What's New and Happening

A New Chapter of Winter Pride is Coming to Whistler | January 25 – February 1
The 2026 Whistler Pride Festival, January 25 – February 1, will be a week long celebration of belonging and inclusivity with programming led by new Festival Manager, TFD Presents, under the strategic oversight of Tourism Whistler, and with support from the Resort Municipality of Whistler and Whistler Blackcomb. 

Set against Whistler's world-renowned mountains, snow, and vibrant Village energy, the 2026 Whistler Pride Festival will blend on-mountain adventure, lively après, unforgettable parties, and inclusive cultural programming.

One of Whistler's most beloved Pride traditions—the free daily guided ski and snowboard program – will remain a cornerstone of the Whistler Pride Festival schedule. 

Whistler's winter Pride festivals—dating back over 30 years—have been recognized globally within the 2SLGBTQ+ community as one of the most important ski weeks of the year and a reflection of Whistler's long-standing commitment to being a safe, welcoming, and inclusive destination.

The full schedule of festival events is expected to be released in December. For more information, visit whistlerpridefestival.com, subscribe to the Whistler Pride Festival newsletter, and follow @WhistlerPrideFestival on social media. 

Additional information about Whistler curated specifically for 2SLGBTQIA+ travellers is available at whistler.com/gay-friendly-whistler.  

New: Lakeside Lounge Opens at Nita Lake Lodge
Lakeside Lounge is now open at Nita Lake Lodge, bringing a new rhythm to après afternoons and evenings in Whistler. Formerly Cure Lounge and Patio, the refurbished space now balances bold, handcrafted cocktails with a refined raw bar, artisanal charcuterie, and shareable small plates.

Lakeside Lounge celebrates local producers, thoughtfully paired flavours, and the artistry of a well-made cocktail.

Complimentary shuttle offered from the Village and Creekside.

Whistler's Iconic Fire & Ice Show Returns This Winter
The Fire & Ice Show is a signature Whistler event that lights up Skiers Plaza with an electric mix of music, fire and big air. Watch world-class skiers and snowboarders throw down tricks through a blazing ring of fire — capped off with a fireworks finale.

It's free, all ages, and runs every Sunday at 7:30 p.m. from January 4 to March 1, 2026, plus a special New Year's Eve edition at 8.30pm on December 31. 

Whistler Valley Tours Named Top 10 in North America
Whistler Valley Tours has been recognized among the top 10 Adventure Tours and Activities in North America (Small Operator category) in the 2025 Arival TourReview Spotlight Awards. The awards recognize in-destination companies that go above and beyond for their customers and highlights their signature Whistler Sightseeing Tour, which consistently earns five-star reviews from guests.

The half-day tour is designed for all ages and abilities, offering a fun, scenic and informative introduction to Whistler. From iconic viewpoints to local storytelling, it's an immersive way to experience the people, places and perspectives that make Whistler unforgettable.

Canada's Largest We Rise Nordic Event Returns to Whistler Olympic Park | January 24
Rossignol Women Nordic Ski Day (We Rise) will return to Whistler Olympic Park on Saturday, January 24, 2026 – Canada's largest We Rise event for Nordic skiing.

The full-day experience is designed to celebrate and empower all women+ through cross-country skiing, with guided sessions, skill-building workshops and access to Nordic ski rentals and trails.

Set in the stunning Callaghan Valley, the event highlights the inclusive spirit of Nordic sport while fostering connection, confidence and community among women of all skill levels.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler and Nita Lake Lodge Celebrate International Wins
Two Whistler icons are making headlines for all the right reasons.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler has been named World's Leading Indigenous Community Tourism Initiative 2025 by the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards. The honour recognizes the Resort's deep-rooted collaborations with the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre and Skwálwen Botanicals – partnerships grounded in authenticity, respect and long-term reciprocity.

The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge swept the 2025 World Luxury Spa Awards, earning top spots as Luxury Lakeside Hotel Spa – Global, Luxury Mountain Resort Spa – North America and Luxury Boutique Resort Spa – North America.

New Ways to Save on Lift Tickets This Season
Snow is falling, stoke is building – and this season brings even more reason to plan ahead. Vail Resorts has introduced a new lift ticket discount program, offering more than 30% off when tickets are booked at least four weeks in advance.

At Whistler Blackcomb, that can mean $100 or more in savings per ticket – with the added perk of applying up to $175 from the lift ticket toward an Epic Pass for the following winter. Lift tickets are available now and pricing varies by resort and peak period.

Vail Resorts has also rolled out Epic Friend Tickets, giving Epic Pass holders a way to share the ride – friends receive 50% off lift tickets, making it easier (and more affordable) to hit the slopes together.

Arts and Culture

Art, Architecture & Identity: Whistler's Cultural Trail
Discover a different side of Whistler on the Cultural Connector, a free self-guided route on the Go Whistler Tours app linking six inspiring cultural stops.

From the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre's powerful Indigenous stories to the energy-efficient design of the Lost Lake PassivHaus, each location reveals a new layer of Whistler's identity. Wander the Audain Art Museum's remarkable collections, explore creativity at the Maury Young Arts Centre, and dive into local heritage at the Whistler Museum and Library.

This trail offers a thoughtful way to experience Whistler's art, architecture and history—all at your own pace.

Other free tours on the Go Whistler Tours app include Whistler Festive Lights, Audain Art Museum Permanent Collection, Sweet Treats, Craft Beer and Art & Storytelling of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and Líl̓wat7úl (Lil'wat). Learn more.

Story Starter

No Skis? No Problem!
Winter in Whistler isn't just about skiing — it's a full-on adventure playground, no lift ticket required. Ride the record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola for jaw-dropping views, toast the Coast Mountains at Christine's on Blackcomb, or explore snowy forests by snowshoe. Chase the thrill on a winter zipline or race a bobsleigh on an Olympic track.

Prefer to slow it down? Wander through illuminated old-growth at Vallea Lumina, or recharge with open-air soaks at Scandinave Spa. Taste fire-cooked steak in a remote log cabin or discover Indigenous culture and West Coast art in Whistler's cultural spaces.

Whether you're feeling bold or blissed out, there's a mountain of ways to make the most of winter — no skis needed.

Get inspired — explore the full blog for more off-the-slope adventures. 

Events in January

• Whistler Blackcomb's Fire and Ice Show | Sundays, January 4 – March 1
• Corona Music Sessions | Select Sundays until April 19
• Whistler Blackcomb Regional Junior Freeride Challenge | January 2-4
• BC Snowboard Provincial Series Slopestyle | January 9-11
• Longhorn Presents: What So Not Aussie Day | January 26
• Whistler Pride Festival | January 25 – February 1, 2026

Save the Date

• Peak to Valley Race | February 27–28
• 33rd Annual TELUS Winter Classic | March 6-7  
• Oakley Community Days | March 20–22
• 30th Whistler World Ski & Snowboard Festival | April 6–12
• Audain Art Museum Gala & Auction - 10 Year Anniversary | April 18 
• Whistler Children's Festival | May