“Oh my god, I’ve always wanted to own a bookstore!”

“Ha. So many people say that to me,” says Armchair Books owner Sarah Temporale. “Almost everyone. Or they say, ‘this must be the best job in the world.’ And for me, it is. I just don’t get as much reading in as I used to.”

Whistler’s only bookstore, Armchair Books, opened in Whistler Village in 1982 when Squamish resident Hazel Ellis found a tiny, 300-square-foot space tucked into a corner of one of the first buildings completed in Whistler Village and filled it with books.

“That’s two years before I was even born,” Sarah says. “Floor-to-ceiling books in the space that now holds just our children’s section. And Whistler Village was basically still a construction site. It must have been wild.”

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It was. Village construction in the early 80s was halted by an economic recession, and Whistler’s future was unsteady, to say the least. The community only boasted 1365 full-time residents according to the 1981 government census.

“Of course, back in those days, Whistler only had one busy season, December to March,” says Dan Ellis, who took over Armchair Books from his mother in 1999. “We’d have line-ups out the door until April, and then for the next eight months it would just be locals. My mom didn’t mind because that gave her more chances to read at work, and of course, the Whistler community showed up and supported us. With such a small space, Mom was able to keep the store going until the Village slowly started getting summer visitors too.”

From 300 Square Feet to a Whistler Institution

Hazel expanded the shop in the early 1990s, then expanded again once the Whistler Post Office vacated their overflowing space behind the bookstore. When Dan took over in 1998, the shop boasted 1200 square feet of book lovers’ paradise. “I have three brothers,” he says, “but I am the only one who loves to read, so I came on board and let Mom have a break.”

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In the early days especially, Dan would allow his employees to read at work, “so long as you put the book down when a customer comes in.” As Whistler grew into a year-round destination, however, reading time in the shop has diminished. “Over the years you get to know people,” Dan says. “Locals for sure, but also guests from all over the world that come in two or three times a year. I’d get to know them, and know their kids and greet people by name when they came in. That resonates with people, and it resonates with me too. Book lovers can be some of the most intelligent, fantastic and crazy people. Sometimes I felt more like a bartender, just listening to people spill their life’s story to me.”

One of those intelligent, fantastic customers was a young Sarah Temporale, who arrived in Whistler as a bright-eyed 24-year-old snowboarder who quickly found work in both a restaurant and a snowboard shop to finance her new life of shredding as much as possible, and reading in whatever downtime she could find.

“I was on the bus one day with a friend,” says Sarah. “When we sat down, my friend knew the person next to us and introduced her as Jeanette, and mentioned that she works at the bookstore. And I said, ‘Oh my God, I would love to work there!’ Because that is what everyone says.”

But in this case, Armchair Books was hiring. “We needed someone part-time,” Dan says. “Just one day a week. I knew Sarah as a great customer, a great reader. We were waiting for her to bring in a resume. She started as a part-timer and slowly but surely became a full-timer and then assistant manager.”

Sarah matched the store’s vibe and clientele as tightly as the air inside a balloon. This became important every autumn as Armchair played an increasingly larger role in the Whistler Writers Festival, which sees authors and readers from across the country converge in Whistler for a long weekend of readings, seminars, workshops and fun literary soirees. The fest takes place in the Fairmont Chateau Whistler hotel every year, and Armchair is onsite as the official bookseller.

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“Dan set that up early on with the festival,” Sarah says. “We set up a pop-up shop with all the books the attending authors are presenting. It can be tricky to figure out how many of each book to bring in because a lot of the time, it depends on how engaging the author is at their event. Sometimes an unknown author who can connect with the live audience ends up outselling everyone.”

A New Chapter for Armchair Books

Dan handed the keys to the shop over to Sarah in 2023. “I was in my late 50s and feeling like there’s still a lot of stuff I’d like to do while I’m young,” he says. “I knew I wanted to leave the shop in the hands of someone who thinks about community and the people here. It’s about more than just books. Sarah figured out how to make that happen.”

“If I didn’t buy it,” Sarah says, “I think Dan would still be there!”

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Personally, I’ve been an Armchair Books customer since 1988. And I can say with confidence that beyond a few cosmetic changes and a slightly updated/curated list of books on the shelves, not much else has changed under Sarah’s “new regime.” The staff still knows our names, the books I want are usually there (and if not, Sarah is quick to order them in), and my own son has outgrown the kids’ section (which I still remember as the whole store).

Books, Community and the Whistler Writers Festival

And you can bet Sarah will have her book table set up at this year’s  25^th anniversary of the Whistler Writers Festival, set for November 5 to 8, 2026 at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, and the Whistler Public Library.

“I always wanted to work in a bookstore,” Sarah says. “The opportunity to do that and live what so many people think of as a dream… And to be part of such a legacy here in Whistler, joining something that has been part of this community since before I was alive and be able to usher it into its next chapter. That’s a big responsibility, but it’s also pretty special.”

And while Sarah admits running a small business definitely means she isn’t getting to read as much, Armchair founder Hazel Ellis is reading more than ever. “Oh yeah,” Dan says. “She’s 87, and she’s killing it. She lives two blocks from me and reads three to four books a week and only sees the bright side of things; that’s kept her healthy. I guess that’s her secret.”

That’s the magic of books: they can give you a life most only dream of, and a long one at that.

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The post Whistler’s Only Bookstore: A (Dream) Life at Armchair Books appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and mind alike.” John Muir.

Art is synonymous with the mountains, a place that provides an abundance of natural beauty for inspiration, but also a calmness and peace that help the mind wander.

Whistler is home to several art galleries, displaying work from local talent to the wider Canadian art pool and international artists whose work resonates with curators. One way to explore these galleries is to join the Whistler Wine Walk, which is happening on Friday, October 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2026. Not only do you get to connect with gallery owners, curators and artists, but you also get to do so with a glass of wine in hand.

Whistler Wine Walk Details

Included in the ticket price is access to the galleries, three four-ounce glasses of wine, interactive art experiences and a curatorial tour of the Special Exhibitions at Audain Art Museum (more on that below), along with live music and canapés. There’s a choice of British Columbian white and red wine at each stop, with one wine pour per guest, per location.

The experience lasts around two hours (6 to 8:15 PM), with walking time considered. It’s the perfect evening activity after an early dinner, or perhaps before a late one, depending on how you like to dine. There are four tour options, each starting at a different gallery but all culminating at the Audain.

Date: Every Friday in October, 2026

Time: 6 to 8:15 PM

Where: Art galleries around Whistler Village – four walking routes to choose from

What: Visit to three art galleries with a glass of BC wine at each one

NEW: Chocolate pairings and non-alcoholic wine options

Six galleries are taking part this year, with four different tour options taking you to three stops, all culminating at the Audain Art Museum. The distances range from 900 metres to 2.2 kilometres, depending on your starting point.

Guests receive an email after purchasing tickets with detailed instructions, including their schedule, map and walking directions for each location (a Wine Walk Group Leader will be on-site to make sure the tour is flowing on time).

British Columbia Wines

Featured wineries are all BC-based and include Fort Berens Estate Winery, Kismet Estate Winery, 8th Generation Vineyard and Lightning Rock Winery, with Nk’Mip Cellars featured exclusively at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre on October 9.

