Our Whistler Experience (and Why We’re Already Planning Our Next Trip)
There are trips you take that feel fun in the moment… then there are trips that stay with you long after you’ve unpacked your bags. Our time at Whistler Blackcomb is always the second kind, and its become a yearly tradition along with any other time we can go!
We started 3 years ago going to Whistler Blackcomb for Thanksgiving. From the moment we arrive, Whistler feels like stepping into a winter postcard — snow-covered mountains, cozy village streets, and that unmistakable buzz of people who are there to experience something special. The perfect start to the holiday season. Whether you’re a seasoned skier, a first-timer, or just someone who loves mountain towns and fresh air, Whistler truly has a way of pulling you in.
James and I started going to Whistler Blackcomb before kids, but with kids it’s been a whole new experience and so fun to see through their eyes. Our first ski trip didn’t go as planned, HERE but they kept asking to go more!
First Impressions of Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb is massive in the best possible way. The scale of the mountains is hard to put into words until you’re standing there, looking up, realizing just how much terrain and adventure surrounds you.
The gondolas alone are an experience — smooth, scenic, and offering views that make you want to stop and stare instead of pulling out your phone (though we definitely did both). Everywhere you look feels intentional and thoughtfully designed, from the lifts to the village pathways to the way everything connects so seamlessly.
Even when we weren’t skiing, there was never a dull moment. Wandering the village, popping into warm cafés, and taking in the energy of people coming off the mountain made every day feel full without being rushed.
Lets’s do a little day at Whistler Blackcomb!
TIPS :
* If you haven’t been skiing or your kids – do the lessons!
* Buy your tickets ahead of time! If you are local season passes! Unlock your mobile pass!
* Download the My Epic App – it shows you everything thats open, shows all the lifts, you can put your ticket – mobile pass so faster on the mountain, and so much more!
We had our tickets, and it was time to get on the gondola! If you have someone who doesn’t ski in your party they can even get a “sight seeing ” ticket so they can ride the gondola and see all the beauty Whistler Blackcomb has to offer! Food & drinks are everywhere even on the mountain so they won’t be bored!
Day started off with skiing, it was still opening week at this point and we were happy with how much snow! It will be fun to come back to see how much more – I love being to ski clear into April!
The kids are picking it back up, they still have a lot of learning to go. If you have kids learning they have learning zones with magic carpets and we would highly suggest if its open! We went early so it wasn’t open yet so this was the kids biggest run!
We found some green trails and started our adventure.
This photo below may look like Zoe was having a hard time but truthfully she can zip down the mountain, and this was her waiting. ( Don’t worry she was in a spot no one would go in) Then soon after was the end to our first day!
The Kind of Trip That Works for Everyone
One of the things I loved most about Whistler is how it truly feels like a destination for every type of traveler. You don’t have to be chasing black diamonds all day to feel like you belong there.
There’s room for:
- Slow mornings with coffee and mountain views
- Adventurous afternoons on the slopes
- Relaxed evenings strolling through the village
- And those quiet moments where you just take it all in and think, we need to come back here
It’s the kind of place where memories happen naturally — the kind you talk about long after the season changes.
The kids wanted to have a day that was laid back filled with food, sight seeing and fun – but we wanted James to have some time to ski and we did just that! We all went up the gondola and started our adventure.
Confession, we have never done the Peak 2 Peak at Whistler Blackcomb so that was the first thing on our list to do!
Did you know, the PEAK 2 PEAK is one of the world’s highest lift of its kind. It is a marvel of engineering linking Blackcomb Gondola to the Whistler Village Gondola in one continuous lift system. Its 436m/1,427 ft above the valley floor.
It is such an amazing experience. If you want to wait they have one gondola that has a glass floor! When you get on you can explore the mountains free from the weather outside. They have dining if you take a ride up to Whistler’s Umbrella Bar or fine dining at Christine’s on Blackcomb.
Can you even believe this view is real? The best part in person is even more incredible and different times of year you will see a little snow covered like here. ( November) to lots of snow as the season goes on and then a whole new view in the Summer and fall!
We all couldn’t believe the view and imagining how they made the Peak 2 Peak Gondola.
Blackcomb via the Peak 2 Peak and if you haven’t experience it, it is the most breathtaking amazing views and James said he loved the skiing!
The kids and I were just on our adventure, so no ski gear for us – but we can’t wait for next time!
We soaked up all the views and planned for lunch!
We headed down the Blackcomb side. It was so fun to see a whole new side we haven’t seen before. Yes its not our first time. The Whistler Blackcomb mountain is that BIG!
We decided to try Merlins and we are so glad we did! It is a bar, but kid friendly!
They have menus, and you order at the bar. The food was SO good. The burgers, wrap, fries amazing! I really wanted to try the nachos but that is for next time!
Merlins has a new brunch menu we just had missed and I am still dreaming about it!
Full Monty, Avocado toast, chicken & waffles – the list goes on and its on the list for next time!
We loved the decor in Merlins, there were some funny accessories my kids laughed at. Its a hoot for sure! You will love the atmosphere. When they have live music ( we got to hear from Taylor James) and the food is just so good!
James caught us just in time, so he got to have a mixture of what we ordered! It all worked out into the perfect day something fun on Whistler Blackcomb for each of us!
We had so many fun experiences in Whistler, I will be sharing that in another post! I wanted to make sure to highlight all the things at Whistler Blackcomb. If you have any questions let me know!
Why We’re Already Dreaming of Our Next Trip: Wonder Routes
One thing we didn’t get to experience this time — but absolutely cannot stop thinking about — is Wonder Routes.
Wonder Routes are designed to help you explore Whistler Blackcomb in a more intentional, immersive way. Don’t feel overwhelmed by the size of the resort. These curated routes guide you through some of the most scenic and memorable areas of the mountain.
What makes them especially appealing is how approachable they are. They’re about discovery, views, and storytelling, not just speed or skill level. It’s such a smart way to experience the mountain. Especially for families or anyone who wants to slow down and really see where they are. You can see below you can find what Wonder Route is best for you or your group! It shows the route, how easy/hard it is, and the time it takes!
One of my favorite things about Whistler Blackcomb: you leave already knowing what you’ll do differently (and what you’ll do again) when you return.
Already Counting Down to the Next Visit
Whistler Blackcomb gave us exactly what we were hoping for — adventure, beauty, and time together in a place that feels both exciting and grounding all at once.
And knowing that Wonder Routes are still waiting for us makes the idea of going back even sweeter. It’s one more reason this won’t be a one-and-done trip for us.
If you’re planning a Whistler visit — or even just dreaming about one — take this as your sign to go. And if you’ve already been? There’s always another route, another view, and another reason to return.
We already can’t wait.
