Five new spots have been welcomed to the scene this year and we’ve done the hard work of taste-testing them to let you know what you can expect. Grab your fork and let’s dig into Whistler’s new food and beverage finds.

Provisions Whistler

Provisions Whistler is a new neighbourhood café concept and the latest establishment by the Toptable group, the parent company to local favourites Il Caminetto, Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar and Bar Oso. It’s located in the heart of Whistler Village between Araxi and Bar Oso on the Village Stroll and is open for coffee, breakfast and lunch. It’s quickly become a local favourite with its large windows overlooking the stroll and signature espresso blend coffee with notes of dark chocolate, toasted almond and caramel.

At the counter, there are cases full of decadent pastries and desserts created by Executive Pastry Chef Rachel Nicholson which are simply impossible to resist. They are fancy enough to gift for celebrations and I recently got a single-serve Strawberries & Cream Cake for my friend who was celebrating a birthday – it was a hit!

 

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The menu offers hearty breakfast and lunch options (starting at 12 PM) like sandwiches, salads and soups. The Provisions Egg Sandwich is a popular brekkie item, featuring a crispy poached egg, tomato, avocado and smoked cheddar on a seeded, milk bun. My favourite lunch item is the Crispy Chicken Sandwich, the sun-dried tomato pesto adds the perfect flavouring. They also offer slow-roasted rotisserie chicken if you’re looking for a comforting lunch or a take-home idea for dinner.

The ambience inside is warm and inviting. It sets the perfect scene for a coffee catch-up with a friend (with a cake of course) or a lunch date after strolling through Whistler Village.

Flute and Fromage

Also located in the heart of Whistler Village (beside Amsterdam Cafe and Pub), Flute and Fromage is an independent cheesemonger and après patio specializing in unique cheese offerings from around the world. Owned by long-time local, Tara May, the name is inspired by Whistler Mountain’s Flute Bowl.

You can sit on the small, but adorable, terrace-style patio while enjoying a cheese or charcuterie board and a glass of wine, beer or cider. The other day they were pairing a buttery-soft, sheep’s milk cheese from France, with a sparkling pinot blanc from the Okanagan, delicious!

I sat on the patio this summer during Apero Hour (3 PM to 5 PM) daily with my mom who had recently returned from a trip to Italy and she felt like she was back on the streets of Rome having a glass of vino in the sun, watching people stroll by. 

 

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They also do sandwiches and snack boxes, and you can arrange orders to take back to your accommodation or for special events. If you’re looking to elevate a corporate event, wedding or holiday party, you can pre-book charcuterie grazing boards to cater the event, a cheese educational workshop to make it interactive or even book the venue for small, private events. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly and will help you choose the perfect cheeses and wines based on your preferences. Why not order a perfectly crafted gift box for the cheese lover in your life?

Flute and Fromage will be closed from October 15 to 30, reopening on October 31 with new winter hours from 8 AM to 6 PM daily. 

% Arabica

% Arabica’s newest location popped up in Whistler this summer, creating a lot of excitement within the coffee-loving community. The flagship store was opened in 2014 in Kyoto, Japan by founder Kenneth Shoji. Since then, over 200 locations have opened across the globe and the first British Columbia location opened right here in the heart of Whistler Village (underneath Earls Kitchen + Bar). 

% Arabica is my new go-to spot when I’m looking for a more decadent coffee than my usual Americano order.  The menu consists of unique, high-end coffees, like their popular Spanish Latte and Kyoto Latte. The interior design of the Whistler location is truly unique. When talking about it on social they wrote:

”The design concept in Whistler strives to create a connection between coffee and the natural landscapes of Canada. Situated within the mountainous terrain of a renowned ski resort, the interior draws inspiration from the beauty and allure of ice caves.”

The design team definitely brought this concept to life. The first time I walked inside, my initial thought was “Woah, it feels like I’m in an igloo.” 

 

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So, if you’re looking for an incredible cup of coffee and a unique café experience, be sure to add % Arabica to your Whistler must-see list! 

