Preferred Routes Cross-Country Skiing
With over 55 km of cross-country ski trails, there's so much to explore at Whistler Olympic Park! Yet many visitors stick to the same familiar routes time and again. Our 'Preferred Routes Project' was created to help skiers branch out, offering recommendations from passholders, frequent visitors, and our own staff on their favorite trails that showcase the park’s natural beauty and fantastic terrain.
This winter, we encourage skiers to start with our green routes and, over the season, aim to experience every trail. Document your journey, and once you've skied them all, visit Guest Services for a little surprise!
Track your progress with our NEW Ski Trail Map! We've added a checklist so you can mark off the nine preferred loops as you complete them. Once you've finished them all and can show proof, visit Guest Services to claim your prize.
Remember to check our Trail and Conditions page before heading out, dress in layers, and pack snacks and water. Watch the YouTube video on how to find your GPS location in the Park HERE.
Let’s make this winter one of discovery.
1. Neverland - Olympic Stadiums Explorer 🟢
This fun and easy-to-follow trail takes you on a journey through our Olympic legacy! We recommend starting at the Neverland section located across from the main entrance of the Day Lodge.
From there, head left and follow the tracks past the Cross-Country Stadium (marked by the first set of green Olympic rings) and continue to the Biathlon Stadium (second set of Olympic rings). The trail then crosses a small bridge and turns left to complete the loop.
On your way back, now as a more experienced skier, glide past the Day Lodge and head down toward the Olympic Ski Jumps! Then, make your way back up to the lodge and, if you rented equipment, return it before treating yourself to a well-deserved après-ski meal and drink.
2. Dog Loop 🟢
Loved by all—especially our furry friends—Porter’s Glide (aka the Dog Loop) is a local favorite! As you enter the park, keep an eye out to the left for the Dog Parking Lot, which offers plenty of trail side parking spots and access to portable washrooms.
On snow, you’ll also find a charming warming hut with a cozy fireplace and picnic tables—perfect for a lunch break or après-ski relaxation.
The first section of the trail is wide and multi-use, welcoming dogs, snowshoers, walkers, and skiers. Start on the right and follow the classic set track or the wide skate lanes, soaking in spectacular views of the surrounding glaciers and sunshine. Continue via Zoey’s Saunter to Around the World, and for an added challenge, extend your journey by completing the full loop through Brandywine View and Metal Dome.
Skiers without dogs can explore Twilight Meadows for a peaceful Nordic experience.
3. Views From the Top of the World 🟢
This classic trail combination leads to a scenic viewpoint with a small shelter, a bench, and picnic tables—perfect for a break while taking in the mountain views. Start at the Day Lodge, go under the bridge near P1, and turn left onto Inside Passage (blue trail).
Follow the signs for Around the World and Top of the World. For an easier route, take Olympic Connector and Zoey’s Saunter.
For a more challenging option, add a detour via Mountain View.
4. Madeley Creek Discovery 🟦
The Madeley Creek Loop is a scenic 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) cross-country ski trail with rolling terrain through old-growth forests and over creekside bridges. This low-intermediate loop starts and ends at Olympic Connector, offering a mostly easy route with a few small hills for added fun. Skiers can complete it in either direction while enjoying the quiet beauty of snow-laden trees.
Route Variations
- Easier Option: Start from dog parking, take Porter’s Glide, then ski the Madeley Creek Loop counterclockwise. Add Twilight Meadows for a longer route.
- More Challenging Option: Follow the Madeley Creek Loop counterclockwise and make your way back to the Day Lodge via: Olympic Connector & Outrun, OR Biathlon Connector & Neverland OR Zoey’s Saunter & Inside Passage.
5. Sunshine Loop 🟦
When the sun sets early during winter and your body craves vitamin D, we’ve got you covered! From kilometres of sun-drenched trails to a cozy deck soaking up the warm rays for après, Whistler Olympic Park is the place to be.
