Making like an Olympian, well, an Olympian traveller on a whistle-stop to magical Whistler
NOT every day you get to say, “just popping off for a long weekend in Whistler”. Well, that’s what I have just done and boy, it was one of the most exhilarating, exciting and rivetting travel experiences I’ve had.
We left Sydney on our Qantas plane at a very civilised time of 7pm — so you get a whole day of “stuff” done — and after a 12-hour flight, arrived in Vancouver, Canada at 2pm that same day. Perfect.
Pity they were all hibernating ...
After a 2-hour drive from Vancouver International Airport to Whistler Village, via the sea-to-sky highway, which features spectacular views of British Columbia’s rugged coastline, picturesque waterfalls, temperate rainforests and glacial peaks, we finally ascended into the mountains to Whistler.
Walking in a winter wonderland at the Fairmont in WhistlerSource:Supplied
We checked in at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort, nestled at the base of Blackcomb Mountain and as we were deemed fancy pants, media types, we checked into the Fairmont
Gold facilities and in a flash we were in our rooms, quickly unpacking and BAAM!, ready for two days of brilliance ahead.
Picture-postcard stuff: and that’s just the view from the hotel liftSource:Supplied
Okay, so once I digested my two days in Whistler, I came to the conclusion that there are hundreds of reasons to go there. But here are some of the best.
TEN REASONS TO VISIT WHISTLER:
•Fairmont Gold is a hotel within a hotel, providing discriminating guests with an oasis
where the highest levels of exceptional service create an exclusive and personalised stay
experience. Gold Floor guests enjoy a dedicated private floor with discreet and attentive concierge service; private check-in and check-out area; and a comfortable lounge providing sanctuary from the bustle of the hotel.
Snow, pines and blue skies = heaven.Source:Supplied
•Whistler Blackcomb is commemorating 50 Years of ‘Going Beyond’ so they had a
massive party at the Whistler Conference Centre to declare that this year will be one of their best yet.
You just can’t get enough pine treesSource:Supplied
Originally opened for skiing in the winter of 1966 and founded on the dream of one day hosting the Olympic Winter Games, Whistler Blackcomb always wanted to leave its mark on the ski and snowboard industry since day one. and even after two days, it certainly did that!
•The snow has already been some of the best in years. And it's the pure white fluffy powder kinda snow that makes skiers — good, bad and ugly — have the best time perfecting their snowboarding and ski skills.
•Dog sledding. Now THIS was an absolute highlight.
And our pack of beautiful dogs are offSource:Supplied
A company called Canadian Wilderness Adventures has been expertly guiding Whistler’s guests since 1993. They operate year round, providing real wilderness experiences by Snowmobile, Snowcat, Snowshoe, Dogsled, ATV, Jeep 4x4 and Canoe tours on Blackcomb Mountain and the Callaghan Valley.
Our ‘man’ with our pack of dogs gearing up to ‘sled’ us around the Callaghan ValleySource:Supplied
We opted for dog-sledding where eight beautiful, happy, well-loved and incredibly fit dogs twirled us around parts of the Callaghan Valley. It was a pure gold and fun experience as myself and travel media companion Jim snuggled up in the sled as our dogs led the way.
Me and my new best friends ...Source:Supplied
•The Scandinave SPA was an, umm, experience. A tiny bit awks when the couple next to us got into a passionate make-out session but hey, otherwise it was a great way to soothe tired muscles. The Scandinave Spa Whistler is set within a peaceful spruce and cedar forest and overlooks Whistler’s mountain vistas. It is a 20,000 square foot outdoor day spa in a Nordic-inspired oasis of calm which offers the experience of hydrotherapy in the heart of nature.
You need to allow yourself a few hours to follow the cycle to soothe tired muscles, eliminate toxins and improve circulation by warming your body in the eucalyptus steam room, hot baths or wood-burning Finnish sauna and then cool down in the refreshing Nordic waterfalls, cold plunges or outdoor shower.
•Organising ski rental gear was a cinch. We got there early and picked it up at the Mountain Adventure Center in the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. As Whistler Blackcomb is consistently ranked the Number One ski resort in North America, with more than 8,100 acres of terrain, variety is an understatement.
