Do you have a favourite spot in BC we should know about?
Contact getawaybc.com
Editor, Cheryl MacKinnon Or click here to submit a calendar event
Seeking Snow-Buried Treasure
Thursday, December 10th, 2009 by Cheryl MacKinnon
As a couple of twenty-somethings, and proud Vancouver 2010 Olympic Victory Medal Hosts, we wanted to check out Whistler Resort prior to the Winter Games in February. A swift 2 hours away up the amazing, newly constructed Sea to Sky Highway and a brisk drop in temperature found us with an escape that far exceeded any expectation of a
First of the season run - Whistler, BC
quintessential ski resort. Tell someone you’re going to Whistler and the general, automatic response is pure jubilation and envy. As many have found, the town of Whistler evokes a certain majestic charm in its gingerbread-esque village square and the awe-inspiring views of mountain slopes. Whistler caters to both the hard core ski buff and the amateur ski bunny – trust us, we know! Even those who prefer to enjoy the tourists and attractions from a seated position are welcome… at the myriad of Starbucks stores (3 to be exact).
Whether you’re seeking a log cabin chalet or a five star hotel experience, Whistler has it all. We stayed at The Adara hotel – a notable example of an accommodation that encompasses contemporary style, 70s chic, and a hint of rustic charisma. As you enter the lobby, you are greeted by a stirring fireplace set amidst a sheepskin rug and a ginger sedan
Adara Hotel Lobby, Whistler BC
couch reminiscent of Austin Powers. The pièce de resistance is a wire oval chair that is strikingly comfortable. The staff members are incredibly hospitable, and the loft suites are spacious and innovative in design. The hotel’s location is optimal for accessing both the Whistler and Blackcomb bases, especially appreciated at the end of an invigorating day on the slopes.
The Whistler après-ski is a highly renowned practice, and having an outdoor hot tub to return to at The Adara is positively blissful. The night scene in Whistler is a thriving bash from about 9pm onwards. If you decide to stay in the village and take the early-riser gondola up the mountain the next morning, it is wise to bring earplugs – or in our case to use the complimentary ones kindly provided by The Adara.
The Mountains’ Playground
After checking into The Adara it’s time to gear up. For the complete rental package we recommend Intersport Affinity Rentals. With more choices than a Vermont cheese festival, this locally owned outfitter is a skier’s Mecca, with something for everyone. Add the friendly, knowledgeable staff to the equation, and it quickly becomes clear that we have discovered a big piece of the ski vacation puzzle. From here, head over to the mountain check-in and get your ski passes for spectacular Whistler Blackcomb. Don’t overlook taking the awesome, and we mean absolutely awesome Peak2Peak Gondola ride between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. The views are beyond anything you can imagine – Whistler Blackcomb does it again!
It’s hard not to get that “kid in a chocolate factory” feeling when you’re about to connect turns atop two meters of early season fresh. The gondola ride provides that delicate mix of awe and wonder, immediately taking us back to a time
Whoosh - the snow's flying! Whistler, BC
when “are we there yet” was our least fragmented sentence. A few gondola towers quickly pass and we arrive at the Roundhouse lodge. Click here for video on the record snowfall.
Boots, check. Poles, check. Skis, check. Snow, check. It’s time to rip! Three groomers, two tree runs and one cliff line later, the childhood smiles were back. It was the brightest they had been in the six month season better known as ‘Not Winter’.
As we pushed through to the last chair, we enjoyed a beautiful closing of the sky – Ullr was awake and about to give Whistler another fifteen centimeter gift. See video.
By Chelsey Allen & Kyle Hickey
Editor’s Comments:
The Olympics are only two months away and the Resort is ready to greet the world, the mountains will be open for the public during the entire event. Be sure to check out Whistler/Blackcomb’s site for snow updates, and Tourism Whistler for daily updates on highway accessibility, accommodation availability and special events.
Olympic views from Whistler Blackcombwhile
Photo Credits:
Whistler Village – Rory Tucker/www.coastphoto.com
Adara Hotel – Adara Hotel/Bellstar Hotels & Resorts
Whistler Ski and Views – Kyle Hickey
When You Go
www.adarahotel.com, www.bellstar.ca, www.whistlerblackcomb.com, www.tourismwhistler.com and www.affinityrentals.com.