Travel Eye on Whistler (British Colombia, Canada)

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Overview:

Whistler-Blackcomb is the biggest ski area in North America, boasting over 7000 acres of skiable terrain. Many would argue that it's also the best.

A compact, purpose-built, alpine-style resort fashioned along European lines, established in the mid 1960s and measuring no more than 1 ml in each direction. It comprises 3 neighbouring hubs of accommodation and services.

The skiing is great for all abilities on both mountains with the peak of Whistler mountain being particularly appropriate for advanced skiers. There you will find great off-piste with couloirs and bowls providing some of the best powder around.

This area caters for predominantly middle- to upmarket skiers, snowboarders and off-piste specialists from Canada and USA, although increasing numbers of Europeans are now discovering it.

The accommodation in the resort has a few full-service hotels. The vast majority are privately owned condominiums, lodges or studios leased to management groups. Most provide well-equipped kitchens, fireplaces and a choice of room configurations that will suit self-catering families and small groups.

Overall, one of the top destinations in North America, but as the number of package tourists increase, there is a worry that the resort will lose some of its charm. With Vancouver-Whistler having recently been awarded the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, the global profile of the resort will continue to grow as huge capital investments further improve the resort infrastructure.

Locality:

In the SW corner of Canada, in the province of British Columbia, in the heart of the rugged Coast Mountains. 80 mls N of British Columbia's major city, Vancouver; 92 mls N of its international airport. In a heavily forested valley with several small lakes, at the foot of the Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains. Reached via Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99) that winds N from Vancouver and the Pacific coast.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

There is a ski-school in the resort which has 500 instructors. They organises hourly meets during the high season at the base stations for group or individual training.

The daytime in the winter offers, skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, dog-sledding, sleigh rides. There is also snowmobiles and heli-skiing but these are very expensive but definately exhilarating alternatives.

There are also cultural activities in which to partake. Such as local museum exhibits, regional historyand ski-related memorabilia. There is also an indoor ice rink at Meadow Park Sports Centre.

In summer there are activities such as golf, boating and fishing on nearby lakes and rivers, hiking and rock climbing, and extensive mountain-bike trails.

The nightlife is most vibrant in winter, particularly around Whistler Village's pedestrianised zone with its myriad bars, restaurants and clubs, mostly energetic 18 to 30s. You will find enough apres-ski to keep you occupied until the early hours. For those who dont fancy the alcohol fueld evenings there is a cinema.

There are many restaurants in the area, with a choice to suit most pockets. Continental bistros, Italian, Chinese, Thai, Mexican and fast food. Casual cafes and snack bars around both main lift-stations.