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20 Things We Love About Whistler

The gorgeous greens of Whistler Golf Club. Photo by John Henebry courtesy Tourism Whistler

1 Stunningly beautiful golf courses: there’s no better place to try for that elusive hole-in-one.
2 Skiing and snowboarding, even in the summer.
3 A leisurely hike through the mountains followed by a ride on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola.
4 Flightseeing. The scenery is even more spectacular when seen from the sky.
5 The bustling Whistler Farmers’ Market, which carries produce fresh from nearby farms.
6 Hearing accents from around the world, from both visitors and locals.
7 The pedestrian-only village.
8 Enjoying a cold beer on a restaurant patio.
9 Enough events and festivals to keep you busy every day.
10 Wandering through the many art galleries.

Hikers walk by the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Photo by Paul Morrison courtesy Tourism Whistler

11 Friendly locals eager to point a confused visitor in the right direction.
12 Flying through the trees—with the greatest of ease, of course—on a thrilling zipline adventure.
13 A once-in-a-lifetime train trip with Rocky Mountaineer.
14 Dining on award-winning cuisine at Araxi.
15 Guided bear tours with local bear researcher Michael Allen.
16 Discovering the rich heritage of the local First Nations at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.
17 Gorgeous views. Whichever direction you turn, it looks like a postcard.
18 Buying fresh waffle cones overflowing with giant scoops of ice cream from Cows Whistler.
19 Shakin’ your groove thang at local nightclubs.
20 Anything and everything outdoors, from kayaking to fishing to mountain biking.

Go Play Outside

Bring a sense of adventure on these outdoor escapes

By Jennifer Patterson

No matter what type of activity you’re after, Where has you covered.
Daredevil cyclists barrel down the jumps and runs in Skiers’ Plaza. Looking for something not as reckless? Rent a bike to explore smoother, less vertical terrain, as mountain biking is the summer sport here.

Views abound on Whistler's biking and hiking trails. Photo by Toshi Kawano courtesy Tourism BC

Animal lovers feel at home on a dog sled as a team of huskies leads a snowy alpine ride. Hop in the back of a 4×4 vehicle and join expert Michael Allen on a bear watching tour, including stops at favourite feeding sites and daybeds—don’t forget your camera! Channel John Wayne on your own trusty steed with a horseback ride through the wild countryside. Prefer horsepower to horses? Kick up some dust in the backcountry on a quad or dirt bike.
Adrenaline junkies get their fix with a bungee jump, while slightly more sane individuals go ziplining through the trees. For the even saner, glass-bottomed cabins on two of the Peak 2 Peak Gondolas offer enough of a thrill—and don’t require harnesses.
Shutterbugs and sightseers, have your cameras at the ready: aerial sightseeing tours and helicopter rides provide the perfect opportunity to capture the sweeping panorama.
Those seeking peace and tranquillity need look no further than the stunning golf courses and fish-filled rivers. For a quiet getaway, rent a canoe or kayak, don some life jackets and explore the pristine lakes. Nature enthusiasts breath the crisp mountain air while hiking the meadows and trails surrounding Whistler.
Snow bunnies can still strap on skis and snowboards, as Horstman Glacier is open through July for sun-filled summer skiing.
For activities listings, click here.

Sport of the Day: Snowboard Halfpipe

Olympic mascots Miga and Quatchi. Photo copyright VANOC/COVAN

CYPRESS MOUNTAIN

Snowboarding, which is exploding in popularity, is a relatively new sport that combines elements of three other popular sports: surfing, skateboarding and skiing. Snowboard halfpipe joined the Winter Games in 1998. The halfpipe is a human-constructed, U-shaped snow bowl. One competitor at a time performs tricks while riding from one side to the other in—and while in the air above—the halfpipe. Judges evaluate height and style.—Sheri Radford

Sport of the Day: Snowboard Cross

Olympic mascots Miga and Quatchi. Photo copyright VANOC/COVAN

CYPRESS MOUNTAIN

Also called boardercross, this sport is new to the Olympic roster: it was introduced at the 2006 Winter Games. Four riders at a time race down the course, which is covered with jumps, berms (walls of snow built up in corners) and other obstacles constructed out of snow. Only the fastest two snowboarders progress to the next round.—Sheri Radford

