The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Whistler for Free
If there is anything people love in Whistler, it is getting free stuff. In fact, there is nowhere on earth where people appreciate free things than in Whistler, one of the premier luxury ski resorts in the world.
Every season, hordes of snow-hungry seasonal travellers flood whistler looking for the cheapest accommodation, the most affordable parking, and any other free things they can get their hands on in order float through the ski season on as little cash as possible. Under most circumstances, travellers are looking to get the maximum amount of fun with the least amount of effort, after all, most folks don’t come to Whistler to work, they come to play.
At Forged Axe Throwing, we appreciate the free things in life too. This is why we decided to put together the Ultimate Guide to Visiting Whistler for Free. While not everything on our list is free, this reference list will at least will cover some of the cheapest ways to live and play in Whistler.
Check out our social media for local events, either Instagram or Facebook, as we often participate in community events. Depending on where you find us, we might be offering cheap or maybe even free axe throwing with our mobile axe throwing unit!
Free Accommodation in Whistler
If you are visiting Whistler and find the hotel prices to be unreasonable, there are some cheaper options to consider.
No, this isn’t a joke, there are free places to stay in Whistler! Particularly for those who are only here temporarily, or arrive by camper van, we put together some savvy suggestion for Whistler free accommodation.
If you are new to town, you will quickly realize the problems locals, and seasonal workers alike face every single season – the housing crunch. For a super-duper great guide to getting accommodation at a reasonable rate – check out the Whistler Survival Guide.
There are always wild stories floating around of people shelling out nearly a thousand dollars to share a king size bed with a total stranger, or people renting out a third bathroom in a shared house and sleeping in the bathtub. The local newspapers are rife with a never-ending conversation over the affordability crisis. However, for the endeavouring seasonal entrepreneur, there are a few free or at least cheaper options available.
Work for Whistler Blackcomb
Getting hired by Whistler Blackcomb has long been the go-to option for people here on a seasonal basis. First-year staff get first dibs on subsidized staff housing. Their housing options come fully furnished, with built-in friends and the often ignored bonus of having utilities included. While this option isn’t free, working for the mountain is one of the easiest ways to get a job and be guaranteed reasonable accommodation, not to mention cheaper access to lift passes!
Van Life
For those lucky enough to own their own accommodation, Whistler has a vibrant van life community
Whistler is now home to perhaps the most eclectic collection of retro camper vans North America has ever seen. Australians, Europeans, and even Canadians have all purchased aging campers and driven them sometimes thousands of miles to pay homage to a Whistler Winter.
While an initial investment is required, van owners do enjoy free accommodation for the foreseeable future, at least until their old transmission explodes.
If you choose to join the van culture in Whistler, you will soon learn where you can park and for how long without getting caught. You’ll also discover which bathrooms are open to the public and at what times. Some campers have called the living situation quirky, others a necessary logistical nightmare. The good news is that nearly every business in Whistler has trouble filling positions, so at least you’ll be able to find a job and park in the employee parking spot for eight hours a day.
What are the hottest tips we can offer on living in a van in Whistler? First, buy yourself a gym membership to ensure you have access to hot showers and bathrooms. Second, if your van doesn’t come equipped with a wood stove, buy a winter rated sleeping bag; you’ll thank us in January.
Couchsurfing
A great option to meet new people, couch surfing connects travellers looking for a place to crash with hosts looking to share.
Living off the generosity of strangers has been legitimized through the fine folks at Couchsurfing. There are currently over 900 potential hosts calling Whistler home, and it can be an excellent way to meet new friends and learn about the town from locals instead of a tourist brochure. Couch surfing is notably a temporary option, but it can help those with more long-term goals have a warm place to begin their quest. Who knows, perhaps you might even make some friends with people looking for a roommate.