SHARP Travels: A Guide to Whistler, British Columbia

Adam Bisby October 12, 2024

From the Winter Olympics of 2010, to countless international competitions — not to mention a broad swath of celebrity, billionaire, and royal visits, Whistler has evolved substantially over the years. What was once the home of seasonal villages for local indigenous populations, then supplanted by the fur trade of the 1800s, it wasn’t until the 1960s when development of proper ski runs in Whistler finally took hold. In present form, the town is home to some of the finest skiing in North America, as well as being packed with luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and a wide array of unique experiences that you won’t find anywhere else.

This step-by-step itinerary to one of the world’s most luxurious alpine destinations explores how to get the absolute most out of your next Whistler experience.

Arrive in Style: Limousine Service by West Coast Car Rentals

Well-heeled visitors choosing to travel from Vancouver International Airport to Whistler along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway can do so via a wide range of limousine services. If they’re interested in taking the wheel themselves, travellers can rent a Range Rover SE P530, one of many luxe options from West Coast Car Rentals.

Arrive in Style: Blackcomb Helicopters

Easily cut two hours off your journey by booking 30-minute private helicopter transfers from Vancouver International’s Landmark South Terminal to the Whistler Heliport. Up to five passengers can enjoy the priceless views of Vancouver, Howe Sound, and the Coast Mountains. 

Decadent Digs: The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler

The Four Seasons Resort in Whistler boasts a stunning 273 spacious rooms and stylish suites, plus a sumptuous spa, outdoor heated pools, and gourmet mountainside dining. Meanwhile, round-the-clock guest services include a Ski Concierge who delivers skis, boots, and boards directly to the snowy base of 2,436-metre Blackcomb Peak.

Decadent Digs: Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Within a snowballs-throw of the Wizard Express chairlift, this castle-like hotel offers 519 gorgeously-appointed rooms and suites. Boasting top-shelf dining and an outdoor complex of whirlpools and barrel saunas, it’s no wonder the Fairmont is a favourite of Hollywood A-listers like Reese Witherspoon, Justin Timberlake, and Halle Berry.

Get Geared Up: Can-Ski

Many of the 200-plus retail shops in the Whistler and Creekside villages cater to visitors in need of alpine equipment and apparel. Of those, the four-location Can-Ski chain is renowned for upscale fashion and high-performance gear, with elite boot-fitting, ski-tuning, and even personal shopping services available.

Get Geared Up: Black-Tie Ski Rentals

Black Tie Ski Rentals doesn’t just provide a wide range of superior rental equipment — it also offers a time-and-effort-saving service, delivering and fitting gear anywhere its clients are staying. With five store locations in Whistler, there’s plenty of stock for skiers and snowboarders.

Hit the Slopes: Whistler Blackcomb

Spread across its namesake peaks in the rugged Coast Mountains, Whistler Blackcomb offers enough terrain — 8,171 acres to be exact — to cover New York’s Central Park more than nine times over. North America’s largest ski resort is made up of 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers, myriad terrain parks, and 200-plus marked trails. In an average ski season, the expanse is blanketed in ten-plus metres of snow.

Hit the Slopes: Peak 2 Peak Gondola

Completed in time for the 2010 Winter Olympics, the stunning Peak 2 Peak Gondola was the first lift on Earth to join two adjacent mountains. It holds world records for the longest free span between towers (3.03 kilometres) and elevation (436 metres). Beyond these impressive stats, the gondola is pleasingly practical; it carries skiers and hikers from Whistler Mountain’s Roundhouse Lodge to Blackcomb’s Rendezvous Restaurant in just 11 minutes, delivering spectacular alpine views along the way.

Hit the Slopes: Heli-Ski

Every serious skier or snowboarders dreams of heli-skiing, which is offered in abundance at Whistler. With over 432,000 acres of terrain spanning 173 glaciers, the powder-choked options run from mellow alpine meadows to vertiginous couloirs. All heli-tours include transportation to and from the Whistler base, plus lunch, avalanche safety equipment, and professional guides.

Up the Game: Ski With an Olympian

To prepare for a heli-skiing adventure, visitors need to look no further than Whistler Blackcomb’s superb roster of private ski and snowboard instructors. These experts provide priority lift access and coaching on the latest techniques; instructors also highlight the best views, terrain, and secret powder stashes. Meanwhile, the resort’s “Ski with an Olympian” program combines all of the aforementioned benefits with the thrill of hitting the slopes with one of the best snow-sports athletes on the planet.

Adventure Sans Skis: Helicopter Ice Cave Tour by Headline Mountain Holidays

Should a special, romantic occasion coincide with a Whistler visit, Headline Mountain Holidays’ “Heli Ice Cave” tour is sure to impress. After soaring over Canada’s southernmost ice fields in a helicopter, couples travel by snowmobile to a magnificent complex of natural ice caves. There, participants enjoy a guided tour capped by a private gourmet lunch.

Adventure Sans Skis: Ziptrek Ecotours

The dense evergreen forest lining the creek separating Whistler and Blackcomb is home to Ziptrek Ecotours’ sprawling network of zip lines, bridges, and viewing platforms. It includes the longest zip line in Canada — the Sasquatch — which spans more than two kilometres and propels guests at over 100 kilometres an hour.

Adventure Sans Skis: Whistler Sliding Centre

The Whistler Sliding Centre, site of the bobsled, luge, and skeleton events at the 2010 Winter Olympics, offers a “Public Skeleton” experience that includes two trips down the 500-metre-long Maple Leaf track with a half-hour orientation session. Gloves and helmets with face shields are provided, but spandex bodysuits are bring-your-own.

Next-Level Apres: Bearfoot Bistro

Slicing open a bottle of Champagne with a saber is something of a rite of passage in the Bearfoot Bistro’s 20,000-bottle collection, which is said to be the largest in Western Canada. Meanwhile, over in the sub-zero Grey Goose Ice Room, visitors don fur-lined parkas while sipping flights of namesake vodka.

Next-Level Dining: Crystal Hut

After journeying by snowmobile or snowcat to the rustic Crystal Hut on Blackcomb Peak, diners are treated to a traditional cheese fondue dinner followed by waffles with berry compote, chocolate, and whipped cream. Live entertainment by local musicians then caps off a uniquely elevated dining experience.

Next-Level Nightlife: Après Après

Hosting everything from live music to DJ sets, Après Après is an aptly named hot spot where jet-setters meet, mingle, and dance the night away. Signature cocktails include the “Apres Ski,” a blend of Bailey’s, Deep Cove Premium Vodka, and Van Gogh Double Espresso.

Rest & Recover: Scandinave Whistler

Set on the edge of Lost Lake’s forest, Scandinave Whistler is a serene 25,000-square-foot hydrotherapy complex of open-air baths, Swedish dry saunas, eucalyptus-infused steam rooms, and relaxing solariums. You’re welcome, aching ski legs…