Discover Whistler’s Family-Friendly Apres

January 22, 2015
Whistler Family Apres

After a day on the mountain, there’s nothing better than basking in that post-ski glow in good company (next to unbuckling your ski boots, of course). Many skiers and snowboarders head straight to the closest pub as soon as the mountain closes to indulge in a good old-fashioned après.

However, if you’ve got kids in tow, the idea of staking out a table in an overcrowded bar is, understandably, not that appealing – but that doesn’t mean that you have to miss out altogether.

Enter Family Après in the Whistler Olympic Plaza: every Monday and Wednesday through to March 26, this fun, free (yes, free!), family-friendly event takes place by the big Olympic rings near Marketplace. The time and location stay the same week-to-week, but the activities on the agenda are constantly changing. Presumably, your family could hit up Family Après twice a week and experience something different every time!

What is Family Apres?

So what, exactly, is Family Après? Similar to regular après, it’s a way to fill that post-mountain, pre-dinner timeframe (4:30 PM to 6:30 PM) full of activities, entertainment, and a good drink (hot chocolate, in this case). Some weeks, you might come across a live show (Whistler favourites The Sociables have taken to the stage in the past). Hula-hoop demonstrations, storytelling, and winter games are some of the other activities you might encounter. And if your kids are extra good, they just might walk away with a custom-made balloon animal, a stick of gooey maple toffee, or a snow cone treat!

whistler family apres

Parents will be happy to know that there are plenty of coffee shops within a stone’s throw, so you can grab something to keep you warm while you watch your little ones take in all the action. Family Après is also conveniently located next to the free skating rink and Whistler Village’s infamous tree-house playground for kids – both of which are great activities to check out pre- or post-après. And best of all, you’ll be steps away from day lots 4 and 5, so you won’t have far to go to get to the car to take those ski boots off for good!

One caveat: Family Après sessions are weather dependent (after all, no one likes après in the rain). If the sky looks threatening, check in with one of the Village Hosts – those friendly people at the Whistler information booths with the red jackets – and ask them for an update. If they give you the thumbs up, make your way down the stroll – you don’t want to miss out on this Whistler tradition!


Community
View Favourites

Compare listings

Compare