The view from the top of Whistler Mountain
Simply put, Whistler is a playground for adults who love winter
Whether you’re a skier or a snowboard, this mountain resort is the ultimate snow destination for anybody.
There’s enough wide open blues to coast on, but there is also an endless selection of blacks and double-blacks to make you piss your pants.
Spend the day on the slopes are wandering the village, and then let loose in the world-class nightlife.
Getting there
Fly to Vancouver, British Columbia, and then rent a car or book a shuttle bus for the 2-ish hour ride up to the village.
If you’re flying a domestic airline, take the earliest possible flight to avoid flight delays. While the weather in Vancouver is mild, planes are often delayed by snowy weather elsewhere in Canada and could push your arrival back by 20 minutes or two hours.
Fortunately, the airport is small enough that you won’t feel overwhelmed once the wheels go down.
If you’re taking a shuttle, book your trip with Pacific Coach Lines. You’ll meander through downtown Vancouver to pick up some passengers at various hotels, but this option takes the stress out of bad weather and downtown Vancouver traffic.
Sit on the left side (driver’s side) of the bus and keep your camera handy for the drive up – the views toward the ocean are spectacular.
If you’re travelling with others, a car rental might be more cost-effective, but check with your hotel for parking fees.
Accommodations
TBA
First day
Take your time to get oriented with the village – sober, and during daylight. Grab a map from your concierge or a tourist centre and get your bearings.
There are two parts to the main village. One is near the quieter Upper Village, the other is near the main Whistler Village with the Whistler Express Gondola. The latter is where most of the nightlife is.
Also grab your rentals while you have the time, or deal with delays the next morning.
Lift Tickets
Canadian and Washington State residents should grab an Edge Card – it’ll give you the best rate to hit the slopes. Keep your card or ticket handy – you’ll need to flash it occasionally throughout the day.
Chow down on some fast food – pizza or subs – and plan to hit the slopes early the next morning.
Terrain
With most resorts, the snow is better the earlier you hit the slopes. That being said, there is so much terrain that only thelower parts of the mountain will feel used and crowded by 11 a.m., and other sections which start the morning in the shadows (like Symphony) will feel even better once the snow has been kissed by the sun.
Symphony and 7th Heaven provide some of the best groomed ski and snowboard areas in Canada, but the rest of the mountain (including the bowls) are the best you’ll encounter on the continent.
Lunch
Food is mighty expensive in Whistler so there is no shame in packing a lunch to enjoy on the mountain.
But if you do want to enjoy an on-slope meal, head over to the Horstman Hut on Blackcomb mountain. This tiny little cabin isoperated near the top of the mountain and serves up hearty soups when it’s cold out.
When the weather is mild, kick back on the patio with the greates tasting burgers available at this altitude and an ice cold Kokanee.
Apres
Descend the mountain back to the village and head on over to either the Longhorn or the Garibaldi Lift Co.
The Longhorn serves up traditional pub fare and a fantastic atmosphere, while the GLC offers up better cuisine.
