Whistler, BC [Archive] - ConstantChatter

Daisy

10-27-2005, 02:36 PM

Hi,

We've been going to Whistler every year for the past 6-7 years, so I hope I can help you. We prefer to stay in the main village or the upper village (usually it's the upper village). I prefer to not stay in Creekside because is so much farther from where the action is (the main and upper villages).

We usually go with a group of friends and rent a townhouse for a long weekend - the company we rent through each year varies (whomever has the best deal usually and a place with our requirements - bedrooms for each couple, a private hot tub, preferrably covered parking and ski in/ski out). I have stayed at the Delta Whistler Hotel and it was very nice and its location cannot get any better. You probably can't go wrong with most of the hotels in the village.

Restaurants - Araxi is very good and is located right across from the liquor store and grocery store in the main village. We always get afternoon drinks at Longhorns too. Also good is Hy's Steakhouse, Mongolie Grill, and Bavaria Restaurant. Oddly, I have not visited any of the spas at Whistler, so I can't recommend one, although I know they're great (according to my non-skiing friends anyway). My typical day up there consists of skiing, having a few beers at Longhorns, going back to where we're staying, hot-tubbing, more beer, taking a shower, and going out to eat. :)

We LOVE Whistler - not only because skiing Whistler and Blackcomb is fantastic, but because you literally park your car when you get there and you don't use it until you leave. This is why I strongly recommend staying in the main village or upper village - it is so nice to be able to walk everywhere or take the free shuttle bus (short ride and so convenient). If you know you're going to be skiing for a couple of days, I also recommend that you buy a multi-day ski pass, it'll end up saving you a few dollars. This place can also handle huge crowds, even the lodges at noon (we usually eat lunch at Rendevous or Christine's).

Have a great time!

tinkerbelljenny

10-27-2005, 03:21 PM

We were thinking of going to Whistler in December. Is it an hour drive from Vancouver? And how long would that take if we are driving in the snow? We are just worried about driving in the snow to get there from vancouver. I know there are shuttles we can take but we have a toddler and we would prefer to have our rental car with us.

richgal

10-27-2005, 05:38 PM

Awesome info! Thanks, Daisy! I was leaning toward staying in the main village for the convenience factor, but good to know that Upper Village is pretty convenient as well. It's also good to know that they have a good handle on crowd control -- we're thinking about going the first or second week of January when many people will probably still be on vacation...

Yum, I didn't realize there was a Hy's Steakhouse there... We went to one in Hawaii a LONG time ago, and their flambe desserts are to die for! :)

If you have any recommendations for rental agencies for condos up there, let me know. So far, I've been browsing directly from the Whistler-Blackcomb website, but I know you can usually find better deals from independent agencies. We prefer condos to hotels for ski trips.

Thanks again!

LeslieandPaul

10-27-2005, 05:49 PM

Stay in the village-much easier that way. We stayed at the Pan Pacific Village and loved it. I've also heard good things about the Delta.
Eat at the Old Spaghetti Factory (at the Crystal Lodge). It's a canadian restaurant-you get your meal, salad, unlimited bread, and spumoni ice cream all included. And it's sooooooooooo good. Caramba is also pretty good.
If you're driving up, be prepared for traffic. They're doing a lot of construction in preparation for the 2010 Olympics. It will probably take about an hour and a half or longer (if you go on a weekday).
Take a camera!!! It's so beautiful (i'm so thankful to live so close).
Have fun!

Daisy

10-28-2005, 10:01 AM

Hey girls,

I would say the drive from Vancouver to Whistler is 1-2 hours (at the longest) depending on traffic and weather. I always drive up from Seattle, so the Sea to Sky Highway always seems way long and boring to me. :D But, I've driven up in all conditions, all hours of the day, and in various types of cars/SUV's - it is a two-lane, curvy road - be careful and you'll be fine.

I'll ask my DH if he recalls any of the rental agencies we use for condos/townhouses (he does all the booking). I know he usually just googles whistler condo rentals (or something) and the ones we use come up.

I need to start planning my Whistler trip this year! Hopefully we'll be getting way more snow than last year!

polarama

10-28-2005, 12:43 PM

I went this summer, so obviously road/lodging conditions would be different, but it took us about 1 hour from the Vancouver airport to get there.

We stayed at the Sundial Boutique Hotel and loved it--all their rooms have kitchens, and there are few grocery stores in the village so it's a great way to save some money.

