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Waiting for Whistler
Waiting at the airport is never fun, but unlike most who waste away their hours due to delays, I have arrived. Instead, I’ve got about 8 hours before the rest of my friends arrive at Vancouver International Airport and we head up to Whistler Blackcomb for what has become an annual rite of snow and partying.
The journey from Vancouver to Whistler, approximately 2 hours, might be one of the most beautiful drives in North America. Years of construction have yielded British Columbia a picturesque stretch of road along the coastline called the Sea to Sky Highway. To the west is the expanse of the Pacific Ocean and to the east steep, rocky cliffs of indigenous pine.
Days at the ‘best ski resort in North America’ should undoubtedly be spent flying down the mountain, but it’s not always that easy. Deciding which of the two peaks, Whistler or Blackcomb, to explore is a tough question… even the fastest of riders can’t cover the expansive terrain in a day here. Luckily, the Inter-peak Gondola (built for Olympic tourists and currently in operation) can take you from one peak to the other in the most comfortable of walking shoes, not to mention a view that can’t be beat. For those looking for a challenge and an equally unique experience, the Blackcomb Glacier is the place to go.
The mountain officially closes at 3pm and while you can try your luck at that last round up the mountain, the decision is risky. There’s always a chance of getting stuck on a closed chair lift mid hang (it’s happened before), but even more precarious is missing out on a seriously good après ski scene. Play it safe and head to Longhorn Saloon at the Village Gondola around 2:30pm. It couldn’t be easier, just ski up to the outside bar at the base of Whistler Mountain, grab a beer, and work on numbing your bruises from all those overly ambitious jumps.
Early mornings and long hours up and down the mountain are bound to take their toll. There’s no better way to replenish energy levels, and fill up on protein to repair those quads, than with some good old Canadian red meat. The antidote is waiting on the grill at Whistler Brewhouse in the form of ‘Big Ass Beef Ribs’ and these guys have never been accused of false advertising. If you’re looking for a little more tact with your meal then get a reservation at Hy’s Steakhouse. The name may sound deceptively Asian but don’t be misled, this steakhouse would be a contender even in the big leagues of New York and Chicago.
Stay tuned… by week’s end I’ll have a first hand report on all the hotspots of Whistler nightlife, including what exactly a ‘Chilly Willy’ is (besides the locals’ preferred method for alcohol consumption).
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