An Olympic-grade skier’s paradise surrounded by crystal clear lakes and paramount peaks; Whistler ski resort bears all the beauty of Canada in a nutshell. For the skier, Whistler has long been a crucial contender on the bucket list; its gargantuan glaciers and challenging back bowls earning themselves supreme world status for their difficulty and adventure. The classiest of Canada ski resorts with gold medals to match, Whistler is the winter wonderland for the well-to-do.

Sitting at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, Whister Ski Resort is the most famous destination in Canada’s Pacific Ranges. An energetic enclave in the midst of British Colombia’s expansive wilderness, Whistler invites guests to connect with nature while enjoying all the modern comforts today’s beau monde explorers know and love.

Made up of several small towns, each bearing their own European-inspired style, most visitors choose to settle in the main hub; Whistler Village. With car-free streets, Whistler’s high-flying visitors are free to wander through the historic Olympic village.

The Upper Village has been carefully crafted to satisfy well-heeled socialites, boasting five-star hotels and a general air of sophistication away from the hubbub of the main crowds. The simplistic lodges of historic Creekside remind Whistler’s guests of the town’s humble beginnings and make a quieter base with direct access to the slopes of Whistler mountain.

A skier’s paradise since 1966, Whistler has always been known for its stunning scenery and gliding glacial runs. Already gaining immense local popularity throughout the late 20^th Century, Whistler ski resort was blasted onto the world stage following its hosting of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

The games brought millions of dollars of investment and helped to expand the slopes to the mammoth, 8000 acres it stretches to today. Visitors can experience the adrenaline rush of the Olympic bobsleigh and sliding teams in the state-of-the-art Olympic Whistler Sliding Centre.

Despite its high-speed Peak2Peak gondolas and swanky hotels, the town retains its proud history through its traditional architecture

Glorious Glaciers: Skiing in Whistler

With over 8000 acres shared between two linked mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, the daily struggle winter-sports enthusiasts face at Whistler ski resort is choosing which of the 200 runs to tackle that morning. Ideal for intermediates, 55% of the runs are of medium difficulty, although experts and beginners alike will find an impressive slope to suit their abilities.

With a huge array of runs, thrill-seekers can tackle glacial glides, wild backcountry or the gentle, wide open slopes; all are graced with picturesque panoramas of Canada’s Coast Mountains.

With 16 challenging alpine bowls and three ginormous glaciers, Whistler ski resort is an expert’s Eden. Those wanting to go for gold can push their skiing skills to Olympic standard by tackling Whistler Mountain’s renowned Dave Murray downhill run. The second longest downhill in the world, the run made its name in the 2010 Winter Olympics and invites skiers to an exhilarating race down to Creekside.

So popular that it has its own express lift to cope with demand, Blackcomb Glacier is an off-piste adventure like no other. With miles of untouched powder and that icy unpredictability that all experts crave, this energetic glacial race invites thrill-seekers to come face to face with Blackcomb’s spiky peaks and blue-ice caves.

A true challenge for even the most experienced skiers, The Peak Express has legendary status in the skiing community. After taking in the jaw-dropping 360-degree view from the top of Whistler Peak, thrill-seekers delight in the heart-stopping rush that grips them as they slalom between rocky cliffs and deep chasms. A true express tour of Whistler mountain, this black run allows expert skiers to reach hair-raising top speeds.

Intermediates favour Blackcomb’s wide, south-facing slopes for a picturesque afternoon of easy skiing. Lakeside Bowl has wondrous views of nearby Alta Lake and sits under Blackcomb Peak, allowing skiers to glide for miles across the gentle valleys and wild backcountry.

Another Intermediate favourite is the iconic Peak to Creek run. One of the oldest established runs in the resort, skiers delight in the seven mile downwards rush to Creekside Village. With steep gradients and sharp ridges across the entire route, skiers descend 5,000 feet in one single slope; an adrenaline-fuelled rush to get anyone’s blood pumping. For a similar but shorter ride, skiers can take on nearby Harmony Ridge for a fast-paced race across steep terrain.

Although the challenging backcountry and glacial slopes Whistler is famed for are not ideal for beginners, there are plenty of runs perfect for those finding their feet. Accessed from Whistler Creekside, Expressway is an open glide down to Olympic Chair, the designated beginner zone, and features rolling valley views and lakeside panoramas. With plenty of places to pull to one side, the run also leads onto another beginners ski area, Lower Olympic.