Araxis is one of my favorite restaurants. They do a early-bird prix fixe (this may be a summer only deal though) that was $35 CDN and really, really delicious. We ate at Caramba and I have to say, I hated it. The other place we ate at that I can actually remember is the burger place--near the "big" supermarket. I can't remember what it's called--Grillers? Broilers? something like that. It reminds me a lot of an In-and-Out burger or a Five Guys burger in DC.

richgal

10-28-2005, 05:32 PM

Thanks everyone! I'm soooooo itchin' to go now!! It's been raining a bit here in the bay area, and all I can think about it SNOW! ;) Unfortunately, DH got some potentially interesting job news yesterday, and while it's an awesome thing for his career, it's devastating to our Whistler plans... but I'm not giving up yet! ;)

I definitely want to stay in a condo type place w/ a kitchen so we can eat super-quick breakfasts in the mornings.

Daisy - How long is the drive from Seattle? Originally we were going to go up with friends from Seattle, but they might not be able to make it for the dates that we were planning to go (assuming we still go)... It can be a LOT cheaper for us to fly into Sea-Tac, but obviously a much longer drive. We have several friends in the Seattle area though, so if we have enough time, we might spend the first and last night of our trip in Seattle, so that we can visit with friends, and also break up our flying/driving a bit.

LeslieAndPaul - There are Old Spaghetti Factories all over California too. We used to go all the time in college! Lots of food for not much money is a college kid's dream! ;)

Polarama - I heard Whistler's just as beautiful in the summer, too.

Thanks for the restaurant and lodging suggestions everyone! Keep 'em coming! I'm crossing my fingers that we can still make this trip happen....

Daisy

10-29-2005, 03:46 PM

Hey richgal - I would guess the drive from Seattle to Whistler is 5 1/2 hours. However, getting over the border may take longer than it used to these days. It's about 2 hours from Seattle to the border, then you need border time (which could take up to 1 hour, take your passport), then it's probably about 3 hours to Whistler from there. This can change if you get stuck in Seattle, Everett, or Vancouver traffic too. :D It also seems like it takes longer to get back into the US then it does getting into Canada, so where it could only take you 1/2 hour to get over, it may take 1+ hours to get back in. Also, IMO, both crossings - Blaine (where the peace arch is) and the "truck crossing" - take about the same time to cross.

ETA: I'm totally getting excited about skiing this year too - especially talking about it on these boards. I also watched some Warren Miller videos last night, so I'm really ready to go!

richgal

10-31-2005, 04:21 PM

Thanks, Daisy!

Now all we need is some SNOW!!!! :D

LandR02

10-31-2005, 06:01 PM

Just a tip...

If you can hold out several weeks to see what the snow situation will be like, it might be useful in your vacation planning. My parents were in Whistler last January, and it was a disaster. It was pretty evident about a month before their trip that Whistler had been getting little snow, and that the temperatures had been too temperate. But they had already planned the vacation at that point, so decided to take a chance.

Well, they decided to leave on day 2 of their week-long vacation. The temperature was in the 40s, it was raining, and most the snow had melted off the mountain. There was absolutely no skiing.

They were able to get a refund on their lift tickets, but I'm fairly certain that they took a loss on the hotel. They also flew from NY to Vancouver, and that was a waste.

LeslieandPaul

10-31-2005, 08:24 PM

I'm going up to Whistler this Saturday-I'll let you know how much snow there is! :)

richgal

11-01-2005, 12:03 PM

Yup, I have Whistler-Blackcomb on my Daily Snow Report list (along with just about every resort in Tahoe which is only 4 hours from me). :)

2004-2005 was a TERRIBLE ski season in Whistler. I'm hoping it'd be too big an anomaly to have TWO consecutive bad seasons... and crossing my fingers that this season will be better. We haven't booked anything yet, but hopefully within the next month or so...

Daisy

11-01-2005, 03:02 PM

Last years ski season totally blew!! Most of the WA ski areas were open for, maybe, a total of 5 days. Whistler was hit hard as well. From everything I hear, we should have a more normal ski season (which I am totally looking forward to!). In past years, I spent Christmas at Whistler and the snow cover was fine above the bottom base level (if that makes sense). So, we couldn't ski all the way down (had to take the gondola down), but skiing at the top and middle levels were fine.

betsyboop

11-01-2005, 04:35 PM

We went to Whistler last March and, while the conditions weren't ideal, there was plenty of snow from the gondola midpoint all the way to the top (and there was even enough snow to ski all the way to the bottom for a couple of days). It actually snowed quite a bit while we were there too. Anyway, my point is that, even if they are saying the conditions aren't great, it's still A LOT better than what we're used to in the northeast! We liked Whistler a lot better than Blackomb mostly because there were a lot more trails open on Whistler and the few trails that were open on Blackomb were very rough with deep deep snow and ruts and stuff.

I'd recommend doing the first tracks thing (I think that's what it's called). You get to the top first thing in the am, eat breakfast and then get to ski on the fresh snow before everyone else. Even though I'm not a morning person, it was still something I'd do again.

