The Local’s List: February

February is considered deep winter in Whistler, and the resort is definitely in full swing with activities, races and events. Whistler Blackcomb has extended its hours to 3:30 PM for the last upload from the base and it looks like colder weather is on the way, so pack those layers! It’s also BC’s Family Day on Monday, February 20, so if you’re looking for fun things to do with the fam jam that long weekend, we’ve got you covered with a post filled with family-friendly ideas.

You’ll be hearing cowbells on Whistler Mountain’s slopes later this month as skiers tackle the legendary Peak to Valley Race, the longest race of its kind in the world! Our arts and culture scene is also in full force with comedy nights, a winter festival, and new exhibits at the Audain Art Museum (free admission on Family Day) and Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (free admission on February 18 and 19).

With so much going on, we’re going with “explore” as our intention this month. Try something new, or try something with someone new; whether that’s heading to Whistler Olympic Park for the first time for some cross-country or snowshoe action with the kids, or perusing the new Collector’s Cosmos exhibit at the Audain before dinner with someone special (PSA – Valentine’s Day is on February 14).

Here’s what’s happening in Whistler this February.

Outdoor Adventure

You’ll find us:

• Heading out in a 15-passenger snowcat to higher elevations with Callaghan Country. The new shuttle service gives you access to their Nordic trails and the wilds of the Callaghan Valley backcountry (for the latter, make sure you’ve got the knowledge and gear you need to stay safe).
• Having fun with our girl crew at Rossignol and Extremely Canadian’s We Rise Women’s Ski/Ride Day on February 4. This is an ultimate shred day with top female guides and coaches who are there to help you push some boundaries. They also have a women’s backcountry day on February 11.
• Getting our thighs ready for some racing! It’s the Kokanee Valley Race Series on February 16 followed by the Peak to Valley Race on February 24 and 25, but if cross-country is more your thing the Coast Outdoors Payak Cross-Country Ski Loppet happens on February 25.
• Checking out the clinics, film nights and events happening at the Arc’teryx Backcountry Academy, happening February 9 to 12.
• Skiing the powder and corduroy with our First Tracks tickets, which give you access to Whistler Blackcomb ahead of the crowd along with a food voucher for that all-important muffin and coffee mid-morning!

Adventure Lite

You’ll find us:

• Exploring the Lost Lake Nordic trails via snowshoe. Set your own pace as you make your way through the peace of the forest, just minutes away from Whistler Village.
• Heading to the base of Whistler Mountain on Sunday evening for the Fire & Ice Show. Ski and snowboard athletes whizz through firey hoops as the music plays and the fire dancers spin – epic.
• Stretching it out during a candlelit yoga yin session at the ecologyst store on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. And letting a few things go at the Full Moon Ritual on February 5 at ALGN inside the Hilton.

More ways to get outside.

Family Fun

You’ll find us:

• Looking for things to do with the fam jam over the Family Day long weekend. After a day on the slopes maybe it’s time for a celebratory hot chocolate, ice skating under the stars or a zipline through the trees. We have lots of suggestions in our Family Day post. Our tip would be to book activities and restaurants ahead of time as it will be busy over that weekend!
• Sliding down the lanes of the bubly Tube Park on February 24 as they amp up their music, outdoor games and photography on the last Friday of every month as well as hand out free bubly!
• Going for dinner and a movie, with a forest twist. Vallea Lumina is a multi-media light show in the forest just north of Whistler Village. The result is a magical experience for all ages.
• Feeling the energy at Whistler Olympic Park for the FIS 2023 World Junior and U23 Nordic Ski Championships happening January 27 to February 5. There are 37 countries and over 800 participants arriving for this 10-day event. Spectator entry is included with regular day tickets and season passes, alternatively, you can purchase a spectator ticket online or at the gate during the event.

More family-friendly activities.

