If you’re all about fresh powder, a never ending expanse of terrain, and dancing down through fir trees, then you need to go to Whistler. There’s guaranteed snow, the Canadians are a delight and the scenery is out of this world. One word of warning though, it’s cold.
Photo Credit: Lottie Scrase Dickins
HOW TO GET THERE
It is a long journey for those who live outside North America (or even in North America for that matter!), but once you’re there, the lengthy journey is seriously worth it. The closest airport is Vancouver and a transfer to Whistler from Vancouver takes just over two hours. There are regular shuttle buses from the airport to the village but for those who want more privacy, private vehicle and helicopter charters are available.
WHERE TO SKI
The skiing in Whistler is vast and spans over 8,100 acres of slopes across two peaks, Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain. It is also home to 3 glaciers, 16 alpine bowls, 37 chairlifts and several world-class terrain parks - basically there’s something to suit every single level or skier or snowboarder under the sun. The ability to ski both mountains in one day is done so via the Peak 2 Peak Gondola which at one point during the 11 minute journey is 1,427 feet off the ground! It’s high, but the views are immense. For those more advanced skiers, there is some amazing backcountry skiing on both peaks but it advised to go with a professional guide, given the amount of snow Whistler gets the risk of avalanches and treewell hazards can be high.
Photo Credit: Lottie Scrase Dickins
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel: Four Seasons Resorts & Residences
Grand in scale, intimate by nature, luxury Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler epitomizes the mountain spirit. Inside, find 291 luxury lodge guest rooms, including 95 hotel suites and 20 private residences with open-sky spaciousness and European-styled refinement. An expansive timber, glass and stone lobby harmonizes your transition between the great outdoors and the cosy wood hotel interiors of your private space in Whistler.
The 7 bedroom Belmont Estate is the most contemporary and private house in Whistler sleeping 14 guests. The house was built in 2007 and boasts unobstructed and quintessential panoramic views over Whistler resort. The Estate sits on 7 acres of land and features a helipad, making it one of the world's only truly Heliski-in/Heliski-out properties.The Estate features a gated laneway, heated outdoor pool, hot tub that seats 12 people, a steam room, outdoor firepits, a billiards room, a media room and a gym.
Photo Credit: Lottie Scrase Dickins
WHERE TO EAT
With panoramic views and table service (something more rare of North American mountain restaurants), Christine’s is definitely the place to stop if you are looking for a delicious pick me up. A brioche burger with applewood cheese and a celery-salted caesar (Canadian Bloody Mary) are sure to hit the spot.
In Resort: Trattoria di Umberto
Tucked away in Whistler Village, this sweet little Italian is the perfect restaurant for a delicious Tuscan inspired meal and a relaxed post ski atmosphere. Not to mention a bottle (or two) of wine from their extensive wine list. It’s just what you’d want after a hard day skiing.
Something Different: Crystal Hut
This small log cabin is situated on the mountain and open for both lunch and dinner. It’s famous for its belgian waffles which are perfect to eat on it’s terrace in the sunshine. In the evening, you can also get a snowcat up to it from the base of Blackcomb and indulge in a candlelit fondue and wine evening, in the tranquility of the moonlit mountain.
Photo Credit: Lottie Scrase Dickins
WHAT TO DO
Heli-skiing: You can only imagine the expanse of terrain that is available in Canada for heli-skiing!
Skiing & Boarding: Nordic skiing, Cat skiing & boarding, backcountry tours & terrain parks
Sightseeing: Helicopter excursions, snowcat tours & olympic tours
Outdoor Activities: Winter zipline, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, tube park, sleigh rides, dog sledding, bungee jumping, heli ice cave tours, ice fishing, ice climbing, eagle viewing & ice skating
Indoor activities: Axe throwing, ice hockey tours & wine tasting tours
The list goes on...