Hot Shopping: Hit the Slopes

Bundle up for a day on the slopes with this cool Oakley jacket

The 2006 silver medallist in Torino for women’s half-pipe was Colorado-native Gretchen Bleiler. In between her preparations for the 2010 Winter Games, Bleiler has been keeping busy by designing a signature line for sportswear giant Oakley. In addition to funky jackets, she’s designed eyewear, hats, sweaters, bags and tees. Grab this trend-setting gear at the Oakley O Store.—Jennifer Patterson

Hot Shopping: ‘Tis the Season

Whistler is chock full of ski equipment stores, and some are open in the summer, too. Photo by Randy Lincks, courtesy Tourism British Columbia

Before hitting the slopes, grab boots, boards, bindings and skis at these year-round specialty shops.
1 Award-winning Wild Willies.
2 Whistler Village Sports.
3 Excess Ski & Sport.
—Jennifer Patterson

Insider’s Guide to Skiing Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Kananaksis, Golden & Panorama

Sunshine Village (Photo: Richard Hallman)

Seven ski areas, tons of snow and a November through May ski season. A world-class combination of ski terrain, high-speed lifts and on-hill amenities. No wonder Banff, Jasper and area draws skiers and snowboarders from around the world. Read on for insider ideas to help you make the most of your time on the slopes. (more…)

Take It Outside

Think Whistler has just skiing and snowboarding? Think again

By Sheri Radford

Making tracks in the fresh powder with snowmobiles. Photo courtesy Tourism Whistler

Snow bunnies already know about the incomparable snowboarding and skiing—everything from downhill and cross-country to para- and heli-skiing—on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, but those not addicted to schussing also find plenty of outdoor fun.

Tubing is ideal for klutzes of all ages, since no skill whatsoever is required. As long as you can sit in an inner tube and obey the law of gravity, you’re good to go.

Ziplining requires a bit more ability, since you have to walk (or roll along in an all-terrain wheelchair) between launching platforms. But guides take care of the difficult parts, such as getting participants into full-body climbing harnesses and helmets before clipping them onto the ziplines.

Adrenaline junkies choose the thrill of bungee jumping or snowmobiling, while those looking for an old-fashioned winter experience opt for outdoor ice hockey, horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowshoeing or dogsledding. (Whistler may not have the Iditarod, but it does have lots of eager huskies ready to recreate the experience.) And, of course, a simple snowball fight is always appealing.

What’s the best part about a long day spent outside in the cold? Warming up inside, with a hot chocolate and a crackling fire, afterwards.

For activities listings, click here.

20 Things We Love About Whistler

Skiers' Plaza at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Photo by Joern Rohde, courtesy Tourism Whistler

1 Gorgeous views. Whichever direction you turn, it looks like a postcard.
2 Buying ice-cream cones at Cows Whistler.
3 The Olympic spirit before, during and after the 2010 Winter Games.
4 Retreating to the 20,000-bottle wine cellar at Bearfoot Bistro to sabre a bottle of champagne.
5 Local legend Ross Rebagliati, who won the first-ever Olympic gold medal for snowboarding, back in 1998.
6 Skiing. ’Nuff said.
7 All the events and festivals to keep you busy through a long, cold winter.
8 Hurtling through the Coca-Cola Tube Park (pictured below). Sometimes we can’t decide whether to laugh or scream our heads off.
9 All the friendly locals eager to point a confused visitor in the right direction.
10 Partying every night and snowboarding every morning.
11 Browsing for local tomes and glossy magazines in Armchair Books.
12 Guided pilgrimages to some of Whistler’s best restaurants with Whistler Tasting Tours.
13 Walking through pedestrian-only Whistler Village after a fresh snowfall.

Tots and adults alike love the Coca-Cola Tube Park. Photo courtesy Tourism Whistler

14 Cold beer on a heated outdoor patio.
15 Getting soaked, scrubbed, primped and polished at Whistler’s luxurious spas.
16 The clean, fresh air that feels good to breathe.
17 Strolling through all the art galleries.
18 Après-ski. This French tradition lives on in Whistler with mountainside bars welcoming skiers after a day on the slopes.
19 Warming up with a true Canadian delicacy: a piping-hot pastry from Beavertails (page 27).
20 Snow, glorious snow.