The Galleries

• Adele Campbell Fine Art
• Audain Art Museum
• Mountain Galleries at the Fairmont
• The Plaza Galleries
• Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (October 9 only)
• Whistler Contemporary Gallery at the Hilton

Adele Campbell Fine Art

Adele Campbell Fine Art, located in the Westin Resort & Spa, proudly represents a broad spectrum of Canadian artists in an array of original paintings and sculptures. The pieces reflect the artists’ passion for their beautiful surroundings and contemporary influences, and you’ll be struck by the variety, power and boldness of the art when you visit.

For over a century, Canadian landscape art has been inspired by the Group of Seven, who bucked the trends of the time and painted with a bold palette and style they felt represented the mass scale of Canada. This has evolved and morphed into the contemporary art of today, which revels in the wildness and freedom of the country they’re depicting.

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Featuring over 50 established and emerging Canadian artists, you’ll find an ever-revolving comprehensive collection of uniquely Canadian art at Adele Campbell Fine Art Gallery. During the Whistler Wine Walk, the gallery will have live painting with some of its featured artists, and a canvas for you to leave your own mark on.

Mountain Galleries at the Fairmont

The focus at Mountain Galleries at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is on post-war Canadian landscape art. Mountain vistas, lush forests and winding rivers pepper the walls. The gallery is also home to some incredible pieces of sculpture with serpentine stone bears, bronze eagles and intriguing wood and resin furniture.

It’s really a treasure trove of Canadian art that takes time to explore. During Wine Walk, the gallery will have some of its featured artists doing some live painting.

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The Plaza Galleries

The Plaza Galleries brings a bold, contemporary take on mountain art to Whistler Village. Its colourful collection features work by established and emerging artists, with everything from paintings and mixed-media pieces to sculpture, often inspired by wildlife, mountain landscapes, skiing and the energy of the outdoors.

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Expect vibrant, playful and sometimes unexpected interpretations of mountain culture, alongside work influenced by pop culture and urban life.

Whistler Contemporary Gallery at the Hilton

The white walls of the Whistler Contemporary Gallery are adorned with a diverse range of styles, including figurative, abstract and landscape. Featuring Canadian and international contemporary fine art, the gallery is home to some unique pieces, including paintings, multimedia, glass and sculpture. Some of the art is inspired by the mountain scenes and wildlife Whistler is known for, whereas others evoke a sense of pop culture and urbanity.

It’s also good to note that they have a second location at the Four Seasons Resort Whistler if you want to connect with more of their artists.

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Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (October 9 only)

New to the Wine Walk for 2026, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is a celebration of culture, history, traditions and art. Located in Whistler’s Upper Village, the centre sits on the shared territory of two First Nation communities, the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh (Squamish) and Li̓l̓wat7ul (Lil’wat), who have coexisted respectfully as neighbours in this area since time immemorial.

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Visiting them on the Wine Walk gives you the opportunity to understand and connect with the original stewards of the land. Indigenous wine producers, Nk’Mip, will be featured at this stop on the Wine Walk.

Audain Art Museum

For the final stop at the Audain Art Museum, guests will be treated to something special in addition to the delicious canapés and live music. They’ll head into the museum to explore one of their special exhibit, Solstice: Through Storm & Stillness.

This exhibit brings together works from the Audain Art Museum’s Permanent Collection that reflect on endurance, resilience, and the quiet momentum of moving through difficult seasons. The featured artists, Andrew Dadson, Gathie Falk, Gordon Smith, Karin Bubaš, Kim Dorland and Landon Mackenzie explore weather as both a literal and metaphorical force. Through painting, sculpture, and photography, the exhibition invites viewers to consider winter not only as a time of hardship, but as a necessary season of pause, persistence and eventual transformation.

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If you’ve not visited the Audain before, this will definitely make you want to come back and explore. Its permanent collection is a visual journey through the history of art from coastal British Columbia. It spans the late 18th century to the present day, and features one of the world’s finest collections of Northwest Coast First Nations masks; a large collection of works by Emily Carr, and art by important post-war modernists such as E.J. Hughes, Gordon Smith and Jack Shadbolt.

In addition to these historical works, it showcases art by internationally renowned, contemporary British Columbia artists, including Jeff Wall, Dana Claxton, Marianne Nicolson, Rodney Graham and Stan Douglas, among others.

For more information on what a trip to this museum is like, read Culture Up: How to Get the Most From a Visit to the Audain Art Museum in Whistler.

Whistler Wine Walk Tickets

Wine Walk tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. Ticket holders will receive an email preceding the walk with detailed instructions for their route, including a schedule, map and walking directions for each location (there’s also a Wine Walk Guide on-site to help guide guests between galleries).

The Whistler Wine Walk is a chance to engage with gallery curators and artists, learn more about Canadian art and perhaps find something for above the fireplace back home.

There are other events happening in October, including yoga at the Audain Art Museum, Fairmont Fridays, the Whistler Farmers’ Market and the Whistler Writers Festival, to name a few. Check out the events calendar for a full list of what’s happening in Whistler this October.

For more ideas about what to do in the mountains in the fall, take a look at 21 Things to Do in Whistler in the Fall.

The post Whistler Wine Walk: Whistler’s Art Gallery Scene by the Glass appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

When the word après-ski comes to mind, many think of dancing in ski boots until the early hours of the morning, potentially with a shot-ski involved. But that’s not all Whistler’s nighttime entertainment scene has to offer, as there’s plenty more après fun to be had. How about a game of pool? A challenging quiz night? Your best Purple Rain rendition?

Let’s get cozy, sociable and slightly competitive with these après fun alternatives . . .

Get Your Quiz On: Whistler Trivia Nights

When: Wednesdays

Where: Tapley’s Neighbourhood Pub

How good are you at recalling facts? Do you know your current affairs? Are you ready for your mastery of random subjects? During ‘Let’s Get Quizzical’ Trivia Night, a Master of Ceremonies will read out questions, then you and your table can take a chance at answering them for prizes.

It’s guaranteed fun and laughs while you test your recall speed and ability to work in a team. There are plenty of gift cards and prizes up for grabs, so check out the dedicated Facebook page for this week’s quiz themes.

 

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Bingo Nights

When: Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays

Where: Tapley’s Neighbourhood Pub on Tuesdays

This isn’t just any ol’ bingo. With great hosts, a lively atmosphere and a chance to win prizes, bingo night at Tapley’s Neighbourhood Pub has grown to be a well-loved weekly event among the locals. They even alternate between classic bingo and music bingo every other week for something a little different.

Grab one of the supplied dabbers, saddle up to your neighbour and get your game face on for guaranteed laughs, and if you’re lucky, a place among the Whistler bingo legends. 

 

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Stretch Those Vocal Chords: Karaoke in Whistler

When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

Where: Crystal Lounge, located inside the Crystal Lodge & Suites on Tuesday and Thursday, Black’s Pub on Wednesdays, and Garfinkel’s on Thursdays

Did you know that singing boosts your mood by releasing endorphins? Prepare to have fun, be happy and get silly while you belt out your favourite tunes during karaoke at the Crystal Lounge. 

Black’s has Bandaoke every Wednesday from 9 PM to late. You sing karaoke-style with a live band instead of pre-recorded backing tracks.

 

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Bullseye: Darts in Whistler

When: Anytime 

Where: Tapley’s Neighbourhood Pub, & Roland’s Pub

Whether you’re an avid competitor or new to the sport of darts, there’s an opportunity for you to play at Tapley’s and Roland’s. Even as a beginner, this social activity is perfect for meeting new people while enjoying a casual pint.

 

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Game Nerds: Board Games in Whistler

When: Anytime!