I would also have to totally diagree with whoever suggested te Old Spaghetti Factory- my dad picked that place for one night (Yes, DH and I went on vacation with my parents:o ) and it was NOT good at all. I'd say it was even worse than the Olive Garden. I'm actually drawing a blank on restaurant recommendations though. I found most of the restaurants to be totally over priced, even after the excange rate was factored in! Oh, I think the Whilstler Brewery (or something like that) was good, and the bavarian restaurant was cool too.

We stayed in Whistler Village and would recommend it over Creekside just because of the central location.

LeslieandPaul

11-01-2005, 04:59 PM

I found most of the restaurants to be totally over priced, even after the excange rate was factored in!

Everything in Whistler is overpriced, and always has been b.c there's such a small selection of places to stay and eat. And the closer we get to 2010, the more expensive it's going to get!

The winter seasons here seem to alternate years (one year good, one year bad). Last year was bad,so this year should be good!!

LeslieandPaul

11-08-2005, 10:40 AM

Whistler was awesome! We stayed at the Pan Pacific Mountainside, and booked through the website this time, so we got a great rate AND we got upgraded from a studio to a one bedroom (on the top floor!).
The view of Blackcomb Mountain from our room (Whistler Mountain can be seen from the other side of the building)
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid193/p8d9da0c673ac7bc7089c00191225d53a/f1889392.jpg

It was COLD!!! I needed a hat and gloves just walking through the village!!
We ate dinner at Citta (at the main village square, by the liquor store). We had breakfast there last year and really liked it, so we went back. They had good food, and very quick service (we got our food about 10 minutes after we ordered!).
The roads were clear going up and down. It took us about 2 hours each way (but there was no construction, which makes a big difference).
Have fun and remember a warm hat!

Daisy

11-08-2005, 01:30 PM

My DH has a meeting in Whistler next month and of course, I am going along. :D We're staying at the Westin and I am super excited! I can't wait to go skiing!! I'm going to take advantage of the Westin spa too. ;)

LeslieandPaul - Did you guys ski at all? If so, how was it?

LeslieandPaul

11-08-2005, 01:45 PM

We didn't go on the mountain (not really there for enough time), but we did talk to ppl, and apparently there were only about 4 runs open b.c there wasn't a lot of snow yet. Whistler mountain doesn't even open until November 24.

LeslieandPaul

01-19-2006, 09:57 AM

bump

domesticdreamer

01-19-2006, 04:25 PM

DH, my son, and I are heading to Whistler in a few weeks. I look forward to checking out some of the restaurants that have been recommended here. We're staying at the Fairmont Chateau, so I'll be able to write how we liked it when we return. I also splurged and booked a one hour massage at the Vida Spa:D . Hopefully I'll get to ski at least once since we'll take advantage of the babysitting services there!!

Klo.

02-06-2006, 08:27 PM

Thanks for all the tips.

Wondering if anyone has been to Whistler for skiing this season. What are the ski conditions like this year? We won't go until march though.

Domesticdreamer - Let me know how the babysitting service was. If we go, we'll be bringing along our 8 month old.

maplekitty

02-06-2006, 08:44 PM

Thanks for all the tips.

Wondering if anyone has been to Whistler for skiing this season. What are the ski conditions like this year? We won't go until march though.

Late winter/early spring skiing is wonderful at Whistler!. RIght now we;ve had a lot of rain, so that means *tons* of fresh snow on the mountains. Right now there is fresh snow on all the smaller ski mountains around Vancouver that you can see, and so I can only imagine that Whistler/Blackcomb is just getting dumped on :D

Have fun! You'll love skiing Whistler/Blackcomb - some of the best runs in the world!

Klo.

02-06-2006, 09:02 PM

maplekitty

02-06-2006, 11:20 PM

Oh thanks. I really hope we go.
We are debating between Park City, Utah and Whistler. We've been to Utah before but we have free lodging there (have a friend that lives right there). I just keep hearing about how wonderful Whistler is so we really want to go.

It sounds like you live around there. Question for ya: Do you know where Wenatchee, WA is? I have a cousin that lives there and wondering how long the drive would be.

Yes, I live in Vancouver. Whistler is actually past Squamish, about 1 1/2 - 2 hrs drive north of Vancouver.

Wenatchee, I beleive is in the general vecinity of Bellingham, which is about 1 1/2 - 2 hrs drive south of Vancouver.

So I'm guessing that a drive from Wenatchee to Whistler would be about 4 or so hours taking into consideration traffic and also weather condition on the drive north to Whistler. Sometimes at this time of year it will be snowing on your way up and it is a very windy road up to Whistler, so best to be caustious and drive carefully.

