I know what you’re thinking.
The sun is (finally) shining again, the Pimms is out, and all of our energy should be spent soaking in the last of summer’s glory, not thinking about winter.
But winter is coming.
I’m not being negative. In fact, some of my favourite things can only be experienced in winter: mulled wine, Christmas, open fires, putting on my peacock blue coat, and snow.
But with snow also comes the inevitable: the ski holiday. My husband has already started planning our ski trip for the upcoming season…but the problem is that I’m not a huge skier. I know so many others who, like me, have partners who are ski obsessed, but they struggle to get excited about spending seven days in a destination dedicated to the sport.
I like skiing. I definitely prefer it to snowboarding. But when it comes to choosing a ski holiday destination, I need somewhere that’ll offer me more than just great terrain. That’s why, when we travelled to Whistler in Canada at the end of last season, I was genuinely excited about the holiday.
Read: The day I ditched snowboarding…and fell in love with skiing
Why choose Whistler?
Image source: whistlerblackcomb.com
Whistler is well known for its incredible skiing. It’s actually comprised of two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, and between them they offer over 8,000 acres in skiable terrain.
Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski area in North America, but it’s so much more than that, too. To start with, it’s less than a two hour drive from the spectacular city of Vancouver. Whether you love skiing or hate it, you’ll find something you enjoy in Van City, from restaurants to shopping and incredible natural beauty.
Read: Best of Vancouver for the budget traveller
Even without leaving the mountain though, skiers and non-skiers alike can enjoy experiences like the record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK gondola, Whistler Sliding Centre, tube park, ziplining, helicopter tours…and that’s all without stepping foot in the huge village on Whistler mountain.
Where to stay in Whistler
Four Seasons Whistler
This five star hotel nestled at the base of Blackcomb mountain is the ultimate place to stay for an indulgent getaway, whether you’re a skier or not. Those who want to hit the mountain will love the hotel’s ski concierge, a service that takes getting on and off the slopes to another level of luxury. Four Seasons Whistler is home to a spectacular outdoor pool and hot tub area and a eucalyptus steam room, and the on-site restaurants are good enough that you may be tempted never to leave the hotel at all.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Image source: fairmont.com
Fairmont Chateau Whistler is a luxurious ski-in, ski-out hotel in the classic Fairmont style: majestic in design and location, and offering all the high-standard facilities you’d expect from a Fairmont hotel. Plus, it’s perfectly located in the middle of Blackcomb village.
Read: Fairmont Hotels – an icon of Canada
Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel
Situated right in the heart of Whistler Village, this boutique, pet-friendly property is vibrant, quirky and full of little details that will make you smile – like the sock monkey on every bed. If you don’t want to walk the few minutes it takes to reach Whistler Village lift, the Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel shuttle bus will take you there to give you a ski-in, ski-out experience.
Activities to try in Whistler (that aren’t skiing)
You really don’t need to ski or snowboard to be entertained in Whistler. Here’s a taste of what you can do while the majority of the town is hurtling down the side of a mountain:
PEAK 2 PEAK
Image source: whistlerblackcomb.com
Whether you’re strapping on a board or just in it for the views, get a lift ticket and make your way up to the Roundhouse. It’s here that you’ll get to enjoy a spectacular panoramic view over the mountain peaks, and it’s also here that you can catch the PEAK 2 PEAK to take in the scenery from a new perspective. This 3.3km cable car will transport you 436 metres above the ground, between Whistler and Blackcomb, with 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains.
Sliding Centre
The 2010 Winter Olympics were hosted in part at the Whister Sliding Centre, the fastest ice track in the world, where you can try a new skill like bobsleigh, luge or skeleton.
Ziplining
If you’re looking for an adrenalin rush without having to risk life and limb on a black diamond run, check out Ziptrek Ecotours, which will allow you to travel through the mountain’s rainforests at speeds of up to 80km/hr. It’s a fun way to see Whistler, and tours keep running all year round so you can sample the fun in summer or winter.