Purple Panda Chi Thai Bistro

Located in the Upper Village, nestled next to the Fitzsimmons Pub, Purple Panda Chai Thai Bistro is Whistler’s newest spot to grab some Asian delights.

The menu includes delicious Asian favourites like wonton soup, dim-sum, dumplings, curries and more. In the summer, I enjoyed sitting out on the patio while chowing down on some delicious classic dim sum dumplings filled with mushrooms, pork and shrimp. I’m looking forward to a hot bowl of wonton soup, a massaman curry or duck noodles after a powder day this winter. 

BALAM

Located in the heart of the Village, across from Pangea Pod Hotel, is Whistler’s newest dining spot for Latin American cuisine, BALAM.

Named after the majestic jaguar, the guardian of the tropical jungle, BALAM is a celebration of the soul of Latin American cuisine. The innovative menu brings a vibrant flavour to Whistler, featuring traditional street food such as Iberico Pork Tacos and the Black Tiger Prawn Causa. For dinner, indulge in specialty dishes like the Buenos Aires Ribeye, Amazonian Fish and Inca Duck. You could also order a selection of share plates, like the Nikkei Ceviche with tuna, scallops, calamari and Ponzu Rocoto Tiger’s Milk. 

The décor is just as captivating as the menu. The heated patio bursts with vibrant colours and textiles, making it the perfect spot to soak in the lively atmosphere of the Village Stroll during happy hour. Inside, the cozy yet exciting jungle-themed dining space transports you straight to Latin America. The upscale bar strikes the perfect balance between elegance and warmth – an ideal spot to grab a handcrafted cocktail.

 

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BALAM is open daily from 12 PM to 12 AM for lunch, happy hour, dinner and drinks. Reservations are accepted, but walk-ins are always welcome. 

Lorette Brasserie

Whistler’s newest brunch and dinner spot, Lorette, has officially opened its doors in Whistler Village. Lorette brings a touch of French culture and cuisine to Whistler, with a ‘French bistro’ style interior to match. Each seasonally inspired dish features ingredients built around the best of British Columbia, from the vineyards of the Okanagan Valley to the fisheries of the Pacific Coast. 

Lorette is open for brunch from Wednesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 1 PM and dinner daily from 5 PM to late. The brunch at Lorette is a modern take on French comfort—with a dash of alpine indulgence brunch menu. Think poached eggs over house-baked brioche, buttery hollandaise, smoked meats, and thoughtful vegetarian options.

The dinner menu is a refined expression of French cuisine, from rich, slow-braised classics like Beef Bourguignon to seared wild halibut with alpine herbs.

 

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With a warm, intimate setting and exceptional service, Lorette is Whistler’s destination for elevated dining, both day and night.

Whether you are a Whistler local looking for some new dining spots or simply planning a getaway, be sure to include these new local gems to your Whistler dining to-do list. 

Looking for fall dining deals? We recently created the Insider’s Guide to Whistler’s Fall Dining Offers to round up some of our favourite local deals during the fall season. 

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The Whistler Craft Beer Challenge

Starting at 1 PM, the tour takes you to four different locations, highlighting at least one, local craft brewery at each place, meaning you sample around 16 – 20 beers in total (in five ounce servings). It showcases the nuances between the brews by comparing lagers, stouts, ambers, IPAs and pale ales, all served in four, five-ounce glasses, collectively called a “flight”. In essence, you get to drink a bunch of beers, with a knowledgeable guide there to satisfy the beer nerds, the mildly curious, and the simply thirsty.

BC has an amazing number of craft breweries, enough that we even have a dedicated BC Ale Trail website, full of possible beer-filled routes you can explore. Two local breweries are right here in Whistler — Whistler Brewing Co. and Coast Mountain Brewing. Although trips to the actual breweries are not included on this tour, both certainly feature on the flight menu.

