Winter programs - Explore & Experience Whistler

Whistler Has Heart Project & Display

To thank our community and essential workers for their strength, support and kindness to one another; the Whistler Has Heart Project has asked local artists and residents to paint one hundred wooden hearts. The painted hearts will be featured at different locations throughout the valley in February and will create a vibrant, heart-felt display of hope and joy.

• Hearts will be displayed Wednesday to Saturday at different Parks in Whistler.
• Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Please consider donating to The Whistler Health Care Foundation to show your support and appreciation. 

​Explore & Experience Whistler (formerly Family Après)

Due to COVID-19, the usual Family Après format will change this winter. It will be replaced with the new Explore and Experience Whistler program that was safely tested this past summer. It included live & local music, local art project and wellness activities. The winter animation is planned to begin after Feburary 5, 2021 through to the end of March (pending Provincial Health Orders).

There are still many ways people can get outside to explore and experience Whistler this season while being safe and preventing the spread of COVID-19 in Whistler.​

• Check out the Winter 101 page for more winter activity ideas.

Talent applications
Local performers, artists and entertainers wishing to be involved in the Explore & Experience program, please complete the following applicable application:

• RMOW Winter Animation Program Performer Application and contact kthurlbeck@whistler.ca

Whistler Olympic Plaza Snow Zone

The snow zone at Whistler Olympic Plaza is for winter play, open to the public for tobogganing, sliding and other winter fun.

Open daily with additional lights added this season for evening play.

Rebagliati Park Snow Zone - New this year

Once temperatures are cold enough, the RMOW plans to create a second Snow Zone at Rebagliati Park. The fun space will include a sliding area, ambient lighting and picnic tables. Snow sculptures are also planned for February.

Whistler Holiday Experience

Due to COVID-19, this year’s typical programming for the Whistler Holiday Experience are not possible this season due to the extension of restrictions ordered by the Provincial Health Officer on December 8, 2020. We look forward to bringing the experience back in 2021.

The Whistler Holiday Experience is a family fun zone that was available to the public during previous holidays. Kids enjoyed a number of activities including mini-putt, tables games, bouncy castles, crafts and video games and more. Parents can retreat to the Conference Centre lounge for a relaxing coffee or hot cocoa while the kids play.

Celebrate New Year's Eve in Whistler Village

Due to COVID-19, this year’s typical programming for Whistler’s New year’s Eve celebrations are not possible this December due to the extension of restrictions ordered by the Provincial Health Officer on December 8, 2020. This includes fireworks, Fire & Ice Shows, animation and activities. We look forward to celebrating with you in 2021. 

Check out the Winter 101 page to explore and experience Whistler in your own way this New Year’s.

New Years Eve celebrations in Whistler typically includes outdoor and indoor fun for all. In previous years, the base of Whistler Mountain was lit up with a special edition of the Fire and Ice show. We look forward to the return of this spectacular display of ski and snowboard skills as Whistler's best skiers and riders jump and flip through a blazing ring of fire accompanied by fire spinners followed by fireworks display.