A Dream Ski Holiday in Whistler
Many destinations come to mind when thinking about a luxurious holiday, like Bora Bora beach resorts or the beautiful Whitsundays in Australia. However, nothing beats a ski holiday in Whistler, BC.
Deep snow, fabulous restaurants, and ski-in and ski-out hotels — seriously, this is where luxury and skiing go hand in hand.
Just because we like to wear flannel and throw axes doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the finer things in life. So here is our guide to a luxury ski holiday in Whistler.
Where To Stay
There are many places to stay during your Whistler ski holiday, from pod hotels to high-end private residences.
When it comes to a dream holiday, these are the hotels that will make your vacation even better.
Fairmont Chateau
Whether you’re visiting Whistler to ski or vacationing on the beaches of Hawaii, everyone knows that the Fairmont offers luxury worldwide.
Equipped with a day spa and niche bars, and located at Blackcomb Mountain base so you can ski in and out of the hotel, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is a fantastic accommodation.
The 519-room chateau is a five-minute walk from Whistler Village, boasts room types to suit everyone, and has luxurious service that will ensure you don’t have to lift a finger.
Four Seasons
If you want an intimate retreat that allows you to escape to nature, the Four Seasons Whistler is the place for you.
Enjoy a picturesque setting to unwind after a day on the slopes. Order from a high-end Room Service menu or enjoy a drink at the on-site Braidwood Tavern.
The Four Seasons offers 17 room types to choose from. They also have luxury private residences for families or groups who want to enjoy a personalized Whistler ski holiday.
Nita Lake Lodge
Located in Creekside, this boutique retreat that backs the always stunning Nita Lake is one of Whistler’s most iconic hotels.
Transformed from Whistler’s old train station, Nita Lake Lodge hosts a day spa, lakeside dining, and easy access to the Creekside gondola.
On offer are 10 luxury suites perfect for romantic getaways or a group setting. All their suites offer either a lake view or a stunning mountain view.
Where To Eat
As important as where to stay, if you are going to live it up and treat yourself to a luxurious Whistler ski holiday, you need to eat at the best restaurants that Whistler has to offer.
Rim Rock
Arguably the best restaurant in Whistler, Rim Rock is an upscale establishment with an intimate setting.
They pride themselves on a menu filled with fresh and delicious seafood and game meat; however, some of their dishes, such as the foie gras and venison steak, stand out among the other incredible dishes.
Open seven days a week, Rim Rock’s fine dining, global wine selection, and incredible service will leave you with an unforgettable dining experience.
Sidecut Steakhouse
Fine dining at its best, Araxi has a little luxury for every one – and great deals in the low season!
A hidden gem in the Four Seasons, Sidecut is for meat lovers. Whistler is home to other steakhouses, but nothing compares to Sidecut.
If you love dishes like aged dry rub ribeye, delicious charcuterie, or steelhead trout paired with a lengthy wine list and tasty cocktails, you must visit Sidecut.
Make sure to reserve a table for this trendy restaurant.
Araxi
Not only is Araxi Whistler’s most well-known restaurant, but it is also known worldwide for its locally and organically sourced menu.
This oyster bar is where you want to go if you are in the mood for delicious seafood. They also offer red meat plates; however, you need to try their selection of oysters.
Araxi is of such a high standard that the winner of Gordon Ramsey’s reality show “Hell’s Kitchen” was awarded the head chef position.
Ski and Snowboard Rentals
Travelling with your equipment can be annoying and just an extra worry you shouldn’t need to bring with you.
Lucky for you, Whistler has many rental shops throughout the village. However, they are all different and; of course, we have our favourites.
We recommend the Blackcomb CanSki if you are staying in the Upper Village. They have the best brands and high-end rentals for you to test out.
If you’re staying in the Village, Premium Mountain Rentals is a fantastic shop with the best selection of skis and snowboards. From kids’ equipment to high performance gear, they will have you covered.
Premium can also store your gear overnight if you want to avoid bringing it back to your hotel. Rates start at $90 a day, depending on the setup, and the daily rate gets cheaper the longer you rent.
Are you looking for a more hands-on experience? Black Tie Rentals offer rental delivery, in-house fittings, and on-slope service. Rates start at $114 for delivered setups and are undoubtedly worth it.
Lift Tickets
Whistler Blackcomb is owned by Vail Resorts and requires a day ticket or pass for you to ski.
Those with a Vail Season Pass may have a few complimentary days on their pass that allow them to ski at Whistler for free.
Day tickets start at CAD $180, but if you buy more than one day, you will see the average daily price drop the more you buy.
Another way to buy lift tickets is by packaging them with your accommodation.
For example, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler offers an Ultimate Ski Package that gives you 10% off your room and includes day tickets for Whistler Blackcomb.
Not all hotels and accommodations in Whistler offer this, so ask when booking.
What To Do Off Mountain?
There is more to a great Whistler ski holiday than just skiing. We’re lucky to be home to so many great activities, many of which don’t include skiing.
Heli Experience
Memories to last a lifetime, hit up Blackcomb Helicopters for a glacier tour.
Sightseeing by helicopter is a unique and breathtaking way to see Whistler. The BC Experience from Blackcomb Helicopters will take you in and out of glaciers and includes a 12-minute on-snow landing.
For those looking to make this holiday one to remember, we “propose” you look at their glacier packages set up for you to pop that very special question.
Crystal Hut Fondue
Drive a snowmobile under the stars as you head to Crystal Hut on Blackcomb Mountain for an incredible fondue meal.
This is a one-of-a-kind experience that will get you out into the wilderness. Those not keen on snowmobiling can catch a lift on one of the snow cats.
Vallea Lumina
If you love adventure, this is one for you. Vallea Lumina is a multimedia night walk that tells stories of adventures exploring the West Coast.
Vallea Lumina is perfect for families and those looking for something different. We have found this to be one of the most beautiful experiences, especially after some fresh snow.
Relax in Luxury in Whistler
Luxury can come in many forms, but one thing is always consistent: the feeling of comfort and ease. That is precisely what our recommendations bring when planning your Whistler ski holiday.
Once you are here, you will realise Whistler has so much to offer. All we did here at Forged Axe Throwing was make sure you know about Whistler’s best.