Photo credit: Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova
Winter has arrived and the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is excited to announce the launch of fun, festive programming in the Village from now until the end of March.
Skating: Outdoor skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza is now open. Admission is $2 if you bring your own skates or $9 including skate rental.
The rink is open seven days a week, weather permitting, from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and the ice is closed daily for maintenance from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m. The hours of operation change on December 24, 25 and 31, view the holiday hours here. Strollers are welcome, and a limited supply of helmets and skate aids are available for use at no charge. View details at whistler.ca/Skating or call 604-935-PLAY and press 3.
Snow Zone: With the falling snow and colder temperatures, the Snow Zone at Whistler Olympic Plaza offers frosty fun. The Snow Zone is open to the public for free tobogganing, sliding and other winter play.
Explore and Experience Whistler: Stroll through Whistler Village to view the festive lighting. Between December and March, there will be up to 350,000 LED bulbs illuminated on approximately 6,500 strands of lights. If you’re looking for something extra special, venture to Rebagliati Park and Florence Peterson Park to find the giant glowing woodland creatures!
Afterglow: Everyone is welcome to enjoy the Afterglow of a great day in Whistler. Afterglow is the RMOW’s new outdoor, winter entertainment series. Look for an all-ages creative zone, treats, live music and more throughout the season.
Afterglow will take place on Thursdays and Fridays in December: on December 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Whistler Olympic Plaza and Whistler Town Plaza Gazebo.
Wintersphere at Whistler Conference Centre: The Whistler Conference Centre is being transformed into the ultimate winter wonderland experience! Celebrate this time of year with free, festive activities including visits with Santa, entertainers, a holiday café, kids’ crafts, a holiday maze and more.
Wintersphere will be open at the Whistler Conference Centre from December 17 to 31 (closed on December 25) from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (noon to 8 p.m. on December 31).
New Year’s Eve: The excitement starts early in Whistler Olympic Plaza, where everyone can experience a taste of Canadian outdoor fun with outdoor skating, the Snow Zone and outdoor entertainment in the afternoon. Or come in from the cold, get cozy and discover a variety of all-ages activities at the Whistler Conference Centre.
Want to ring in the New Year early? Make your way to Skiers Plaza at the base of Whistler Mountain at 8:30 p.m. for the return of the beloved Fire and Ice show, followed by a dazzling fireworks display at 9 p.m.
Free transit will be offered all day on New Year’s Eve, with service starting at 5 a.m. and ending at 3:30 a.m.  Extra Route 10 buses will be added during the day. Check whistler.ca/Transit after December 26 for more details.
Funding for the winter programming is provided through Municipal and Regional District Tax (hotel tax) revenues collected in Whistler and allocated by the Province of British Columbia in support of tourism initiatives in Whistler.
For more information, visit whistler.ca/events.
