Guide to Nordic and Cross Country Skiing in Whistler
Have you ever dreamed of cross-country skiing through pristine, snow-covered forests with majestic mountains as your backdrop? If so, then cross-country skiing in Whistler is the perfect winter activity for you.
With miles of groomed trails and stunning views, it’s no wonder why so many people flock to this ski destination every year.
To help you plan your holiday, the team at Forged Axe Throwing has done the groundwork to find all the information you need to make your Nordic skiing experience in Whistler a success.
Where To Cross-Country Ski in Whistler
Cross country skiing in Whistler happens in 3 key zones.
Whistler is home to a lot of skiable terrain. For cross-country skiing, there are two areas, with trails ranging from beginner to advanced.
Lost Lake Cross Country Trails
Lost Lake is a popular cross-country ski area just a few minutes from Whistler Village. It offers a variety of trails including beginner and intermediate terrain, as well as a few more challenging routes for advanced skiers.
The trails are open from December to late March between 8am and 8pm.
Day passes before 3 pm are $24 for adults, $14.50 for youth and $12 for children, or you can buy a family pass for $48.
Skiing after 3pm offers you discounted rates of $12 for adults, $7.25 for youth, $6 for children and a family pass for $24.
Whistler Olympic Park Groomers
Whistler Olympic Park is another area dedicated to cross-country skiing. It also hosted the cross-country skiing and biathlon events during the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Located 30 minutes south of Whistler, Olympic Park offers over 50 km of groomed trails for cross-country skiing, ranging from very chill green runs to steep and challenging black runs.
Day passes for cross-country start at $30 for adults, $16.50 for seniors and youth, and children under six are free. And, yes, your dog can come skiing, too, for just $7.
Wednesday nights between 3pm and 9pm are discounted passes, costing a flat $10 for adults, seniors, and youth.
However, if you are a keen cross-country skier, you might find more value in the six-day flexi pass for $159.
Operating hours are from 8:30am to 4:30pm on weekends and 9am to 4:30pm during the week, except for late-night skiing until 9pm on Wednesdays.
Alexandria Touring Centre
Located next to Olympic Park, the Alexandria Touring Centre allows you to access the southern side of the Callaghan.
A small selection of trails made up of greens, blues, and blacks will lead you out to the Journeyman Lodge, where you can enjoy your well-earned rest.
Be mindful that this is not a catered lodge and you must bring your own food. However, you can make a night out of it and book a stay at the lodge.
If you are feeling adventurous after your trip into the backcountry, you can access the Olympic Park trails from this point, as they are sister companies making up Ski Callaghan.
Rentals are available from the Alexandria Touring Centre, starting at $32 for adults and $16 for children 16 and younger.
The prices are the same if you buy from the touring centre or Olympic Park for day passes: $30 for adults, $16.50 for seniors and youth, children under six are free, and dogs are $7.
Be mindful that if you’re looking to take advantage of cheaper cross-country skiing on Wednesdays, you must purchase and start at the Whistler Olympic Park.
Starting from the Alexandria Touring Centre is a great option if you want to stay away from crowds or escape into the backcountry.
Their hours of operation are Mondays and Tuesdays 9am–4:30pm, closed Wednesdays and Thursdays, then open again on Fridays from 9am–4:30pm and 8:30am–4:30pm on weekends.
Valley Trail Nordic Skiing
Throughout the winter, the municipality of Whistler of Whistler grooms sections of the Whistler Valley Trail for cross-country skiing.
The groomed area is approximately four kilometres long, starting from Nicklaus North Golf Club, passing by Meadow Park, and finishing near Rainbow Park.
These trails are completely free to use. However, this means no rentals, so you must bring your own cross-country equipment.
Cross-Country Ski Rentals
If you don’t have your own set of skis or are just looking to try out the sport for a day, there are plenty of rental options available in Whistler.
The following locations offer both classic and skate ski packages for rent:
- PassiveHaus Day Lodge – $30 per day for adults and $20 for children
- Whistler Olympic Park – $32 per day for adults and $17.75 for youth
Cross-Country Ski Lessons
If you’re looking to learn how to cross-country ski, plenty of lessons are available for all levels and ages.
PassiveHaus Lessons
All lessons from the PassiveHaus include a trail pass and your rental, plus unlimited use of the gear and trails that day. Classes are 75 minutes long and start at 10 AM.
Ready to skate and discover classic lessons are $119 per person, whereas private lessons are $159 per person.
Olympic Park
Offering lessons seven days a week and a three-pack of classes, Olympic Park has more flexibility when coaching cross-country skiing.
The private lesson three-pack is $312 per person and allows you to take your three lessons anytime during the 2022/23 season.
For single-day lessons, adults (aged 13+) start at $125, while lessons for children aged five to 12 start at $88. All classes are 80 minutes long and allow for up to six students.
Cross-Country Skiing in Whistler Is a Must-Do
Whether you’re a beginner looking to try cross-country skiing for the first time or an experienced skier wanting to explore pristine forest trails with breathtaking views, Whistler has something for everyone.
With easy-to-access rentals and qualified instructors offering lessons, we can’t think of anywhere better to cross-country ski.
So grab your gear and get ready for an unforgettable experience on your next visit to Whistler!