Hot Dates

By Kristina Urquhart

Crowds gather at the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival. Photo by Joern Rohde/insight-photography.com, courtesy Tourism Whistler

Movie buffs star-spot at the Whistler Film Festival (Dec. 3 to 6; 604-935-8035; www.whistlerfilmfestival.com), which screens more than 90 Canadian and international films. A bevy of parties, an outdoor screening and a celebrity ski race round out the event.

The West Coast Railway Heritage Park (604-898-9336; www.wcra.org) hosts two events over Dec. 5 and 6. All Aboard The Polar Express is a one-hour train ride complete with music, stories and hot chocolate. Stay to see brilliant bulbs during the 10th Annual Christmas Lights in the Park, which is sure to put you in the seasonal spirit.

Entertain energetic youngsters with free mini golf and bouncy castles during Whistler Holiday Experience (Dec. 18 to 24 and Dec. 26 to 30; www.whistler.com). Santa visits on Dec. 19 to 20 to find out who’s been naughty or nice.

Daredevil skiers and snowboarders soar through a ring of fire in the 7-Eleven Fire and Ice Show (every Sun., Dec. 20 to Apr. 4, plus daily Feb. 13 to 27 and Mar. 13 to 20; www.whistlerblackcomb.com), while fire dancers light up the night.

It may be an alcohol-free evening, but Whistler First Night (Dec. 31; www.whistlerfirstnight.com) is anything but dry. Ring in 2010 twice, starting with a kid-friendly, 9:30 p.m. countdown. Live music, street performers and fireworks amuse you into the wee hours.

Thousands of bald eagles migrate in record numbers to the Sea-to-Sky corridor between Nov. and Feb. to feast on spawning salmon. Throughout Jan., the Brackendale Winter Eagle Festival and Count (604-898-3333; www.brackendaleartgallery.com) pays homage to the raptors with talks, tours and art exhibits.

See Spot run in the Winter Purina Incredible Dog Challenge (Jan. 8 to 9; www.whistler.com), where canines compete in skijoring, avalanche rescue and pole weaving. Dogs who resemble their handlers enter a look-a-like contest, and an award is given for best costume.

Bring warm clothes to the NiX Theatre of Snow and Ice (Jan. 22 to Feb. 27), which is part of the arts celebration Cultural Olympiad. Music fest Whistler Live! includes performances by Montreal indie darlings Karkwa (Feb. 14) and European songstress Valérie Sajdik (Feb. 15), among others. Check www.vancouver2010.com for more events.

Gay pride at the top of Whistler Mountain. Photo by Dave Stamp, courtesy gaywhistler.com

WinterPRIDE (Mar. 1 to 8; www.gaywhistler.com) keeps the party going between the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games (see below). Gay-pride activities include skiing, cultural events and lively nightlife. PRIDEHouse is the hip hangout for gay athletes and friends.

For young ski stars, there’s the Whistler Cup, a contest for kids aged 11 to 14 (Apr. 9 to 11; www.whistlercup.com). Nearly 400 athletes from 20 countries participate in the races.

Capping off Whistler’s most exciting winter ever is the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival (Apr. 16 to 25; www.wssf.com). Pro athletes wow the crowds with races and tricks, and the activities continue with film screenings, live entertainment and, of course, parties-a-plenty. Snow bunnies, rejoice.

Don’t forget to visit again when the weather heats up. For those who can’t get enough of the white stuff, glacier skiing on Blackcomb Mountain continues into July. A sneak peek of what events lie ahead this summer: farmers’ markets, art festivals, a plethora of bike races and outdoor activities galore.

2010 WINTER GAMES

Locals will tell you Whistler was made for the Olympic Games. In 1962, developers transformed the rugged terrain with hopes of hosting the 1968 Winter Games. Now, after two unsuccessful attempts to welcome the world, this resort town is finally fulfilling its destiny. Whether you hold a coveted Games ticket or not, you’ll be kept busy in Feb. and Mar.