The Epic SchoolKids program started in 2018 at Whistler Blackcomb. Popular at the Vail resorts in Colorado and Utah, the Epic SchoolKids Whistler Blackcomb Pack offers Canadian and Washington State kindergartners to grade five students five free days of skiing or snowboarding at Whistler Blackcomb, along with one free lesson and equipment rental for first-time skiers and snowboarders.
Vail Resorts strives to give back to the communities in which it operates, and believes the Epic SchoolKids program can inspire the next generation of skiers and snowboarders, allowing them to access and appreciate the mountain environment that exists in their own backyard.
With just over 8,100 acres, Whistler Blackcomb features terrain for all levels from alpine bowls to family learning zones. The Epic SchoolKids Whistler Blackcomb Pack allows families to access North America’s largest mountain resort.
How to Register for the Kids Ski Free Whistler Epic Passes in 2022
Epic SchoolKids registration is available for a limited time and only before the winter season actually starts at Whistler Blackcomb. It is the perfect way for kids to ski for free at Whistler because the lift tickets can add up quickly!
When can the Whistler Kids Ski Free Pass be Used
Besides the holiday period of Dec 26th to Dec 31st 2022, Saturday January 14th 2023, Saturday Feb 18th 2023 and Sunday Feb 19th 2023 the Epic schoolkids pass can be used any day that Whistler Blackcomb is open.
Whistler Kids Ski Free First Timer Rentals and Lessons
Along with the 5 free days of lift tickets, the Epic pass offers FREE Epic School Kids Lesson & Rental package! Epic School Kids offers one free first-timer lesson and rental package for any participating child who has never skied or snowboarded. The lesson must be booked in advance. Please call to book your lesson before arriving at the resort.
The free first-timer lesson and rental package must be redeemed as a package and is limited to one total per child (not one per participating resort). The lesson is subject to availability and needs to be booked at least 2 weeks in advance.
What do you need to sign up for Free skiing at Whistler for Kids?
- A copy of the student’s report card/transcript/school ID from a Washington State or Canadian school or birth certificate. If your child is home-schooled, please provide verification of enrollment.
- Proof of residency: Parent’s Washington state or Canada driver’s license.
Whistler Travel Resources
If you are still in the planning stages, this information will help you plan your visit to Whistler.
Traveling with kids? This post has all of the best things to do in Whistler with kids! It has things for all seasons and is perfect for locals and visitors!
If you are planning on visiting over the holidays, I have a guide to Christmas at Whistler.
Insurance
Make sure you have a good travel insurance policy if you are visiting Canada from another country.
Whether it is an emergency room visit for something as simple as strep throat, or an emergency appendix surgery, or an unfortunate moped incident things do go wrong when people travel everyday. Canada is a very expensive country for medical care and a doctors visit in an Emergency Room is over $800 to just see the doctor.
I highly suggest travel insurance and a good policy. I personally never travel without it, and I even checked into my policy about care for my children if I am ever in an accident or hospitalized. There are just too many things to think about.
You can find out more information and buy your travel insurance here.
Where To Stay in Whistler
If you are packing your bags for Whistler, then you are likely spending the night! Whistler has plenty of hotels, AirBNB’s, cabins and hostel-style accommodations. Whether you are looking for luxury, family-friendly or budget accommodation in Whistler, there are options for your stay!
Below I have listed some popular properties in Whistler to stay.
LUXURY: Four Seasons Whistler – The Four Seasons is one of Whistler’s luxury 5 star properties. The Four Seasons Whistler has a swimming pool and hot tub. They offer a bike valet that is convenient and safe. In the winter, I love the ski valet option where you can leave your skis at the ski hill instead of having to bring them back to the hotel. Four Seasons is located in the Upper Village near the Blackcomb Gondola.
MIDRANGE: Delta Hotel Whistler – The Delta offers rooms with full kitchens. This is ideal for those who like condo-style accommodation but want the convenience of a hotel. There is coin laundry on site which may be needed to dry out wet ski gear or bathing suits. The Delta is in Whistler Village close to everything.
MIDRANGE: Aava Hotel Whistler – Aava hotel is a midrange hotel in a great location. It is a short walk to the Gondola and just 2 minutes walk from Whistler Village.
BUDGET: Pangea Pod Hotel – Pangea Pod Hotel is conveniently located in the middle of Whistler, and is within 200 m of the Whistler and Blackcomb gondolas. It is ideal for modern hostel-style accommodation right in the village
AirBNB‘s are another great option as they offer more space. Most are designed for 4 or more people making them perfect for families or trips with friends. You can read more about Whistler AirBNB’s or check out my go-to favorite here. One downside to AirBNB’s is that they are not all in the village.
How to Get to Whistler from Vancouver
Start with how to get from Vancouver to Whistler. If you are from out of town, there are ways to get to Whistler without a car.
5 Things to Bring With you for Whistler
Chap Stick – Let me tell you, winter chapped lips are for real! Whether it is the cold air or the wind, you will want chap stick at whistler in Christmas. It is also going to protect you from the winter sun reflecting on the snow. Coming to Whistler in the summer. Its a no brainer that you want to protect your lips from the sun! Bring a good lip balm (I always travel with this one and you can get it on amazon here too) and your lips will thank you!
Base Layers – If you are planning on skiing (or even enjoying time outdoors in Whistler at Christmas), get yourself some base layers. It can be VERY cold in the winter. I like Smartwool merino base layers. The merino wool means they do not smell. Their winter warmth is great for whatever Whistler weather can throw at you (the 250 weight is their winter weight).
Bathing Suit – It is always pool season in Whistler. The outdoor pools are heated and open all year round. Most hotels will have pools and hot tubs. Make sure the bathing suit is in your luggage! If you are going in the summer, you might want options for the lake and for the pool! No one likes putting on a wet bathing suit.
Winter Boots – you are going to want winter boots in Whistler. One day you can get a dump of fresh powder and the sidewalks are covered in snow, and other weeks if there is no fresh snow you can walk around in runners if you wanted to. But c’mon it is still freezing, keep your feet warm! The grip provided goes a long way when it is slippery as well! In a pinch, hiking boots will do.
Skates – If you already own skates and are driving to whistler at Christmas, pack them for the outdoor skating rink. It is $3 if you have your own skates and $8 including skate rental. It’s one of the fun winter things to do in Whistler. It is actually my kid’s favorite thing to do in the village!
That is far from all, read my Guide to What to wear in Whistler which has a complete packing list for visiting at any time of the year.
Lindsay Nieminen is the creator of UncoveringBC.com. She grew up and still lives in the suburbs of Vancouver with her family. She aims to inspire inform, and educate others about traveling in her home province of British Columbia. She is also the creator of carpediemourway.com which aims to show parents how to seek out adventure at home or abroad, with their children in tow!