If you’re not into powder days and blue bird skies and fires and smores and long walks and charming village atmosphere, look away now. Welcome to Whistler.
Well actually before you get to Whistler, welcome to Vancouver, a short 2.5 hour drive to Whistler Village.
If you fly in early enough you will be treated to skies like this.
Magic Skies © 2015 Kate Vista
If time permits I suggest you spend some time exploring ‘downtown’ Vancouver: Gastown, Robson Street and Stanley Park are all worth exploring.
Vancouver © 2015 Kate Vista
However, if you are keen to hit the slopes you can make your way to the mountains either by coach (direct from Vancouver airport or downtown Vancouver)
Or rent your own car (snow tires are a must!!!). Regardless, the scenery is spectacular so if you are not driving, sit back and enjoy the vista. Otherwise, eyes on the road!
Spectacular Scenery – © 2015 Kate Vista
Arriving in Whistler is like being hugged by an old friend. It’s warmth (despite the sub zero temperatures) envelops you and you feel instantly at home.
Thanks for the hug Whistler © 2015 Kate Vista
Nice to be here © 2015 Kate Vista
While those with families can choose from plenty of accommodation options we chose to rent a home in the surrounding suburb of Blueberry Hill. Close enough that you can walk to the village in 20minutes, drive in 5 or hail a cab for $8. And, with views like this from your windows? Why wouldn’t you?
Beautiful Trees © 2015 Kate Vista
We stayed on Osprey Place, a range of homes managed by Resort Quest but also accessible through the Whistler Blackcomb website http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/reservations/v_2858/mg_1/Blueberry-Hill-Home-ResortQuest.detail. Here’s our luxurious log cabin from the outside!
So what to do when you’re here? Well, the obvious is to hit the beautiful slopes…
Beautiful bowls in the back country © 2015 Kate Vista
© 2015 Kate Vista
Skiing until last lifts as the sun starts to set © 2015 Kate Vista
Followed by après at one of Whistler’s many watering holes (Garibaldi, Dusty’s – creekside, and the Longhorn) just to name a few.
Après here we come!
© 2015 Kate Vista
You can also peruse the shops or walk the valley trail. A must though is a quick stop into the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory where even the most adult of adults fall to child like temptation to the delectable treats for sale.
Hello Snowman! This is a toffee apple!
© 2015 Kate Vista
So is this!
© 2015 Kate Vista
And this! See!
© 2015 Kate Vista
While there we also headed dog sledding for I’m an absolute sucker for puppies. This was phenomenal. We had heard somewhat unsavoury things about the sledding industry following the Winter Olympics in 2010 but the folks at Canadian Wilderness Adventures were only too quick to disperse any rumours that continued to linger. The dogs loved their job. NO serious. LOVED it. The joy on their faces when they ran, the love they had for their mushers and the reciprocated love from the mushers towards the dogs was tangible.
Dog Sledding!
© 2015 Kate Vista
A round trip is about 2 hours, this also includes time whereby you can lead the sleigh and allows time for the dogs to have a short break. It’s another beautiful way to see the scenery of British Columbia.
Cooling down in the snow – © 2015 Kate Vista
I loved, loved, loved Whistler. When can we go back?
Kxx
Kate Vista 