TRAVEL
Originally published on Tuesday, 08 April 2008
All About Spring Skiing
Whistler/The Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Who doesn’t love a spot of skiing and snowboarding? But it has to be said, we at UJ have always favoured hitting the slopes in the Springtime. T-shirts instead of face masks, slush instead of whiteouts, and après ski in the glorious sunshine instead of being holed up inside.
If just reading this is making you itchy for some ski action, the time is now…
And sure, the snow’s been great everywhere this year. But it’s been truly exceptional in Canada, and while there are many options of where to go, we say start at the top and head straight for Whistler.
Why Whistler?
We say: This is a seriously slick winter wonderland. Just two hours from Vancouver, and you’ve got some of the finest skiing in the world, with exceptional dining, and an international, gratefully sleb-free crowd.
They say: “More vertical, more variety of terrain more family activities, more learning programs, more restaurants, more nightlife, more shopping and more choice of accommodation than any other North American resort.”
Where to stay?
Sure there are a couple new boutiques , but Vancouver/Whistler has never been known for it’s ‘design hotels’; we say there is no choice, it’s Chateau all the way.
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is a grand, 550 jacuzzied-room hotel at the base of Blackcomb mountain, boasting four restaurants, lounges, a spa, a gallery, excellent on-site ski rental services and plenty of shops.
Hotel Highlights
In the room: Fireplaces, jacuzzi bathtub jets (essential after a day on the slopes), and the stunning views (request to make sure you get one).
Other: There’s a free shuttle to whisk you to and from the village. If you’re not an ace at walking in ski boots, are too exhausted at the end of the day, or just to full to walk back from dinner, then this is a godsend. And a dip in the Chateau’s indoor/outdoor pool paired with a deep tissue massage at The Vida spa wraps the day up perfectly.
Should you fancy some extra special attention, be sure to book a Fairmont Gold Room. Drinks and snacks are served in the evening, a five star buffet in the morning, and should you want to take your loot back to your room, there are even trays and take-away coffee cups, which is nice. The concierge at the front can book everything for you too, should you need the guidance, from snowboarding lessons to snowmobiling and fondue dinners.
Where to ski?
If you’re wondering where to ski, Whistler is known as the local mountain, and Blackcomb the snowboarders’. Whilst it really doesn’t matter as they are both good, we at UJ are definitely partial to Whistler. Start on the Emerald Express, and then, when your legs are ready, make your way up the peak for some ‘bowl’ action. If you do decide to head off piste, remember to take a guide. And before you shell out for private lessons (approx 500+ CAN for the day) make sure you ask how many people are in the normal lessons, as it’s usually only about three, and a quarter of the price. If you’re thinking of tackling ‘The Waterfall ’ on Whistler though, do so at your own risk. Likewise with Blackcomb’s Sudan Culoir. They don’t call it “2500ft of thigh burning hell” for nothing.
Where to eat?
If you’ve exhausted the restaurants at the Chateau (don’t miss the Wine Room for excellent Pacific Northwest fare), the village’s gourmet Bearfoot Bistro should be the next on our list, where its champagne bar and wine-paired tasting menus have made it one of Whistler’s finest. If you’re after a more Canadian experience, then make for the cabin-like Rim Rock Café for seafood and atmosphere a plenty (N.B. the website really doesn’t do it justice). Umberto’s Il Caminetto also has a pretty cosy character, whilst Araxi is known for it’s sommelier and apparently comprehensive wine selection (though we should note that the bottle we had was hardly mindblowing).
For a night out, insiders suggest starting with tapas at Mix, before heading to El Furniture Warehouse (the name, we know) for drinks.
Where to shop?
If you’re after ski equipment, look around, as there are definitely bargains to be found here. More surprisingly, there’s also quite a nice collection of designer pieces from the likes of Prada and Pucci. Not very Canadian, but will work on your next trip to Gstaad.
What to bring back?
Whilst it’s mainly tourist tat here, if you’ve got to buy something, you can’t get much more Canadian than Roots’ good quality sweats and leather. Failing that, fudge from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate factory is a good option, and the candy apples adorned with gummy bears are a speciality. Just don’t expect them to make it home uneaten.
Escaping further
In the winter, a stop at 7-eleven is probably all we would advise, although the new mining museum , complete with a Wild Wild West general store looked interesting, should you be toting sprogs. But in the summer, you could always stop in Squamish for a dip in Alice Lake, or at the Chief to admire the fools crazy enough to be climbing it.
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Rates start at $487 per night
Reasonable flights to Canada can be found on Canadian Affair and Zoom Airlines