
Damian Blunt
Widely known as the best ski destination in North America, Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains lie just two hours north of Vancouver in the mountain range of British Columbia. The rugged terrain is in the direct path of Pacific storm fronts that provide more than 440 inches of snowfall every year. One of the best-kept secrets is that on average, 98 inches of snow arrives in November alone, making Whistler a perfect early-season destination for ski-loving families and those dreaming of a white Christmas.
Alpine Accommodations
If you love skiing and luxury amenities, The Fairmont Chateau Whistler resort just recently completed a $14-million guestroom refresh that is ready for you. The ski-in, ski-out resort boasts 519 rooms and suites decorated in a modern alpine style with stunning views of the Whistler Valley and surrounding mountains. Family-sized suites up the ante with large living areas, leather furnishings, jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces. Still looking for more? The newly-appointed Fairmont Gold experience provides a private check-in, concierge services and an exclusive lounge serving everything from breakfast and cocktails to late-night snacks.
The Ultimate Ski Destination
At elevations of 5,020 and 5,280 feet respectively, Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains enjoy one of the longest skiing and snowboarding seasons in the world at nearly 200 days each year. Boasting breathtaking beauty and plenty of natural powder, there are more than 200 trails and 8,100 acres of skiable terrain for all skill levels at the two mountains. With newly-upgraded lifts, the uphill capacities have been increased by as much as 30% to meet popular demand. Like the new lifts, The Fairmont has ambassadors who are available to help you make the most of a day on the trails. Whether they’re finding less congested runs through the many available beginner to intermediate trails or unearthing that breathtaking double black diamond, they aim to please. Snowboarders will also enjoy the added challenges from five dedicated parks and a superpipe.
Toboggans And Tubes
Maybe you love winter but can’t ski very well. Not to worry — Whistler is still the place for you. Of course, you can and should make a snowman and have a snowball fight. But there’s also plenty to do before you grab that hot cup of cocoa. Try any number of cold weather adventures from skating to tubing, or even go on a toboggan run. Each winter, a special ice skating rink at the Whistler Olympic Plaza allows you to skate by mountain views and Olympic rings all under thousands of festive holiday lights. Or borrow a toboggan from the resort’s fitness center and enjoy a face-first jaunt at top speeds. The Whistler Blackcomb Buble Tube Park provides all the thrills of whooshing down the mountain without the equipment or training. There’s even a conveyor lift to whisk you back up for another run.
Dinner And Drinks
If the 17 area mountain-top restaurants aren’t enough, there are plenty of great places to dine on the property. Executive and “passionate pollinator” chef Isabel Chung has been curating the dining experience at the resort since 2015. The Wildflower has a wide selection of locally-inspired dishes from arctic char and king salmon to a AAA 10-ounce striploin served with a peppercorn jus. Adventurous eaters will enjoy her Beeswax-aged Fraser Valley Duck Breast with hazelnut-whipped potatoes. Join friends and family at the Mallard Lounge and Terrace, one of Whistler’s most iconic destinations for celebratory cocktails and live music at the base of the Blackcomb Mountain. The audubon theme carries on with the signature Duck-Duck Goose, made with a duck fat-washed rye, amaro, lemon, honey and an egg white. Or get in the mood with a White Out Cosmo made with Absolut Pear and Elderflower Vodka and white cranberry juice. The upscale bar’s food menu delights as well with elevated burgers, sandwiches and more to keep you fueled for another round.