The C&T Guide to Whistler
Eating, drinking, partying and – of course – skiing in Canada's answer to Aspen
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The largest ski area in North America —with 8,171 acres of terrain — is now part of the Epic Pass, thanks to its takeover Vail Resorts a few years ago. As well as endless cruising, steep lines and fantastic dining, this Canadian classic offers the real deal.
Restaurant
The Bearfoot Bistro is the ultimate fine-dining experience, complete with champagne lounge, champagne sabering classes in its underground cellar, resident jazz pianist and vodka bar made entirely of ice (Canada Goose jackets supplied). bearfootbistro.com
Dance off those ski legs
Just a few steps away from where you take your skis off at the base Whistler Mountain, The Longhorn has live DJs at après and later in the night, live bands. Dancing starts early, so pack your stamina. gibbonswhistler.com
Slope to Scale
At 11km, the Peak to Creek is Whistler’s longest run and boasts the most incredible views of the surrounding Southern Pacific peaks of the Coast Mountains. Load your pockets with energy bars for the 1,530m vertical drop.
Test yourself
Head down the Saudan Couloir, a double-black diamond “experts only” run from the beside the Horstman Hut on Blackcomb’s Horstman Glacier. At 2330m, the snow’s reliably good up here and with a pitch hitting 42 degrees, the Saudan is a reliable test of skills, too.
Entertain the kids
Snow tubing (essentially like toboganning on a giant inflatable tube) is the thing to do in North America. Whistler does it in style at the Coca-Cola Tube Park in the Base 2 Zone at Blackcomb Mountain.
Spa Bunny
Immerse your weary muscles in hydrotherapy at the Scandinave spa, set in quiet forest just outside Whistler. A range of hot and cold installations include eucalyptus steam baths, wood-burning sauna, Nordic waterfalls, cold plunge baths and outdoor fireplaces.
Adrenaline junkie
Reach speeds of more than 80kph with a ride on the 2010 Winter Olympic Games bobsleigh — or if you’re feeling really brave, take your own skeleton.
Hotel to bag
The boutique Nita Lake Lodge at Whistler Creekside Village (at the base of the Peak to Creek run) is repeatedly voted one of the best hotels in Canada and its organic spa voted Canada’s top destination spa. nitalakelodge.com
The outfit
It’s a serious skier’s resort, so Jöttnar’s Ragnarok Waterproof Down Ski Jacket (£845) and Vanir Hard Shell Mountain & Ski Pant (£375) are just the ticket. jottnar.com
READ MORE:
The C&TH Guide to Aspen
