WHISTLER, B.C. - If there were an award for “Worst Canadian,” I’d top the list of nominees. I don’t snowboard, ski or ice skate, and I’m not really interested in things my fellow Canadians love, like hockey, bacon or Tim’s coffee. Oh, and did I mention I hate winter?
During my hibernation this past winter, though, I spent many hours watching the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, and it was while watching fearless athletes race down mountains on skis or jump over moguls that I decided to visit Canada’s winter mecca, Whistler, during my next layover in Vancouver.
I needed to find out why people willingly spend so much time outdoors in the freezing cold — and enjoy it so much! Just the thought of it sends shivers down my spine.
So shortly after landing in Vancouver, I rented a car and went for a solo trip to Whistler, which hosted the 2010 Olympics with Vancouver.
The two-hour drive from Vancouver to Whistler along Highway 99, famously known as the Sea to Sky Highway, offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and rugged snow-capped mountains on the other. It’s actually hard to concentrate on the road ahead with so much beauty surrounding you. There are several viewpoints along the picturesque route where people pull over to take scenic photos, but I was committed to getting to Whistler in record time to find out what all this outdoor winter excitement is about.
With exactly 17 hours to explore Whistler before my next flight assignment, I wanted to incorporate some sort of winter activity during my stay. And, in order to maximize the minutes out of my stay, I needed to find a hotel within walking distance of Whistler/Blackcomb, the two mountains which provide winter sports enthusiasts with so many thrills.
Left: The Fairmont Chateau Whistler sits nestled amidst the natural grandeur that surrounds Whistler and is only steps away form the ski slopes. Right: The Fairmont rooms in Whistler are cozy and come with lots of comfortable add-ons.
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler was the answer.
Titloe: The storied Fairmont, in the Upper Village at the base of Blackcomb, is less than a minute’s walk (about 30 steps) to the ski rental shop and ski lifts.
Fairmont Whistler even offers a “ski in/ski out” experience that includes valet ski services. At the end of the day, personal skis can be left with the valet until your next run.
I have zero skiing ability, so Fairmont’s staff helped arrange a ski lesson called Max4 at Whistler Blackcomb’s Snow School for me. I figured if I couldn’t ski like a champion, at least I would have spent a good day outdoors admiring expert snowboarders and skiers carving through the thick snow while simultaneously enjoying the spectacular views of the mountains and snow covered pine trees that blanket this stunning area.
The beauty of the Max4 lesson is that one instructor is assigned to a group of four for the entire day. The instructor is then able to pay close attention to each student while providing constant feedback on the student’s progress. It was the best way for a novice like me to maximize my time on the mountain while learning the foundations and techniques of skiing.
My day on the slopes was long but successful. I’m not ready to sign up for Canada’s Olympic ski team quite yet but after the lesson, I have a much better appreciation for why people love this sport so much.
Afterward, it was time unwind in one of the Fairmont’s many heated indoor and outdoor pools. The hotel’s outdoor lap pool even comes with underwater music! It’s quite a remarkable feeling to be swimming in -10C weather while snowflakes fall all around me. Every time I bring my head out of the steaming water, the cold air gives me a jolt so I quickly submerge and my body is instantly warmed again. It’s a totally refreshing experience.
Above: After a day of skiing, The Fairmont offers a world class spa that can ease your aching muscles and a swimming pool that is out of this world.
When I get out of the pool, I quickly bundle up in my cozy bathrobe and head straight for the eucalyptus steam room where I relax and warm up my tired, aching muscles.
Then I head over to Fairmont’s legendary Gold Lounge, where après-ski socializing over glasses of wine and treats is in high gear. It is in the Gold Lounge where I get to meet skiers who have travelled across continents to experience the wonders of this ski town. I enjoy stories from those who have been skiing and vacationing here for weeks and who tell me they never want to leave Whistler.
I amuse my new-found ski buddies with stories about my day on the slopes and they laugh when I tell them how I fell on every angle of my body. These stories provide me with the answers I was hoping to find on this trip — people participate in outdoor activities in the bitter cold because of the adrenaline rush and sense of accomplishment it gives them.
It’s the same adrenaline rush I get while sipping on my guilt-free cup of hot chocolate wrapped up in my fluffy robe in my comfy room at the end of an adventurous day.
Being the four seasons resort Whistler is, I know I will return on another layover or for vacation — maybe in the summer next time so I can enjoy the area’s freshwater lakes, sandy beaches and hiking trails. I’ll stay at the Fairmont again because it feels just like my cozy home.
I only hope they still serve hot chocolate in the summer.
Information
For expert skiers or boarders who really want to experience some of the steepest terrains in the world, The Fairmont Chateau Whistler and Whistler Blackcomb can arrange heli-sking outings, where a skier is lifted by helicopter to dizzying heights so they can enjoy thousands of acres of untracked snow in the most natural mountainous areas. There is also a program called “Skiing with an Olympian” that helps you really master the mountain and hear some Olympic stories from your ski buddy! / If racing down the mountain is too much for you, opt to go ice-skating at Whistler’s Olympic Plaza where you can also enjoy the surrounding views of the mountains. Free ice-skating is available for 150 skaters at a time and rentals are available for spontaneous skaters who did not bring skates. / Another exhilarating alternative is to take the longest and highest lift in the world on the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola ride which joins the peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb. The 4.4km ride offers a 360-degree view of the mountains, lakes, forests and Whistler Village and the ride is very suitable for non-skiers who want to enjoy the views from the top of the mountains. / One of my assumptions before visiting Whistler was thinking that the destination would be too intense for me since there is so much focus on outdoor activities during the winter. However, I discovered that there are museums, fine-dining restaurants, live-music bars and world-class spas that can keep you busy from day until night without having to bundle up. The destination is suitable for all ages regardless of your fitness level or abilities.