Top family-friendly things to do off-snow in Whistler with The Arc Junior Ski Development Program

While the epic nature of skiing in Whistler requires zero introduction, Whistler also boasts an incredible spread of off-snow activities for all the family – perfect for those rainy days, or those days when you just need to lay off the legs after training with The Arc Junior Ski Development Program.

With The Arc’s local knowledge of Whistler, we’ve put together a list of insider tips on off-snow activities for you and your family. Did we mention you may need to extend your trip? Here goes:

Ziptrek Eco Tours: Tarzan between Whistler’s massive Spruce trees with Ziptrek Eco Tours. Off the richter-scale fun for all the family, choose from a selection of tours including the Treetrek tour, the Eagle Tour or a Twilight Tour.

Escape! Whistler: A super fun rainy day activity, this is a real life gaming experience where you’ll solve puzzles, riddles and clues inside one of 4 x themed ‘escape’ rooms (think pirate ship, buried cabin, rabbit hole). In groups of 2-6 people, you’ll need to crack the code to be able to escape.

Snowmobiling: For an extra bit of adrenaline, take a snowmobiling tour with Canadian Wilderness Tours. Their Crystal Hut Fondue Tour truly is a special experience. Snow mobile up to Crystal Hut at twilight for a fondue dinner, then snow mobile back down.

Bobsleigh – Olympic Sliding Centre: A true bucket list item, hurtle down the world’s fastest track – the 2010 Winter Olympic track in a bobsleigh! With guidance from a trained bobsleigh pilot, coast through 10 twists and turns at speeds of over 125km/hour in your winning team of 4.

Whistler Bungee: If skiing isn’t enough of a rush, take it to the next level and throw yourself 50m over the glacial fed Cheakamus River. Known as the most scenic bungee jumping site in the world, you’ll be surrounded with basalt column cliffs, an old growth forest and Black Tusk peak in the background.

Forged Axe Throwing: Channel your inner lumberjack and try Forged Axe Throwing (its acronym is FAT). Dreamed up years ago in the backcountry of British Columbia on the banks of the Chilko River, axe throwing is a popular pastime amongst Canadians. Why not give it a crack?

Meadow Park Indoor Sports Centre: Swim, ice skate or work-out at this massive world-class, award-winning indoor multipurpose recreational facility. It’s an oasis complete with indoor pools, an ice skating rink, a fitness centre and more.

The Core Indoor Rock Climbing: Located in the heart of Whistler, The Core has a selection of climbing walls including an amazing 5,500 square foot rock climbing wall. With kid-friendly routes right through to crack climbing, steep overhangs or tricky slab climbing, all the family will have a blast as well as a decent workout.

Village 8 Cinema: Great for a rainy day, check out the latest and greatest movies.

Lost Lake Park cross country skiing: Head to Lost Lake Park for 30km of cross country trails with incredible views of Whistler. Night cross country skiing under lights is a real treat.

Tubing at Coca Cola Park: Fun for all the family, speed down Whistler’s exhilarating purpose-made tubing hill with a variety of lanes to choose from.

Scandinave Spa Whistler: A must-do for the grown-ups, revive your body and mind at Scandinave’s hot and cold baths. Make a day of it and book a package deal complete with baths, massage and lunch. Yes, please!

If that’s not enough, head to the official Whistler-Blackcomb website for more.

The Arc Whistler is a 2-week intensive ski program for kids aged 10+years. A collaboration with the Whistler Mountain Ski Club, the program caters for passionate young skiers who are serious about progressing their ski racing skills. With 2-time Winter Olympian Jono Brauer and one of Canada’s best female ski racers of all time Britt Janyk Tilston at the coaching helm, this is a unique opportunity to take your budding ski racer’s skills to the next level.

Programs are running during January and February 2019, plus an Easter program which is soon to be released.

For information on The Arc Junior Ski Development Program, visit our website or like us on Facebook.