North America: Onsite Review—Adventure Awaits in Whistler

Recommend Standard Image TemplateAdventure Awaits in WhistlerBy Sue PelletierWhistler, nestled in British Columbia’s Coast Mountains just a 2-hour scenic drive or short float-plane ride from Vancouver, may be known as a spectacular ski resort and host to mountain sports at the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, but you don’t have to be a skier to have a top experience there. Yes, there’s epic skiing and snowboarding, but there’s also a renowned mountain bike park, championship golf, ziplining, hiking, rock climbing, white-water rafting, bobsledding and almost every other outdoor sport or activity you can imagine. On a recent Marriott-hosted press trip to Whistler, I had the opportunity to find my new spirit home at The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler, nestled at the base of Whistler Blackcomb Mountain. I never wanted to leave my suite, snuggled up in the comfortable living area in front of the gas fireplace or looking out over the mountain from the spacious desk, noshing on treats in the kitchenette/dining area, or curling up in comfort on the signature Westin Heavenly Bed. Suites range from cozy studios and 1- and 2-bedrooms to the Mountain Grand Penthouse Suite with two queen beds and two sofa beds, three bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen.Recommend Standard Image Template-1730756961 There also are indoor and outdoor pools and a plethora of cool local shops on the mezzanine level—along with a ski valet area so you don’t have to schlep your equipment around but can grab your skis and head right to the gondola just steps away. While there are no shortage of incredible dining experiences suitable for any and every taste throughout the village, you don’t need to venture any further than the hotel’s Grill & Vine restaurant, which features local specialties such as AAA Canadian beef tenderloin and wild mushroom ravioli. The FireRock Lounge, meanwhile, popular with the après ski crowd, offers artisanal cocktails and tapas. For free fun for the whole family, Whistler village hosts any number of cultural events, festivals and celebrations, along with retail stores to fulfill any need, from souvenirs to art to warm jackets. To absorb some of the local culture, recommend clients take a short drive to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Center, featuring a First Nations Museum, art gallery, gift shop and cafe. I would highly recommend taking the guided tour of the museum. The one we took was led by a descendant of some of the leaders featured in the exhibits, who sang a traditional welcome song and regaled us with stories of the local indigenous people.Recommend Standard Image Template-1730756961-1730918208 Even if your clients are visiting in the off-season, they’ll want to “literally” elevate the experience with a trip up the Whistler Village gondola for a peak time overlooking one of North America’s top-ranked ski areas. The Roundhouse Lodge at the top of Whistler features dining options galore, including the unique Umbrella Bar, with 360-degree views. There are a number of hiking trails to explore, as well as an outdoor children’s park at the mountain’s base with a variety of activities. After a ride on the peak-to-peak gondola to Blackcomb Mountain, we had lunch at Christina’s at Blackcomb, a full-service, fine dining experience with panoramic views inside the Rendezvous Lodge at the top of the gondola. Christina’s offers something for everyone culinary-wise—for IPA enthusiasts, I highly recommend the locally brewed Coast Mountain Hope You’re Happy IPA. There are multiple child-friendly options in the both the Rendezvous and the Roundhouse lodges for those traveling with family. Contact InformationThe Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler: marriott.com Tourism Whistler: whistler.com
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