A Complete Winter Experience In Whistler Blackcomb

If you're a skier or snowboarder, then Whistler Blackcomb is the ultimate playground for you as it's the biggest ski resort in North America. But if you are a skier or snowboarder, you already knew that.

Of course, Whistler is an epic place for fresh powder, stunning terrain, and endless adrenaline, and though the mountains are the main attraction, they offer plenty more activities. Many people are spending the holiday season and the new year in Whistler (it's a hot spot for celebrities as Tom Cruise, Hugh Jackman, and Alicia Keys), so if you're heading north to British Columbia for a wintery getaway, we've crafted a fun itinerary to follow if you want a side of world-class dining and cool adventure to go along with your skiing.

Winter Zip Lining

And you thought zip lining was just a summer sport.

If you're looking for a good surprise for your favorite thrill-seeker, winter zip lining is a great gift all season long. Bundle up and head up the mountain with Superfly Ziplines and they'll take you for a ride on the highest zip line in North America. Some of their lines are more than a kilometer long, which gets you zipping at more than 100 kilometers per hour. Don't fear the frigid temperature; it's really not much of a factor once the rush kicks in. The views from above are breathtaking — especially if everything is freshly coated in a layer of white powder.

Bar Oso

One of the trendiest spots for a drink and a bite is Bar Oso, a Spanish small-plates joint in the Whistler village. It's as authentic as it gets, from Madrid native chef Jorge Munoz Santos to the Ribera del Duero reds by the glass to the house-made charcuteries. Start your night with a glass of the Emilio Moro red and octopus "Jorge" style. As you sit at the bar and watch the chefs work, you'll be inspired to try the creations.

Four Seasons

The Four Seasons in Whistler is your ideal home base while there. It is luxury at its finest with a mountain feel to it. The service and amenities are the epitome of excellence — exactly what you'd expect from a Four Seasons anywhere in the world — but the rustic decor reminds you you're on a wintry retreat. Make sure you spend some time with the hotel dog (a baby husky), who'll make you melt.

Also of note, not only does the hotel offer a regular shuttle to and from the village, but they have two cars (with drivers) at your disposal that will take you wherever you need to go.

Jeep Tour

Jeep safaris aren't only for Africa; hop in one of the four-by-four tours to go where no normal cars are supposed to go. You know those icy, snowy mountain roads that they tell you to avoid once things get slippery? That's exactly where you'll go with Canadian Wilderness Adventures' well-equipped Jeeps. It's well worth it as they'll drive you to some spectacular viewpoints. From Alexandra Falls to glacier-fed rivers to lakes so peaceful they reflect like a mirror, this is wintery nature at its finest.

Bearfoot Bistro

The Bearfoot Bistro is one of the premier upscale dining spots in Whistler and is a fitting reservation to make for your last night there. Executive chef Melissa Craig's execution could probably garner a Michelin star. The venue isn't stuffy or overly formal, though. It's a lively, casual atmosphere.

Take a break in between courses to pop down to the expansive underground wine cellar (more than 20,000 bottles) where you'll learn about sabering a bottle of Champagne. Forget the cork; open it up the way Napoleon used to. If you're successful at slicing the bottle open (it's pretty easy), you'll get to taste the bubbles!

Ketel One Ice Room

Looking to chill out? Step into the coldest vodka tasting room in the world. The bad news is that with temperatures of negative-25 degrees Fahrenheit, it's pretty frosty inside. The good news is that it's the optimal temperature for vodka tasting and they'll provide parkas. A vodka connoisseur will take you on a tour of the world's best where you'll imbibe three premium shots and leave with a better appreciation of the popular liquor.

Scandinave Spa

If it's serenity you're after, the Scandinave Spa is the spot to soak it in. It's an authentic Scandinavian spa, which means hydrotherapies of differing degrees. Those who are bold enough will alternate between hot and cold baths as it assists with detoxing and stimulates circulation. The baths are also outdoors (there are quiet rooms, a steam and sauna indoors), which means you're presented with a scenic setting: an unobstructed view of the mountains. It's hard to find a better backdrop than that.

Tranquility is preserved here, which means that no kids are allowed (must be 19 years or older) and silence is encouraged.