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There's snow much more to Whistler than skiing and snowboarding.
Despite living in Metro Vancouver my whole life and having the fortune of being near Cypress and Mt. Seymour, I have never had the courage to ever try skiing or snowboarding. In my defense, this isnt something that I am particularly proud of, but my irrational fear of uncontrollably falling down a mountain has been too much for me to overcome.
One might think that a non-skier like myself would not enjoy a place like Whistler in the wintertime, but each time I head up there, I am amazed by the vast number of activities there are to do.
Here is a list of some non-skiing things to do in Whistler this winter.
On November 28th, the Adventure Group debuted the first-ever winter version of Vallea Lumina. This enchanting multimedia experience involves visitors walking through a mystical forest at night and following the footsteps of hikers, Leonard and Gloria. Vallea Lumina is located at the base of Cougar Mountain, which is only a 10-minute shuttle ride away from Whistler Village. This Moonrise Kingdom-like base camp has plenty of snacks and merch, as well as hot chocolate and marshmallows. The stroll is fairly flat and non-strenuousIt's around one kilometre, and takes 40 to 60 minutes to complete.
Where: Complimentary shuttle leaves from 4293 Mountain Square #211Price: From $24.99
Superfly Ziplines provides an epic, dual zipline tour of Rainbow and Cougar Mountains. This is your chance to soar over Whistler and take in its breathtaking views on a 200-metre high and 100-kilometre per hour zipline. The tour includes a climb up Rainbow Mountain, as well as a four ziplines that go back and forth between the two mountains.
Where: Complimentary shuttle service from Whistler Village, Fairmont Chateau and the Four Seasons HotelPrice: $129.99 per person
If you've craving an exhilarating outdoor experience, bungee jumping might be the perfect winter activity for you. Whistler Bungee opened in 2002 and operates in all weather conditions except for lighting storms. Prepare to scream and experience an epic adrenaline rush while jumping off of a 160-feet bridge that overseas the Cheakamus River.
Where: Calcheak Forest Service RoadPrice: $140 per person (first timer price)
Since 2017, Forged Axe Throwing has been the go-to home for axe throwing enthusiasts in Whistler. Forged offers a diverse range of beginner, intermediate, and advanced games and tournaments. In the one-hour starter lesson, newbies can learn the techniques behind the one and two-handed toss and the art behind hitting the bullseye. Popular local breweries, Coast Mountain Brewery and Whistler Brewing, got you covered if you've feeling hungry and craving some booze after an exhausting hour of throwing axes.
Price: From $37 per personWhere: 1208 Alpha Lake Road, Unit 1
Technically this show involves a form of skiing, but we're including Whistler Blackcomb’s Fire & Ice Show on this list because It's a one of kind, family-friendly spectacle. This free night-event features Whistler's top riders doing acrobatic ski tricks through burning hoops of fire. The night concludes with hot chocolate and fireworks overtop Whistler Village.
When: Sundays from December 22, 2019 – March 29, 2020, at 6:30 p.m.Where: Skier’s Plaza in Whistler Village (base of Whistler and Excalibur Gondolas)
Are you over 18 years of age?