Winter in Whistler
Yes, I’m disappointed in myself, yes I feel I’m missing out but I actually think I’m a danger to others on the slopes and that is just not fair! I’ve had a lesson at home in an indoor centre that wasn’t actually too bad, I only took the instructor out once...
I was told not to worry it’s much easier on real snow…..I landed across the travelator on the nursery slopes in France causing it to stop thus holding everyone up whilst I laid there waiting to be rescued. My rescuer was my husband (who has been skiing since a small boy) with words of comfort (“do you think you’re a stuntman, hurry up, get up”). His encouragement and advice on ploughs and technique just fell on deaf ears, fear kicked in and all that went through my mind was "I have to stop accelerating further" - I just went blank and hoped for the best.
That was the end of my skiing days. Surely there must be others like me? I definitely recommend learning whilst you’re young with no fear!
So, my skiing saga aside I fell in love with the whole ski resort thing and have spent the past two February half terms in Les Gets, France. Such a beautiful village, with stunning scenery and amazing cuisine (the wine isn’t too bad either!). My husband (Lee/Mr Jenkins) and son (Dylan) love skiing so I suggested perhaps they go alone this year….until he mentioned Whistler in Canada. Obviously I agreed to go but the deal was we have two nights in Vancouver first!
After a smooth flight from London Heathrow we arrived to a snowy Vancouver, beautiful! We stayed for two nights at the Hyatt Regency, downtown and perfectly located for Robson Street for shopping and close to attractions. In our short stay we managed to visit the look-out with 360 degree views of the city including Stanley Park that we took a leisurely walk to along the seawall watching seaplanes take off on various tours. I recommend The Keg Steakhouse if you’re ever in Vancouver, yummy!
Our two-hour bus transfer to Whistler was with Epic Rides who conveniently pick up at the Hyatt Regency with no other pickups on the way. Passing stunning scenery made the journey fly by. We stayed at the Delta Whistler Village Suites (Marriott), situated towards the edge of the village so that bit further to walk to the slopes than some of the other hotels but they do have a transfer service that operates throughout the day. Our one-bedroom suite was perfect, with a sofa bed in the living room, kitchenette and lots of storage for all that ski gear! The hotel also features a small but well equipped gym, sauna, 1 indoor hot tub, 2 outdoor hot tubs and an outdoor pool.
The boys loved the slopes with plenty of runs and they say the snow was good.... Dylan was booked into ski school for 2 days and had an amazing time. It was Valentine’s Day while we were away and Mr Jenkins earnt big brownie points giving up a day of skiing to take me to the Scandinave Spa situated in the forest on the edge of lost lake not far from the village. A tranquil retreat, this 25,000 square foot outdoor spa features hot baths, wood burning finnish saunas, eucalyptus steam rooms, treatment rooms and indoor relaxation areas with beds for 2 overlooking the stunning mountain scenery. He followed up with lunch at tapas-themed Bar Oso which was fab….celebrities were papped there just days later! (hint: a very famous footballer and his wife!)
There really is so much to do in Whistler, Dylan and I went dog-sledding which, apart from being an amazing experience, was so interesting, learning about the dogs and their individual characters. You could be involved as much or as little as you wanted, I was quite happy to sit in the cosy sled wrapped up in blankets and let Dylan take the reins with our guide. There were plenty of stops for the dogs with free time off of the leads for the better behaved ones, who are keen to get in on your photo moments!
Mr Jenkins, meanwhile, took himself off to the Whistler Sliding Centre, home to the fastest ice track in the world and host of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games to experience the rush of Skelton reaching 97 km/hr!
The boys also had a go at tubing at the Coca-Cola Tube Park, suitable for all the family….I was busy checking out the many shops in the village. Every Sunday evening during winter there is a fire and ice show, featuring dancers, fire spinners, a DJ, fireworks and Whistler’s best skiers and riders displaying their skills with jumps and flips through a ring of fire. A spectacular event not to be missed!
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in Whistler but they do get booked up so I would advise booking ahead. My favourite for food and service were Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar which was situated just by our hotel, Rimrock Café (Whistler’s place for Fish and Game) with an extensive wine cellar and cosy fireplaces, our hotel offered complimentary transfers too as it was a bit further out and Christine’s on Blackcomb Mountain. Located in the Rendezvous lodge, Christine's can be reached via the Whistler gondola then Peak-2-Peak, the only cable car journey in the world that connects 2 mountain peaks. Stretching 4.4km, it boasts the longest free span between ropeway towers. There's an incredible 360-degree view over ancient, volcanic peaks, and for the adventurous, there's access to over 50kms of high alpine hiking and mountain bike trails. Unfortunately we booked quite late so didn't get a table by the window.
Did I enjoy my time in Whistler as a non-skier? Most definitely yes! And one thing that stands out apart from the stunning scenery, amazing food and plentiful activities is the friendliness of Canadians, so so friendly and happy, it really makes a difference to your holiday. Dylan keeps asking if the flights are out yet for next year!