Even though there’s a touch of spring in the air with longer, sunnier days, March is a historically snowy month here in Whistler. The gondolas and chairlifts open earlier at 8:15 AM, and close later at 4 PM, giving you more time on the slopes, or the chance for a lazy breakfast or early après without losing ride time.
Talking of après, Whistler’s sunny patios are a highlight at this time, whether you’re sipping on an ice cold, locally brewed beer, handcrafted winter cocktail/mocktail, or enjoying the warming fix of a decadent, hot chocolate. Take a look at our suggestions in our Insider’s Guide to Spring Après.
We’re also thinking about equality this month, as it’s the theme for International Women’s Day, which happens on March 8. Whistler attracts a lot of adventurous and inspiring people, and while the outdoor industry has traditionally been a male-dominated space, the culture is changing. We touched base with three women who are inspired by Whistler’s backcountry and share that love in order to get more women out exploring, that’s all in a post coming out later this week.
Here’s what’s happening in Whistler this March.
Outdoor Adventure
You’ll find us:
- Testing out the latest gear from Burton Snowboards during Burton Week, which runs from March 1 to 4. If you’re intrigued by the new step-on board bindings, head to Showcase Snowboards on Thursday, March 2, sign up for the Women’s Ride Day on Friday, March 3 and join them for après fun on Saturday, March 4. They’re also doing daily giveaways, one of which is a $1,500 shopping spree!
- Feeling the need for speed at the Kokanee Valley Race Series, happening on March 2 and 9 on Blackcomb Mountain. This race series is open to skiers, snowboarders and telemarkers with different gender and age divisions. No racing experience is required to join in on the fun of recreational racing.
- On the Les Chèvres Freeride Clinic with the Girls on March 5. This includes a gear clinic and the opportunity to test new skis and boards throughout the day, along with guided riding with an Extremely Canadian instructor. The emphasis is on picking up freeriding skills and having fun!
- March is also a time when people like to head into the backcountry, but please make sure you have the knowledge and equipment to do so. Take a read of some of our backcountry-based blogs, which give you information about courses and clinics you might want to consider.
- Taking the pooch for a cross-country ski or snowshoe at Whistler Olympic Park on Saturday, March 11 for Dog Day. Proceeds from all dog tickets sold that day go to Whistler Animals Galore (WAG), specifically to their Critical Care Fund.
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Adventure Lite
You’ll find us:
- Treating our mind and body to a healing and invigorating thermal journey at the Scandinave Spa. Encircled by Whistler’s old-growth rainforest and rugged Coast Mountain views, you embrace complete silence at the spa, stowing your phone away for a digital detox. Allow at least two hours to go through stages of hot, cold and rest in a variety of features surrounded by nature.
- Strapping on some snowshoes and venturing out into the forests to explore. If you’ve never tried snowshoeing before, we suggest taking a guided tour which gives you the added advantage of having a knowledgeable local talk to you about the flora, fauna and history of the land you’re walking on.
- Being wowed by the athletes that fly through fiery rings at the Fire and Ice Show, which happens at the base of Whistler Mountain at 7:30 PM on Sundays.
- Getting some grounding at Yogacara, who are offering a free, guided meditation and reiki workshop on Thursday, March 23rd.
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More ways to get outside.
Family Fun
You’ll find us:
- Ice skating with the kiddos in Whistler Olympic Plaza. You can rent skates right there, and enjoy the music and glowing lights as you lap this picturesque, outside rink. Note that the last day for ice skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza is March 12, but if the weather changes and warms up, it may close sooner, so you better get your skates on!
- Flying through the air like an eagle on a ziplining tour. Our teen Insider, Alexander Emm, recently went out with Superfly and wrote about his experience in his blog 6 Tips from a Whistler Teen.
- Heading to the Whistler Sliding Centre to check out the Canadian Luge Championships (March 4 and 5) and BC Luge Championships (March 5). Spectating is fun and free! Check the weekly on-track schedule before you go.
- At Cow’s Whistler ice cream shop on March 24 as they’re donating all their sales to Whistler Community Services in memory of a past team member. They’re aiming to reach $10K in donations to mental health initiatives by the end of the year, so go and get your scoops!
More family-friendly activities.
Arts & Culture
You’ll find us:
- Going under the sea at the 30th Annual TELUS Winter Classic gala. Enjoy mingling with
mermaids, cocktails with whales and dancing with dolphins at this dinner and dance experience, which raises money for the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation on March 4. - Celebrating International Women’s Day by listening to the Mathieu-Chua Violin/Piano Duo who are performing beautiful, classical music composed by women over the last three centuries. Presented by the Whistler Chamber Music Society, the event is on March 5 at the Maury Young Arts Centre from 5 to 6:15 PM.
- Switching from classical music to the gypsy-rock, afro-funk, reggae, ska, and punk sounds of Five Alarm Funk on March 4, and the dreamy, folksy, harmonies of The Crescent Sky on March 18, both at the Maury Young Arts Centre.
- Being inspired to do our own prints after viewing the latest exhibit at the Audain Art Museum, The Collectors’ Cosmos. It showcases a rare array of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Dutch and Flemish prints from the private Meakins–McClaran Collection. There’s a 2-day, adult print-making workshop happening at the museum on March 4 and 5, with professional artist and educator, Angela Walsh Noble.
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Eating, Drinking & Shopping
You’ll find us:
- Delving into Indigenous culture as we dine at the Spo7ez Winter Feast, happening on March 24 from 5:30 to 9 PM. This is a culinary journey brought to life through authentic Indigenous cultural sharing that blends storytelling, a traditional shared feast and Spo7ez Performers in regalia sharing songs from Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation. The new menu includes Artic char, braised elk and blueberry bannock pudding, and you have the option to sample Indigenous world wines from the cash bar.
- Supporting local artists at Art Whistler’s new gift shop, Arthentic at the Maury Young Arts Centre. You’ll find a curated collection of handcrafted products from the Sea to Sky region, from traditional Simply Sami bracelets, crafted in the rural, mountainside landscape of Pemberton, to prints from Chili Thom’s iconic and mind-bending collection, it’s a great place to find a perfect, Whistler keepsake.
- Getting cozy in a traditional, Cowichan sweater at the locally-owned, Amos and Andes. This boutique is the place to go for high-end, quality knitwear from Canadian and international brands.
- Hitting up those patios for après after a day on the slopes. Whistler Insider, Christie FitzPatrick dishes out suggestions depending on what vibe you’re after in 7 Whistler Après Hot Spots.
- Wining and dining in the sky at Steep’s Grill & Wine Bar on Whistler Mountain. They have winemaker lunch events happening on March 1 and 29 with BC wineries Laughing Stock and Culmina.
More on Village shopping, dining and arts and culture.
Save the Date
World Ski and Snowboard Festival | April 10 – 16
O2E Brands Whistler Cup | April 13 – 16
Illuminate Gala | 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.
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