Here’s the thing. I live in the sunshine state. I’m a summer girl at heart. To me, the concept of vacation is synonymous with white sand, turquoise waters and salty air. Generally speaking, I don’t do sub-zero temps. Nor do I ski (spinal surgery a few years back has me sidelined).
Why on earth would I plan a holiday in Whistler you ask? Good question. These are the compromises a Mrs doth make. You see, Mr Flashman is a powder enthusiast of the kamikaze persuasion (for the record, he didn’t get lost on the slopes, he was merely sightseeing…in a village….10kms away).
We spent five nights in Whistler in mid-December on the tail end of a two-week tour of the Californian coast. I found it to be the perfect respite before heading off to the chaos of Christmas in New York.
To my surprise, Whistler has a lot to offer the non-skier. Tasting tours, a Scandinavian spa, village shopping and kick ass coffeehouses.
I didn’t even have to leave our apartment to get my apres on. There I was, in my cute snow bunny outfit, perched in front of the cozy fireplace watching snow gently falling outside the window. Glass of wine in hand and wicked cheese platter at the ready.
Perhaps this snow thing aint so bad after all. Shhh. Don’t tell my Mr!
getting there
From Vancouver, Whistler is a 2 hour drive via the spectacularly scenic Sea to Sky Highway.
Winter conditions can be sketchy. Best you take the Whistler Express or book a private car service. We chartered a SUV from Whistler Limousine.
In the warmer months (May-September), get on board the Rocky Mountaineer’s Sea to Sky Climb.
stay
We stayed at the Sundial Boutique Hotel in a 2 bed 2 bath apartment. Located at the base of Whistler Blackcomb, the hotel is steps from the Gondola. Apartments feature fireplaces, heated floors and full kitchens with granite benchtops. Some units have a spa on the balcony.
ski/snowboard
The Sundial Hotel offers discounted lift passes to guests when booked in advance.
Affinity Rentals can kit you out with clothing, skis, poles, boots and boards (Book online, in advance, and save up to 30%).
favourite experiences
- Partaking in a progressive dinner tour of Whistler’s finest restaurants. Four courses, champagne sabering, BC’s famous ice wine AND a visit to a chocolatier. Wear your stretchy pants.
- Happiness is a couple of Super Hiro Rolls and a pitcher of lime sake margarita at Sushi Village.
- When is a cookie a meal? When it is bigger than your head at Mogul’s Coffee House.
- Riding the Peak to Peak Gondola. It takes eleven minutes to cross the 4.4km span. Get onboard the glass bottom cabin. It’s like floating in alpine heaven. Stop for lunch on the mountain at Christine’s.
- Snowmobiling + Fondue dinner in a remote log cabin = good times.
- Getting completely blissed at the Scandanave Spa.