Even this ski novice found it all a cinch to get sorted in the rental departmentSource:Supplied
There are steeps, deeps, chutes, bowls, glades, superb corduroy, long cruisers, high alpine and gentle rollers. And the numbers speak for themselves: one vertical mile drop; two side-by-side Mountains connected by a pedestrian village; more than 200 trails; three glaciers; 37 lifts; and 16 alpine bowls. So yes, it’s even good for total ski novices.
•The Peak to Peak Gondola is world record-setting peak gondola transforms the high
alpine experience with new, awe-inspiring vistas as it bridges the gap between Whistler
and Blackcomb Mountains.
The most famous man on Whistler mountain: ski legend Hugh Smythe showed me the Peak To PeakSource:Supplied
After opening on December 12, 2008 the massive gondola revolutionised the way skiers, riders and hikers experienced the mountain with The PEAK 2 PEAK part of the world’s longest continuous lift system, travelling a span of 4.4 kilometres.
•Christine’s on Blackcomb — inside the newly renovated Rendezvous Lodge — on the top of the mountain is THE best place for lunch, and even if you done’t ski, you can get there via 2 brilliant gondola rides.
The best clean and fresh salad at Christine’s on BlackcombSource:Supplied
The total revamp of Christine’s has given it a fresh new look, a new menu and
a new head chef with a menu options which include a fresh sushi station with rolls made to order; a wok station dishing up ramen and rice bowls with customisable Asian flavours; a fresh Mexican counter with burritos, tacos and salads; and a burger bar using only naturally raised, hormone and antibiotic-free chicken and beef, as well as a plant-based option. It was a serious ‘yum’ experience.
•Also on food, Araxi is recognised worldwide for its excellence in food, wine and hospitality. One of Canada’s leading chefs, James Walt continues to inspire both his contemporaries and his guests, creating compelling regional cuisine based on local, sustainable ingredients.
The best of the best Canadian oysters all on one plate at AraxiSource:Supplied
Araxi’s cookbook has won multiple international awards, as well as a prestigious nomination from New York’s James Beard Awards. Situated in the heart of the village square since 1981, it's a must-do.
•Bobsleigh or Skeleton at the Whistler Sliding Centre is operated by Whistler Sport Legacies, a non-profit organisation dedicated to grow sport at three venues: Whistler Olympic Park, the Whistler Sliding Centre, and the Whistler Athletes’ Centre. Each facility plays a unique role in inspiring sport excellence for the benefit of athletes, residents, and visitors. The 3.5 hour skeleton journey begins with an indoor sport, equipment, and safety orientation, then out to the track and up the start position — 1/3 of the way up the track.
As you accelerate down the track, you will pass through six corners, expecting to reach 90-100 km/hr by the time you slide up the wall of the famous Thunderbird Corner at the bottom of the track. Then you will enter into the uphill outrun and slow to a stop at the junior finish deck, where the Track Crew will be ready to assist you to exit the track. Phew.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Qantas has just commenced its winter seasonal flights between Sydney and Vancouver with three flights a week, Monday, Thursday and Saturday until 25 January 2016.
It follows the summer seasonal flights which operated from 20 June 2015 — 18 July 2015.
Brrrr: yes, it’s COOOOOLD!Source:Supplied
The flight is operated by a Qantas reconfigured Boeing 747 featuring the same interior as the A380. Customers in Business njoy new cabin ‘mood lighting’ and award-winning fully-flat Skybeds, designed by Marc Newson. Economy customers also receive a new level of comfort with a custom-designed seat featuring a unique footrest net and ergonomic cushioning as well as a self-service snack bar.
Qantas also provides onward connections from Vancouver to 9 other Canadian cities including Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Victoria, and Winnipeg with WestJet. Return Economy fares from Sydney start at $2,275, Premium Economy from $4,842, and Business from $9,252.
The extraordinary sun setting on Howe Sound as we made our way back to Vancouver airport from Whistler: a very, very happy ending indeedSource:Supplied
Melissa Hoyer was a guest in Whistler of Qantas and Whistler Blackcomb
Join in the conversation with Melissa on Instagram and Twitter @melissahoyer
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