The Crew

It was a quiet group that started the day, however when the first flight of beers arrived, the conversation started flowing. We found commonalities through the beers we liked and the ones we didn’t. The afternoon was filled with laughs, the sharing of stories, comparing our experiences in Whistler, and learning more about our fellow travellers.

Our group consisted of a pair of cousins from Seattle and their wives, and a crew from Australia including a daughter, her father and her husband celebrating his birthday. As a solo woman, this was a great activity to go on — there was a perfect balance of socialising, discovering new beers and bars, and learning. This is all part of the concept of Whistler Craft Crawl, which is as much about the socialising, as it is the beer tasting.

Our guide, Brittney, was born and raised in Squamish and was incredibly knowledgeable about the breweries and the beers they produce. As the tour went on she would interject with little nuggets of information here and there, answering questions and snapping a few photos so we’d have some memories from the day to look back on. It was go time!

Stop #1: The Cinnamon Bear Bar & Grille

The flight in the Cinnamon Bear, located inside the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa, was arranged from a golden yellow lager to a very dark winter ale, all from Vancouver Island Brewery.

Some of my beer-tasting buddies diligently followed our guide’s recommendation, starting at the lightest coloured beer and almost finishing the small glass before moving on to the next one. I tried a different technique, taking a small sip from each of the four glasses arranged in front of me, and then drinking the full glass of the one I liked the least, so that I could end this flight by drinking the one I liked the most.

Stop #2: Black’s Pub

On the heated patio of Black’s Pub, right at the base of Whistler Mountain, we enjoyed the fresh air and great views of skiers winding their way down the slopes. The flights consisted of a selection from Whistler Brewing Co. and Granville Island Brewing, once again arranged from light to dark on gorgeous, metal stands.

Stop #3: Brickworks Public House

Along with the beer flight, we nibbled on delicious, warm, polenta bites served with a smoked tomato ragout. In addition to some fun Fuggles & Warlock beers, we also tried a cider. We were getting the hang of this drinking thing, and a couple of the guys on the tour ordered pints of one of the beers from the flight because they liked it so much.

Stop #4: Hunter Gather

Our final stop was at Hunter Gather, which was such a lovely place to end the tour, as it feels like a West Coast brewery with it’s industrial look and lots of beers on tap. They served us abundant plates of smashed potatoes, which definitely hit the spot! We enjoyed some Whistler-based, Coast Mountain Brewing beers and reflected on a day well spent.

Whistler Craft Beer Challenge Complete

We discovered locally-owned bars, off-the-beaten-path locations, some of the best people-watching patios, and of course — a host of new beers. This three-hour experience helped us all uncover a side of Whistler we didn’t know and dive deeper into the diverse craft beer market of BC.

If you fancy some flights of your own get in touch with the Whistler.com team who can help you get set up with accommodation and a Whistler Craft Crawl tour. If you’re from BC or Washington, be sure to sign up for their Whistler Rewards program (it’s free), which gets you access to exclusive deals and discounts.

Want to know where else you can get a flight of something tasty? Take a look at Flights of Fancy: A Whistler Taste Test. 

Know your limit, stay within it – hoppy drinking!

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Whistler is known for all sorts of high-octane adventure and the summer months offer no shortage of exciting and exhilarating activities. Summer is also a really good time to take it easy though, so The Insider is producing a series of short videos highlighting some of the more leisurely and relaxing summer endeavours Whistler has to offer.

For day two of the Whister Leisure & Pleasure videos The Insider hooks up with local Stand Up Paddleboarder Todd Lawson to talk about the joys of exploring Whistler’s lakes and beaches and floating the Whistler waterways on a paddle board, canoe, or kayak.

Check out Leisure: Disc Golf the first Whistler Leisure & Pleasure video and keep an eye out for more as the summer progresses. And you can always customize your own bit of Whistler leisure (or excitement) at Whistler.com.

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For the latest summer events, check out the Whistler.com event calendar.

As summer unfurls her beach towel of awesomeness The Insider will post a series of scheduling blogs about the plethora of events happening in Whistler this summer. This week we’re highlighting all the running, racing, and other events where everyone happily suffers together and just finishing makes you a winner. Enjoy.