Where: Fitzsimmons Pub, located in Upper Village or The Living Room at Pangea

Gather around a table with a pint of craft beer and let your competitive side fly free. Perhaps you’ll dominate at a game of Catan, or maybe you’ll have the nimblest hand during Jenga. While you let the dice control your destiny, enjoy friendly chatter about the current snow conditions or someone’s backcountry adventure.

 

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Shooting Some Pool: Whistler Pool Tables

Where: Anytime!

Where: Cinnamon Bear, Crystal Lounge, Buffalo Bills Bar & Grill and The Brewhouse

A game of pool is the perfect opportunity to chat and mingle with others. Generally, this activity is played on a first-come, first-served basis, but be sure to check with the staff, as there could be a competitive tournament you could join.

 

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Have a Giggle: Comedy Nights in Whistler

When: Varying Dates

Location: Varying Locations

We bet you couldn’t wipe the smile off your face while you ripped down the Dave Murray Downhill ski run earlier, but the laughs don’t have to end on the slopes. Whistler boasts a lively comedy scene, from professional comics making a pit stop to talented locals that gather their content from all over the world – we like to laugh in the mountains.

The Maury Young Arts Centre is a regular host, and there are often comedy shows during Whistler Pride and Ski Festival, World Ski & Snowboard Festival and Cornucopia.

Keep an eye out for Laugh Out LIVE!, Whistler’s local improv-sketch-stand-up comedy show. You’ll find them performing seasonal specials, holding down the stage at Cornucopia events, and keeping the Maury Young Arts Centre giggling on various nights throughout the year.

 

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To find out if a comedy night is coming up, visit the Whistler.com nightlife events calendar.

Listen Up: Live Music

When: Various

Location: Various

If it’s toe-tapping, head-nodding live music that you’re looking for after a day on the slopes, you are spoiled for choice in Whistler. Numerous venues all over the village host live bands throughout the week, making it easy to take your pick.

Here are just a few top spots for live music après fun:

• Merlin’s Bar & Grill
• Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub
• Crystal Lounge
• Dusty’s Bar & BBQ
• Garibaldi Lift Co. (GLC)

 

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Art After Dark: Whistler Paint & Sip Nights

When: Various

Location: Maury Young Arts Centre / Audain Arts Museum / ART POP

The Maury Young Arts Centre (home to Arts Whistler) and the Audain Art Museum run the occasional paint and sip night. You might find special festive sessions in the lead-up to Christmas, bear painting in summer, or anything in between. Check the events calendar for any upcoming sessions (make sure you check the classes and workshop box).

One of Whistler’s favourite artists, Andrea Mueller, also runs paint nights (for adults and kids) at her art shop and studio in Creekside called ART POP.

 

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If you’re an arts and crafts fan, check out the Sketchy Whistler group. This casual, drawing group typically meets twice a month (check their Facebook page) for a beer and sketch session at the Dubh Linn Gate.

While it’s clear that celebrating an epic day can come in many forms, the one thing that remains consistent is celebrating alongside others.

For more activities and events happening in Whistler, visit the Whistler.com Events Calendar and use the check boxes at the top to filter by interest and date to find what you’re looking for.

The post Après Fun in Whistler: Karaoke, Pool, Trivia and Bingo appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

From mountain-approved apparel to local art and amazing experiential gifts (any tips on how to wrap a zipline tour?), Whistler has it all. Here are some of the top places in Whistler where you can find unique gifts and possibly something for yourself (’tis the season).

1. Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

After taking a tour at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, which allows you to dive into the rich history of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Nation) and Líl̓wat7úl (Lil’wat Nation), Whistler’s Indigenous peoples, make sure you stop by their gift shop.

From stunning art pieces to clothing, kitchenwares, food items, blankets, candles, body products and jewelry, this is a beautiful gift shop to explore, with an emphasis on authentic Indigenous art and products.

 

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2. Audain Art Gallery

Where can you admire the work of artists like master carver Haida Chief James Hart and iconic painter Emily Carr, and get your holiday shopping done at the same time? The Audain Art Museum.

Their gift shop carries a variety of handmade jewelry, pottery, woodwork and homeware from BC artists, along with fun games, apparel and books for the artist in your life.

 

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3. Maury Young Arts Centre

The Maury Young Arts Centre is known as the arts and culture hub in Whistler, so it only makes sense that their gift shop, Arthentic, showcases some amazing products made by Sea to Sky artisans, from art pieces to pottery and jewelry. It’s a must-visit stop for anyone looking for a unique, locally made gift.

A portion of all sales is used to support The Gallery at the Art Centre, a community gallery showcasing local artists with free admission.

 

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4. Get the Goods

Get the Goods is Creekside’s destination for design-forward, thoughtfully chosen objects. Every piece in the store is a handpicked mix of beautiful, functional and delightfully unexpected goods sourced from makers and studios around the world. It’s a place where quality meets curiosity, and where you’ll always discover something you didn’t know you needed.

 

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5. Big Bear Trading Company & Cool As A Moose

Cool As A Moose is one of the best places in the village for Whistler-themed apparel, mugs and other goodies. This holiday season, they opened a sister store called Big Bear Trading Company, which is located just across the street.

It has a great selection of Sea to Sky-inspired gifts, like a cool MTNPK tumbler, with local mountain ranges hand-blown into the base, a colourful Treeline Collective blanket, and a Villager puzzle of Whistler.

 

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6. The Whistler Hat Gallery

Stay (quite literally) on the top of your loved one’s mind by giving them a hat from The Whistler Hat Gallery. Opened by Whistler locals in 1995, this shop offers styles of hats you may not have known existed. Grab a Canadian toque, an outback hat, a fedora or a borsalino, or ask the friendly staff for guidance.

 

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7. Mt. Waddington Outdoors

If you are an outdoor enthusiast or someone on your shopping list is, Mt. Waddington Outdoors is the place to go. It’s like Candy Land, but for skiers, climbers, hikers, pack rafters and explorers of all kinds.

Three hot items for this festive season include their 3D Sea to Sky maps and poster maps, books like John Baldwin’s fresh new print run of Exploring the Coast Mountains on Skis, and  Rocky Talkie radios.

 

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8. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

When in doubt, chocolate is always a winning gift option. The special part about Whistler’s Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory? 80% of the products are made on-site, so you also get the added treat of watching the chefs make the goodies right in front of you.

 

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9. Amos & Andes: The Whistler Sweater Shop

There’s nothing like unwrapping a luxuriously soft sweater for Christmas, and at Amos & Andes, the choices are top shelf.  They’ve been keeping people warm and cozy for over 30 years, and offer Nordic, Irish, Serbian and Canadian knits. Their Canadian sweaters are either genuine Cowichans, with a limited supply, or their own designs, available only from Amos & Andes.

As well as sweaters, you can also pick up beautiful scarves, hats, gloves and socks.

 

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10. Experiential Whistler Gifts

Give the gift of incredible memories and opt for a Whistler-based adventure. For adrenaline lovers, choose snowmobiling, ziplining, or bobsleigh. For fitness fans and nature lovers, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are ideal, and for families, Vallea Lumina is a favourite.

 

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You can book a specific activity and date or give them a Whistler.com gift certificate, letting them choose their own adventure. If you’re a BC or Washington resident, then it’s worth signing up for Whistler Rewards for additional discounts and deals throughout the year.

 

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11. The Circle Kids

Grab some mountain-approved cool clothing, snow gear, footwear and toys for the little adventurer in your life at The Circle Kids (a favourite amongst Whistler parents). They even offer a registry service and gift wrapping! You buy the gift in person or online, and they wrap it for you! Afterwards, head to their adult counterpart, The Circle Skate & Snowboard Shop, to treat yourself as well.

