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The skiing is great, but there is much for to do in Whistler. (Photo contributed)
Contributed by Arrivals Travel
As Whistler welcomes the world over the coming weeks, there is no better time for planning a winter getaway to the official alpine skiing venue of the 2010 Olympics. The excitement of the games will remain in Whistler for the duration of the ski season, and better yet, many post-Olympic specials will be available throughout the Village in March and April.
The drive from Kelowna to Whistler takes about 6 hours, so it only makes sense to stop in Vancouver for travel essentials. For us this equates to a ‘49th Parallel’ latte from Prado Café and possibly the world’s best sandwich from La Grotta Del Formaggio. These Italian subs truly deserve more real estate than this article can accommodate, but if you happen to be near Commercial Drive you would be deemed nuts not to partake. With the Sea-to-Sky Highway improvements, we managed to shave 30 minutes off our trip (while maintaining the speed limit), and arrived at our hotel completely relaxed having taken in the dramatic, snowcapped scenery.
Whistler’s winter activities encompass far more than incredible downhill skiing and snowboarding. For the adventurous, Heli-skiing trips and guided backcountry tours will get the adrenalin pumping, while tamer escapades include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding and moonlight sleigh rides. Whistler is also hosting many of the Paralympic events (including the closing ceremonies) in March, and the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival in April. Ticket purchase information and details on all the festivities and activities are found on www.Whistler.com.
We spent our days in Whistler reacquainting ourselves with skis, spending far too much at the Village shops, and enjoying après ski cocktails on the heated patios of Longhorns and La Brassiere. After these strenuous activities we indulged in in-room massages from Harmony Mobile Massage Therapy which were wonderful, and covered by most extended health plans.
For an entertaining evening, the authentic tepanyaki Japanese steakhouse Teppan Village offers a tableside culinary performance complete with knife juggling and three-foot flames. Although the portion sizes are small, the flavourful food and fabulous service won us over and earned Teppan Village the Arrivals’ stamp of approval. Another culinary hidden gem is Two-Course-Tuesday’s at the Four Seasons’ Fifty Two 80 Bistro. For a mere $25 per person you will enjoy an entrée, and appetizer or dessert. Our strategy was to share the roasted scallops appetizer, each order an entrée (halibut with risotto and rib eye steak cooked to perfection) and finish by spoon fighting our way through an incredible crème brulee.
For post-dinner drinks we recommend the cozy Cinnamon Bear Bar at The Hilton, Mallard Lounge at Chateau Whistler or The Champagne Bar at Bearfoot Bistro, featuring a massive river rock fireplace and self-enclosed cigar and brandy room.
Our digs for the weekend was the luxurious Four Seasons, a first-class resort located in Whistler’s upper village. Although somewhat removed from Whistler’s epicenter, the Four Seasons provides a quiet, relaxed atmosphere and is only steps from the meandering trails that loop Lost Lake. Many Whistler hotels are offering special post-Olympic pricing in March, including the newly opened Adara Whistler Hotel with rates starting at only $100 per night for a superior room. This new stylish, contemporary hotel is located in the heart of Whistler Village and features complimentary Internet access, iPod docking stations and HD flat screen televisions in all guestrooms.
From powder hounds to après ski bunnies, there is something for everyone here. So grab your skis, make the drive, and experience the excitement of Whistler in 2010.
Tags: Arrivals Travel
