Wahoo, spring skiing and riding! With fresh corduroy in the morning, buttery groomers in the afternoon and the potential for a few late-season powder dumps, spring skiing is the best. Whistler Blackcomb has one of the longest seasons in North America, with Blackcomb Mountain being open until May 18 (Whistler Mountain closes this month on April 20, as does the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola).
The World Ski and Snowboard Festival (WSSF) is back April 6 to 12, wrapping up the season with sports, arts and music. Learn all about this year’s lineup in our Insider’s Guide to The WSSF. If you are thinking of a getaway over Easter weekend, there is plenty to do for the whole family in Whistler. From yummy Easter brunches to outdoor adventures – take a look at our Top 10 Whistler Spring Activities post for some fun spring adventure ideas. Plus, Earth Day is on April 22, and we will be celebrating all week with AWARE Earth Week events from April 18 to 25.
Whistler’s diverse and award-winning dining scene offers some incredible dining specials in the spring. Take a look at our dedicated page for some ideas of where to go. April is also prime time patio season in Whistler, so peruse our après posts for ideas on which ones to hit up while you’re here.
Here’s what’s happening in Whistler this April.
Outdoor Adventure
You’ll find us:
- Soaking in the last few weeks of spring riding on Whistler Mountain, which closes on April 20 for the season, including the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, although you can get spring riding on Blackcomb Mountain until May 18. Always be sure to check the hours of operation before heading out for a day on the slopes.
- Getting in our final cross-country ski laps of the season. Whistler Olympic Park stays open for regular winter operations until April 6, plus two bonus weekends happening (weather dependent) on April 11-12 and 18-19. The Callaghan closes for winter operations mid-April, so be sure to get in your last few Nordic adventures under the spring sunshine!
- Brushing up on our avalanche awareness, risk management and decision-making at the Safety Shred Day on April 6, presented by Arc’teryx and The Adventure Group as part of WSSF. Designed for backcountry riders of all levels, the day focuses on avalanche awareness, where participants will experience small-group sessions on and off snow, led by accredited mountain guides, followed by a community après session.
- Getting our thighs ready for the Saudan Couloir Ski Race Extreme presented by Helly Hansen on April 18. This race is a test of skill, speed and endurance as participants navigate the extreme terrain and obstacles of the couloir, bringing out legends of ski and snowboard racing, as well as a healthy dose of amateur skiers and snowboarders who aren’t afraid to charge. Be sure to register your spot as this legendary race can sell out.
Adventure Lite
You’ll find us:
- Joining the Whistler Naturalists and their birding experts for the first Alta Lake Bird Walk of the season. It goes from the bottom of Lorimer Road to Rainbow Park at 8 AM on the first Saturday of the month (April 4). It’s free for members and by donation to non-members, and open to anyone interested in birds.
- Hanging out at the WSSF Base Camp, located inside the Whistler Conference Centre, April 7 and 8, bringing two full days of hands-on activations, including the Arc’teryx ReBIRD™ Trade-In, the Pro Photo Showcase and new this year, a Mini Skate Ramp! All are welcome, and the base camp is free to attend.
- Easing into the evening at the Scandinave Spa, now open until 10 PM. With extended hours, there’s more time to enjoy the blissful thermal journey. Cycle between hot, cold, and deep relaxation at this beautiful, outdoor spa.
- Practicing our swing ahead of the upcoming golf season at The Sim at the Whistler Golf Club, or The Cabin at Nicklaus North, the two indoor golf simulators in Whistler. If you are already planning for the upcoming golf season, check out our blog Golf in Whistler: Everything You Need to Know Before You Tee Off for all the insider info.
- Rolling up our sleeves for AWARE Earth Week. There’s the Repair Cafe on April 18, a Clothing Swap on April 21, Yoga for the Planet on April 22 and Pitch-In Day on April 25.
- Venturing beyond the village to explore and stroll the Creekside and Function Junction neighbourhoods. From shopping, dining, breweries and trail networks, it’s fun to venture beyond Whistler Village. If the weather allows, you could even explore via the Valley Trail, which is often snow-free in April and ready for cyclists, walkers and runners to enjoy.
Family Fun
You’ll find us:
- Spring skiing with the kiddos. With the longer, sunnier days and emptier slopes, spring is a great time to get out there with the kids. We suggest stopping for a hot chocolate and treats, or finding a sunny spot for a family picnic. Don’t forget the sunscreen! Check out the family Wonder Route on Whistler Blackcomb, which includes a castle and tree fort!
