KidStuff

Child care: Ages 3 months to 4 years. Cost for a full day is C$101 (includes lunch and snacks). Whistler Kids has three locations offering day care from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and provides parents with pagers—just in case. The playrooms are bright and tidy, and the sitter to child ratio is 1:4 with a maximum of 10 children per room. The center in Westin Resort at Whistler Village accepts children 18 months through 4 years; the center at the base of the Wizard Express (Upper Village Blackcomb) accepts ages 18 months through 3 years; and the center at Creekside accepts ages 3 months through 3 years. Unless you are staying in Creekside, you will need to take the bus or shuttle from Whistler VIllge to Creekside. Reservations are strongly encouraged; mandatory during holidays and special events. Call (800) 766-0449 or (604) 932-3434.

Other options: The Nanny Network (604-938-2823) and Babysitting Whistler (888-906-2229; 604-902-2229) both offer 24-hour service with a minimum three-hour sitting, C$15 per hour. Early booking can ensure the same sitter throughout your stay. For an additional charge Babysitting Whistler will provide a pager to keep you in touch with your caregiver. Both groups have crib, highchair and stroller rentals, though some of these items may be available through your lodging. Teddy Bear Daycare (604-935-8415) at Maurice Young Millennium Place in Village North watches children 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and offers full-day and half-day rates for toddlers 2½ years old through school age. Parents must provide lunch; snacks and juice are included. The Whistler Activity Center (877-991-9988; 604-938-2769) can refer you to other babysitting services. Look for the Kid Friendly! designation for businesses and community groups that provide child and youth-friendly amenities and programs. Depending upon the activity, you may not need to tuck your child in day care.

Children's lessons: Full-day programs are available for ages 3–12 years for skiing and ages 6–12 for snowboarding. The cost is C115. Lunch is included, but rental equipment and lift tickets are extra. Children's rental package includes a helmet. A popular program for ages 3–12 is a five-day Adventure Camp that starts each Monday; call for prices (there are two-day Adventure Camps offered on weekends). Teen programs (ages 13–18) are offered daily, also C$115 for a full day including lunch (lift tickets and rentals extra). Five-day teen camps cost C$336 (lessons only). Reservations for all lessons are strongly recommended; call (800) 766-0449 or (604) 932-3434.

Special activities: Whistler Kids offers a Kids Night Out program 6–10 p.m. Saturdays for ages 5–12. Cost is C$45; reservations required.