However, the skiing is worth it!! When you take the chair to the tippy top of Whistler Peak - OMG....it's unreal!

Daisy

02-07-2006, 09:27 AM

Hey girls,

Wenatchee is actually located in central Washington (while Bellingham is in the NW corner, super close to the border, about 20 minutes). If you take Highway 2 to Wenatchee, it's probably a 2-2.5 hour drive from where Highway 2 meets I-5 (you must go over Stevens Pass, which could get nasty if it's dumping and there is lots of traffic).

From Seattle, it takes me around 5 (6 depending on weather and what the border is like) hours to drive to Whistler, from Wenatchee it would probably take around 7 hours.

Sorry to correct, I just don't want you to be surprised at how long the drive really is!

I haven't skied in Utah, but I have skied many other places and will say that Whistler is the best place - the village, the vastness, the vertical rise of each mountain - it's such a fabulous place. Once you're there, you don't need to use your car again until you leave and Whistler can handle the crowds.

I'm going up again with friends in two weeks. I can't wait. We rented a really nice townhouse on Upper Blackcomb with friends. :D

Klo.

02-08-2006, 08:07 PM

Thanks maplekitty. I'm usually more resourceful before I asked questions but I checked mapquest right after i posted and found my cousin's place so I'm all good. Thanks so much for posting though - appreciate it.

Daisy -
Thanks. I checked her address and she actually lives in Shelton (recently moved) which is north of Seattle so we are looking at about 4 - 4.5 hours from there. I am so excited. I hope we can do this. If we don't go this year, we'll go one of these years. Have fun on your trip. A weekend with the girls! That sounds awesome. Make sure you come back and let me know how it is.

Has anyone used a babysitting service up there. Most of the places have a daycare center right in the main lodge of the mountain but I can't seem to find one listed at Whistler or even in the village. I know they are out there and I've looked but just not finding anything. Would love some recommendations!! TIA

GoCougs

02-10-2006, 02:19 PM

Daisy -
Thanks. I checked her address and she actually lives in Shelton (recently moved) which is north of Seattle so we are looking at about 4 - 4.5 hours from there.

Shelton is actually SE of Seattle, very close to Olympia. It's probably a 2-2 1/2 hour drive from Seattle.

Koala_Gurl

12-19-2006, 09:00 PM

seattleguamgirl

02-04-2007, 05:00 PM

Hey Koala Gurl, we are also going to Whistler in March. We are staying at the Four Seasons and I can't wait. Be sure to grab a toboggan, there is a fantastic hill behind the Fairmont that is perfect for sledding! We were there last March and can't wait to go again. :)

domesticdreamer

02-13-2007, 08:46 AM

I know this is an old thread, but wanted to see if anyone had more info about the babysitting at the Fairmont??

We used The Nanny Network. They weren't specifically a Fairmont service, but they recommended the service. I cannot remember the woman's name who sitted for us, but she was incredibly sweet and was wonderful with our 5 month old. So sorry that I don't have the names, numbers, prices, etc.
Good luck and enjoy your stay- we sure did:)!

Koala_Gurl

02-13-2007, 12:15 PM

We used The Nanny Network. They weren't specifically a Fairmont service, but they recommended the service. I cannot remember the woman's name who sitted for us, but she was incredibly sweet and was wonderful with our 5 month old. So sorry that I don't have the names, numbers, prices, etc.
Good luck and enjoy your stay- we sure did:)!

Thanks for the info! We decided against brining the kids (yikes!!) But, I think next year we will bring them (since DS will be 18 months and can go in the daycare thing at the Westin.)

justHB

09-29-2007, 11:40 PM

zayt

09-30-2007, 12:36 AM

justHB We used Perimeter (http://www.tourismwhistler.com/www/plan_your_trip/transportation_providers.asp?bid=137) shuttle. They picked us up directly from our flight at Vancouver Airport and dropped us in Whistler Village. You definately don't need a car once you are there. HTH.

Sare79

09-30-2007, 09:25 AM

Cars aren't allowed in the Village because it is all walkable. There is lots of parking around and if you are staying at a hotel, it is not too expensive. There are lots of shuttles that are available to take you from the ariport to Whistler. Another option that is quite nice is the Whistler mountaineer. (http://www.whistlermountaineer.com/)

http://www.whistler.com/shuttle/

udsweetpea

10-01-2007, 05:26 AM

Bumping for a quick question -

For those of you who aren't "locals" and fly in, how do you get from the airport in Vancouver to Whistler? Do you rent a car? I've heard cars aren't allowed in the village. Is there a shuttle to Whistler you can take?

Thanks!

I know this doesn't answer your question, but I heard its less expensive to fly into Seattle instead and rent a car. Plus, that drive is breathtaking.