British Columbia

8 Incredible Whistler Ski Resorts for Family Fun or a Romantic Escape

Hit the slopes with this winter these 8 Whistler ski resorts perfect for a family vacation or a romantic couples getaway.

Some of the best winter memories our family has created have been at Whistler ski resorts. Skiing and snowboarding in powdery white snow are the main reasons we come to spend time in Whistler, but the atmosphere of the town is a draw unto itself.

We like to make sure we have accommodation that is convenient so that we can get on the mountain quickly. (This is especially important when you have a gaggle of little ones following behind as we do.)

I’ve curated a list of resorts that will meet your family’s needs and have you enjoying the long winter season at one of the best ski resorts in the world. Not travelling to Whistler as a family? Not to worry! Any of the resorts listed below are also perfect for solo trips or a couple getaways to Whistler.

What If I Don't Ski?

Even if you don’t ski, Whistler is a beautiful backdrop for a winter vacation. This resort town has so much more to offer than just world-class slopes. You can find skating at Whistler Village, hop in a tube at the tube park located at the Base II zone of Blackcomb Mountain for more than a dozen fun runs or glide down the same bobsled track used in the 2010 Winter Olympics at the Whistler Sliding Centre.

There is no shortage of luxurious spas where you can throw your cares away before hitting the pedestrian-only Village for unique shopping and dining experiences. Whistler may be big in size but it still has a very relaxed mountain-town feel.

If you don’t want to miss out on the breathtaking views but don’t feel like strapping on skis, you can still ride the record-holding gondola PEAK 2 PEAK as it connects Whistler Mountain to Blackcomb Mountain.

If you do want to try skiing or snowboarding, Whistler is one of the best locations to give it a go. With world-class instructors for ages three to adult, you can find lessons for all ability levels and you will come off the slopes with more confidence.

Best Whistler Ski Resort for the Budget Conscious

1/3

The recently refurbished Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel is located close to the Whistler Village Market and has complimentary ski shuttle service. You may not be directly located in the heart of the Village, but you aren’t far off and that will put some savings in your pocketbook. The whole family will enjoy the use of the free in-room iPad minis and cuddly sock monsters that will make their appearance in your room.

Inevitably, we will forget some crucial clothing items and only notice once we arrive in Whistler. Can-Ski has locations in Whistler Village, Creekside, and Blackcomb making it convenient to pick up ski-equipment and apparel.

Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel

Top rated
Whistler
9.4 Excellent (4743 reviews)

Best Whistler Ski Resort if You Need Space

1/4

When we travel on a ski trip, it looks like we are packing to move out of our home. The amount of clothes and gear we bring with us as a family of five can overwhelm most resort rooms, but not the all-suite Pan Pacific Hotels. With two of the best locations in Whistler, the spacious accommodations with full kitchens, balconies, and fireplaces give your family the comforts and space of home.

The Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside Resort has a convenient ski-in/ski-out location next to the Whistler Kids ski school. Note, this location isn’t as convenient if you have kids or adults over the age of 13 taking lessons. Not to worry, you can be close to all the hustle and bustle of the Village at the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre which is where you can find not only Whistler Kids Ski School for your little ones, but also the big kids and adults too.

Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside

Top rated
Whistler
9.0 Excellent (2182 reviews)

Best Whistler Ski Resort for Young Children

1/4

Creekside is a quiet little area just a few kilometres from Whistler Village and the location of the original base of Whistler Mountain. An eight-minute drive will take you from the peaceful little ski-in/ski-out location into the hustle and bustle of Whistler Village.

If travelling with children means early bedtimes and a hope of retaining some sense of a schedule, your young family may feel more at home in the quieter and slower pace of Creekside at the First Tracks Lodge.

First Tracks Lodge offers mostly condo-style accommodations with full-size kitchens, free crib rental, fireplaces and all-season pool and hot tubs. It has easy access to child care as well as the Whistler Kids ski school. While it may be a bit quieter than Whistler Village,  it’s not lacking in restaurants and other amenities, which are all within walking distance.

If you are staying in Creekside, walk on over to the Creekside Market or pre-order your groceries online and have them delivered to your rental property so they are ready for you when you arrive.

First Tracks Lodge

Top rated
Whistler
9.6 Excellent (837 reviews)

Best Whistler Ski Resort for the Whole Family (even the dog!)

1/4

Located between the lifts and Village Square, Crystal Lodge offers ski storage and shopping on site. Not to mention dogs are welcome at no additional charge. Crystal Lodge is less than a five-minute walk to the gondola and provides easy access to all the fun and nightlife that is offered in Whistler Village.

Not one to leave your dog out of the fun? Look into Alpine Dogs K9 Adventure and plan a full or half-day adventure hike for your dog. They also offer private in-room pet sitting and dog walking.

Crystal Lodge

Top rated
Whistler
9.2 Excellent (3032 reviews)

Best Whistler Ski Resort for Luxury

1/4

Want to take in all that Whistler has to offer without sacrificing any detail? Consider staying in the luxurious Fairmont Chateau Whistler. There isn’t a time that I don’t look down from the slopes into the village and gasp at the beauty of this five-star ski lodge. It’s also conveniently located just five blocks away from Whistler Village. The staff is known for its impeccable service and you won’t have to go further than the lobby to find several five-star dining options.

Why not try Sunday brunch at the Wildflower when you stay at The Fairmont? Enjoy locally-inspired dishes in a family-friendly restaurant setting while getting a view of beautiful Whistler Mountain.

The Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Top rated
Whistler
9.2 Excellent (2783 reviews)

Feature photo by Ben Koorengevel on Unsplash