Health is important, fitness is too (especially if you ever need to outrun a swarm of zombies). Luckily, Whistler locals keep in pretty good shape. The clean mountain air helps, so does the inspiring scenery and at any given time there will be a whole whack of Whistler people out biking, hiking, climbing, sliding, zipping, paddling and rolling around under their own steam.

So it makes sense that a town of health nuts would play host to so many participatory fitness events each summer encouraging people to get outside and rip it up. From grassroots races like The Whistler Half Marathon up to the longest, hardest, sweatiest event of the summer— the Subaru IRONMAN® Canada—Whistler is known as a place to come push your personal limits and connect with others who are pushing theirs. Good Luck.

June 7, 2014: The North Face Whistler Half Marathon

Get up early and seize the day with a gently rolling 21.1 kilometre (13 mile) course through some of Whistler’s most scenic neighbourhoods and along popular running paths like the Valley Trail. The Half Marathon really highlights the fun, friendly vibe of regular people dipping their toes into distance running, plus everyone gets a sweet poster from local artist/runner Chili Thom. Click here More Info.

June 15, 2014: Whistler Valley Trail Run

Don’t be confused, this race is not along the paved Valley Trail that meanders the entire length of Whistler but rather a dirt-trail running race with 5-and-10-kilometre distances through the forests of the Lost Lake trail network. A fun local run that’s been around for 23 years! More Info.

June 15, 2014: Helly Hansen Comfortably Numb Trail Running Race

Comfortably Numb is a 25 kilometre (15.5 mile) mountain bike trail that’s known as one of the best rides in North America but it’s also a heck of a running trail. Big forests, sweeping views, rivers, climbs, descents and did I mention it’s 25 K. Start training harder. More Info.

June 21-22, 2014: Tough Mudder Whistler

Not for the weak-willed or shaky-kneed, Tough Mudder is all about mental strength and physical stamina as teams battle through a course designed to break your will. This is where the group suffering comes in, because when we suffer together we make connections that can last a lifetime. Tough Mudder is the toughest 10-12 miles (16-19 kilometres) of the summer. More info.

June 28, 2014: Tenderfoot Boogie Trail Race

Trail running is super hot right now in Whistler and this event covers just about every sort of local terrain imaginable. You can definitely count on some elevation gain while running between Squamish and Whistler and distance options include a 50 Mile, 50 kilometre and 28 kilometre version. Serious runs in amazing Coast Mountain terrain. Make sure your shoelaces are double knotted. More Info.

July 27, 2014: Subaru IRONMAN® Canada

No big deal, just a mellow 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometre) swim in the brisk waters of Alta Lake, then a quick 112-mile (180-kilometre) bike ride out to Pemberton and back (read, some gnarly hill climbs on the way back) and then a nice quick 26.2-mile (46.2 kilometeres) jog around Lost Lake and Green Lake before ending at Whistler Olympic Plaza. No one is jumping off the couch and competing in this one, people train their whole lives, but you can hop aboard the good times as a spectator easily enough. This is as full-on as Whistler gets this summer. More info.

August 1-5th, 2014: Canadian Orienteering Championships

This race is all about running fast while also navigating your course through local parks and forests as muscle power meets brain power to find Canada’s champions. It sounds difficult so it’s probably really difficult. More Info.

August 23, 2014: 5 Peaks Trail Running Series

A trail run through the upper alpine of Blackcomb Mountain. Expect wild terrain, steep climbs and way less oxygen in the thin alpine air. Do trail runners ever blow a shoelace the way mountain bikers blow tires? If so, I bet it this is where it could happen. More Info.

September 14, 2014: The Terry Fox Run

A great introduction to running events, this one is a classic Canadian tradition that celebrates a hero while also raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society. Walk, run, wheel or ride either 4.2 kilometres or 7.2 kilometres. This is a perfect family run for a good cause. More info.

