Best Whistler Cross Country Skiing Trails

Exploring the Whistler cross country skiing trails is one of the best things to do in Whistler in winter.

With hundreds of kilometers of Nordic ski trails in Whistler, you’ll find plenty of trails that will suit you whether you’re a complete beginner or looking for something more difficult.

There are three main areas for cross-country skiing in Whistler: Lost Lake, Whistler Olympic Park, and the Callaghan Valley which has backcountry terrain available for advanced skiers. You’ll find well-maintained trails, beautiful forests, and mountain views, and can travel in the tracks of Olympians too.

Plus, you’ll also find Whistler night skiing available on the cross country trails, as well as dog-friendly trails!

Since getting into cross country skiing while living in Sun Peaks ski resort, we ended up spending quite a bit of time on the Whistler Nordic ski trails at the Olympic Park. Skiing here is much cheaper than downhill skiing and, the best part, there’s no waiting around in lines for the lifts!

Though downhill skiing at Whistler Blackcomb will always be one of my favorite things to do in December, cross-country skiing is a pleasant break from crowds and gives you more of a workout than downhill skiing.

If you’re an experienced Nordic skier or are looking to try something new at Whistler this winter, be sure to read on to learn more about xc skiing at Whistler.

What’s the difference between classic and skate cross country skiing?

Classic cross-country skiing and skate skiing are two distinct techniques used in cross-country skiing, each with its own advantages and challenges

Classic Cross-Country Skiing

Classic cross country skiing is often referred to as traditional cross country skiing.

It’s the older of the two techniques and typically what people think of when they envision cross-country skiing and the easiest to pick up in my view.

It involves a straight-ahead gliding motion with the skier’s skis remaining parallel to each other, much like walking or running. The motion propels the skier forward in tracks that are set into the snow.

Classic skiing is well-suited to groomed trails, since you put your skis in the Nordic tracks, though it can also be done off-track or in fresh snow.

Nordic Skate Skiing

This style is newer and is more like the movements you find in ice skating or rollerblading where the skier pushes off on the inside edge of one ski at an angle and glides onto the other.

Skate skiing requires more effort and uses a wider range of motion than classic skiing, but it is generally faster and provides a more intense workout. I found this harder to pick up than classic skiing.

Skate skiing is usually done on wide, groomed trails without set tracks.

The equipment used for each style also differs slightly. Classic skis are generally longer, have a grip zone in the middle for climbing hills, and require kick wax. Skate skis are shorter, have no grip zone, and are generally more rigid for the purpose of achieving greater speed.

Classic and skate skiing Whistler’s cross country trails can both be enjoyed.

Lost Lake Cross Country Skiing

• Km of trails: 30+ km of trails
• Dog friendly?: No, dogs are not permitted in the winter season
• Trail pass cost: Adults cost $24 a day, $12 after 3 pm
• Are rentals available? Yes from the Lost Lake Passivhaus. From $30 a day
• Best trails: The 4km lit trail for night skiing is always fun!
• Location: Lost Lake Park is a short walk on the Valley Trail from Whistler Village, Lot 4, and Lot 5. Free Village Shuttle service is available with a drop-off point at Day Lot 4.
• Trail map

Lost Lake Park is super close to Whistler Village and the easiest Cross Country ski area to get to.

In the summer, Lost Lake is one of my favorite lakes in Whistler, and in the winter it’s a great place for cross country skiing and snowshoeing in Whistler.

With over 30 kilometers of cross-country skiing trails that are well groomed, you’ll find some fun trails around the lake whether you’re a classic or skate skier.

One of the coolest things about cross country skiing at Lost Lake in Whistler is that you don’t need to stop just because the sun has gone down. There is a 4 km trail around the lake that’s lit up so you can enjoy night skiing.

That’s perfect if you’re looking for something to do in Whistler in the evening after the main ski lifts have closed or after work if you’re taking a ‘workation’ in Whistler.

If you start to get cold, there’s a warming hut right by the lake where you can take a moment to warm up again and enjoy some tea or coffee, or snacks that you may have packed. Or, head back to the Lost Lake PassivHaus and Cross Country Connections for a hot chocolate and one of their famous cookies.

You’ll need a valid trail pass to access the Lost Lake Nordic and snowshoeing trails. These can be purchased at the Cross Country Connection, located in the Lost Lake PassivHaus. This building is also where you’ll go for rentals, washrooms, and to book lessons.

Whistler Olympic Park Cross Country Skiing

• Km of trails: 90 km of trails (+access to Callaghan Country)
• Dog friendly?: Yes, some trails are dog-friendly. Dogs cost $7 when buying in advance online
• Trail pass cost: Adults cost $30 a day when bought in advance online
• Are rentals available? Yes, from $
• Best trails: The Olympic Biathlon trail is a fun workout and was used in the 2010 Olympics
• How to get to Whistler Olympic Park: Whistler Olympic Park is 30 minutes south of Whistler Village in the Callaghan Valley. Parking is available.
• Trail map

A short drive south of Whistler Village, Whistler Olympic Park is where many of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games events took place.

These days, this area is the perfect place to go cross-country skiing in Whistler with 90 km of Nordic ski trails for you to enjoy.