For beginners searching for a more scenic slope, 7^th Heaven is the perfect solution. From the top, skiers can spot the famous Inukshuk rock statue or take a moment to admire the amazing views of Whistler’s iconic Black Tusk. Visitors can follow the gentle curves down to Rendezvous Lodge where they can re-join the Expressway and other beginner zones.

Recline in Style: Whistler Après Ski

Whistler is home to one of the most diverse après ski scenes in North America. After an adrenaline-fuelled day on Whistler’s vast slopes, guests can retire in one of the town’s cosy cocktail bars or carry on the party in one of the animated live music venues.

On Sundays, visitors can enjoy a dazzling Fire and Ice show in the town square. Featuring acrobats and rings of fire; the perfect way to burn off an adrenaline rush. With so many bars, bistros and restaurants to choose from, guests are spoilt for choice for places to celebrate and rest their ski legs.

The centre of the après ski scene since 1965, Dusty’s Bar and BBQ brings the fire of the wild west to Whistler’s snowy peaks. Opening with the first ski lift in Creekside, Dusty’s was the first official après ski bar and has dominated the market ever since.

With authentic Western saloon-style décor hand-crafted from materials of the original building, guests are transported to another era as they repose on the sun-soaked terrace.

The restaurant’s chefs completed a 30-restaurant tour of the Southern United States to uncover the best BBQ ingredients and promise diners a mouth-watering meal they’ll never forget. Visitors unwind in the relaxed and hearty atmosphere, enjoying drinks and a well-earned feast. Dusty’s is the perfect antidote to Whistler’s wild slopes.

For more sophisticated take on après ski, The Mallard Lounge at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is a luxurious locale famed for its classy cocktails. While enjoying the harmonies of the live music, diners can soak up the beauty of Whistler’s peaks through the large windows as they rest by the crackling log fire.

Travellers may also be tempted by the chance to sample the finest West Coast cuisine, made using top quality local ingredients. To connect with nature, guests can also head out to the patio to enjoy the dazzling mountain sun as they breathe a sigh of relief. With a serene ambiance that fills the room, The Mallard Lounge is a cosy corner that exudes opulence.

Located in the heart and soul of Whistler ski resort; Whistler Village, Cinnamon Bear Bar & Grille is ideal for a laid-back après-ski experience. Warmed by the red tones, soft lighting and mahogany detail, guests settle in for a romantic evening.

While sipping cocktails or locally brewed beer by the fire, travellers can choose to rest in the bar or head on to the Grille area to enjoy the finest Pacific Northwest cuisine. The perfect place to refuel after an energetic day, Cinnamon Bear Bar & Grille welcomes guests to repose in style.

Canadian Chalet Chic: Staying in Whistler

One of the most prestigious Canada ski resorts, Whistler has a whole host of five-star hotels where guests can savour an elite experience.

The Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre, The Fairmont Chateau Whistler sits in a world of its own; the crown of the luxurious Upper Village. In a sleek, modern, chalet style, The Fairmont features contemporary furniture with touches of plaid, local stone and wooden beams throughout to celebrate the culture of the glorious Coast Mountains. With 528 rooms, there are plenty of spacious suites available where guests can recline and admire the views of Whistler’s sharp peaks and the glowing village below.

Visitors are treated like royalty in the Fairmont’s bespoke Vida Spa. Following the philosophy of the delicate balance of inner calm, outer vitality, sensory pleasure and spiritual health, the Fairmont makes wellness a priority. Equipped with 15 treatment rooms, travellers can enjoy a range of body wraps, facials and massages or soak away their stresses in the rejuvenating eucalyptus steam rooms, jacuzzis or saunas. Also offering a range of beauty treatments, Fairmont guests always leaving feeling their best.

The jewel in the crown of the Fairmont, the Woodlands Rooftop is a relaxing venue where guests can connect with their beautiful surroundings. Featuring live music, visitors can settle in for an atmospheric afternoon of locally inspired cuisine with a stunning alpine view.

The Summit Lodge

A quieter alternative to Whistler’s gargantuan luxury hotels, The Summit Lodge is a boutique hotel promising guests a sophisticated stay. Sat in the centre of Whistler Village, The Summit adds some modern flair to Whistler’s traditional buildings.

Laced with contemporary chic, guests are welcomed by swanky, modern furniture, with muted tones contrasted with pops of bright colour throughout the hotel. Each suite is home to comfy beds layered with crisp white sheets, a soft lounge area and a built-in fireplace where guests can warm their chilly fingers after a day on Whistler’s slopes.

The Summit’s Lotus Spa and Lounge takes inspiration from eastern beliefs surrounding the lotus flower; a symbol of rebirth, purity and enlightenment. Experiences are focussed around healing and admiring of the human condition, with emphasis on aromatherapy and various types of massages.

