Presented by SnowSeekers
There are really two Whistlers. The first we see as tourists: the seasonal workers, the Australian lifties with their indefatigable cheer, the British server providing that critical après Caesar salad at the Garibaldi Lift Co (GLC). Yet there’s also a vibrant, if less publicized Whistler–one that doubles as home for thousands who wouldn’t imagine living anywhere else in the world. Tap into this crowd and you’ve hit the motherlode of secret stashes, cherished seasonal traditions, and plenty of reasons why so many Whistlerites think spring is the prime time to come up and play. Which ever Whistler you decide to explore, Whistler Blackcomb has a host of deals to help you celebrate the spring ski scene.
1. Alpine Picnics & Patio Happy Hours
Take it from John Brown, Whistler’s Adult Ski School Manager, and snag some cheese, cured meats, crusty bread and an IPA or two and ski to some newly-exposed rock for a killer spread in the sun. (Note: Poles and skis make for great recliners.) Or, simply slide into happy hour. “Patio hopping is a cherished tradition around here during the WSSF and really right ’til we close on May 22nd,” says Brown. “You can bop from Tapley’s to Merlin’s to the undiscovered Bearfoot Bistro terrace, which is awesome in the full sun.” The Bearfoot Bistro boasts the coldest vodka tasting room in the world and gourmet bites like Braised Short-Rib Poutine and Confit Quail Salad. Brown also suggests popping down Peak-to-Creek (the legendary 7-mile run from the top of Whistler to Creekside), followed by a well-deserved adult beverage (available by the pail) at Dusty’s patio. Learn what you are in store for by reading up on Crai Bower’s SnowSeekers story.
2. The World Ski and Snowboard Festival (WSSF)
From April 7-16, Whistler is home to the best mountain culture celebration in North America. Watch insanely world-renowned skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes, listen to comedians and Canadian Indie bands (plus national stars like Busta Rhymes) perform on the GLC’s newly expanded terrace, check out decked out pups in the Whistler dog parade, or get your entertainment on screen at the Olympus 72-Hour Filmmaker Showdown, when Whistler-area filmmakers create outrageously good movies in just three days and screen them for an audience of over a 1,000. But don’t just be a spectator. There’s plenty of opportunities to join in, like at the Twisted Tea Slush Cup, where anyone can careen down the spring snow in an outlandish costume and try to make it across the icy cold slush pond. Take home a prize for Best Costume, Best trick, Best Wipe-Out and more. Or, you know, just laugh at those who do. For details and deals, visithttps://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/events-and-activities/events/2017/04/world-ski-and-snowboard-festival.
3. The Whistler Trifecta: Ski, Bike/Hike, Golf
Locals love to ski the north-facing slopes, with their great spring conditions, followed by a bike ride to Lost Lake and a twilight tee-time at Whistler Golf Club. You can also hike along a nature trail down to the lake that hugs the creek before ascending into a gentle climb that weaves through forest. Break for lunch or a snack at Connection Café (at the trailhead), which serves locally-roasted organic coffees, smoothies, paninis, soup and chili, and freshly-baked cookies. In June, the café offers morning bike rides. “The village is totally weather-based in the spring,” says GLC Assistant Manager Derek Pretty. “The moment the days warm up the hiking routes start to open. We even make the most of spring here in Whistler and at the GLC patio overlooking the mountain village.” Pretty, who arrived from Australia “ages ago” and never left, offers one final observation about why he loves springtime in Whistler. “There’s just a lot of chilling out.” Bower lays out those details in this SnowSeekers story.
4. Deep Discounts
The math is pretty easy, as an American, our dollar goes further in Canada. Those who have been know exactly what we are talking about. Basically, Canada gives you around 25% extra on anything you spend. Through April you can ski and stay in Whistler starting at $135 CDN per night, which based on US dollars is around $100 – lift tickets AND accommodations. Do your homework and go, you can start here:https://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/purchase/deals-packages.
We look forward to hearing from you