In Whistler, part of the overarching vibe is that life is for living. It’s a place that celebrates a day well spent in the mountains, no matter what kind of adventure that entails. In this video, we catch up with two visitors who have been coming to Whistler for over 20 years. We asked them the simple question: Why? What makes them come back time and time again?
Find out what a winter day in Whistler looks like for Ian and Laura MacNeil, long-term Whistler fans from the United States, who have some tips to share for your mountain trip.
Morning Coffee in Whistler
Ian and Laura like to start their day at Provisions Whistler, located in the heart of Whistler Village on the main stroll. Along with their coffees (made with custom-roasted espresso), they’re fans of the croissants and scones, which are made fresh daily at 5 AM!
Skiing on Whistler Blackcomb
From Provisions, you’re a short walk from the Whistler Village Gondola, Excalibur Gondola and Fitzsimmons 8 Express, which can whisk you onto the mountains for a day skiing the slopes. You can also access Whistler Blackcomb from the Upper Village (base of Blackcomb Mountain) and Creekside Village.
Whistler and Blackcomb mountains are connected by the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola (an 11-minute ride), which gives you 360-degree views of the Coast Mountains while you soar across the valley.
One thing they mention in the video is how the weather is different on the mountain than in the valley, and this is very true. You can check the webcams to get an idea of what’s happening on the slopes; however, Ian and Laura seem to live by the philosophy that any day on the mountain is a good day!
East- and southeast-facing slopes receive sunlight earlier, while west-facing slopes catch more of the afternoon rays, so starting on Whistler Mountain is a good call, with a trip over the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola to Blackcomb Mountain for the afternoon.
Ian & Laura’s Favourite Whistler Blackcomb Ski Runs
Whistler Blackcomb spans 8,171 acres (3,307 hectares) of skiable terrain, making it the largest ski resort in North America. There are over 200 marked runs, 36 lifts, up to 1,609 metres (5,280 feet) of vertical and an average of 10.4 metres (34 feet) of snow a year.
Now, Ian and Laura have been coming here for 20 years, so the runs they mention in the video are of the black variety (advanced skiing); however, over half the runs on Whistler Blackcomb are blue (intermediate) and green (beginner).
Bagel Bowl is on Whistler Mountain, in the alpine terrain on the western side of Whistler Peak, near West Bowl and the Peak to Creek ski run.
- Access: From the Peak Express Chair, follow the Upper Peak to Creek route towards Bagel Bowl
- Difficulty: Black diamond (advanced terrain)
- Known for: Open bowl skiing, particularly enjoyable with fresh snow
Cockalorum, Cream Cheese Ridge and Frog’s Hollow are in the same area.
Spanky’s Ladder is on Blackcomb Mountain, above the Blackcomb Glacier area and is for expert skiers and riders.
- Access: From the top of the Glacier Express Chair, traverse to the base of Spanky’s Ladder, then hike up the steep bootpack
- Difficulty: Double black diamond (expert terrain). Spanky’s Ladder itself is an access hike rather than a conventional ski run
- Known for: Steep, challenging alpine skiing, powder snow and access to the four Gemstone Bowls: Garnet, Ruby, Diamond and Sapphire.
- Good to know: The terrain includes cliffs, rocks and variable snow conditions. It’s for experienced skiers and snowboarders, and access is subject to avalanche control and terrain closures.
Where to Stop for Lunch on the Mountain
Ian and Laura go for the high-end option in the video – Christine’s. This full-service restaurant is on Blackcomb Mountain inside the Rendezvous Lodge, and has incredible views over the valley below.
The food is elevated classics like a smash burger with Canadian Angus beef, a BC Steelhead bowl and the Christine’s Salad, packed with locally grown produce. If you enjoy sharing your food, the charcuterie board is a great option, with the featured cured meats coming from nearby Squamish. They also have a great wine list for that longer lunch!
Other Whistler Blackcomb Food Options
On Blackcomb Mountain, Glacier Creek Lodge offers a pasta bar, ramen, tacos, and beautifully battered fish and chips. On Whistler, the Roundhouse Lodge offers burgers, hot dogs, curries, chilli, chicken strips and fries at the Mountain Market location, and coffees and baked treats at the Cappuccino Bar.
Steeps, Whistler’s fine-dining option, has a new menu rooted in Pacific Northwest cuisine, and is offering Caviar and Champagne service on the patio. We also love a Caesar at the Umbrella Bar (that’s kind of a drink and a meal?)!
On-Mountain Events
Ian and Laura are the kind of people who can find a party anywhere (or start one), but Whistler Blackcomb likes to throw a few too! Last season, US DJ John Summit played a set for free on Whistler Mountain, and you’ll often find DJs knocking out the tunes from the booths at the main hubs on the mountain.
Après-Ski in Whistler
Dusty’s Bar & BBQ is a legendary après-ski spot in Whistler Creekside, with roots dating back to 1969 when it first opened as L’Après. Renamed Dusty’s in 1983 after a taxidermied bucking bronco that became its mascot, the bar quickly became famous for its live music and après-ski scene.
The Hairfarmers are also a Whistler institution, and Ian and Laura are suggesting you combine the two. The legendary musical duo of “Guitar Doug” Craig and “Grateful Greg” Reamsbottom met while performing at a wedding. They formed The Hairfarmers in 1999 and have since become synonymous with Whistler’s après-ski scene, entertaining crowds with their energetic mix of rock, country, folk and everything in between.
Non-Ski Activities in Whistler
“There are no excuses – you could do something every day!” – Ian.
One of the most unique things about Whistler is the amount of activities you can do here, whatever the weather. And talking of unique, Ian and Laura mention the Scandinave Spa Whistler, which is located on the edges of Lost Lake. Guests go on a thermal journey using the outdoor hot pools, cold plunges, saunas, steams and solariums while basking in the beauty of their surroundings.
If slowing down isn’t your style, there’s snowmobiling, ice climbing, bobsleigh and skeleton, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. For inside-based fun, the Audain Art Museum and Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre are must-visits, shows at the Maury Young Arts Centre, dance and yoga classes, racquet sports, axe throwing, a climbing wall and even a pirate ship (that’s part of Escape! Whistler).
Why Keep Coming to Whistler?
“It’s my happy place!” – Laura.
They highlight the world-class experiences and how the mountains and community have evolved to offer visitors more and more. Laura mentions the number of activities and how there are people here from all over the world.
Chat to the lifties, servers, baristas – they’ll have stories to tell and likely a few tips for you! What brings people together in Whistler is a shared love of the outdoors and adventure; it’s fertile ground for some great conversations.
Plan Your Own Ski Day in Whistler
Every person’s trip to Whistler is different. Ian and Laura have got it pretty dialled in after travelling here for 20 years, but I’d guess it’s evolved, just like your repeat visits will. Once you’ve got a taste for Whistler’s lust-for-life vibe, it’s hard not to come back. I should know; I also came here two decades ago for “one ski season”.
Lean on the travel consultants at Whistler.com to help you plan and book your trip. Not only can they get you some of the best deals around, but as Whistler locals, they can give you that insider knowledge so you can plan your best days in the mountains.
See you on the slopes this year, and perhaps for the next 20!