September 28, 2014: Escape Route Presents The Rubble Creek Classic

A local tradition started in 1985, this one is a bit grueling with 1338 metres (4389 feet) of elevation gain over a 24 kilometre (14.9 mile) trail cutting through the alpine terrain of iconic Black Tusk and Garibaldi Lake. Runners, start your engines! More Info.

September 28, 2014: Whistler Spirit Run

This one is a run for all ages and skill levels with courses ranging from 1-8 kilometres that take participants through the stunning Callaghan Valley, home to the Nordic events at the 2010 Winter Games. Best of all, the event raises money for BC athletics clubs and scholarships. More info.

October 17, 2014: Whistler 50 Relay and Ultra Marathon

Running season wraps up with another big one. Participants can hit this 50-mile jaunt alone or in a group relay but either way the course winds through the wilderness around Whistler Village which makes it easy to find the after party to celebrate the end of another great season. More info.

And that’s it. Run hard, have fun and don’t forget to check out the Whistler Running page for info on local running groups and facilities. The Insider tip for racers and competitors this summer is to stay in town an extra day or two after your event finishes. A Sunday evening patio session that leads to an extended bout in the hotel hot tub is one of the best ways to recover from a big weekend race. Throw a celebratory dinner in there and you’ll really feel like a champ. Get all the info you need at Whistler.com

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Which is awesome news because spring skiing is the best skiing, here in the bubble at least. I was recently informed by a colleague that not everyone loves spring skiing. Apparently there is an entire segment of people who claim to enjoy skiing and snowboarding, just not in the spring.

Obviously, those people are missing out or are skiing in the wrong places because in Whistler spring provides some of the best skiing of the year, if not the best. The Insider asked a few snowsport experts who live both inside and outside the Whistler bubble to wax poetic about spring skiing and we came up with this nifty top 5 list. Enjoy.

Top 5 Reasons Whistler Spring Skiing Rules (and might be better than winter.)

1. Sun and Snow, Together

“For me, the absolute best thing about spring riding in Whistler is the high chance of snow systems coming through at night followed immediately by bluebird conditions the next morning,” says Snowboard Canada Magazine editor Scott Birke, who runs Canada’s biggest snowsports publication from an office in Toronto. “I don’t know enough about meteorology to explain it but that in-between spring season seems to give the best all-around conditions. You rip 20-25 cm of fresh first thing in the morning with nice mild temps and then do warm, sunny terrain park or groomer laps in the afternoon. And of course it’s all followed by good patio times with friends. Spring riding is one of the things I miss the most about living in Whistler….”

Scott Birke enjoying some spring pow.

2. The Vibe

“Winter is great, don’t get me wrong,” says legendary snowboard photographer Dano Pendygrasse. “But spring is when Whistler culture really finds its speed—hormones are rushing, people are showing some skin. When I was a kid spring meant going for hikes, finding some rocks to sit on, building a stupid little jump and hanging out.”

Pro snowboarder Helen Schettini explains that not much has changed since Dano’s days except now the jumps are bigger and conveniently located in a terrain park. “The sun is out, jackets are off,” she says, “and it’s buttery park laps and friends. Spring is for all the die-hards who really love snow and don’t care that bike season has almost started or bikini season is coming soon. Everyone is on the mountain, smiling, there’s great vibes and no line ups anywhere. It can’t be beat.”

3. The Long Days

Personally one of my favourite aspects of spring skiing is the slowed-down pace of it all. The snow gets softer as the day draws on and the sun stays in the sky much later than the short days of winter. “Spring means no more rushing for first tracks,” explains Dano Pendygrasse, who literally wrote the book on Snowboarding in Western Canada. “And no more dark trips home. It’s just sun, slush, Piz Buin and good times. I love Spring.”

4. The Actual Skiing

“Spring in Whistler could be the best skiing of the year,” says Mike Douglas, the godfather of freeskiing, and creator/host of Salomon FreeskiTV. “A fat snow base combined with alpine powder, no crowds and warm sunny patio action at the end of the day. It’s hard to beat.”

