Skiing holidays to
Whistler Canada

Expert Opinion

"A ski holiday to Whistler ticks all the boxes for everyone - it's fantastic, amazing, brilliant! Quite simply, if you've not been then you've got to go and experience all that Whistler has to offer. There are exceptional offers available at many of Whistler's hotels and condos if you book by the end of November - click the 'Where to Stay' tab to view property details."

Our expert Rupert Hatfield

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Tips & Advice

The skiing:

  • Snow – fresh snow is what it's all about and Whistler gets a lot of it! In fact Whistler is one of the best bets for frequent dumps of the white stuff. Remember, when it snows, ski patrol can take some time to make the top of the mountain safe, so lifts to the alpine areas may not open right away. You can waste a lot of time waiting in line for these lifts to open – meanwhile there is plenty of powder to be had lower down. Also, snow accumulates well in the trees, so venture off-piste. If you are not confident about skiing in powder, take a lesson – it will open up a whole new world to you.

  • Getting up the mountain – as in many popular ski resorts, the lifts can get busy, mainly first thing in the morning. Get going early, or stay in bed and go up later, to avoid queues. It is amazing how much skiing you can get in if you go up at 11.30 or 12 and ski until the end of the day. If you are going up Whistler, consider taking the Fitzsimmons Chair instead of the gondola – the queue is often much shorter than that for the gondola. Once up Fitzsimmons do laps on the Garbanzo Express to getting skiing quickly.

  • Ski smart – to get as much skiing in as possible, think about how ‘most’ people like to ski  - ie go up between 9 and 10, lunch between 12 and 1 and ski down between 2.30 and 3.30. If you can avoid these peaks you won’t wait for lifts and the runs will be far less busy.

  • Weather – don’t be put off by the weather outside you hotel room window, get going and get up the mountain. The weather is often very different up top.

  • Improve your technique - we highly recommend Whistler’s ski school programmes, whether it be a challenging Extremely Canadian course, developing a particular aspect of your technique with a private lesson, or a Ride Tribe programme for your teenage children. Taking a course will hugely increase your enjoyment of your holiday, whatever your ability level.


Eating & drinking:

  • On-mountain – mountain restaurants are fairly functional in Whistler. But they do serve a good range of incredibly affordable options including pizza, chilli, stir-fries, burgers, sandwiches and salads. If you want something more leisurely, go down to the village – sounds a pain, but it is easy to do. You will get a table, good, well-priced lunch menus and there won’t be a queue for the lifts going back up again. Try the Crystal Hut on Blackcomb for different (although limited) options. Pikka’s, downstairs in the Roundhouse, is the only place you can get gluhwein.

  • Pre-order groceries - if you are staying in accommodation with a kitchen it is a really good idea to order some groceries ready for your arrival - you’ll particularly appreciate this if arriving late as you’ll have supplies for the following day’s breakfast.

  • Book tables when eating out - this is particularly important during holiday periods, but is recommended at all times. People tend to eat early in North America. If staying in a hotel, ask the concierge for their advice and to assist with making reservations.

  • Restaurant delivery services - most restaurants will deliver to your accommodation, look out for the Resort Dining Guide when you're out there for more details.

  • Self-catering - There is an amazingly well-stocked supermarket if you are self-catering. You will need to go to the liquor store for beer and wine – across the marketplace from the supermarket.


Restaurant recommendations:

  • For the best sushi head to Sachi Sushi, the locals' favourite.
  • Teppan Village offers entertaining teppanyaki dining with chefs laying on a little show for each table - a good option for families.
  • For juicy steak options go to Hy’s.
  • For couples our top tips are Araxi and Trattoria di Umberto. Champagne and oysters at the Bearfoot Bistro also highly recommended.


Aprés-ski recommendations:

  • At the base of Whistler mountain the Garibaldi Lift Company (up the steps beside the gondola building) frequently has live music after skiing as well as in the evenings.
  • At the base of Blackcomb Merlins offers beer and burgers.
  • If you are after a warming hot chocolate instead of beers, the Four Seasons Hotel has a fantastic hot chocolate menu.

The air holidays and flights shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 4488. ATOL Protection extends primarily to customers who book and pay in United Kingdom. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. For futher information, visit the ATOL web site at www.atol.org.uk. For holidays that do not include flights, you are protected by Tour Operator Failure Cover Insurance.