WELCOME TO WHISTLER, CANADA
By Eric Hendrikx
What’s up fellow adventure seekers? Awwww… Did global warming shut down your So Cal snow days again this season? Fret not, fearless powder warriors. Whistler, Canada is just a few clicks away and even easier to get to when you book a package through www.Whistler.com.
With a flight-transfer-hotel-board-rental-gondola-zipline adventure dancing at the tap of your digits, you can salvage your repeat-offense failed snow season and drag your friends, families or significant others to an alpine paradise and experience what will likely be remembered as the best trip of your lives.
There’s plenty of season left on Whistler Blackcomb Mountain, still receiving record-breaking snow in the 2014-15 season. The pow pow is ridiculously good and the slopes will be open at least through April. If you plan well, you should get out there during the annual World Ski and Snowboard Festival. It’s the biggest gathering of winter sports, music, arts and culture in North America. From free daily concerts to big-air snowboard competitions, photography and film showings to brewhouses and restaurants, you’re guaranteed an epic time.
Aside from the twenty bazillion (okay, it’s really 8,171) acres of killer terrain to explore on the mountains, Whistler is chockfull of restaurants, bars, spas and activities to fill the itineraries of traveling party animals, annual family trips, bachelor-bachelorette merrymakings; even singles getaway. The latter of which you might just find yourself a match on the mountain; since Whistler employees attractive guys and girls from exotic countries like Australia each year to run many of the activities throughout the season. Want to hear someone offer to buy you a drink in a good ole Aussie accent? Cancel your Match.com membership and get yourself a ticket this frosty paradise. And if you’re not single, now is the time to book that trip with your babe and show her how to snowboard or ski. In just a few hours, she’ll be begging you to cuddle up with a glass of vino in front of your hotel room fireplace. You’re welcome.
Don’t forget your passports. Party in April, sleep in May.
Your pal ~ Eric
STAY HERE
WESTIN RESORT & SPA
www.westinwhistler.com
If you’re an SPG member like me, you’ll score far more than points by staying at the Whistler Westin Resort & Spa. Their 419 residentially designed suites welcome guests into the heart of Whistler, just steps from the mountain gondolas and pedestrian friendly Whistler Village.
Rooms feature kitchens, fireplaces, and mountain views that you’ll love to wake up to. Rest easy after a day of boarding by soaking in the heated pool or getting a massage in the Avelio Spa & Health Club.
EAT HERE
THE GRILL & WINE
www.grillandvinewhistler.com
The Grill & Vine is among a new generation of vibe-savvy restaurants in Whistler that offer expansive open spaces designed for the social spirited. The restaurant is designed in tavern-style architecture that enchants its visitants with unimaginable views of the majestic snow-crested mountains. Dinner can be paired with a variety of Canadian or International wines. I recommend you take a risk and snag a seat at their free-spirited community table and try a local brew such as a Whistler Bear Paw Honey Lager.
PLAY HERE
SUPERFLY ZIPLINES
www.tagwhistler.com
The World’s Most Spectacular Ziplines. Soar side-by-side with your friend or lover on an incredible scenic experience. Start your trek in a heated snowcat before you soar past the eagles at speeds up to 100km/h. At the top of the mountain, your friendly trained experts will guide you through five or more flights up to 600 feet above the ground and over a kilometer across. Definitely a highlight, every time I visit!