Right now Whistler’s peaks are still buried under the 508cm (200in) of snow we received in February and March so the actual skiing this spring is going to be really awesome. According to legendary ski-patroller-turned-avalanche-forecaster/Ski TV host Joe Lammers skiing spring conditions is all about strategy.

“Once we get into a typical melt-freeze cycle I would stick to the north-facing aspects in the morning where the snow will be more wintery,” Joe explains in this Insider’s Guide to Spring Skiing. “ On sunny days the east to south-west aspects will transition into nice creamy, buttery corn skiing by afternoon.” Mmmmm, corn.

5. The Family that Rips Together…

Spring is also the best time to take your kids out for a rip in the hills. The warm weather means no frozen fingers and toes for the little kids and soft snow for the older ones to land on as they try their crazy teenaged tricks and stunts.

When I was young my parents would always pack a big picnic lunch and we’d camp out for hours on the rocks at the bottom of Blackcomb’s Horstman glacier (the zone underneath the Glacier Express now) to enjoy the sweeping views together and plan our afternoon of “Extreme Skiing!” As a kid, all my “biggest” lines of the year came in the spring, when muscles are in tune, confidence is high and the snow is trustworthy. (Well, there was that time I rolled down the Saudan Couloir but, like my old man says, “if you’re not falling you’re not getting any better.”)

While winter pow days will always offer some of life’s greatest moments, this jury seems to rate spring skiing pretty high for consistency and overall, full-day radness. Of course there are plenty of other reasons spring skiing in Whistler rivals winter (see also: The Multi-Sport Days of Spring and the World Ski & Snowboard Festival) but you’ll have to just come up, jump into the Whistler bubble and discover them for yourself. And your go-to resource, as always, is Whistler.com.

The post Is Whistler Spring Skiing Better than Winter? appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

“Après” is a celebration of all the incredible things you did on the mountains that day and the Whistler après scene is legendary. With numerous slopeside après options there is always a massive afternoon shindig happening somewhere (usually in multiple places at once) but one surefire way to really dig into the best of Whistler après is to find the Hairfarmers.

Guitar Doug and Grateful Greg have been playing Whistler après for over 15 years and they have at least 1000 songs in their repertoire, adding new ones with every request they get. These guys play over 300 gigs a year and the energy they bring to Whistler’s patios and hotspots is always unreal. The Insider caught one of their weekly shows at Merlin’s, at the base of Blackcomb, and well… check out the video above.

Start figuring out your own Whistler vacation (après included) over at Whistler.com.

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Your skis are an investment, they cost a lot of money and can take you to some of the most incredible places and greatest moments of your life. As such, it only makes sense to take good care of them. Whistler has a lot of incredible ski tuning shops but these days there is a growing number of skiers and snowboarders interested in the Hands-On, Do-It-Yourself ethos.

In this video, Waxmaster Colin Mont from TMC Freeriderz (Whistler’s original freeride ski shop) demonstrates the correct technique and philosophy behind waxing your own boards. This is a step-by-step guide but you’re going to need these pieces of equipment to follow along— a waxing bench to secure your skis, a waxing iron, a file for your edges, soft and hard bristle brushes, a hard-plastic scraper and a waxing cork. You’ll also need some wax.

TMC Freeriderz sells all the necessary equipment online or at the shop. If the call of the mountains is just too strong and you don’t want to invest the time TMC or any of Whistler’s other great tuning shops will get your boards ready for any big day (you can do it yourself next time).

So good luck and have fun. Skiing is a speed sport and the right wax job can make a huge difference. And for more information on how to actually enjoy those skis once you have them waxed up head to Whistler.com for accommodation, lift tickets, activities and more.

The post Whistler Expertise: How To Wax Your Skis appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

Guest Blogger: Jennifer Godbout

As winter kicks into high gear the pursuit of powder seems to be on everybody’s radar and in Whistler that means more and more people are heading into the backcountry, some of them for the first time.