 

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12. Whoola Toys

Regardless of how old you are, it’s always exciting to step into the magic of a toy shop. Whoola Toys was created by four local moms who wanted to offer a place where kids of all ages had a safe and fun spot to spend their tooth fairy money.

Pick up the perfect fuzzy stuffed animal, bracelet-making kit, puzzle, board game and more from this top local spot.

 

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13. Art Junction

These unique wooden puzzles, designed by local artist Robyn Forsyth, are perfect for the creative in your life. Pick one up at Art Junction, a Canadian contemporary art gallery featuring established and up-and-coming talent from Western Canada, located in Function Junction.

 

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There are lots of shops to explore in Whistler, and in the winter season, the stroll is lined with glittering, festive lights, which adds to the whole experience. Plus, you get to feel good for supporting local. We’d also suggest stopping for a sweet treat or craft beer/cocktail while you shop (it’s thirsty work). Happy shopping!

 

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Editor’s Note: This piece was originally written in 2021 by Kate Farrell, but has been updated by editor Dee Raffo.

The post 13 Places to Shop for Whistler Gifts appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

Did you know there are over 10 spa facilities in Whistler? Their offerings range from luxurious full-body pampering to flawless treatments from Whistler’s top estheticians. While it always feels nice to treat yourself to a massage or eucalyptus-infused steam, it feels even better after a day of crisp mountain air and thrills. Nothing keeps an explorer’s spirit feeling more rejuvenated than time spent recharging.

How to Choose Your Spa Experience

In Whistler, we like to earn our après and our spa because everything is better after playing in the vast offerings of our backyard, but hey, there are no rules, spa for five days straight if you want to! The truth is, it’s hard to go wrong with any spa or relaxation experience, but here are some suggested pairings.

Day Spas in Whistler

Day spas usually offer massages, hot tubs and/or pool amenities as well as waxing, facials, manicures and more, so you could, in theory, spend the whole day there. Makes sense, right?

Scandinave Spa

Scandinave Spa is probably the most well-known spa in Whistler because its offerings are unlike any other. Hot and cold pools, steam room, sauna, solarium, fireplaces, tea stations and a massage building are scattered in the tranquil forest of Whistler. Most spa goers spend a few hours alternating between the traditional Nordic hot, cold, relax cycle for the full hydrotherapy experience.

Perfect Pairings:

Best paired with anything heart-pumping, because the compulsory disconnect from phones and chatting will leave you feeling renewed after an energy-expending day. It’s an especially great spot to hit up in the evening, so you have time to thoroughly decompress after a day packed with adventure on the mountain.

Vida Spa

Vida in the Fairmont Chateau Whistler has an extravagant list of spa services from hot stone massages to Ayurveda treatments and pedicures. They offer a full-body tune-up with access to the Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s pool, hot tubs, steam room, sauna and of course, the poolside bar (non-hotel guests get access for one hour before their treatment). It makes for a wonderful day of pampering and socializing.

Perfect Pairings:

Pair with a half-day of skiing, a hike to the ancient cedars, or a morning ATV or snowmobile adventure. More of an evening person? Chase it with a night out at Vallea Lumina.

The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge

The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge is a boutique spa in Whistler. It feels as though the cozy, open and refined spaces are private and just for you. Yet, you can usually manage to get a booking, which can be challenging at some boutique spas.

They’re best known for their Kundalini massage experiences, tranquil lakeside location, and focus on sustainability and the use of organic ingredients in their treatments. You also get access to their rooftop hot tub, relaxation lounge and eucalyptus steam room.

Perfect Pairings:

Best paired with a half-day of adrenaline. Dog sledding, ziplining or bungee jumping are the perfect match for The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge. You’ll want to allow for enough time to sit in the steam room, soak in the rooftop hot tubs and appreciate the Whistler Mountain views.

Whistler Day Spa

The Whistler Day Spa is tucked into the Pan Pacific Village Centre hotel. The staff are well-trained, and an appointment grants you access to the outdoor pool area, an added bonus for any treatment!

Perfect Pairings:

Best paired with a sunrise hike or snowshoe up, or a day spent sightseeing on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

More Day Spas: Aviva Wellness Massage Spa, Blue Highways, The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Whistler and Damara Day Spa (Hilton), and more.

Beauty and Treatment Offerings in Whistler

Many of these locations also offer massage and a wellness component, but are known first and foremost for their estheticians. Haircuts and styling, manicures, waxing, facials and specialty treatments galore are available in Whistler. Find what you’re looking for and more at one of Whistler’s beauty hot spots.

Locations: Be Beauty Spa and Tanning Lounge, Glacier Day Spa, Elevation Hair Studio, Farfalla Hair and Esthetics Salon, The Loft Salon and Spa, Whistler Medical Aesthetics and more.

Perfect Pairing:

You’ll be feeling fresh after visiting one of these places, which call for a night on the town, après, anyone?

Spa Where You Sleep

Many of the condos in Whistler come with private hot tubs, and nearly all of the hotels offer a pool and hot tub complex. And if you’re in a group, the other option for you is the luxurious Wedge Mountain Lodge & Spa. Accommodating 20 people, it has a pool, gym, theatre and wine cellar!

Perfect Pairings:

Best paired with absolutely everything. Even breakfast before your day begins. Who says you can’t start your day with relaxation? Coffee in the hot tub while quite literally soaking in the vistas? Sounds good to us!

Visit Whistler.com to find and book your perfect spa and activity pairing. Looking for a retreat experience? See our DIY planning guide.

The post Rejuvenation & Invigoration: Whistler Spa Pairings appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

As Whistler celebrates 50 years of being an official municipality, The Whistler Insider digs up some of the bolder ideas of the past five decades, and what they mean in the broader context.

1. Whistler Mountain Bike Park

Though the history of mountain bikes seems to have the deepest roots in the sunny hills of California, the rebellious (and glorious) subgenus of “Freeride” evolved right here in British Columbia, so it makes sense that Whistler, which had been allowing mountain bikes (and guided bike tours) on the ski hills since the early 1980s, opened the first lift-accessed bike park in the world in 1999 (though locals had been riding and building trails on Whistler since at least 1996).

This is actually a really big deal. Consider Crankworx—the world’s largest mountain bike festival literally evolved from the bike park. That event, combined with the increasingly popular bike park, changed Whistler just as quickly as it changed the sport of mountain biking—North America’s favourite ski town was a giant summer destination as well. Then, as dozens (then hundreds) of other communities took notice, bike parks changed the world.

Read more about the rise and development of the Whistler Bike Park in the blog,  25 Years of Progression.

Indigenous owned and operated, the SLCC was the first shared Indigenous cultural centre in Canada, and remains Whistler’s premier venue for educating guests and locals alike on the traditions, language, art and culture of the Squamish and Lil’wat peoples.

The centre’s Indigenous Youth Ambassador program provides job training and opportunity for future generations of both nations to ensure the area’s original locals continue to have a voice on what happens on their lands, and beyond.

3. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola

Truth be told, not every Whistler local was excited when Whistler Blackcomb announced plans for a gondola linking the two mountains. “Why would I want a gondola with no elevation gain?” some naysayers cried.

Others feared the gondola line, spanning from the Roundhouse on Whistler to the Rendezvous on Blackcomb, would spoil the views of Singing Pass from the valley. And then they built it and finished it, on time and under budget, and people quieted down right quick.

