Whistler Winter Diary

Photos by Patrick Stansfield

I was lucky enough to get to spend a few days up at Whistler, snowboarding and just enjoying all that they mountain town has to offer...it was a dream!

Here is my Whistler Winter Guide of all of my favourites...and not to worry, if you aren't a skier/snowboarder there is so much to do between activities, to culinary experiences to shopping, or just having warm cocoa in your hotel, you will definitely have an unforgettable trip.

Getting There

There are a few different ways to get to Whistler from Vancouver - by air, ground (very reasonable rates & speedy!), or what I'm dying to try, train.

Equipment

Can-Ski -If you're not a regular mountain visitor, you might need to rent anything from a board to snow pants (like me!) My favourite spot is Can-Ski, they will help you rent everything you need, and you can also pick up last minute essentials like goggles or gloves in their shop.

Bites

Breakfast -Fix Café at Nita Lake Lodge - A great place to start the day, with fresh juices & smoothies as well as more hearty picks it is perfect.

Fresh Tracks - If you are an early riser, you can enjoy a huge buffet at the top of the mountain before getting an early pass to be the first on the hill. Amazing!

Après Ski -I was so excited to try the Après Ski (a light snack for after skiing) at one of my favourites spots, Araxi. The fondu & oysters were just amazing, and the truffle fries? So delicious.

Dinner - Alta Bistro- I love everything about this restaurant...from the cozy atmosphere to the kind and talented staff to the knock out menu, it is a must visit in my books. They are all about farm to table, using sustainable and local ingredients and suppliers, making their food bright, flavourful & complex. Their menu is ever-changing, but if you are visiting soon, the Wild Mushroom & Onion Tart is insanely delicious!

Where to Stay

Nita Lake Lodge - During this visit we got to stay at the beautiful Nita Lake Lodge located nestled amongst the trees, right on the lake - it was just what you would imagine as a ski lodge, paired with the most luxurious, modern hotel...I am not going to lie, I spent a large part of my time off the hill beside the fireplace and in the huge soaker tub! Definitely a great spot for a winter getaway. (They also do s'mores outside on the weekend, how fun is that?!)

Things to Do

Peak2Peak - Even if you are not a skier/snowboarder you can ride up the mountain and take a turn going across the tri-cable gondola to see breathtaking views. There are even two gondola's that have glass bottoms, I recommend waiting the extra few minutes to take a ride, it is unreal!

Scandinave Spa -I don't come up to Whistler without visiting the Scandinave Spa - it is an experience not to be missed! It is especially beautiful in the winter when you are surrounded by the beautiful snow, but can most certainly be enjoyed year round. The massage services are outstanding as well, but if you just want to enjoy an afternoon in the relaxing hydrotherapy pools, saunas & steam rooms, it is super reasonable and you will feel so rejuvenated...Absolute Heaven (especially after a few days of snowboarding!)

You can also do anything from go on a sleigh ride to enjoying the tube park to going zip lining to hitting up the shops - you can see a full guide here and you can also see what I did on my last summer visit here & here

Next on my winter getaway wish list? Heli-Skiing! What an experience that would be...stay tuned!

What would you do on a trip to Whistler?

xo