Plein Air Painting Adventure 

• Date: August 22, 2026
• Time: 2 pm – 4 pm (This is 2hrs painting time, not including gondola transport or hiking time. Please allow a minimum of 30 minutes to upload the gondola, and see suggested hiking times below.)
• Venue: Harmony Ridge Inuksuk on Whistler Mountain 
• Price: $85 | Arts Whistler Members $65*          
• Age: 16+ 

Immerse yourself in Whistler’s alpine magic with a Plein Air Painting Adventure, a rare opportunity to blend creativity with nature in one of the most awe-inspiring corners of the mountain.

Your journey begins with a scenic hike leading you to an exclusive setting at the Harmony Ridge Inuksuk with panoramic views of the mountains.  Led by a professional local artist, Heidi Mattson, you'll settle in with all the tools you need to create your own plein air masterpiece - canvas, easel, paints, and brushes are all provided at the location. After painting, we’ll walk back to the Roundhouse, where a well-earned complimentary drink from See Ya Later Ranch awaits on the sunny patio, capping off an unforgettable mountaintop experience before your gondola descent.

Important Details:

• Please note: Lift tickets are required and NOT included in the event price. Please upload by 12:30 pm to allow yourself time to get to the location. Visit the Whistler Blackcomb website to purchase a Summer Alpine Experience Pass. This pass includes access to sightseeing, hiking, and the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola. Make the most of your pass and enjoy the Mountain Top Summer Feast after the workshop. Tickets can be purchased via the Whistler Blackcomb website.

• If you are an Epic 2026/7 pass holder, summer lift access is included in your pass.

• Transportation support is available at no extra cost for those who need assistance. Please programming@artswhistler.com to arrange transport. Due to limited space, this option is not guaranteed.

• Don’t forget to eat properly beforehand and bring water to keep your alpine creativity fueled. You will be out in the elements so dress appropriately, including sunscreen, a hat, and layers.

  Plein Air Painting Adventure was made possible with the support of Whistler Blackcomb. 

*If you have recently become an Arts Whistler Member and have not yet received your discount code, please email us at Marketing@artswhistler.com. 

 Location:

You can access the Harmony Ridge Inuksuk by hiking up Pika's Traverse directly from the Roundhouse. This takes approximately 45 minutes and requires moderate fitness and proper footwear.

Alternatively, take the scenic route. From the Roundhouse, you can walk down to Peak Chair and ride to the very top of Whistler Mountain. Allow extra time to take in the view before walking down Mathews Traverse to the Harmony Ridge Inuksuk. This route can take approximately 1.5 hours, but is mostly downhill.

Meet the artists:

Heidi works from her art studio in Pemberton, BC, where she paints, sells original pieces and creates custom tattoos for clients. Heidi’s style is influenced by nature, focusing on local landscapes, creatures, and wildflowers. She LOVES bringing spark into people’s lives through her art and creating beautiful connections with her clients. It truly is joy for her to work with people in this way and see folks leave the studio feeling happy, empowered and uplifted. Heidi holds a BFA from Emily Carr University of Art & Design and has 30 years of experience as a professional artist.