While the slopes of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains are the main draw each winter in Whistler, there is much more beyond the expansive mountain terrain to explore.

The newest addition to Whistler’s seemingly never-ending array of adventures to enjoy is the Ice Kingdom—a winter wonderland running at the Whistler Golf Course (just across from Whistler Village).

Ice Kingdom is a magical interactive exhibit where families can explore a community of snow sculptures and an ice slide lit up with brilliant and colourful lights. Ice Kingdom public relations manager Alexandra Leo explains that Whistler is a natural location for Ice Kingdom, given its distinctive mountain culture.

“Particularly for the snow sculptures, we need a landscape which provides reliable snow for the duration of the event as well as provide for a market who have a genuine interest in winter-like events.”

Whistler it is! What is there not to love about wandering among the twenty or more interactive snow sculptures of all shapes and sizes, scooting down multiple snow slides, and warming up with a hot chocolate in the clubhouse afterwards?

But this is just one of a great number of activities you can enjoy this winter in Whistler. You may want to challenge yourself to an invigorating dog-sledding adventure, explore the valley on snowshoes, or give ice fishing a try. If you possess the need for speed, you simply cannot pass up a bobsled or skeleton ride at the Whistler Sliding Centre. Ziplining above the snow-covered landscape is another way to take your breath away or jump onto a thrilling snowmobile tour to head to unknown snowy terrain beyond the slopes.

For a more relaxed time, there’s the Peak 2 Peak sightseeing experience. Dress in your winter garb, climb onto the Whistler Village gondola and head up the mountain. At the Peak of Whistler Mountain, pause to relish the vista and then experience the feeling of pure happiness as the Peak 2 Peak gondola whisks you two kilometres across to Blackcomb Mountain.

Of course, a real holiday should also include some serious chill time. You can count on Whistler to serve up a wide range of spas, yoga studios, restaurants and après venues so you can spend a day unplugging and unwinding.

This article originally appeared in the Vancouver Sun in February, 2018