one of life's greatest investments. Not because of the places you'll go, but because of the memories you'll create and the people you'll share them with.
The Benson Preferred Guest List is simply our way of sharing some of our favorite places and experiences with our circle of friends, family, and people we're glad to know. Read more about our story →
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