Seventy-five miles north of Vancouver, via the spectacular and aptly named Sea to Sky Highway, sits Whistler, B.C. Renowned as North America’s top-ranked ski resort – and home to alpine, Nordic and sliding events in the 2010 Winter Olympics – Whistler also medals as a summer family destination. Glorious mountain panoramas, a pleasantly dry climate and four solid, scenic championship courses also make it a compelling buddy trip draw. Weave in the enticements of Whistler Village, set at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, with its dazzling array of shopping, dining and nightlife options and you have a summer escape that’s worth the climb.
The 7,001-yard, par-72 Big Sky Golf Club is a 1994 Bob Cupp creation that impresses not with elevation change, but via one robust lake- and bunker-splashed hole after the next. The 454-yard, par-4 14th stands out, with snowcapped 8,500-foot Mount Currie looming on the horizon.
Tops for scenery is Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club. Robert Trent Jones Jr. carved this resort layout from the side of Blackcomb Mountain in 1993. At 6,635 yards, par 72, Chateau Whistler challenges – and wows – with 400 feet of climbs and drops and with par-3s such as the 212-yard eighth and the 131-yard 10th replete with creeks, ponds, wetlands and granite outcrops.
Whistler Golf Club is a 1983 Arnold Palmer design that traverses mostly level terrain during its 6,722-yard, par-71 journey, making it an ideal walking experience – except when there’s a bear encounter, which occurred on my most recent visit. The ursine intruder took a swim in the lake between the sixth and tenth holes, not unlike two of my golf balls during the round.
Elaborate bunker sprawls, multiple lakes and a plethora of mountain vistas grace the 6,901-yard, par-71 Nicklaus North, designed in 1996 by – guess who – Jack Nicklaus. Fred Couples and Ernie Els dueled here in a 1998 Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf match; even if your swing isn’t as syrupy smooth as Freddie’s or Ernie’s, you’ll enjoy the experience.
The handsome Fairmont Chateau Whistler is jabbed into the base of Blackcomb Mountain. Three superb restaurants, the Vida Spa and easy access to Whistler Village are highlights. Don’t miss sipping a Northern Soul cocktail at the resort’s Mallard Lounge, crafted with homemade Blackcomb Gin.
Bearfoot Bistro serves up palette pleasers such as the Vancouver Island Black Cod and experiences that include sabering a wine bottle cork in an underground tasting cellar and donning an insulated Arctic parka to sip vodka in the Grey Goose-branded Ice Room.
A Whistler staple since 1985, Sushi Village reliably serves up excellent raw fish and other traditional Japanese favorites, but it’s the social scene – locals and tourists – that elevate this restaurant.
If ziplining, whitewater rafting or mountain biking appeal – hey, that’s your business. But do not miss the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola ride that transports you between Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains. The 2.7-mile, 11-minute journey takes you high above the valley as you soak up 360-degree panoramas of mountain peaks, lakes, glaciers and forests.