Winter programming launches with Skating at Olympic Plaza, new Wintersphere indoor programming, New Year’s Eve celebration and more

Publication Date: December 15, 2021

The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is delighted to announce its 2021/22 winter programming lineup, with a range of safe and festive activities for all ages. The programming includes returning favourites like outdoor skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza, the Snow Zone, and Whistler’s New Years Eve. New additions will include Wintersphere entertainment and activities at the Whistler Conference Centre and Sugar Shacks at Whistler Olympic Plaza.

“Whistler Village will be lively with events and animation to celebrate the festive season. All activities have been planned in line with the current COVID-19 safety protocols and complement the other incredible winter activities that Whistler is renowned for,” said Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton.

“Thank you as well to the Province of British Columbia for making these winter activities possible through both the Resort Municipality Initiative and the Municipal and Regional District Hotel Tax. This funding helps support a significant number of projects and programs in Whistler supporting our tourism economy.”

Skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza

Outdoor staking at Whistler Olympic Plaza is now open! Enjoy an inspiring setting to ice skate with your family and friends, surrounding by the twinkle of festive lights and the iconic Olympic Rings. Skating is $2 if you bring your own skates, and skate rentals are $8. The rink is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 1:30p.m., 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Opening hours vary on December 24, 25 and 31. View holiday hours. Strollers are welcome, and helmets and skate aids are available for free.

Snow Zone

With temperatures dropping, the popular Snow Zone at Whistler Olympic Plaza is being prepared for winter play. Once ready, the free zone will be open daily to the public for tobogganing, sliding and other winter fun.

Sugar Shacks

Two wooden picnic shelters have been repurposed and decorated as festive Sugar Shacks in Whistler Olympic Plaza from December 18 to January 3 for unique photo opportunities. Bring your friends and family, and look out for visits from characters and Santa on December 18, 22, 24 and 27 from 3 to 5 p.m. 

Whistler’s live & local music series

Enjoy the festive sounds of Whistler’s talented musicians and singers. Performances by JennaMae, DJ Foxy Moron, Monty Biggins and more are scheduled for December 19, 22, 23, 28, 30 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Whistler Olympic Plaza.

Whistler Village Festive lighting

Stroll through Whistler Village to view the festive lighting. There are up to 350,000 LED bulbs in total with approximately 6,500 strands of lights. The lights celebrate the short days of winter under Whistler’s dramatic dark skies. The lights are put up gradually, so you will notice new lights in the early weeks of the season.  Also be sure to check out the giant woodland creatures on display at Rebagliati Park.

Nordic skiing and snowshoeing

Lost Lake Nordic Trails are now open for the winter season. Early season conditions apply, with more terrain opening as conditions permit. For up to date trail conditions visit whistler.ca/Grooming. During full operation, Lost Lake offers over 25 kilometres of groomed and track set trails for cross-country skiing and 15 kilometres of snowshoe trails with majestic views of iconic Lost Lake as well as Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Day passes are required and can be purchased at crosscountryconnection.ca.

Wintersphere, A Whistler Winter Celebration

Replacing the Whistler Holiday Experience, the RMOW will be offering fresh, creative indoor entertainment and activities at the Whistler Conference Centre that will appeal to a broader age demographic. Full details will be announced soon, but the programming is slated to run from December 18 to January 2, with a closure on December 25.

Whistler’s New Year’s Eve Celebration

Update from Monday, December 20, 2021: Due to the recent Provincial Health Orders, Whistler’s free New Year’s Eve Celebrations have been cancelled.

Due to the recent Public Health Officer orders, the Resort Municipality of Whistler has cancelled the additional transit service related to the fireworks on New Year’s Eve.  However, free transit service will continue to be offered from 6 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. within Whistler.

Go Whistler Tours: Self-Guided Tours

Get more out of your Whistler vacation with Go Whistler Tours, brought to you by Tourism Whistler and the Resort Municipality of Whistler. These curated tours guide you to unique experiences and locations throughout our resort, from art galleries to nature walks, and help you adventure more deeply in Whistler. Among the many tours to choose from, the Festive Lights Displays tour is now in session. Access the tours here.

Learn more about the RMOW’s winter program offerings at whistler.ca/winter101.

About the Festivals, Events and Animation program

Celebration is an essential component of Whistler’s culture. This was highlighted during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games when Whistler presented the most outstanding display of sport, the arts, and entertainment the resort had ever seen. The RMOW and resort partners continue to build on that momentum through the Festivals, Events and Animation (FE&A) program by developing and attracting a wide range of high-quality programs throughout the year including an exciting line-up of festivals and events for all ages and audiences.

The FE&A program is primarily funded by provincial Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT Hotel Tax) revenues collected in Whistler in support of tourism initiatives across the community.