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Tuesday, December 30, 2014

A Ski or Snowboard Weekend in Whistler


For 2015, Whistler Blackcomb has once again been rated as the number one ski resort in North America. People travel from all over the world to visit Whistler and get a chance to strap in and experience what makes Whistler so great.



When to Go to Whistler:

Whistler Blackcomb has three distinct seasons; early season, deep winter, and early spring. You can ski and snowboard during all three seasons but depending on the seasons you experience will vary.

If price is important, early season is your best bet. Early season is from opening day, to mid-December. This is what Whistler Blackcomb calls “value season”, you’ll have snow, most of the mountain will be open and hotels will be a bit cheaper. During early season you should be able to find a hotel, in the Whistler village in the ballpark of $250/night to $500/night. Early season is more of the “family” time at Whistler.

Deep winter is the time I choose to go to Whistler each year. Early January to mid-February is when powder junkies, snow bunnies, and international travelers tend to flock to Whistler. Deep winter does not mean long lift lines though; Whistler Blackcomb is a massive ski area leaving plenty of room for everyone. Typically the mountain has received 30 feet of snow by this point in time and is completely open. I particularly like the deep winter season because anything that is worth doing, is worth overdoing. Deep powder, awesome nightlife, and tons of people who are there for the same reason you are.

Early spring is also a great time at Whistler Blackcomb. You can catch great conditions with blue skies and sun. Never has spring skiing been so great. There tends to be a large number of events going on during early spring ensuring you will have something to do, on or off the hill. Early spring is a less costly time to visit Whistler but often times more expensive that early season because you can count on the conditions to be more consistent.

Where to Stay in Whistler, and What to Do

Whistler Blackcomb has a number of great hotels, and has a large list of rental condos, homes, chalets, and bed and breakfasts. You really can’t pick wrong, as long as you stay in the Whistler village. 

The Whistler village is a place of constant activity and you are just a short walk to gondola. My favorite hotel in the Whistler village is the Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa. The rooms are large, beds are comfortable and the restaurant is good. The two best things about the Hilton are the proximity to the lift lines and the awesome bar in the lobby. It is called the Cinnamon Bear Bar & Grille, great food, great drinks, great service, and a really cool design. As far as hotel bars are concerned, the Cinnamon Bear is one the best.

If the Hilton is out of your budget, I would recommend the Whistler Village Inn and Suites, it’s in the center of Whistler Village, and you can often find a room for under $300/night.