Whistler is a town located north of Vancouver British Columbia, Canada. Well known for being home to Blackcomb ski resort, it attracts over three million visitors every year. If you’re looking for a breathtaking, snow covered getaway then you should plan your trip during the peak season which is between December and March.
Blackcomb Ski Resort
The largest ski resort in North America has 125 miles of slopes and over 30 miles of ski routes. The Peak 2 Peak gondola connects Blackcomb Mountain to Whistler making the total ski area over 1,800 acres. The resort offers every type of terrain, level of challenge, and snow conditions making it a skier and snowboarders paradise.
How to get there
Depending on what part of the world you’re coming from, one of the most direct ways of getting there is by flying into Vancouver International Airport. From there you can either rent a car or take a bus on the scenic Highway 99 straight to Whistler, which is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours from the airport.
Where to stay
For the ultimate luxury experience The Fairmont Chateau offers everything you could dream of on a winter holiday. Choose between 528 elegant alpine inspired rooms and suites with views of Blackcomb Mountain or the Village. It’s located near the lift, free local shuttle, and is a ski in ski out resort.
The Chateau offers multiple high end dining options including The Grill Room, a four diamond rated restaurant specializing in mouth-watering chops, steaks, and seafood. For a more casual option you will find that Portobello, located on the lower level of Fairmont, will indulge every taste bud with a delectable smokehouse menu and full service bar specializing in local craft beers.
Fairmont also offers a full health club, spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and four whirlpools with awe-inspiring views.
Another exceptional option is the Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside hotel. Superlatively located just steps away from the Blackcomb gondola and Whistler Village making any activity remarkably convenient.
The hotel offers a cozy, lodge-style atmosphere with your choice from multiple suite layouts and views. The amenities include a fitness facility with cardio equipment, free weights, a eucalyptus steam room, an outdoor heated salt water pool, and two whirlpools.
If you’re traveling with your family the hotel offers small child necessities, family games, and are able to coordinate babysitting services and family activities.
What to do
Although the main attractions that bring tourists in are skiing and snowboarding there are a multitude of other activities available right at your fingertips! Whistlers Coca-Cola Tube Park is a huge hit for both adults and children. To get there take the Excalibur Gondola from the Village and get off at the first stop on Blackcomb Mountain. After getting your pass choose your tube and take a seated ride on the “magic carpet” to the top where the fun begins. You have the option to choose between 7 lanes differing in length and steepness depending on how fast you want to go!
Whistler also offers indoor and outdoor ice skating, zip lining, snowmobiling, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and gondola rides.
For those of you who seek thrill then Whistler will not disappoint. Whistlers Sliding Centre offers you an Olympian-like experience of a lifetime. After an orientation you will enter a four person bobsled, steered by a trained pilot, and ride on the world’s fastest sliding track enduring forces up to 4 Gs and reaching speeds up to 75 mph. If you’re feeling like knocking something else off your bucket list then I highly recommend taking the plunge and visiting Whistler Bungee. Jumping 160 feet over the Cheakamus River, surrounded by basalt columns and forest may sound petrifying but the staff at Whistler Bungee are extraordinary- helping every step of the way, making sure you’re comfortable, and creating a breathtaking once in a lifetime experience.
Whistler Village
The Village is the perfect place to luxuriate the day away in shopping or eating and drinking- or both. There are 200 shops, boutiques, jewelers, galleries, and sports equipment specialties that will guarantee you find what you want and what you need.
Finding a place to eat or grab a drink isn’t difficult either. With over fifty restaurants and bars you can easily find something you and your friends or family will enjoy. One place you must stop by if you get the opportunity is the Dubh Linn Gate Irish pub. They serve traditional Irish pub fare, are family friendly until late evening, and even have live music.
Relax and Unwind
Whether you’ve had a long day of activities or just want a day to pamper yourself the 25,000 sq ft outdoor Scandinave Spa has every amenity imaginable. They offer a traditional Scandinavian bath experience with rustic hot and cold installations enabled to cleanse the skin, release negativity and toxins, and find inner stillness.
What to Pack
During the winter season you want to make sure you have all the essentials. Warm waterproof gear (jackets, snow pants, gloves, etc.), snow boots, thick socks, layers, any ski and snowboarding gear, and don’t forget your swimsuit!
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