- Cheering on the athletes participating in The Grind (part of WSSF), held at the top of the Catskinner Chair on Blackcomb Mountain on April 10 and 11. Fans can expect jaw-dropping tricks, intense battles for podium positions, and an electric atmosphere as some of the most talented riders and skiers from around the world showcase their skills in Whistler Village! There is also The Pipe, a new WSSF event on April 9 at the Blackcomb Terrain Park, where park regulars and invited riders throw down on the Mini Pipe. The largest and most important ski race in North America for athletes aged 11 to 16, the Whistler Cup, happens from April 6 to 12, with young athletes from 25 countries!
- Sliding through slush or simply watching the hilarious antics at the Slush Cup presented by Corona as part of the WSSF on April 12. In this iconic spring event, participants charge through the spring snow and send it across a slushy ice pond, preferably in style. With tons of prizes up for grabs, don’t miss this annual fan-favourite event.
- On a family adventure like ziplining across the valley, exploring one of the shorter valley hikes like Lost Lake or Train Wreck (note that in the early part of this month, these trails could still have patches of snow and ice), or renting bikes and exploring the Whistler Valley Trail. Read Top 10 Whistler Spring Activities for Families for more ideas.
Arts & Culture
You’ll find us:
- Enjoying the signature culture events of WSSF. Snag your tickets for the super popular 72-Hour Filmmaker Showdown on April 7 and Intersection on April 8. Check out the Pro Photo Showcase, which celebrates 30 years of the Pro Photographer Showdown and the photographers who have shaped it. The gallery is hosted at the WSSF Base Camp in the Whistler Conference Centre and is free to view. Take home an image while supporting a great cause, with 100% of proceeds going directly to POW.
- Jamming out to the live music presented by WSSF. From April 9 to 12, get your groove on at the outdoor stage at Skier’s Plaza and enjoy FREE music from an incredible lineup of artists, including ZADA, Surf Hat, The Funk Hunters, Vandelux, and more. For the die-hard music lovers, there is also the After Dark Music Series, which keeps the party going once the sun goes down.
- Checking out the Anonymous Art Show at the Maury Young Arts Centre. The participating artist’s identity is kept secret until you select your art, so don’t miss the buying night on April 10 or the Artist Reception on April 1. Admission tickets to the buying night directly support the programs that make Whistler’s arts scene thrive, so be sure to secure your spot to help keep the arts alive!
- Being treated to well-loved opera hits at OPERA! Are You Kidding Me on April 12 at the Maury Young Arts Centre. This concert is for everyone, from solid opera fans to those who are brand new to opera but curious to know more. Soprano Anne Grimm, tenor Benjamin Butterfield and baritone Alexander Dobson will take the stage, all proudly presented by Whistler Chamber Music.
- Getting our groove on with DJ Hayden James. This Australian DJ, known for his high-energy performances, is set to bring the good times to the GLC on April 5. For music lovers, there’s also the SkiiTour Apraves Series on April 22 (also at the GLC). Plus, don’t miss sending off the season on Whistler Mountain at the final Corona Music Sessions on April 19 at the Roundhouse Lodge.
- Spending an afternoon exploring the last few days of Woven Pathways: Fashion and Cultural Continuity at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. It features Squamish and Lil̓wat fashion and accessory designers with guest artists from the Northwest Coast, and closes on April 5. There is also The Regalia We Treasure Tour on until April 5, showcasing traditional clothing, cedar bark skirts, woven baskets, masks, tools, and accessories. Plus, don’t miss the last few weeks of the Audain Art Museum’s feature exhibition, Into the Wosk Collection: Discovery and Wonder, which closes on April 27. They have a curatorial tour happening on April 4 from 1 to 2 PM, which is free with admission.
- Having a laugh at Laugh Out LIVE! Presents: A Whistler Wedding held on Saturdays throughout April at the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa. It’s an interactive dinner theatre experience in the style of a Whistler-themed wedding reception! You eat, drink, mingle and get swept into the drama.
- At The Point Artist-Run Centre on April 4, from 4 to 6 PM, for the opening of the new Living Spaces exhibit. Meet some of the artists and enjoy live music, with complimentary appetizers and a cash/card bar. On April 10, we’ll be back at The Point for spoken word artist C.R. Avery, who is bringing his eclectic, high-energy cabaret show to the mountains.