This loop features our sunniest trails—so don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses! The snow is a powerful sun reflector.
Sunshine Loop
Neverland → Biathlon stadium → Biathlon Connector → Olympic Connector → Madeley Loop (clockwise) to access → Twilight Meadows → Porter's Glide → Zoey's Saunter → Inside Passage → Day Lodge Sun Deck ☀️
Bonus: Add Top of the World before Inside Passage for extra sun and epic vistas
OR take it up a notch by adding Lunch Lake via lower Norwegian Woods, back down to Madeley Creek Loop via Madeley Road.
6. Payak Loppet Teasers 🟦
The Coast Outdoors Payak Loppet is a mass-participation cross-country ski race held annually at Whistler Olympic Park. As one of the largest loppets in British Columbia, it welcomes skiers of all ages and skill levels. Check out these training loops inspired by "Bob’s Payak Playbook—three essential routes to help you master the loppet".
Payak 15km Training Loops (do one at a time and then try the full course!) SEE THE MAP OF THE PAYAK COURSE HERE
- Start at the Cross Country Stadium (Olympic Rings) and follow: Neverland → Biathlon stadium (other Olympic rings) → Biathlon Connector → Olympic Connector → Madeley Creek Loop counterclockwise → back via Olympic Connector.
- Olympic Connector → Madeley Loop (clockwise) to access → Twilight Meadows → Porter's Glide → Zoey's Saunter → Inside Passage → Day Lodge
- Porter's Glide → Zoey's Saunter, turn right onto → Around the World, left on → Lower Line Road, up Mountain View, back to the Cross Country Stadium for your grand finally!
7. Madeley Lake ♦︎
Now that you've conquered our green and blue loops, it's time to go the extra mile and venture into the Upper Trails—a world of its own. This unique experience is challenging mainly due to the distance, but the rewards are well worth it. Pro Tips: dress in layers to stay comfortable, bring water and a snack to keep your energy up, charge your phone—you’ll want to stop for photos.
Preferred Route:
Norwegian Woods proper (counterclockwise, not by Lunch Lake) → Keith’s Challenge → Return via Lunch Lake (or take Madeley Road for a faster descent) → Turn right to finish Madley Creek Loop.
You’ve got this—enjoy the adventure!
8. Loop of the Lakes ♦︎
Taught by longtime Park manager and avid Nordic skier Josée Allard (you can blame her for your suffering!), this 25km loop is not for the faint of heart. You’ll definitely want to pack snacks and water and give yourself plenty of time to complete it. Ready?
Day Lodge → Olympic Connector → Madeley Creek Loop (counterclockwise) → Norwegian Woods (proper, counterclockwise—not the falls) → Keith’s Challenge → Madeley Lake → down and right back to Madeley Road → Howe it Goes → Loon Lake → back UP Madeley Road (this is killer but not too long!) → down via Lunch Lake → finish Madeley Loop → back via Olympic Connector… and collapse… or reward yourself at the Day Lodge. 💥
9. Olympic Challenge ♦︎
Glide into Olympic Legacy! Ski the same trails where world-class athletes competed during the 2010 Winter Olympics—now combined for an even bigger Olympian experience.
Preferred Route:
Start with Cross Country Blue → Olympic Biathlon, then take on Cross Country Red. Think you can handle it? 😉
Note: Standing with the Cross Country Stadium Olympic Rings on your left, you will see three trails. Olympic Cross Country Blue (part of the Nordic Combined course) is the one on the right. Start climbing and follow the trail, keeping to the right at intersections. The trail will take you back onto Neverland by going under a bridge.
Ski the Neverland Inside Loop, then head left and back up for the second section of Olympic Blue. On your way back down, complete the loop around Neverland Loop, then ski back up behind the Olympic Rings and down for your final "Salute to the Crowds." You then make your way to Olympic Biathlon and go back where you started (rings on your left) Olympic Red will be the trail in the middle.