Journey along the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver, and you will soon arrive at North America’s leading ski resort and mountain village, Whistler. Boasting some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world, this winter wonderland is also home to luxury hotels; fine dining restaurants; and adrenaline-fueled experiences galore.
Here are several of our picks of where to stay and play for the ultimate luxe getaway to Whistler this winter for the ultimate adventure in Canada.
Where to Stay…
The Fairmont Chateau: For stunning mountain views and impeccable hospitality, look no further than The Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Located at the foot of Blackcomb Mountain, you will enjoy ski to your door convenience as well as a host of live entertainment options in the classic après ski lounge. Following a 5-year hotel renovation that has included the creation of eleven Alpine Suites, a Portobello Deli redesign, 150 bathroom facelifts and pool complex renovation, a further $4.3 million is being invested during the final quarter of 2018 to enhance the 44 non-Fairmont Gold Suites with modern spa bathrooms, built in wet bar, and updated modern alpine decor. Ahh, this is luxury as only the Fairmont can deliver!
Nita Lake Lodge: The stunning lakeside setting of Nita Lake Lodge is one-of-a-kind, and they take pride in offering a personalized guest experience, as well as impressive dining and spa options on site. Each suite is beautifully presented with each suite offering lake, mountain or forest views as their standard. This winter, Nita Lake Lodge is offering a Sleep Therapy package that promises to truly revive and energize. Enjoy a late afternoon Kundalini massage, sip on chamomile tea, or soak in a scenic rooftop hot tub before taking an organic lavender bubble bath, relaxing in front of a calming fireplace and sleeping on a Zirbenherz sleep therapy pillow infused with pine oil.
The Westin Resort & Spa: In another exciting development for 2018/19, The Westin Resort & Spa has invested in a multi-million dollar refresh, resulting in brand new kitchen appliances, intelligently appointed furnishings and beautifully rejuvenated guest suites adding to the overall welcoming atmosphere of this hotel. Warm up around the fireplace after a busy day on the slopes or soothe those muscles in the Heavenly ® soaker tub.
The Aava: If you really want to be at the heart of the action, The Aava is an ideal solution for you. Located just a minute walk from the heart of Whistler Village, this hotel combines stylish, modern design with VIP hospitality. Each room comes with Malin+Goetz bath products, luxurious beds designed especially for Aava (that are extremely comfortable), iPod docking stations and many more personal touches to make guests feel right at home.
7 Essential Whistler Experiences…
Try Axe Throwing: Originally a source of entertainment for lumberjack loggers, this rather exhilarating timber sport has truly gone global. This quintessentially Canadian pastime has become a hugely entertaining group activity whereby players hurl an axe at a target with the aim of hitting an oh-so-satisfying bullseye. In Whistler, Forged Axe Throwing is THE place to go to give axe throwing a try, and the team will provide all the guidance you need to get started. For those traveling with a larger group, why not hire the entire venue for a VIP axe throwing session and your very own tournament? Expect fun, frivolity and plenty of friendly competition.
Go Heli-Skiing: Seeking a VIP ski or snowboard experience this winter? Want to avoid the crowds and lifts? Heli-skiing or heli-snowboarding is for you. You will enjoy a helicopter ride to the top of the heli-ski runs, where your guides will unload the skis, poles and snowboards, before escorting you through some of Whistler’s best backcountry terrain and untouched powder. With 90% of the world’s heli-skiing happening in British Columbia and the heli-skiing area around Whistler more than 50 times the size of the Whistler Blackcomb area, this has to be the most exclusive alpine experience on offer this winter.
Try Snowmobiling: Explore ancient cedar forests or hurtle across frozen lakes, while you enjoy the treasured (and very exciting) Canadian pastime of snowmobiling. There’s a tour to suit all levels of rider, and options for private groups, families and dual riders. You can even add extras to your trip such as a meal in a rustic mountain lodge or a nighttime run under the stars.
Ride The Zipline: Be a bird for the day, or a few hours at least! Superfly Ziplines have designed and custom-built one of the best adventures in the world with their four side-by-side ziplines above the stunning mountain wilderness complete with a revolutionary braking system and a network of scenic paths and platforms. Home to two of Canada’s longest ziplines at over a kilometre long, 600 feet high and capable of speeds of 100 km/hour, you will enjoy a truly unique perspective of this mountainous landscape. Make sure you look down!
Slide Like An Olympian: Whistler was one of the host venues for the 2010 Winter Olympic & Paralympic Games, and both the Olympic Park and an Olympic Sliding Center offer plenty of opportunities to experience life as an Olympian – for an afternoon at least. Try cross-country skiing at the Olympic Park or sign up for one of a bobsleigh or skeleton experience on the fastest ice track in the world.
Mush A Team Of Snow Dogs: What better way to explore this winter wonderland than by hurtling through the wilderness behind an exuberant team of Arctic snow dogs? Dog sledding is a great way to check out the scenery from a very different perspective, and you can even reach speeds of up to 32 km/h (20 m.p.h.). Either sit back and take it all in, or take the reins yourself and learn how to mush a team for yourself.
Ride The P2P Gondola: For stunning 360-degree views of Whistler Village, mountain peaks, glaciers and forests, head to the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. The glass-bottom gondola is a feat of engineering, boasting the longest unsupported lift span in the world (3.024 kilometres or 1.88 miles). It is also the highest lift of its kind with an elevation of 436 metres (1,427 feet). Don’t forget to get snapping along the way and pack out your Instagram feed with photos of some of the most jaw dropping alpine views around.
Dining in Whistler…
You will be amazed at the diversity of dining options in Whistler, and we have pulled together some of the newest and most exciting culinary happenings to help you with your own search for the next amazing culinary experience, or just some delicious food to fuel your Whistler adventure.
New for this winter, why not explore the beauty of the Callaghan backcountry at dusk by snowmobile before enjoying a Canadian three-course steak dinner in a log cabin on Sproatt Mountain? Cooked on an old fashioned wood stove and grill, you will dine on Angus beef sirloin served with garlic mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and an indulgent dessert.
Also new for 2018/19, the newly renovated Aura Restaurant is offering a Meatless Monday, serving up a three-course vegan dinner celebrating seasonal, local produce.
For something spectacular, check out ‘The Blue Room’, a result of a partnership between the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler and Head-Line Mountain Holidays. You will take a helicopter ride to Canada’s largest, southernmost ice field, before enjoying a guided tour of the natural ice sculptures. Upon arrival at the breathtaking blue cave, enjoy a Krug champagne and a five-course gastronomic feast served up by Four Seasons Executive Sous Chef David Baarschers.
The Four Seasons Hotel & Resort’s SIDECUT Bar will be launching a Blackcomb Mountain Après featuring food ‘mountains’ (towers) and Caesars, running alongside their award winning cocktail program Spirit of the Mountain, hosted by celebrity mixologist Lauren Mote.
Learn More: https://www.whistler.com