This is one of my favorite places in Whistler for cross country skiing since there’s so much space and so many trails to explore. Plus, from many of the trails you get beautiful views of the surrounding snowy peaks and even over to Black Tusk in Garibaldi Provincial Park.

If you’ve not tried cross-country skiing before, or wish to improve your technique, the park offers lessons for all abilities. They also hold annual events like the Whistler Loppet, as well as competitions for local Nordic ski athletes.

Another fun activity to try is the Biathlon Experience which was one of the most fun things we did during our trip to Whistler in December one year. You’ll learn about the sport, shoot the target and get to try a mini biathlon event to see just how hard it is to make the target when you’re out of breath!

The day lodge at Whistler Olympic Park does rentals and also has a great cafe and restaurant where you can get meals throughout the day. It’s one of the best-priced places to eat in Whistler that we’ve found!

Callaghan Country Whistler Nordic skiing

• Km of trails: Approx 47 km of groomed, track set trails
• Dog friendly?: Yes, some trails are dog-friendly. Dogs cost $7 when buying in advance online
• Trail pass cost: Adults cost $30 a day when bought in advance online
• Are rentals available? Yes, from $
• Best trails: The best are those near Journeyman Lodge for the wilderness setting, but it’s an effort to get there and best done if you’re staying at the lodge.
• Location: Head to Alexander Falls Touring Centre, which is the first entrance to Ski Callaghan.
• Trail map

The Callaghan Valley in Whistler is next to the Olympic Park ski area. Together they form the Ski Callaghan area and these two areas share the same ski pass, so if you buy a trail pass in one area, you have access to the whole trail network.

Ranging from beginner to expert, these trails pass through the wild landscapes of the valley, marked by hills, sweeping meadows, and pristine snowfall.

At the heart of Callaghan Valley lies the Alexander Falls Touring Centre where you can get equipment rentals, warm up at the trailside bonfire or with a coffee and then get ready for your cross country Whistler ski adventure.

This area has more of a wilderness feel to it and many of the trails are dog-friendly. It’s a common area for backcountry skiers and nordic skiers to make their way up to Callaghan Country’s Journeyman Lodge. This Lodge is an awesome place to stay near Whistler where you can enjoy backcountry skiing, great food, and beautiful surroundings.

You can also head up to the lodge for lunch which is a super cool way to spend a day cross country skiing in Whistler. Reservations are recommended.

Where to rent cross country skis in Whistler BC

If you need to rent cross country skis in Whistler, you can do so at the following locations all of which are conveniently located by a nordic ski area in Whistler.

• Cross Country Connection: Located at the PassivHaus at Lost Lake Park, Cross Country Connection Whistler offers a wide selection of cross-country ski gear for rental.
• Whistler Olympic Park: At the park, you can rent skis from their Day Lodge. They offer equipment for classic and skate skiing for all sizes, from toddler to adult.
• Callaghan Country’s Alexander Falls Touring Centre: At the first entrance to Ski Callaghan, you can find a well-stocked rental shop offering nordic skis, snowshoes, and ski touring equipment.

Whistler Cross Country ski events

There are several cross country ski events that take place in Whistler over winter. You can check the exact dates on the Whistler Sports Legacies website, but this is a summary of what you can expect to find.

Annual Cross Country Ski Loppet

The Coast Outdoors P’ayakentsut, affectionately known as the “Payak,” is a cross country ski event that is open to all ages and skill levels.

It takes place in the Callaghan Valley and sees racers take on some of the Olympic trails. It’s a recreational loppet style race and is great fun for training, making new friends, and enjoying the outdoors. You don’t need to be part of a ski club to enter, it’s open to all.

A loppet is a gathering of skiers who ski on a specifically groomed trail either classic (diagonal stride) or free (skating technique) of various distances.

Biathlon Championships

The Biathlon Championships hosted in Whistler combine endurance and precision and sees athletes show their skills in both cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.

Skiers ski challenging terrains under pressure, and then, with calm focus, take aim at their targets.

Cross Country Ski Championships & Cups

The Cross Country Ski Championships and Cups held in Whistler serve as a grand stage for national and international competitors. These events attract a mix of professional athletes, enthusiastic amateurs, and passionate spectators.

From highly anticipated local cups to prestigious championship races, these events highlight the best of competitive cross-country skiing, and cement Whistler’s place as a premier Nordic sports destination.

FAQs about x-country skiing in Whistler

Final thoughts on Whistler cross country skiing

Whistler cross country skiing is a super fun winter activity in this BC mountain town and with three areas available, Whistler is one of the best places for Canada cross country skiing.

From the enchanting trails of Callaghan Valley and Lost Lake to the historic Whistler Olympic Park, there’s no shortage of breathtaking landscapes to explore on skinny skis.

Whether you’re looking for more things to do in Whistler that aren’t downhill skiing, or are an experienced nordic skier looking for new trails to try, these xc trais in Whistler are super fun to explore.

For other ideas on what to do in Whistler in winter check out these Whistler snowmobiling tours, the best Whistler ice skating or these indoor activities Whistler has to offer should the weather get too cold!