The stats were (and remain) impressive: a world record for the longest free span between towers (3.024 kilometres/1.88 miles) for a lift of its kind. The first lift to join two side-by-side mountains. The highest point above ground in a gondola cabin (436 metres/1427 feet), another world record. And, combined with the Whistler Gondola and the Blackcomb gondola on the other side, the world’s longest continuous lift system (read more about those records in this post).

But the most important thing is skiing. Spanning 4.4 kilometres from mountain to mountain, the PEAK 2 PEAK suddenly opened up new possibilities to shred both ski hills within minutes of each other, to easily meet friends on the other side, or show people a favourite run regardless of what ski mountain you started on.

What used to take as much as an hour—to ski down one hill and ride up the other—was now boiled down to 11 minutes. And the views, looking down onto Fitzsimmons Creek or back out over Whistler Village, were bonkers. The PEAK 2 PEAK is a sightseeing marvel, and an incredible feat of engineering and vision, but what silenced the critics was what it could do for their ski day.

4. A Resort Municipality

Did you know that the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) turns 50 this year? Whistler was named the first “resort municipality” in Canada on September 6, 1975.  But what does that even mean?

“The main difference between a resort municipality and a regular municipality is that a resort relies on tourism and is designed to accommodate tourists,” explains Jessie Morden, a born-and-raised Whistler kid elected as a town councillor in 2022. “Basically, everything that the government plans is planned around tourism so our economy and locals can thrive as we rely on tourism to keep on truckin’.”

Resort municipalities also have a high ratio of accommodation to resident housing, and in British Columbia, they also receive funding from the provincial government to support tourism and tourism infrastructure.

After Whistler’s success, a number of other resort municipalities began popping up across BC and Prince Edward Island (including Sun Peaks, Tofino, Osoyoos and Hope River), but the mould was created right here. (And anyone partaking in those incredible free concerts at the Whistler Olympic Plaza this summer can thank those provincial funds!)

5. The Wind Lip

For a while there, in the mid-late 1990s, the Blackcomb Wind Lip was probably the most famous snowboard jump in the world. By 1999, terrain park and summer camp tabletop construction were starting to get pretty dialled in, but before that, if you were looking to get 30, 50, maybe even 100 feet of airtime and still have a chance at landing it, the Wind Lip was the place.

Formed naturally by the elements above the entrance to the Blackcomb Glacier, the Wind Lip was a gift from Ullr—a steep, long in run flowing directly into a perfect (and easily shapable) firm ridge with an endlessly sloped landing area. The Wind Lip was good all winter long, but the real action always seemed to happen in late spring and during the summer camps on Blackcomb’s Horstman Glacier.

For a sport looking to make its mark (snowboarding) or one looking to catch up (freeskiing), summer camp was a hotbed of innovation and excellence, and the Wind Lip was a playground and a proving ground for the future.

6. Whistler Bear Smart

Let’s get one thing straight: the bears were here before any of us. And while the Squamish and Lil’wat Indigenous peoples have long figured out how to live harmoniously with them, as more and more settlers arrived in the valley, it began to create problems.

Attracted by human food waste (primarily a giant garbage dump buffet and, later, a village with 90+ eateries creating food waste) and affected by developments increasingly pushing into their habitat, Whistler bears were at risk, and Whistler humans had to sort some things out.

By the mid-1990s, Whistler residents had grown concerned enough about their ursine neighbours that they began officially organizing. In January, the Delta Whistler Resort launched the Jennifer Jones Whistler Bear Foundation with a fundraising effort in honour of one of their bear-loving colleagues who’d tragically perished in a car accident.

Riding a groundswell of local support, the society officially registered later that year as the Bear Smart Society, which would go on to heavily inspire the Get Bear Smart Society, which now guides bear-conscious communities across Canada and the United States.

As a community, Whistler didn’t get our official Bear Smart designation until 2011, and the work is never done to help everyone—guests and locals alike—live more harmoniously with the bears of Whistler. Check out this guide for bear smart tips, or read this blog from 2013 about longtime Whistler resident and bear photographer/activist Sylvia Dolson for more local bear history.

7. Fitzsimmons Independent Power Plant

In 2000, Whistler became the first municipality in North America to commit to the Natural Step Framework, a global initiative to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable society through concrete, science-based actions towards ecological, social, and economic sustainability.

As an early local adopter of the framework, Whistler Blackcomb began working on the preliminary studies and planning for a run-of-river hydroelectric power plant on Fitzsimmons Creek to offset its energy use.

“We wanted to be zero operating footprint right out of the gate,” says Arthur De Jong, WB’s manager of mountain planning and environmental resources at the time. “The math showed that the project could generate as much energy as we consumed annually—lifts, snowmaking, and all other operations.”

Developed in partnership with Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. and Ledcor Power Group, the plant diverts water from Fitzsimmons Creek to turn turbines that produce electricity. This is fed back to the public grid, from which Whistler Blackcomb draws a significant amount of its energy.

“We wanted to be the best so let’s learn from the best and bring it home,” De Jong says of the plant and other WB environmental initiatives such as developing runs with greatly reduced tree removal to support natural diversity, the removal of potential forest fire fuels, glading to create better habitat for bears, and the use of helicopters to instal lift towers with minimal ground disturbance. “We had shortfalls, but we learned. Our approach was to protect, share, and inspire. Our success means nothing unless we become a benchmark for others to build from. Then it matters. And that happened.”

8. Four-Season Success

By the 1980s, ski towns across North America were faced with two unique challenges: a distinct lack of women living in them, and “slow” seasons in the spring and fall with very few guest visits and very little economic activity.

Set in coastal rainforest, autumn and spring in Whistler can be wet and dreary, making it challenging to enjoy the incredible wilderness and adventure so easily accessible in winter and summer. The rise of mountain biking certainly helped (Whistler’s valley bike trails are rideable from April right into late October), but a community focus on indoor or niche activities through festivals and events slowly filled those empty spaces and turned Whistler into a reliable place to have a good time every month of the year.

With big sports competitions, live music and a focus on mountain arts and culture, the World Ski & Snowboard Festival quickly became a very good reason to visit Whistler in the spring. Cornucopia, a celebration of wine, food and Whistler’s culinary scene, did the same in the fall.

Alongside the Whistler Film Festival, Whistler Writers Festival, Whistler Village Beer Festival, Whistler Half Marathon, and the Whistler 50 Relay and Ultra, and homegrown events focused on local art, music and theatre, Whistler’s calendar is packed with good times, and the locals no longer have to survive the “slow” seasons eating only macaroni and cheese for two months.

Read about more of Whistler’s running events in Going the Distance, and to get a feel for what Cornucopia is like, read our Insider Guide.

9. Whistler Housing Authority

Nearly every mountain town struggles with accommodation and affordability issues, and while public housing is not a new concept, Whistler’s solution was to establish The Whistler Housing Authority (WHA), an independent arm of the municipality created to oversee the development and management of price-controlled employee housing for Whistler’s workforce and retirees.

Basically, residents who want to put down roots in Whistler but have difficulties entering the (admittedly bonkers high) local real estate market can get on a list to buy, build, or rent WHA homes at more humane prices. These homes do not appreciate at the same rate as market housing, and if WHA homeowners decide to leave town, their home goes up for sale to the next group of locals on the list.

And it works! The WHA currently oversees 988 ownership and 327 rental homes, producing more than 7,300 beds of affordable rental and ownership housing for Whistler workers. In a community of 16,000, that’s a very impressive feat!

