Whistler is consistently voted the number one ski resort in North America; and for good reason – this resort has it all both on and off the slopes.
On the slopes it is the largest ski resort in North America, it also has one of the best snowfall records, which ensures skiers see their fair share of powder days and the efficient lift system ensures you’re quickly back on snow after each run.
Off the slopes the charming purpose built village centre is car free and has an abundance of bars, restaurants and shops, all within easy reach of the slopeside hotels and apartments.
Whistler really is a resort that will appeal to everyone, as there is an amazing range of activities available in and around the resort.
To help you get the most out of your time in the resort we’ve put together a list of our five ‘must try experiences’ to do while you’re in Whistler.
Fresh Tracks Mountain Top Breakfast
For skiers and boarders, there’s nothing quite like being the first one to make tracks on fresh powder snow. Combine that with a hearty breakfast and you know your day is going to be epic.
On a powder day, start your day early with the Whistler’s Fresh Tracks Breakfast ticket. If you’re an early bird (and who isn’t on a powder day) head up the mountain on the Whistler Village gondola at 7.15am to enjoy a huge breakfast buffet at the Roundhouse Lodge. Once you’re fuelled up you’re ready to hit the slopes an hour before anyone else!
You need to book your tickets in advance at the local ticket window the day before, so keep an eye on the weather when you’re in the resort. If you time it right, you’ll get to enjoy some of those legendary powder runs that makes Whistler a ‘must ski’ destination.
Check out the new Umbrella Bar
Now there’s another reason to hang out on Whistler Mountain. Whiskey Jack’s Umbrella bar recently opened in the mid-mountain Roundhouse Lodge. With a heated patio and seats protected from the elements behind glass and steel viewing walls you can relax and soak in the fantastic vistas of the mountain, the iconic Inukshuk statue and Whistler village. Complete with a collapsible ‘umbrella’ roof, the Umbrella Bar is the one of the latest places to be seen in at North America’s number one ski resort.
Take your holiday to the next level
There’s snow, then there’s powder snow. If you’re looking for the exhilaration of blasting through powder, then organise the ultimate powder day and dare yourself to go on a heli-skiing adventure.
Whistler Heli-skiing specialises in single day excursions into the backcountry. With access to over 200,000 acres of diverse terrain, you’re sure to be skiing on some of the most spectacular powder runs that the Pacific North West has to offer. On a typical day you can ski up to 12,000 vertical feet of untracked powder. This is the ultimate ski day for advanced intermediates and advanced skiers to experience Whistler’s spectacular backcountry.
Take the family skating at an Olympic venue
You don’t need to be an Olympian to experience the thrill of skating at Whistler Olympic Plaza and gliding beneath the Olympic rings. Each winter Whistler’s Olympic Plaza includes a special ice skating rink where you can enjoy Canada’s most iconic outdoor pastime in the heart of Canada’s most famous ski resort. The skating is free and you can rent skates on-site. The skating arena is located right in the middle of the pedestrian friendly village on the Village Stroll – just look for the Olympic rings.
Relax in style at Whistler’s Scandinave Spa
After an epic day skiing the largest ski area in North America, there’s nothing better than relaxing with a soothing Spa experience. The Scandinave Spa combines rustic elegance with majestic scenery in a tranquil, secluded forest setting in lower Whistler. They have an amazing Finnish inspired treatment which combines soaking in soothing hot tubs and cold outdoor baths, repeated three times for maximum benefit. You’ll quickly be rejuvenated and ready for your next day in the mountains.
Whistler is one of our favourite resorts and has an enviable snow record and one of the longest ski seasons in North America. To keep up to date with Whistler snow updates and resort news Like us on Facebook or Follow us on Twitter