A Guide on Where to Ski, Stay, and Eat in Whistler, Canada

With a sexy downtown that provides off huge Little-Switzerland vibes, a slew of luxurious lodges and eating places, and—after all—the snow-splendored mountains looming in each course, Whistler ranks as one of many prime ski and winter sport locations on the earth. Situated a scenic 90-minute drive north of Vancouver, the city is one in all British Columbia’s prime outside locations all yr, however winter is when it shines.

This may be notably true for the winter of 2022–2023, the primary time because the pandemic started that Canada has scrapped its COVID-related border restrictions for a complete ski season. Accordingly, scores of powder hounds will flock from throughout to hit Whistler’s famed slopes.

To beat the group, you’ll must plan forward and ebook early, and to that finish we’ve received you coated. Right here’s your information to the place to ski, the place to remain, and the place to eat throughout your Whistler ski trip.

Snowboarding in Whistler

Whereas there are numerous snowboarding alternatives scattered across the area, the preferred and accessible is undoubtedly the twin mountain park of Whistler Mountain and Whistler Blackcomb. With lifts positioned on either side of the village—topped by the Peak-2-Peak gondola, the best and second-longest free span on the earth, offering attractive 360-degree views of the encompassing space—it’s simple to go from lodge to slope in minutes.

When you’re on the mountains, you’ve received some 200 marked runs and 16 alpine bowls to select from. These embrace runs of all problem ranges appropriate for everybody from groms to probably the most seasoned consultants. A number of of the preferred runs embrace the Blue Line (a warmup route that provides unimaginable panoramic views), Burnt Stew Path (a inexperienced run for rookies with sufficient bowls, glades, and surroundings to make it interesting to skiers of all expertise ranges), and Whistler Bowl with its many chutes and drops.

There are a number of eating places scattered throughout each mountains for a meals break, together with informal spots like Rendezvous Lodge, Roundhouse Lodge, Garbo’s Grill, and Crystal Hut, plus high quality eating choices like Christine’s on Blackcomb and Steeps Grill & Wine Bar.

Photograph Courtesy of Pan Pacific Mountainside

Whistler lodging

For luxurious seekers: 4 Seasons Resort Whistler

E-book now: Four Seasons Resort Whistler

Having accomplished a full renovation in 2019, Four Seasons Resort Whistler steeps every little thing from the foyer to the rooms in glossy but homey opulence with loads of wooden and gentle lighting. Rooms with balconies provide views of the encompassing mountain landscapes, and there’s nature-themed artwork all over—and a contemporary gallery on the foyer degree. Dine on the on-site steakhouse Sidecut for completely cooked beef (sorry, vegetarians).

For sensible skiers: Pan Pacific Mountainside

E-book now: Pan Pacific Mountainside

If you happen to’re on the lookout for lodging which might be extra geared towards longer-term or household stays, take a look at Pan Pacific Mountainside. All 121 rooms embrace absolutely outfitted kitchens—excellent for longer visits while you’ll must prepare dinner the occasional meal for your self. Suite sizes vary from studios to 2 bedrooms, that means there’s loads of house to deliver alongside the children or journey in teams.

Eats, leisure, and humanities in Whistler

Indulge at Bearfoot Bistro

For an over-the-top eating expertise, make reservations at Bearfoot Bistro. The meals leans into seasonal, domestically sourced Pacific Northwest delicacies (assume seafood and meaty cuts) with further components and substances drawn from world wide. Ask about sabering a bottle of champagne within the wine cellar (the proprietor holds the Guinness document for probably the most bottles sabered in a minute—21), get the ice cream made tableside utilizing contemporary substances and liquid nitrogen, and—in the event you’re feeling notably rowdy—reserve a go to to the room fabricated from ice the place you’ll don large Canada goose down-filled parkas earlier than capturing pictures of vodka.

Soak within the silence at Scandinave Spa

When it’s time to unwind, go to Scandinave Spa, the place you’ll be able to alternate between numerous Scandinavian baths, saunas, and steam rooms, chill out in solariums and hammock rooms, and heat up by the hearth. Silence is the rule right here and there’s no restrict to how lengthy you’ll be able to keep (effectively, till closing), so it’s the right ambiance to decelerate and escape from stresses of the surface world.

See the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and Audain Artwork Museum

When visiting Whistler, contemplate tapping into native Indigenous tradition. Go to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to be taught concerning the First Peoples of the area and think about a few of their artwork and artifacts. Simply down the road you too can take a look at the Audain Art Museum, a personal assortment that features a variety of Aboriginal artwork created over the previous 300 years, plus rotating displays that includes works from modern Indigenous artists and different visiting installations.

Don’t love Whistler to demise

It’s no secret that people haven’t been very adept relating to managing our relationship to pure areas. Because of this, quite a lot of landscapes have been spoiled and species threatened by our imposition. One British Columbia–primarily based nonprofit group, Don’t Love It to Death, is addressing that scenario by means of schooling. It’s partnered with quite a few native companies and organizations to supply resources (like sustainable camping and boating guides) for guests to be aware of their affect on the Sea to Sky area, which spans the more and more busy stretch of British Columbia between the coast and the mountains of Whistler.

Tenting and different outside actions have surged in recognition in recent times; consequently, there are many wilderness newbies who don’t know how you can take pleasure in pure areas with out degrading them. And even seasoned outdoor of us may use a reminder every now and then. So earlier than you go, hold the conservationist ethos in thoughts whereas having fun with the attractive pure bounty that Whistler and wider British Columbia have to supply.