10. Strawberry Sake Margaritas

Maybe not as integral to the community as 1000+ local homes, Strawberry Sake Margaritas are still a true (and tasty) Whistler innovation that came from the hallowed halls of Sushi Village, one of the locals’ favourite restaurants for the past four decades.

“We picked strawberries in Pemberton and just tried a few things until it worked out,” says Sushi Village co-founder Koji Shimizu of the frozen, blended beverage. “They became very popular very quickly.”

But when a key ingredient—strawberry schnapps—was suddenly discontinued, Sushi Village had to act fast. Freeskiing legend, filmmaker, and longtime local Mike Douglas was bartending at the time.

 

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“We had to come up with a new recipe fast,” Douglas recalls, adding that he and (Sushi Village co-founder) Miki Homma essentially just grabbed all kinds of ingredients and “started trying things. The goal was to re-create the taste of the previous margs, and I know it took us a few tries. We were many jugs deep by the time we figured it out.”

That was back in 1991, and as Sushi Village celebrates their 40th anniversary this year, the strawberry sake margarita is still a local’s favourite and a must-try for visitors. (The sushi is amazing there, too.)

Dreams Take Flight – 50 Years of Whistler

Whistler is a place where everyone belongs, a community built on daring dreams, open hearts, and a round of sake margaritas. But before we tackle our next big idea, we pause to honour our past and the place we’re proud to call home. Check out our video…

Celebrating Trailblazers to Tomorrow Makers – You’re Invited!

Who doesn’t like a birthday party? With the Municipality of Whistler turning 50 in 2025, they’re inviting the community and guests to celebrate with a four-day kick-off event from August 21 to 24, 2025.

The August weekend will feature concerts, cultural activations and activities for everyone—including family-friendly experiences in Olympic Plaza, throughout Whistler Village and beyond.

RMOW 50th Anniversary Highlights

• Thursday: PINEO & LOEB and special guests with opening by DJ Foxy Moron at Olympic Plaza from 6:30 PM onwards.
• Friday: The legendary Sam Roberts Band concert starting at 7:30 PM
• Saturday: A Community Picnic in Olympic Plaza (1 to 5 PM) with lawn games, hands-on activities, music and art. The day closes with an audience participation sing-along led by Choir! Choir! Choir!.
• Sunday – Try something new with drop-in social sports and lawn games happening at Rainbow and Lost Lake parks during the day. When the stars come out, head to Lost Lake for Sunset Socials, featuring illuminated activations, pop-up cinema and DJs.

To find out more about what’s happening for the 50th anniversary celebrations in August and beyond, visit Whistler.com. WAGFest and Magic at the Museum are also happening that weekend, so it’s going to be a fun one!

The post 10 Trailblazing Innovations That Shaped Whistler (and the World) appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

For a lot of people, the anxiety kicks in before they even make it into the Escape! Whistler rooms.

“You need to hand over your cell phones before entering,” explains owner/operator Kori Klusmeier.

Audible gasps: “But I might need it as a flashlight!” “What if we need help?” or “Yeah but how am I going to?”

Kori stands his ground with a shrug and a smirk (no one seems to mind that he also takes your house keys, wallets and purses). Part of the appeal of Whistler’s Original Escape Rooms comes from not knowing what you are getting into. In the era of cyber reviews, digital Insta-gloating and socially networked everything, there is a rare sense of vulnerability that comes with stepping into the unknown completely untethered from your digital lifeline…

… and then Kori slaps handcuffs on your wrists and ushers you into the dungeon of a pirate ship (or into an underwater lair, down a psychedelic rabbit hole or into a backcountry ski cabin buried by an avalanche). Suddenly you’re alone in a strange world with only your wits, your companions, and 45 minutes to find a way out.

 

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What is an Escape Room?

An escape room is a real-life gaming experience where groups of people are “trapped“ together inside themed rooms and must solve puzzles and work together to escape. Klusmeier first heard about the rooms while travelling through Europe with his longtime girlfriend Karen Mizukami.

“We had a rail pass and were zipping around from city to city,” he explains, “and with only a few days in each spot, we would hop on Tripadvisor to see what not to miss. Every single city had escape rooms in the top two or three—number one thing to do in Budapest, in Prague or wherever—we tried to go but couldn’t get in because they were so busy.”

The couple chatted about setting up an escape room in Whistler but quickly forgot about the idea once they got home and merged back into their regular lives (Kori was recently voted Whistler’s favourite DJ). Escape rooms didn’t come to mind again until one rainy day while visiting a friend in Vancouver.

“We didn’t want to waste a day sitting around,” Kori recalls. “So I checked to see if there were any escape rooms in the city. They have several so we did two and I thought – this is perfect for Whistler. I am doing this. I went home, sat at my kitchen table and just started sketching things out and making it come to life.”

 

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Building the Dream

Bridging the gap from idea to functioning escape rooms took months of business planning, funding meetings with Community Futures Howe Sound, location hunting, and some super-intricate design and construction processes.

“Think of the biggest art project you have ever done,” explains Kori. “Now expand that into an entire room. Now expand that into 1,700 square feet of craziness. Karen has been integral throughout the entire process and we also got to work with some excellent local artists and builders. There is a real local feel, especially in the buried ski cabin room.”

Escape! Whistler opened in Whistler Village on December 26, 2015, and was quickly fully booked. And for good reason: the attention to detail in the design and puzzles instantly creates a new world that is believable and incredibly fun. The exhilaration of racing the clock, working as a team and thinking through real-world problems is both unique and electrifying.

“It’s been amazing,” Kori says. “We are getting couples, families, work groups, staff parties. Everyone gets through, even if we have to give a couple of hints. The record for the Pirate Ship room is 34 minutes, but they were real ringers.”

Escape! Whistler staff monitor each room via closed circuit camera and can offer tips or clues via radio if participants get baffled or need assistance. The puzzles, clues and processes vary in difficulty, and there are six themed rooms to choose from; Pirate Ship, Buried Cabin, Pinball Machine, Yukon Gold, Underwater Lair and Rabbit Hole.

 

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Expanding the Escape Rooms

“Back in the fall of 2019 the space across from us became available,” says Kori. “We decided to build two new rooms and signed the lease in February 2020, just in time for the world to shut down due to COVID.”

The silver lining was that Kori, Karen and his team could spend time on their designs and elevate the experience. One of the new rooms, Yukon Gold, was inspired by a trip the couple went on with friends. They canoed along the Yukon River for eight days and spent time in Dawson City, which resulted in an escape room that takes you back to the 1890s for the Gold Rush. The other new room is the Underwater Lair.

“That one was actually on our first list of ideas when we started in 2015,” explains Kori.”It was fun to finally bring that room to life. The challenge is to strike the right balance between a room being too hard and too easy, but Karen and I have honed our craft over the years. We love surprising people, giving them something unexpected, but never anything scary.”

 

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Since they opened the team has seen thousands of people come through their doors and have had countless successful escapes! There’s a running leader board and at the top is a team from Red Bull who completed the Buried Cabin in 20 minutes 34 seconds with no clues.

“We’ll have a little kid drag their family in, only to see the teenager who doesn’t want to give up their phone and the parents thinking they’re entertaining the kids. Then they all end up getting really into the game and working together as a team,” says Kori. “It’s an immersive, involving experience for the whole family and it feels good to have that kind of impact on someone’s Whistler vacation. It’s also a creative outlet for us and the artists and builders we work with.”

Just think how much fun you could have in one of these escape rooms. And all without your cell phone.