Arts & Culture

You’ll find us:

• Being blown away by the outstanding adventure and exploration in mountain films from around the world at the Banff Mountain Film Festival showcase, happening February 10 and 11 at the Maury Young Arts Centre.
• Getting some laughs in as well as some beer at Whistler Brewing Co. on February 18.  Toronto-based, stand-up comedian Andrew Packer’s bringing his Ice Ice Baby Tour, featuring Ola Dada. Packer is known for his observational humour and quick-witted crowd work and Ola Dada is a Nigerian-born comedian, who touches on the absurdity of growing up in Fort McMurray.
• Singing campfire songs at the Winter Carnival at The Point Artist-Run Centre on Sunday, February 19. There are free daytime activities including live music, snow sculpting and shinny hockey (ice dependent) followed by a ticketed evening (chili dinner optional) to listen to the rock and roll sounds of Kitty and the Rooster.
• Taking the feature guided tour of the new UNCEDED exhibition at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. They start at 1 PM on Saturdays and Sundays and are included with admission.
• Celebrating Black History Month with Marcus Mosely and his Ensemble who are performing a soulful afternoon of gospel, blues and inspirational music on February 26 at the Maury Young Arts Centre.

 

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A post shared by Andrew Packer | Comedian (@andpacker)

 

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A post shared by Marcus Mosely Ensemble (@marcusmoselyensemble)

Eating, Drinking & Shopping

You’ll find us:

• Dipping things in cheese. Araxi serves après fondue and oysters from 3 to 6 PM daily and, just up the Village Stroll, La Brasserie also has an après fondue. If you’re looking for the most decadent option, we suggest The Chalet at the Fairmont, and for the adventurous fondue eater, head up to a cabin on Blackcomb Mountain via snowmobile or snowcat under the stars with Canadian Wilderness Adventures.
• Enjoying the Motown tunes alongside a negroni at The Raven Room, one of Whistler’s top cocktail joints.
• Looking for lunch not far from the slopes? Try Joe Forte’s, located just behind the Pan Pacific Mountainside serving lunch from Thursday to Sunday (12 to 3 PM), and The Mexican Corner, which is open for lunch at the weekends starting at 11:30 AM (FYI – their margaritas are incredible).
• Checking out the For the Love of Music Winter Series happening during the Arc’teryx Backcountry Academy, on February 10 and 11 with headliners James Hype and Hayden James.
• Taking some of our old Arc’teryx gear to the Vendor Village Happy Hour happening at the Whistler Conference Centre on February 10 and 11 between 3 and 5 PM. You can trade in Arc’teryx gear or get it fixed up at their ReCare booth, learn new things at gear demos from other partners, and enjoy free snacks and DJ.

More on Village shopping, dining and arts and culture.

Save the Date

30th Annual Telus Winter Classic | March 3 – 4
World Ski & Snowboard Festival | April 10 – 16
O2E Whistler World Cup | April 13 – 16
8th Annual ILLUMINATE Gala & Auction | April 22

Be a Responsible Traveller: Don’t Love It to Death

• Help keep Whistler green by choosing tap water over bottled water, avoiding single-use plastics, leaving the car at home, choosing active transportation and sorting garbage properly to reduce your waste.
• Be AdventureSmart and always practice Leave No Trace principles.
• Consider our Responsible Travel pillars, Respect Nature, Think Environment, Don’t Love It to Death and Support Local.

Travel Updates

• All travel restrictions have been removed for US and international visitors entering Canada. Visit whistler.com/covid for the latest COVID-19 information and resources for travellers.

If You’re Driving . . .

• Winter tires or chains are required on the Sea to Sky Highway from now until March 31. Make sure to check you have these, especially if you’re using a rental car. Read more on our Road Conditions page.
• Help reduce congestion on the highway by travelling during non-peak times. Peak travel times on the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler include Friday afternoons and evenings, weekends and holidays. To avoid this busy time, plan to visit Whistler midweek when the highway and the resort are typically quieter. Extend your weekend – plan to arrive on Thursday night and leave on Monday morning to avoid the weekend traffic. If you’re visiting Whistler only for the day, plan on staying for dinner to avoid the rush of day traffic leaving the resort after the mountain closes.
• Always check DriveBC for current road conditions before getting on the road. Follow @DriveBC on Twitter and listen to MountainFM for the latest updates.
• Paid parking is in effect in all the Day Lots (complimentary parking from 5 PM to 3 AM). There is no parking in Day Lots 1 to 5 between 3 AM to 6 AM from November 1 to March 31. Please check the RMOW website for more information on parking.
• Winter parking regulations are in effect. No even side parking on streets Mon to Fri, 9 AM to 5 PM. No parking on the odd side of streets year-round.
• Marketplace parking has new tariffs; $1 first 30 min and $2 first hour (15-minute, storefront parking remains free). For shopping at Fresh St. Market, register your license plate in the machine prior to shopping and they will reimburse you for 1 hour with a minimum $25 purchase.