Book early In Whistler. It’s the super obvious, but very often overlooked, way to save big on your winter trip. Here’s why:
Lower room rates
First and foremost, perhaps the most obvious reason to book early in Whistler is to maximize savings on your accommodation. While everyone is busy enjoying the summer, winter prices are at their lowest. By getting ahead on your 2019/20 Whistler ski vacation, you could save as much as 35%.
When booking your ski accommodation in Whistler there are a few important factors to consider. Here’s what we would be looking for:
Location, Location, Location
Much of Whistler’s accommodation is in the hustle and bustle of Whistler Village itself. This works well for some as it allows for easy access to the slopes and rental shops, as well as excellent dining and night life. However, for something more subdued (but still with direct access to the slopes and rental shops) consider staying in Whistler Creekside. It’s only 5km south of Whistler Village and also offers direct access to the slopes and rental shops.
Added Value
Think about what would make your Whistler vacation that little bit more special or convenient. Whether it’s a relaxing Deep Tissue Massage, a soak in a hot tub after a day of skiing, or unlimited free Wi-Fi – we each look for different amenities in our accommodation. Do your research and make sure your hotel is ticking as many boxes as possible.
Value for Money
When you’ve settled on your hotel of choice, the last thing you want is unexpected charges. Remember that in British Columbia, tax is not shown in the room rate quoted; it will be added at check out. It’s also worth noting that Whistler is a resort town and so you should expect to pay $20-$40 per night for overnight parking. Other hidden charges to ask about include Resort Fees, and Wi-Fi access upgrades.
Save Big on Lift Tickets
Did you know that lift tickets are also typically cheaper when you book early in Whistler? We recommend purchasing your lift tickets by August 31, 2019 to lock in the guaranteed lowest price. Doing this online or over the phone means they could be delivered to you and avoids possible queues at Guest Services, which eats into your valuable vacation time.
If you already have a lift ticket card from a previous season you can reload online, which also saves you time and money.
This is not restricted to skiers and snowboarders; sightseers may book their PEAK2PEAK 360 Experience in advance too. Online purchase is available 2+ days in advance at the lowest price. If you’re from the Vancouver area, it’s worth considering the unlimited pass for the best value, which allows access all summer long.
Take Advantage of Discounts On Lessons
Whistler Blackcomb is a world-leader in snow school programs, and so it makes sense to learn some new skills while you’re visiting. They have a number of great tuition deals on their website at the time of publishing this post. Even more reason to book early in Whistler.
Five-day kids adventure camps come with $100 savings when you book by November 15th, and are a great way for your little ripper to explore the mountain and improve their skills through fun and games.
There’s also an opportunity to save $50 on private, full-day lessons when you book by November 15th. These can be booked one-on-one or with up to four family or friends of similar ability.
If you’re a confident skier but just want to get your bearings, the resort also offers free mountain tours. These are dependent on conditions and depart from the top of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains daily at 11:30 am. To learn about some of our favourite spots to ski, check out our post: A Local’s Guide To The Best Runs On Whistler Blackcomb.
Book Early In Whistler for the Best Availability
So as well as the monetary benefits, booking in advance also means you get best availability of hotel, room type, and package. In addition, it means that you have some flexibility with your dates. Midweek stays are typically more affordable in Whistler and so we’d recommend scouting out those deals first.
In terms of the best time to visit Whistler in winter, we’d sum it up as follows:
Early Season
The mountain typically opens for the season mid-November. Early season snowfall typically averages around 8 feet and temperatures are comfortable. Be prepared for mixed precipitation – especially at the base. The ski-out may not be open at this time but there’s lots of fun to be had on the mountain!
Holidays
The Holidays in Whistler are absolute magic! The Village comes alive with festivity and, with 89 inches of average snowfall in December, all terrain is open by this point. Accommodation is at a premium, however, and so it’s more important than ever to lock in those great deals early.
Mid-Season
From January to March, Whistler typically sees more than 200 inches of snow. The couple of weeks immediately following the holidays are a good time to plan your trip. Likewise, mid-week skiing will always be less crowded than weekends. We would say March is the time to visit to enjoy fresh powder with the resort seeing as much as 50 inches overnight.
Spring Skiing
Longer, warmer days are definitely enticing. The skiing remains incredible in Whistler right into May, and the patio culture in town is top level. We’re entering into shoulder season at this point and there’s great deals on accommodation as well as dining. As the weather begins to warm up, spring/summer activities become available in the Village. You could spend your morning skiing and your afternoon on the lake.
We’ll See You Soon Then, Yeah?
Getting stoked for your Whistler trip? From the adventurous outdoor enthusiast looking for an on-snow adventure to a slower paced participant looking for easy going activities in the valley, there’s something for everyone. Here’s our guide on Things To Do in Whistler in Winter.
Keen to book early in Whistler but not a skier? It’s worth highlighting that there’s so much more to do in Whistler besides hunting for pow or dropping into couloirs. We decided to hang up our poles and get a different perspective on North America’s largest ski resort – here’s Five Great Whistler Experiences For Non-Skiers.