Whistler Blackcomb Information

Apres-ski

Whistler is definitely one of the livelier resorts in North America.

If you're looking for a good atmosphere, Tapley's Neighbourhood Pub (tel: +1 604 932 4011; www.gibbonshospitality.com/tapleys) is one of the most loved, thanks to its welcoming staff and good beer selection. While Merlin's at the Blackcomb Day Lodge (tel: +1 604 938 7707) and Dusty's (tel: +1 604 905 2171) at the foot of the Creekside gondola are other animated venues that host regular live music.

There are several clubs. The free Pique News Magazine and the resort's website list all the best deals, latest news and upcoming gigs.

Eating out

With a mammoth selection of nearly 200 restaurants to choose from, ranging from large canteen-style eateries to tiny huts specialising in soups, diners are spoilt for choice at Whistler Blackcomb resort.

Among the most highly recommended venues are the Cafe & Oyster Bar at the Rimrock Cafe (tel: +1 604 932 5565; www.rimrockcafe.com), which somewhat predictably specialises in shellfish, and Elements Urban Tapas in the Summit Lodge & Spa (tel: +1 604 932 5569), which has been trading for over a decade and remains a local favourite.

For a sweet treat, the Purebread Bakery (tel: +1 604 938 3013; www.purebread.ca) sells creative baked goods including a brioche-donut hybrid that's filled with lemon or strawberry cream.

Resort Information

Beyond the slopes

Whistler has a veritable A to Z of off-slope activities, from aerial sightseeing to zip lining. The latter, run by Ziptrek Ecotours (tel: +1 604 935 0001; www.ziptrek.com/whistler-canada), involves criss-crossing Fitzsimmons Creek (which can be seen below from the glass-floored Peak 2 Peak gondola cabins) via a series of suspended cables. Other options in and around the village include bobsleigh, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing in Whistler Olympic Park, spa treatments and a cinema.

For some cultural immersion, head to the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre (tel: +1 866 441 7522), a museum that provides a fascinating insight into Canada's indigenous population.

Family fun

The resort’s ski school puts on five-day adventure camps (or ‘ride tribe' camps for teenagers) where kids ski or ride with the same instructor and group each day. Lessons are also offered to children aged three to 18, with a maximum class size of four children on a four-day course.

Easy runs for little skiers include Pony Trail and Bear Cub on Whistler, which meet at the incredible Tree Fort adventure area. The Easy Out run on Blackcomb – which passes the Magic Castle Adventure Park (complete with a castle to explore) – is also a popular route.

There's a fun tube park near Blackcomb's base, while other activities include sleigh rides, ice skating and swimming in the resort’s sports centre.

Childcare (tel: +1 800 766 0449) is available from the resort for children aged 18 months to four years. Other childcare providers include Babysitting Whistler (tel: +1 604 902 2229; www.babysittingwhistler.com) and Nannies on Call (tel: +1 403 351 0180; www.nanniesoncall.com).

Retail therapy

Shops selling everything from high-street fashion to stuffed moose line the pedestrianised streets of Whistler Village, with a handful of other retailers located in the redeveloped Creekside area.

Popular Canadian clothing shop Roots (4245 Village Stroll) is a great place to buy branded casual wear. In the Upper Village, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Hotel (4599 Chateau Boulevard) has an arcade hosting upmarket boutiques.

Unsurprisingly, there's no shortage of ski shops in Whistler Blackcomb, which stock the latest ski gear. Showcase Snowboards (4340 Sundial Cresent) has all the top brands for boarders.

Splashing out

Head to a remote backcountry log cabin for a fondue dinner with Blackcomb Snowmobile (tel: +1 604 932 8484; www.blackcombsnowmobile.com), which has offices in the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and Hilton Whistler Resort. To reach the cabin, drive a snowmobile or travel in the luxury snowcat, complete with a flat screen TV, DVD and games console.

Hotels

There is a wide range of hotels in Whistler, including top-end options, rental apartments (some with ski-in/ski-out facilities) and luxury lodges with private hot tubs and saunas.

Luxury

Moderate

Cheap