The post Whistler’s Incredible Escape Rooms appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

Gear Guide for Whistler Winters

We’ll be the first to admit it—Whistler is a unique place. It is probably not much like your home, which is one of the reasons you probably want to come here this winter (other reasons may include; one of the most storied ski resorts in North America, an entire Village full of good times, or a twinkling winter snow-globe paradise experience).

Whatever the reason, you’re coming so you want to have the right gear – or at least know what to buy/rent when you get here to maximize the fun and minimize the suck. Because, let’s be honest, even a place maximized for outdoor fun and adventure can lose some of its lustre if you are cold or have wet feet.

But fear not, The Whistler Insider reached out to four longtime local gear shops to share some tips and tricks on what you need to bring or get to thrive, both on and off the ski hill, in Whistler’s winter conditions.

Best Boots and Winter Footwear — The Circle

Founded in 1997 by some of the top pro snowboarders in town and still owned by ex-pros, The Circle is a local favourite for its knowledgeable staff and discerning selection of only dealing in the best snowboard (and skateboard, and kids) gear. We connected with longtime employee and local shred legend Jon Martin to get the Inside scoop on winter footwear for walking around Whistler, as well as the best snowboard boots for shredding.

Whistler Insider: Jon, I still have some Adidas winter boots I got from you guys almost a decade ago. What’s the recommended footwear for just walking through the Village in Winter, tobogganing and general Whistler fun?

Jon Martin: Vans has you covered with these Gore-Tex boots that look just like shoes but keep you warm and dry. Or you can get more traditional boot shapes if you want something a bit more serious. There are mid-heights too. Men or women, these are nice, casual and lower profile than a traditional snow boot and people love them.

Whistler Insider: What about actual snowboard boots, what do you recommend for people coming here to shred?

Jon: The perfect boot is the one that fits you. You want to be comfortable and my biggest advice is don’t be cheap when you buy boots, they can make or break your day. If your feet are uncomfortable, you won’t stay out as long. I think you can survive without the best jacket; you can go warm up in the lodge if you need to, but if your feet hurt and you can’t last more than an hour you are gonna be bummed.

 

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Whistler Insider: Some people are asking what is better, traditional laces or the BOA systems?

Jon: Ask me next week, this will be my first season using the BOA system. I’m stoked. Here at The Circle, we sell Vans and ThirtyTwo boots with both options available. Come into the shop and ask me how it’s going.

Whistler Insider: Anything else people should know about gear before they get here?

Jon: Goggles. Your goggles are almost as important as your boots. Being able to quickly change your lenses can be a game changer. Sometimes a lens fogs up, or you are halfway up the gondola and break through into the sunshine. It’s nice to be able to easily switch them up. I use Dragon goggles but there are lots of good options.

 

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Note: The Circle Kids, just around the corner from The Circle, has your children’s snow boots, snowsuits, and snowboard needs covered as well. The Kamik’s are the hot winter boot this year!

Snow Suits and Snowboards — Evolution Whistler

Since 1995 Evolution Whistler has been providing locals and guests alike with the best snowboard (and mountain bike) gear and advice. We asked owner Jeanine Schramm for some tips and tricks for the winter ahead.

 

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Whistler Insider: Jenine! First, congrats on your 30th anniversary this winter, that’s incredible. Let’s start with snowboards, what’s the go-to board you’d recommend for people riding Whistler Blackcomb for the first time?

Jenine: Here at Evolution, we love all mountain twins—that’s what most of us ride most of the time. They’re awesome at any speed—a twin tip isn’t as catchy at slow speeds—and they’re playful. We have a lot of terrain here so playful is always fun, plus you can set your stance a bit back and still ride the pow. And our tuning tip is to keep your edges de-burred and your board waxed.

A pow board is always nice to have but bringing multiple boards can be a pain. If you get into a big storm, we can always rent you one!

Whistler Insider: Great tips, thanks. What about outerwear? I think most people know about layering, a warm base layer and a mid-layer give more versatility than just one big, insulated jacket. But what’s the ideal outer layer for riding and skiing in Whistler?

Jenine: A waterproof jacket and pants with vents to let out heat if needed. Because the weather and temperature at the top of the run can be different than at the bottom—every day is a new adventure. We like shells but some people prefer an insulated jacket. So long as it is waterproof and vents, I think that is the most important. Right now Airblaster and Volcom are our staples but there’s a hot new Canadian brand called Souvenir that’s really fun and will be the cool gear to have this winter.

No matter what you have, here’s a tip, taking care of your outerwear is key. If you wash it with a proper tech wash it actually restores the waterproofness. And drying it in the dryer re-seals the seams. Come in and talk to us about it. It’s the dirt and oils from the environment and your body that actually wreck your waterproofing. A great technical wash can make a huge difference.

Whistler Insider: Thanks Jenine. I think people should come buy an Evolution toque as well! Because your logo is the coolest!

Jenine: Hasn’t changed in 30 years! A Whistler classic.

The Skis You Need — TMC FREERIDERZ

Founded in 1994, above his parents’ sports shop, OG Whistler kid and competitive mogul skier Yosuke Hamazaki’s TMC Freeriderz was the first freeski-specific shop in North America. As the sport grew (with Whistler as a key epicentre) TMC became a gathering place for the world’s best skiers and ski gear. We caught up with Yosuke the day before the opening day of Whistler Blackcomb to get his advice on the skis you need for the big hills.

Whistler Insider: Yosuke, what’s the best kind of ski for a competent freerider just looking to enjoy a few days of ripping around Whistler Blackcomb?

Yosuke: Here in the Pacific Northwest, I think the best all-around ski is Sammy Carlson’s Armada White Walker. Skiers from the Rockies or out east might be used to skis with a thinner tail, which is great for drier powder or smaller dumps, but out here we ride a ski with a wider tail to keep us parallel to the ground underneath while we hover on the top pow layer. Rather than leaning back to get the pow you can just kick down in the heel and the ski handles it naturally. It’s almost like a hydrofoil.

 

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So yeah, if you have a ski with a double rocker, fat on both ends, bring that. And if not, we have good skis here we can rent or sell you to experience what the locals are riding.

This winter marks TMC’s 30th anniversary, and they’re celebrating with two sets of celebration skis featuring Yosuke’s art on the topsheet. There’s a limited-edition Armada White Walker called the “Whis Walker” as well as a limited-edition Faction Prodigy 2.

The Battle of the (Ski) Boot — FanatykCo

Another old-school, legendary ski shop FanatykCo Whistler opened in 1996 and quickly became a local favourite ski/mountain bike base camp. While they have plenty of skis for any style (from carver/race shapes up to ultra-fat pow hogs) The FanatykCo crew also has a reputation for being among the best boot fitters in town. We caught up with co-founder Scott Humby to talk ski boots.

 

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Whistler Insider: You see thousands of visiting skiers each season, what’s the number one boot issue people come here with?

Scott: The most common thing is a lot of people have boots that are too big for their feet. A lot of shops in other places, instead of working on a boot that maybe has some toe pressure, they’ll just put a person in a bigger boot until they don’t feel anything. That makes for sore toes and less control of their skis, which means less fun. Especially out here where we can get deep or heavier pow. Most people don’t realize if you are banging your toes and getting black toenails, it’s usually because your boots are too big and your foot is sliding around, not the other way around.

Whistler Insider: How do you help these people out?