The trend to go beyond the rope is not new. As our world gets continually busier and more hectic, more and more people seem to be seeking a reconnection to nature and a life with more adventure and more time outdoors. Really we all just want to live a good story and the idea of going further and deeper into the mountains in pursuit of perfect powder is not just for the hardcore ski-touring crowd anymore.

However, with less expensive, high quality backcountry gear more readily available (and more heavily marketed), it’s especially important that the increase in backcountry users is paired with an increase in proper training and knowledge.

Anyone purchasing a pair of touring skis or splitboard for the first time this holiday season should also get the essential safety gear – a transceiver, probe and shovel – and sign up for an Avalanche Skills Training course (AST Level 1) from an accredited provider (see below). New technology like airbag backpacks are helpful but they can also provide a false sense of security and are no substitute for the proper rescue equipment, knowledge and the invaluable experience that comes from learning the basics and building from there.(Note: the Canadian Avalanche Association has issued a warning about “avalanche transciever” smartphone apps. They are not a suitable replacement for a proper transceiver. Download the CAA press release).

The AST 1 is an entry level course that has both classroom and field components. It’s an invaluable first step towards backcountry safety and it’s fun to be out in the mountains learning and practicing new skills that could save your life or the life of a friend.

“Being in the mountains is a constant learning process,” says Tyler Petruisic, a local guide certified with the world-recognized Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. “It’s a humbling experience becoming a certified guide and avalanche instructor, all the courses over the years I’ve really learned just how much there is to know. I’ll never stop learning.”

If you’re hearing the call of the wild for the first time but maybe not ready to commit to the costs and time of setting yourself up with the necessary backcountry gear and knowledge, Whistler offers many guided backcountry options. From self-propelled trips beyond the ski hills to full cat-skiing or heli-skiing dream days there are plenty of ways to taste the freedom of the hills under the supervision of trained professionals.

The Whistler backcountry is magical and an incredible place to spend time. As life around us speeds up, the appeal of solitude and silence becomes that much greater. Don’t be fooled by the beauty however, you need to know what you’re doing out there. As Tyler Petruisic says, “Follow your passions into the mountains, but make sure you come home to tell your stories.”

There are a host of different ways to enjoy the Whistler backcountry via snowmobile tour, heli-skiing or cat-skiing, or take a guided backcountry tour. Anyone interested in local level 1 Avalanche Skills Training courses can get more info from:

• Extremely Canadian. Longtime local adventure company offering guided on-mountain or backcountry tours as well as Avalanche course.
• Avalanche Courses Whistler. Learn the basics from the author of this article! Jen has been guiding in the BC backcountry for 10 years.
• Pacific Alpine Institute started in the 1980s by a Blackcomb ski patroller the Pacific Alpine Institute literally has decades of homegrown knowledge and experience behind them.
• Whistler Alpine Guides have also been teaching and guiding in Whistler for decades and offer weekly courses throughout the winter.
• Coast Mountain Guides A family-run guiding operation that also offers weekly AST Level 1 courses.

The Canadian Avalanche Centre is a great national resource with up-to-date avalanche bulletins.

Local ski patroller/blogger Wayne Flann enjoying the Whistler Backcountry

The post Whistler Backcountry– Know Before You Go appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

The early bird gets the fresh Whistler powder but the bird that speeds on a snowy highway is nothing but a dodo. Winter in Whistler is full of reasons to get excited but when it comes to winter driving conditions it’s all about being calm, cool and calculated.

“Most of the problems we have in this area come from vehicles not properly equipped with the right tires,” says Whistler RCMP Staff Sergeant Steve LeClair. “People driving the Sea to Sky Highway are required, at the very minimum, to have all-season tires that are mud and snow rated with 3.5mm of tread depth (legal requirements are in effect from October 1 to March 31, see the BC Government guidelines here). We really recommend vehicles use four true winter tires with the mountain snowflake symbol on them. Other than that we would really appreciate people take the extra time to get up here without speeding.”

