Baby, it’s cold outside. After a chilly day on the slopes, Whistler offers lots of activities to get your mercury rising

By Kristina Urquhart

The outdoor fire pit at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s Mallard Lounge and Terrace. Photo by Randy Lincks courtesy Tourism British Columbia

HOT
Whether you’ve been slaloming down a black-diamond ski run or shopping in Whistler Village, duck into a coffee shop for a reprieve from the cold air. Locals love the beans at Lift Coffee Company and Moguls Coffee House, as well as the brews at DavidsTea—which stocks a wood-smoke-scented tea for those determined to warm up.

HOTTER
When a hot cuppa won’t cut it, try a roaring fire to warm your tootsies. Two fire pits at The Mallard Lounge and Terrace add a romantic ambience to live entertainment, and the leather chairs flanking the fireplace at Dubh Linn Gate make for cozy rest stops. Still feeling chilly? A heavenly spa treatment might do the trick. At Scandinave Spa, immerse yourself in warm soaking pools, sweltering saunas and steam baths. Or go for a hot stone massage, which is also offered at several village spots including Vida Spa.

HOTTEST
In Whistler, what happens off the mountains is as much fun as what happens on them. Not only was Whistler Blackcomb voted best overall ski resort by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler, but the mountain venue earned the top score for its après-ski scene. From gooey cheese fondue to lively libations, there are plenty of ways to turn up the heat after the frosty winter air has left you cold. Popular spots include Dusty’s Bar and BBQ, Garibaldi Lift Company, Longhorn Saloon & Grill and Merlin’s. And in a town where après-ski lasts well into the night, you can get your blood flowing on the dance floor at nightclubs such as Garfinkel’s Whistler and The Mix.

More information:

LIFT COFFEE COMPANY $. Open daily. 223-4293 Mountain Square. 604-905-6621. 7013 Nesters Rd. 604-938-0665. Open M-Sa only, 1370 Alpha Lake Rd. 604-938-4500.

MOGUL’S COFFEE HOUSE B/L/D (daily). 208-4204 Village Square. 604-932-4845.

DAVIDSTEA $. 4338 Main St. 604-932-0284. www.davidstea.com

THE MALLARD LOUNGE AND TERRACE Open daily. Fairmont Chateau Whistler, 4599 Chateau Blvd. 604-938-8000. www.fairmont.com/whistler

DUBH LINN GATE $-$$. B/L/D (daily). Pan Pacific Mountainside, 4320 Sundial Crescent. 604-905-4047. www.dubhlinngate.com

SCANDINAVE SPA Spa, Where to Shop Awards 2011. 8010 Mons Rd. 604-935-2424. www.scandinave.com

VIDA SPAS Fairmont Chateau Whistler, 4599 Chateau Blvd. 604-938-2086. www.vidaspas.com

DUSTY’S BAR AND BBQ $-$$. L/D (daily), B in winter only. 2040 London Lane. 604-905-2171.

GARIBALDI LIFT COMPANY Open daily. 4165 Springs Lane. 604-905-2220.

LONGHORN SALOON & GRILL Après-Ski Whistler, Where to Dine Awards 2010. Carleton Lodge, 4284 Mountain Square. 604-932-5999. www.long hornsaloon.ca

MERLIN’S 4553 Blackcomb Way. 604-938-7700. www.whistler blackcomb.com

GARFINKEL’S WHISTLER 1-4308 Main St. 604-932-2323. www.garfswhistler.com

THE MIX Open daily. Crystal Lodge, 4154 Village Green. 604-932-6499. www.ricsgrill.com

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