Scott: If the boots are an appropriate size, we can bolster them to make them fit better. We do custom footbeds and aftermarket trim-to-fit footbeds that are better than the stock insoles. We can do custom padding if a boot is a bit loose, we can augment the liner to give the boot a more secure perch inside the shell. We have boot heaters, Intuition liners and zip-fit liners. Every person is different, but we do everything we can to make them more comfortable, so they feel more confident as a skier.

Whistler Insider: What are the hot boots this year?

Scott: Right now it’s kind of a tie between Technica and Nordica. These two brands have their boot construction super-dialled with good heel hold. They also use Primaloft in their liners to add warmth. The Nordicas even have a sheet of natural cork on the outside of the liner to hug the contours even more. The right fit is integral to a good day on the hill.

And there we have it. The insider info from long-time local experts. Of course, these are just a few of the many shops and service techs ready to help ensure anyone enjoys their trip to Whistler—in the Village or up the hills. So don’t be afraid to wander the stroll and explore (but maybe get those Van’s boots first.)

One final note, many Whistler shops have their own branded toques that happen to be the best toques in town! A toque is essential Whistler fashion (and don’t you dare call it a “beanie” in Canada), so you may as well get one that is only available here. The perfect (useful) souvenir!

The post The Best Boards, Boots, Skis and Gear for Whistler Winters appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

1. The Gift of Skiing or Snowboarding

You can spin this gift of experience multiple ways depending on the recipient’s skill level. New to skiing? Buy them lift tickets or a lesson. More experience? They might like to level up with a two-day women-only camp or extreme skiing or riding lessons. And while we’re talking sliding on snow, there are options for Nordic skiers as well – how about sending them out to try biathlon?

2. The Gift of Rest & Relaxation

Know someone who needs to unwind? Book them in for a massage, a deeply relaxing spa treatment, or even a multi-class yoga pass and contribute to their health and wellbeing. They’ll definitely thank you for it when they come back to earth.

3. The Gift of Adventure

Sometimes, people need a little encouragement to discover their wild side. Maybe they’ve always wanted to bungee jump, but never found the courage to do it. Or maybe they’ve never been to the mountains, and you think they might like to see the snow-covered forest as well as the village, whether it’s from a zipline, a snowmobile or a bobsleigh. There’s a bucketload of adventures to choose from with everything from laid-back to adrenaline-fuelled tours on offer.

4. The Gift of Food & Drink

Whistler has an internationally renowned dining scene with award-winning restaurants like Wild Blue, Araxi and Bearfoot Bistro. Why not treat someone to a decadent meal out, nachos and a Caesar at après, or even a trip to the Bearfoot’s Vodka Ice Room?

5. The Gift of Choice

Gift certificates aren’t an easy option, they’re the ultimate option. These gift certificates for Whistler.com can be used on items #1- 3 above as well as holiday essentials like accommodation and transport. Less thinking for the gifter, more choice for the giftee – just be sure to read the terms and conditions so you know what’s in the package.

Ho ho ho and Happy Holidays! For more about Christmas and New Year’s in Whistler, visit Whistler.com.

The post Give the Gift of a Whistler Experience appeared first on The Whistler Insider.

But we haven’t talked about après ice cream! Or après tater tots.

Because much like every winter storm (and season) each après is unique, with their own personalities and adventures within. Après ski is also, according to Oprah’s professional matchmaker, the best place to fall in love with a new partner, but that’s hard to quantify. So let’s talk… ice cream! 

Ice Cream for Après

“Getting ice cream is a smart call after any number of things, not just skiing,” explains Kevin Yeung, a Vancouver/Whistler skier whose son, Bear, races with the Whistler Mountain Ski Club. “But ice cream in the winter just feels a bit more celebratory,” He adds. “It’s a great way to celebrate the day with my son. He isn’t going to join me for a cocktail, but he’s always ready for ice cream. And so am I.” 

And so is science. Ice cream melts more slowly in winter temperatures, so you get to savour it for longer.  And the undisputed—and longstanding—ruler of savouring après-ski ice cream is Whistler’s Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Locally founded in 1988, Rocky Mountain Chocolate went on to open 45 locations across Canada, but that original Whistler spot still stands just a quick shuffle away from the Village bases of both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.   

Kevin’s first ski trip to Whistler was in 2009, just before he got married. Bear was born in 2010 and the family has been skiing regularly since 2016 staying at the Crystal Lodge, which has a great central location to access the slopes (and the ice cream).

“I love Whistler’s vibrant community, filled with adventurers from around the world who have made it their home – some just for a season, others for a lifetime.”

For après in Whistler, however, location isn’t everything. Certainly, the slopeside favourite “Big Four”, Longhorn, Dusty’s, Merlin’s and the GLC, have dialled in their après experiences to legit world-famous levels (mostly thanks to The Hairfarmers), but there’s always value in venturing a bit off the beaten path too… 

Tater-Tots for Après

Just down the Village Stroll (and technically closer to some of the day skier parking lots than the big four après spots) Stinky’s on the Stroll is a local’s favourite (and kid-friendly) sports bar that celebrates the lesser-known tradition of tater-tot après.

Established in 2019 by longtime favourite local Jeremy “Stinky” Peterson, knows the allure of a proper serving of tater tots. Stinky’s has perogie tots, tater poutine (add Montreal smoked meat for bonus street cred) tater nachos and plain taters with dips. 

“Whistler was built by people who were not afraid to venture off the beaten path,” Peterson says, “so why not go a bit further into the Village to find a new—and less crowded—après experience? I promise it’s worth it.” 

And fear not, Stinky’s is just a name – it smells fine in there. The other thing kids (and parents) love about Stinky’s is its proximity to the Whistler Olympic Plaza, home to ice skating (late November to March) and the very popular snowbank sledding Snow Zone. (Sliding around on snowbanks is a time-honoured Canadian tradition kids would do before, during, and after school. In fact, snowbank fun may be the original kid après experience.)  

Vintage Camper Cocktails for Après

Breaking from the beaten path can also reward families with après s’mores! The Braidwood Tavern, at the Four Seasons Whistler, features a s’mores wagon, and fire pit, plus a cool bar built into a vintage camper.  

And while the Big Four après spots often focus on those cold beers, the Four Seasons is also a hotspot for Whistler’s always-evolving cocktail après scene. In fact, when he’s not après-ing with his son, Yeung can often be found saddling up to the bar at the Whistler Four Seasons, discussing the finer points of mixology with the bar staff. 

In fact, Kevin recruited his friend and ex-Four Seasons bartender Rob Kharazmi to join the team at Audécious, a Whistler-founded pesticide-free vodka company, so apres-ski drink sessions can also count as product development. Kev says the “Spritz Moritz” is an off-menu favourite and that he…

“…loves après cocktails because they celebrate the artistry of the bartender mixed with the mood of my friends. And after a great day on the hill, it’s like tasting a live performance custom-made to suit your needs at that moment. Life is too short to limit your apres to the same beer or wine.”   

Nearby, at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s Mallard Lounge, the après margaritas pair perfectly with live music and truffle fries. In Whistler Village, The Raven Room team is always ready to mix up a creative libation. Down the road in Whistler Creekside, Cure Lounge at Nita Lake Lodge serves craft cocktails in one of Whistler’s most tranquil settings – overlooking frozen Nita Lake. Cocktail après culture is definitely on the rise.

Whether it’s ice cream, cocktails, tater tots or pizza (check out the après/pizza scene at HandleBar!), Whistler après is yours to discover, or create. Just don’t be afraid to try something different.  

The post Ice Cream for Après? And Other Whistler Après Ideas appeared first on The Whistler Insider.