After a tiring day in energetic Whistler, The Summit’s spa and lounge is a safe and welcoming space where guests can rest their aching limbs in the hotel’s pool and saunas or opt for one of their relaxing and rejuvenating treatments.

First Tracks Lodge

A ski-in ski out collection of classy designer suites at the foot of Whistler mountain, First Tracks Lodge invites guests to ‘enjoy luxury with discretion’. Cloaked in chalet charm which oozes sophistication, visitors can choose from one to four-bedroom suites and enjoy the splendour of a home from home in the gorgeous Coast Mountains.

Lodges are elegantly decorated with luxurious leather, locally sourced stone and faux-fur, creating a relaxed alpine ambiance which drifts from room to room. Ideal for family holidays, the spacious suites are fully equipped with a modern kitchen and sleek marble bathroom. Travellers can enjoy a serene mountain stay in private peace, away from the bustling town centre.

An opulent escape, guests seeking solace from Whistler’s energetic slopes can take to the outdoor pool or hot tubs to soak away the day’s strain. Overlooking breath-taking panoramas of the peaks, visitors are free to connect with their beautiful surroundings and watch skiers gliding down Creekside’s steep slopes as they sink into the gentle waters.

Taste Local Legends: Dining in Whistler

Renowned for its regional gastronomy, there are plenty of gourmet restaurants where Whistler’s visitors to enjoy an unforgettable journey of taste.

Renowned for its haute cuisine and regional charm, The Rimrock Cafe has been Whistler’s most sought-after restaurant since 1986. Head chefs Rolf Gunther and Bob Dawson specialise in West Coast cuisine and enjoy seasoning their fresh seafood with the finest local ingredients.

The seasonal specialties of fresh oysters and British Colombia Salmon never fail to impress even the most well-travelled diners, with dishes presented in a simplistic yet sophisticated style.

The chalet-style décor is decked with warm wooden beams and a stone fireplace is reminiscent of Whistler’s mountain charm, enhanced by the soft lighting and promising diners a relaxed, romantic evening.

Known for its gourmet food and top-quality service, Bear Foot Bistro is a one-of-a-kind fine dining experience. Showcasing contemporary classics with a twist, award-winning chef Melissa Craig’s specialties include Japanese wagyu striploin and Quebec red deer rack. The pinnacle of luxury, Bear Foot’s creations use the finest local ingredients and their dishes ooze Canadian charm.

Following a cosy dining experience in the softly lit main lounge, guests are welcomed to a cooling aperitif in the Ketel One Ice Room. Wrapped in the cushioned warmth of a Canada Goose Parka, diners plunge into a winter wonderland; a room made entirely of ice with a temperature of -32C.

Adding to their mountain experience, guests can sample vodka from around the world in ice glasses as they settle into the igloo. Bear Foot Bistro gives its guests an evening they’ll never forget through the wonderful combination of excellent food, fire and ice.

One of Whistler’s most iconic restaurants, Araxi Restaurant and Oyster Bar is at the pinnacle of prestige, sourcing only the finest locally caught catches. Head chef James Walt is passionate about showcasing the work of the region’s community in his creations, ensuring that ingredients from local vendors are at the forefront.

Serving contemporary twists on seafood staples, Araxi is proud of its extensive oyster menu and unique flavour combinations. With a full-time sommelier at their service, diners can choose from a menu of over 10,000 bottles of wine for the perfect aroma to match their meal. The extensive collection surrounds guests as they settle in for an exciting evening fuelled by innovative cuisine.

Ride like an Olympian: Whistler Bobsleigh

Thrill-seekers searching for more adventure following on from Whistler’s varied slopes can find their fix at The Whistler Sliding Centre. Sitting at the base of Blackcomb mountain, visitors are invited to a wild ride down the world’s fasted bobsleigh track, an Olympic Legacy. Either in a four-man team or riding solo on a skeleton, travellers are taken down 10 tumultuous twists and turns, reaching top speeds of over 125kmp. Running rain or shine, Whistler’s visitors feel invincible after this elite experience.

The classiest of Canada ski resorts, Whistler has all the ingredients for a wonderful winter holiday. With Olympic-grade slopes to challenge the most adventurous of skiers and plenty of spas where they can unwind; Whistler’s visitors always feel on top of the world. Five-star hotels, gourmet restaurants and an array of après ski bars ensure guests are forever curling up in a classy corner, completely enticed by the ski resort’s seductive charm.