- Learning about the Powerful History of Local Snowboard Documentation at the Whistler Museum on April 13 from 7 to 9 PM (all ages), and then going to the Maury Young Arts Centre on April 17 from 7 to 9 PM to listen to six locals debate about the greatest landmark in Whistler at Whistler Museum Presents: Icon Gone (19+).
- Being part of the next epic improv at Arts Whistler Live! presents: The Spontaneous Shakespeare Company on April 16, from 7 to 8:45 PM at Maury Young Arts Centre.
- Celebrating Earth Day with AWARE Whistler at the Our Power, Our Planet evening on April 23. This special community evening at the Chateau Fairmont Whistler, brings together long term collaborators Dr. Tonya Smith and Jordon Gabriel, who will present their work and open dialogue on the power of collaboration, sharing how they incorporate traditional ecological knowledge with forest management.
Eating, Drinking & Shopping
You’ll find us:
- Celebrating Easter with a brunch feast at the Braidwood Tavern, Nita Lake Lodge or the Fairmont Chateau Whistler on Sunday, April 5. Indulge with the whole fam in festive, seasonal delights! Book in advance, as these Easter feasts are always a hit.
- Crafting a cocktail at the Art of Cocktail: Changing of the Seasons on April 10 at the Audain Art Museum. The cocktails you make are inspired by the works of Gordon Smith. Guests will begin with a brief curatorial talk to explore Smith’s vibrant paintings that capture the transition from winter’s stillness to spring’s renewal before learning to craft a cocktail inspired by his work.
- Supporting the work of Zero Ceiling while enjoying craft beer and delicious food at Hunter Gather on April 16 from 6 to 9 PM. Every meal and alcoholic drink purchased (takeout too) includes a $1 donation to Zero Ceiling, a non-profit that provides housing, employment and opportunities for young people facing homelessness.
- Shopping till we drop at the AWARE Earth Week Clothing Swap on April 21. Located at Nita Lake Lodge, participants can refresh their wardrobes while contributing to a culture of recycling and sustainability. Entrance is $10 if you have clothes to swap, and $20 if you don’t (all are welcome). You can also check out the Repair Café on April 18, a community initiative that promotes repair as an alternative to tossing things out. Bring your broken items and get them fixed on the spot with the help of volunteer repairers.
- Sipping on bubbles at In the Snow with Veuve Clicquot at the Mallard Lounge, every Friday and Saturday. Located steps from the piste at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler (base of Blackcomb), In The Snow offers a seamless shift from slopes to celebration, as the Mallard Lounge’s outdoor deck transforms into a chic, snow beachfront terrace inspired by Veuve Clicquot’s vibrant art de vivre.
- Dancing in our ski boots with live music from The Hairfarmers at Merlin’s Bar & Grill every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, or at Dusty’s in Creekside on Tuesdays and Saturdays until April 20.
- Staying busy during that hour before your dinner reservation at Lorette Brasserie’s happy hour from 4 to 5 PM. Ease into the evening with 50% off oysters and bubbles – the perfect excuse to settle in a little earlier.
- Eating our way through the dining specials around town. From spring tasting menus to happy hours, there are plenty of spring dining specials to choose from this month.
More on Village shopping, dining and arts and culture.
Save the Date
Whistler Children’s Festival | May 15 – 17
Nourish Spring Series by Cornucopia | June 2026
Whistler Half Marathon | June 6
Crankworx Whistler Mountain Bike Festival | July 24 – August 2
Ultra Trail Whistler by UTMB | August 21 – 23 (registration now open)
RBC GranFondo Whistler | September 12
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 waste.
- At this time of year, our hiking and biking trails are just coming out of the snow. Before you head out, check Trailforks to see which trails are open so you don’t damage them before they’ve had a chance to bounce back after the winter. If you’re using the trails regularly, consider donating to or joining WORCA, a local organization that maintains Whistler’s trail system.
- 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.
- Whistler Alert is the official emergency notification system used by the RMOW to communicate with residents and visitors during emergencies via text message, phone and email. We encourage you to sign up for it while you’re here (just in case). When you register, you will be asked to provide your contact number and the date you plan to leave Whistler so that you don’t receive alerts when you’re back home.
If You’re Driving . . .
- Take a read of Go Car Free: 8 Reasons to Ditch the Car on Your Whistler Trip in case we can convince you that you don’t need your car!
- 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, although there is complimentary parking from 5 PM to 8 AM. Overnight parking is now allowed (from April 1 to October 31) in the Day Lots (with a max stay of 24 hours), but no overnight camping or sleeping in vehicles. Please check the RMOW website for more information on parking, including an interactive map.
