Whistler in December: Snow, Skiing, Christmas & Things to Do

Snow

Whistler Village averages about 114 cm of fresh snow in December, and there is snow on the ground on most December days. A snowy Village is far more likely in December than in November.

The mountain gets much more snow than the Village. When you read snowfall figures, check whether they are for the resort’s upper slopes or the Village before you compare them. Our guide to snow in Whistler by month has the Village figures for November to February.

Weather

Average temperatures in Whistler Village:

• about 0°C (32°F) by day
• about −5°C (23°F) at night

Expect a mix of snow, slush, ice and wet days. Dry powder days happen, but you will not get them every day.

Is Whistler Blackcomb open in December?

Whistler Blackcomb plans to open for 2026/27 on November 20, so the mountains should be running through December, subject to weather and lift status. In early December, some terrain may still be opening.

Lift hours

British Columbia’s move to permanent daylight saving time has pushed early-winter lift times later. For 2026/27, Whistler Blackcomb says most valley and alpine lifts run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from opening day until January 15, 2027, with hours lengthening after that. Plan a later first lift and an earlier last run than in past seasons.

Early December vs Christmas week

December 1 to 15

Best for:

• lighter crowds
• better value on lodging
• the Film Festival
• skiing without the holiday lift lines
• easier restaurant bookings

Some terrain may still be opening in the first weeks.

December 16 to 25

The holiday atmosphere builds quickly, along with prices and demand.

December 26 to 31

The peak of the season:

• very high demand
• expensive lodging
• restaurants booked out
• holiday blackout dates on some restricted lift passes

If crowds bother you, pick another week.

Whistler Film Festival

The festival runs from December 2 to 6, 2026, which gives early December a good reason to visit alongside skiing: screenings by evening, the mountain by day.

Wintersphere

Wintersphere runs from December 19, 2026 to January 2, 2027, closed on December 25. Its family-friendly festive program is a good plan for an evening or a stormy afternoon.

Christmas Day

Shops and restaurants keep special hours on December 25. Book a Christmas meal well ahead. For what is open and three itineraries, see our guide to Christmas day trips from Vancouver.

New Year’s Eve

One of the busiest nights of the year in Whistler. Book your room, dinner and transport early, and read our guide on whether to stay overnight on New Year’s Eve before you choose.

Peak 2 Peak in December

A good choice for non-skiers when it is running. Give it three to four hours: the crossing takes about 11 minutes, and the time goes on the gondola ride up, the views and lunch at the top.

Winter sightseeing tickets are sold by Whistler Blackcomb, not on GetYourGuide. If you want it arranged from Vancouver, the Private Vancouver Winter Fun at Peak to Peak Gondola Tour on Viator includes the ticket (4.7/5 from 10 reviews, from about $477); it has few reviews so far. Our Peak 2 Peak tickets, prices and hours guide covers the details.

Things to do in December besides skiing

1. Peak 2 Peak
2. Snowmobiling
3. Snowshoeing
4. Whistler Olympic Park
5. Scandinave Spa
6. Winter ziplining
7. Vallea Lumina
8. Skating
9. Tube Park
10. Museums and culture
11. Christmas events

Our things to do in Whistler in winter besides skiing guide goes through each of these in more depth.

Snowmobiling

By December, most snowmobile tours are running, although snow conditions still decide the routes. The Whistler Wilderness Run Snowmobile Tour on Viator is rated 4.9/5 from 796 reviews, from $244, and the shorter 2-hour wilderness snowmobile tour is 4.9/5 from 628 reviews, from $210. Our Whistler snowmobile tours page compares them.

Snowshoeing and Nordic skiing

Snowshoe trails are usually in good shape by December. The Medicine Trail Snowshoe Tour on Viator is rated 4.9/5 from 294 reviews, from $122.

Whistler Olympic Park in the Callaghan Valley is planned to open on November 27 for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, conditions permitting. From Vancouver, the Vancouver: Whistler Olympic Park Evening Snowshoeing/Skiing trip has only three reviews so far, all 5/5 (about $99), so check its dates before you plan around it.

Winter ziplining

Ziplining runs through the winter from the Village. The Zipline Adventure in Whistler on Viator has more than 1,500 reviews at 4.9/5, from $122. Our Whistler zipline tours guide compares the courses.

Vallea Lumina

The winter season of this night walk runs from November to April. It starts after dark, so it fits into an evening without taking time from your day on the mountain. The Vallea Lumina night walk is rated 4.5/5 from 24 reviews, from $40.

Outdoor skating

The rink at Whistler Olympic Plaza opens on November 26, conditions permitting, with sessions from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 2:30 to 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Adult entry is CAD 6.25 and skate rental CAD 7.25.

Tube Park

A good family activity that needs no lessons. Check the 2026/27 prices and hours with Whistler Blackcomb before you go.

Scandinave Spa

December is a lovely time for the outdoor pools in the snow. Christmas and New Year are also the spa’s busiest and often most expensive days, so book with the spa early.

Families

A simple plan that keeps costs down: one paid activity and one free or low-cost one each day.

For example:

• skiing or tubing, then the Village lights
• snowmobiling, then skating
• Peak 2 Peak, then Wintersphere

Non-skiers

December is one of the easiest months in Whistler for non-skiers, with winter sightseeing and a long list of activities running.

A Vancouver day trip in December

Three versions work well:

Non-ski sightseeing

Drive straight to Whistler, ride Peak 2 Peak, walk the Village, add skating or a museum, then head back.

Snow activity

Drive straight to Whistler, have lunch, take a two-hour snowmobile tour, walk the Village, then head back.

Scenic drive

Shannon Falls, the Sea to Sky Gondola, then Whistler. The Whistler, Sea to Sky Gondola & Shannon Falls Tour from Vancouver on Viator follows this route, rated 4.8/5 from more than 2,100 reviews, from $167.

Do not try both big gondolas in one short winter day unless your whole itinerary is planned for it. Our Whistler winter tours from Vancouver page lists the tours running this month.

What to pack

• an insulated waterproof jacket
• waterproof pants for active days
• thermal layers
• winter boots
• gloves
• a hat
• a neck warmer

For layers, boots and a day-bag list by activity, see our guide to what to wear in Whistler in winter.

• sunglasses and sunscreen

Waterproof footwear matters in the Village, where December streets can be snowy, slushy or icy.

Cost

Early December usually has better prices on lodging. Christmas and New Year can be among the most expensive weeks of the winter.

The bottom line

December is when Whistler becomes the complete winter destination most people imagine.

If you want skiing, winter atmosphere and fair prices, look hard at December 1 to 15.

If you want Christmas in Whistler, come after December 19 and accept the cost and the crowds. Our guide to Christmas to New Year crowds, prices and tours covers that week day by day.

Early December and New Year’s week feel like two different trips in the same snow. Check lift status and event dates for your exact days before you book, because opening plans depend on the weather.

Frequently asked questions

Is Whistler worth visiting in December?

Yes. December is one of the easiest months for a first winter visit, with the lifts, Peak 2 Peak and most winter activities running.

Is snow guaranteed in Whistler in December?

Nothing is guaranteed, but the Village usually has snow on the ground in December, with about 114 cm of new snow in an average month, far more than in November.

Is early December good for skiing?

It can be very good, with lighter crowds than the holidays, although some terrain may still be opening.

What are the busiest dates in Whistler in December?

Christmas through New Year, especially December 26 to 31.

Is Whistler good for non-skiers in December?

Yes. Peak 2 Peak, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ziplining, skating, Vallea Lumina and the Christmas events all give non-skiers plenty to do.