By Margot Black
In a region renowned for its stunning scenery, Whistler is truly in a league of its own. Just a two-hour drive north of Vancouver up the winding Sea-to-Sky-Highway, this picturesque mountain resort comprises two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, and between them lies Whistler Village. From its rugged mountain peaks and lush forests to its glacier-fed rivers and sparkling alpine lakes, Whistler is sure to provide an unforgettable experience for visitors.
With more than 8,100 acres of skiable terrain, it’s easy to see why Whistler Blackcomb remains one of the undisputed top ski resorts in all of North America. With 36 lifts and 200 runs that are suitable for beginners to pros, there’s something for all ages and all levels of expertise.
Whistler also offers a variety of non-ski winter activities to explore. You can snow tube at the Bubly Tube Park, go snowshoeing in Lost Lake Park or book a snowmobile adventure.
Although winter sports are the prime drawing cards, this spot boasts just as many outdoor activities to enjoy during warmer months. Then you can embark on myriad outdoor adventures that include water sports at Lost Lake Park, hiking trails at Brandywine Falls, horseback-riding, zip-lining, buggy and ATV tours, and mountain biking. Take the Peak 2 Peak gondola ride or walk across the Peak Suspension Bridge to enjoy breathtaking views.
When our family went for a winter vacation, we stayed at the all-suite Westin Resort & Spa, a mountain retreat that has one of the best locations for skiing right at the base of Whistler Mountain. Conveniently perched in the heart of Whistler Village, the hotel boasts easy access to the slopes, shops and restaurants of Whistler.
We saved tons of time and hassle by renting our ski and snowboard equipment right in the hotel through CanSki the evening before we hit the slopes. Then we organized our gear the night prior to our ski day to avoid the rush since morning rentals can be crowded with much longer wait times. The whole process of renting our gear from CanSki and storing it in the hotel was easy and convenient.
After getting our rental gear, it was time to go explore Whistler Village. We headed over to Main Street and ended our first day in Whistler on a high note with dinner at Sushi Village. This is one of the best sushi spots in Whistler, thanks to the world-class sushi rolls, tempura and sake margaritas.
The next day we checked in at the Ski School Desk at the Whistler Village Gondola building for some private skiing and snowboarding lessons that were tailored to our individual skill levels. There are abundant opportunities to level up your ski game here since Whistler offers a variety of options that include private lessons, group lessons and kids’ programs. Jumpstarting our trip with some one-on-one lessons was an exceptional way to get acclimated to the mountains and boost our confidence. We loved our instructors and could not have asked for a better way to start shredding some powder.
Since we worked up such an appetite on the mountain, it was time to refuel with a hearty dinner. Our legs were begging for a break, so rather than venture back out to the village, we decided to eat most of our meals within our hotel at The Grill & Vine Restaurant. Dining here was just the ticket to fully unwind in a laid-back atmosphere within steps of our bed.
The following day my husband and son had the time of their lives embracing some morning skiing and snowboarding as they explored the side-by-Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. While they were out adventuring, I tucked into the spa at our hotel for a little “me” time and a blissful restorative massage. Getting pampered and renewed with a spa escape is exactly what any mom needs on vacation.
One of the highlights of our trip was the Callaghan Cruiser Snowmobile Tour we booked through Canadian Wilderness Adventures. This three-hour ride allowed us to see parts of the pristine Callaghan Valley’s backcountry that we wouldn’t have been able to otherwise access. Getting to experience the thrill of the ride and the splendor of the landscape was an adrenaline rush unlike any other. For some less-thrilling outdoor recreation, check out the Whistler Village Gondola, which transports you from the base of the mountain up to an observation deck where you can admire vistas of both mountains.
Regardless of the season in which you take your holiday, Whistler has it all.
WHEN YOU GO
Whistler: www.whistler.com
Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler: www.westinwhistler.com
VIP Whistler Car Service: www.vipwhistler.com
CanSki: www.whistlerblackcomb.com/explore-the-resort/the-village/shopping/can-ski.aspx
Canadian Wilderness Adventures: www.canadianwilderness.com
The Spa at Whistler: www.gibbonswhistler.com/spa
Sushi Village: www.sushivillage.com
The Grill & Vine restaurant: www.grillandvinewhistler.com
A group enjoys a summertime hike on Whistler Mountain in British Columbia. Photo courtesy of Tourism Whistler/Mark Mackay.
Exploring Whistler Village in British Columbia is fun, whatever the season. Photo courtesy of Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova.
Taking a dip in a lake is a great way to enjoy a summer afternoon during a vacation at Whistler, British Columbia. Photo courtesy of Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova.
Margot Black is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
Photo credit: at Unsplash