Sergeant LeClair points out that crashing your car on the way to the ski hill is a terrible way to start a holiday so with that in mind we’ve amassed a list of safe winter driving tips to get you here in one piece. Take it easy out there, when the roads are snowy that also means there’s gonna be plenty of pow for everyone.

Winter Driving Tips

1. Install Winter Tires

Staff Sergeant LeClair already mentioned it but this one is worth driving home twice. If your car doesn’t have good winter tires you’re basically a liability to yourself and everyone else on the road. Tires marked with an M+S (Mud and Snow) are also legally acceptable but they don’t provide the same degree of performance as a mountain snowflake tire in winter conditions.

And don’t even start with the “it’s four-wheel drive” argument, without proper rubber that just means you’ll have four tires spinning out instead of two. Get real tires or take the bus.

2. Keep a Safe Following Distance

This is one you might not even think about until it is too late but it takes a vehicle a lot longer to stop on snowy, icy roads so ensure there is at least four seconds of time / space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

3. Watch Your Speed

This is another no-brainer. For sure, you’re excited to get to Whistler and hit the hot tub with a cold refreshment but speed and slick roads do not mix. There are speed limit signs all over the place – pay attention and err on the side of caution. Think of the tortoise and the hare – slow and steady wins the race (and hits the hot tub first).

4. Use Passing Lanes for Passing

In British Columbia, when the highway has two lanes going in the same direction the right lane is for regular driving and the left one is for passing. DON’T drive in the left lane unless you are overtaking another vehicle. This rule is important because driving in the incorrect lane irritates other drivers and leads to unsafe actions like passing on the inside or following too closely. PASS ON LEFT, DRIVE ON RIGHT.

5. Know What to Expect

Mountain FM is the local Sea to Sky radio station and they have been the best source for road and weather conditions since forever. Seriously, no one does it better. Mountain FM features regular updates every twenty minutes and when conditions are extra gnarly they report all the problem areas in real time. Plus they’ll slip the newest Katy Perry song in there too, just to keep things cheery.

If you have a smartphone handy Drive BC has road conditions and incident reports for the entire province and are the quickest and most reliable with closure and conditions updates. Their mobile site is excellent.

6. Avoid Sudden Moves

Sudden braking or accelerating can cause skids and slides, so can sudden swerves. There is a Zen to good winter driving and it all hinges on great situational awareness and intelligent foresight. Basically, you need to be a road ninja who can foresee problems before they arise and take action before it’s too late.

7. Stay Clear of Snowplows

Snowplows make the roads safer but they are also giant beasts of metal with huge blades on the front. Try not to get too close to them and NEVER pass a snowplow on the right-hand side because that is the direction they throw the snow.

Some plows also shoot out a weird de-icing liquid out the back which is probably not awesome for your paint job (or health). If you can read the giant sign that says “Don’t Follow Too Closely” that means you’re probably following too closely. Ease up, Bud.

The Sea to Sky roads are generally very well-maintained but Mother Nature doesn’t always play by the rules and when she unleashes a big storm it’s important to be as safe as possible. These tips will help but the real work is up to you.

More Winter Driving Tips and Resources

• Icy road safety guidance
• Drive BC
• Government Guidelines

Find Whistler Weather and Road Conditions

Whistler.com also has a great road conditions page with Highway 99 webcams and current local conditions courtesy of Drive BC, and it’s always a great idea to check the Whistler weather forecast and webcams for the bigger picture.

Alternatives to Driving

If you don’t have a suitable vehicle or prefer not to drive, there are a ton of transport options from shuttles to private vehicles with experienced drivers to get you up here. You definitely don’t need a car once you arrive in Whistler and the best thing about having someone else pilot the vehicle? You get to enjoy the views (trust us – the Sea to Sky Highway is much more than a pretty name). Learn more about the different ways to get to the mountains at Whistler.com.

The post Slow and Easy: Whistler Winter Driving Tips appeared first on The Whistler Insider.