WHISTLER: A GOLD STANDARD FOR MOUNTAIN FUN
If you are a skier or have one in your life, then you know that we are always on the hunt for a great mountain experience: new runs, new vistas, new bars and restaurants. In my fifty years of skiing the west, no resort has matched the offerings at Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada. With side-by-side mountains and one mile of vertical, it is by far the largest ski area in North America. Tree skiing, wide open bowls, 36 lifts, and more than 8000 acres means you will always have a new line to explore. And when the day is done, the vast pedestrian village teeming with shops, bars, and restaurants will keep everyone entertained all week long!
Pan Pacific Mountainside
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS
The Pan Pacific luxury brand offers two locations in Whistler. One in the middle of the village and one slopeside at the top of the village walk. This month my family enjoyed a 2bdrm/2bth suite at the Pan Pacific Mountainside. If you like to step straight onto the chair/gondola AND have the heart of apres and shopping at your doorstep, this is THE place. There is an outdoor pool/jacuzzi overlooking the village run and apres scene plus a buzzy Irish pub, ski shops, and rental offerings at the lobby level. Service is excellent and the building is well-insulated from the village revelry. Our 2bdrm suite included a dining area, full kitchen, huge living room, fireplace, and floor to ceiling windows. The bedrooms were small but comfortable. There was a single vanity and tub/shower in the master bath and a walk-in shower in the second bathroom. The kitchen had everything needed to prepare a full family meal but after a long day of exercise and mountain air, I was most happy going out to favorite restaurants or bringing in!
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
The original luxury hotel at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, Fairmont Chateau Whistler offers more than 500 rooms and a vast array of amenities. It is ski in/out with a ski valet collecting and distributing your gear at the base. The lobby is grand in Fairmont fashion and the iconic Mallard Lounge is a favorite with live music, master mixologists, and house-infused spirits. There is fine dining at Wildflower and The Grill Room, cozy dining at The Chalet for fondue, schnitzel and schnapps, and all day casual dining at Portobello offering coffee/pastries, made-to-order salads and sandwiches, BBQ, and a full bar. Don’t miss the spa, pools, wood-fired saunas, or guided excursions offered daily. For a lofted experience, opt for Fairmont Gold which is an exclusive hotel within the hotel: premium rooms and Club lounge with extensive food/beverage offerings throughout the day. At a large hotel, it is oh-so-nice to have extra space and attention.
The Four Seasons Whistler
When you want the highest quality service and accommodations, look no further than The Four Seasons, a peaceful oasis set apart from the ski scene hubbub. The hotel is gorgeous, with warm woods and original art throughout. On a recent visit, the lobby was quiet yet full of smiling staff ready to offer Four Seasons’ legendary service. This property offers very spacious hotel rooms/suites and 2-5 bedroom residences, generously sized and perfectly appointed for gatherings of family and friends. There is a large pool, several hot tubs, and a beautiful spa. The hotel does an exceptional job of programming for non-skiers with different offerings everyday. And, of course, Four Seasons is always family friendly with game rooms, a giant chess board, child minding, and daily smores & hot cocoa. We enjoyed the pop-up Indian restaurant Goa and will definitely return to try Sidecut, the fine dining steakhouse with a gorgeous central fireplace. Circulating sleek black shuttles ensure guests have ready access to all things Whistler!
HOW TO GET THERE
Whistler Blackcomb is 85 miles north of Vancouver, a drop-dead gorgeous world-class city. If you fly in/out of Vancouver International Airport (YVR), it is worth exploring the area for a few days. The sea to sky highway is legendary and is best enjoyed as a passenger. There are regular shuttles to Whistler or, for more comfort and less waiting, private transfers are readily available. You do not need a car once in Whistler so skip the car rental and enjoy the spectacular views along the beautiful fjord.