Whistler
Spectacular Sea-to-Sky country and the number one ski resort in North America, as voted by Skiing Magazine … and site of the Winter 2010 Olympic Games
While Whistler and adjacent Blackcomb mountain are regularly voted among North America’s top and most affordable ski destinations, the fact is that this spectacularly scenic resort has become the year-round destination of choice in recent years for visitors from all over the world. For skiers, hikers, tourists and soft adventure seekers alike, Whistler offers an unequalled variety of activities throughout the year.
As scores of thousands of European, Asian and North American winter visitors discover each year, skiing Whistler and Blackcomb is about as good as it gets — with the greatest vertical drops on both to be found anywhere on the continent. Vast bowls and 20 ski runs are served by 28 lifts, in more than 2,800 hectares (approximately 7,000 acres) of some of the world’s most spectacular terrain. Conventional skiing aside, heli-skiing is readily available. So too is the Nordic Variety where an outstanding loipe system starts and ends a short walk from the Village Centre. For the less energetic, there are sleigh rides, ice-skating, snowmobiling and just about any other winter activity it’s possible to imagine. At the end of the day, apres-ski activities are outstanding, with a variety of fine restaurants, pubs, casual dining and venues for night owls.
In summer, it’s still possible to ski glaciers through July and sometimes beyond, but as mainstream skiing ends in April, a whole host of other activities come to life. As the season changes, thoughts turn to golf, mountain-biking, hiking, in-line skating, boating or horseback-riding — which are just a few of the many Spring-through-Fall activities the resort has to offer. Street entertainers and outdoor concerts abound — impromptu as well as scheduled — and each year, Vancouver’s world class symphony orchestra performs at the top of Whistler Mountain.
At the base, Whistler Village is a pedestrian precinct, designed in an award-winning mountain architectural style. Both the Village and the adjoining Blackcomb centre are perfectly located for easy access to mountains, and a generous variety of restaurants, stores and night spots. The range of accommodations is outstanding and ranges from top-end establishments such as Canadian Pacific’s Chateau Whistler, through a variety of excellent value chain and independent hotels, guests houses, lodges and bed and breakfast properties.
More popular British Columbia travel destinations:
The Rockies | Cariboo and North Coast | Gulf Islands | Kootenays | Okanagan | Sunshine Coast | Vancouver Island | Victoria