Wellbeing and pampering in Whistler
Scandinave Spa
Image source: scandinave.com
So much more than a spa, this incredible experience could keep you entertained – and relaxed – for a whole day. In fact, I loved it so much that I could have spent each of my days in Whistler at this 20,000 square foot outdoor spa. The series of hot and cold pools, saunas, steam rooms and relaxation rooms on site help eliminate toxins, stimulate circulation and soothe your body.
There’s a specific sequence that the Scandinave Spa recommends you follow, and it must all be done in silence, which is so calming that it’s almost guaranteed you’ll fall asleep at some point during your time there. As well as the hydrotherapy pools, you can book a treatment for the ultimate wellbeing experience.
Shopping
The Village at Whistler is one of the biggest, and most varied, in the world. Built with European architecture in mind, many of the stone walkways are pedestrian-only, so it’s a picturesque place to stroll around for an afternoon. With over 200 stores in the village, it’s pretty easy to indulge in some serious retail therapy. My favourites are Aritzia, Roots, TNA and Lululemon.
Speaking of Lululemon…
The athletic apparel store located in Whistler Village offers free yoga classes every Sunday morning at 8am. If you’re looking to stretch, relax and sweat a little bit, grab a yoga mat and join in this weekly session to start your day right.
Eating and drinking in Whistler
With over 170 restaurants, cafés, lounges and bars to choose from in Whistler, you could try a new dish every meal of your trip. Here are a few of the most memorable dining options on the mountain:
Bearfoot Bistro
Image source: bearfootbistro.com
In the heart of the Village, this restaurant frequently tops lists of best places to eat at in Whistler. Eating here is truly an experience with fresh, seasonal food being the highlight. The wine list at Bearfoot Bistro is incredible, and a trip down to the cellar to see the 20,000 bottles usually ends in sabering off the top of a bottle of champagne. In case the Canadian winter isn’t cold enough for you, spend some time in the -32°C Ketel One Ice Room, where you’ll don a parka and can choose four vodkas to sample from a selection of over 50.
Hy’s Steakhouse and Cocktail Bar
This family-owned restaurant served one of the best steaks I’ve ever eaten, in part because it was smothered in creamy gorgonzola. The famous cheese toast was also unbelievably good, the wine and cocktail list ensures there’s a drink everyone will enjoy. Hy’s is as exceptional as it is unpretentious.
Araxi
An internationally recognised restaurant in Whistler’s main village square, Araxi is known for it’s locally-sourced ingredients and incredible dishes cooked by Executive Chef James Walt. The highlight of my five-course meal at Araxi was an unexpectedly delicious stinging nettle risotto. Apparently the process of cooking nettles takes away the sting and produces a tasty ingredient. Who knew?
All of these examples are just a taste of the things to see, do and eat in Whistler, but that’s the beauty of this destination: there’s so much on offer aside from skiing and snowboarding that even someone determined not to head up the lifts is guaranteed to enjoy their stay.
Although, as someone a little apprehensive about skiing myself, I have to say that if you do find yourself in Whistler, it’s the ideal place to have a skiing or snowboarding lesson. With some 38 feet of snowfall each year and 200 trails to explore, it’s undeniably one of the world’s best ski destinations. I took a full-day lesson which started on the baby runs (who doesn’t love a magic carpet?!) and ended on a real run from the iconic Roundhouse.
The mountain’s instructors are well-trained and infinitely patient, and no matter what your skill or nerve level, they’ll make you feel comfortable on your skis or board.
You never know…the next winter holiday you book might see you joining your other half on the mountain!
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I love this! I’ve never been skiing, and quite frankly it scares me that I could spend loads of money on a skiing holiday and hate it. So it’s good to know there are other activities to get involved in other than skiing.
Haha, I’m so happy I’m not alone in that fear. If you’re unsure, I’d say Whistler is an amazing place to start…and if you’re really not into it, there’s plenty of shopping in Vancouver ;-)