Canada offers a completely different skiing experience from Europe, with wide, open slopes, minimal queuing and typically a long season running from November to June in many provinces. ‘Our Canadian suppliers also have some unbelievable deals for this season,’ says Carla Murphy, one of our ski specialists, ‘especially for my all-time favourite resort – Whistler.’ Our members can currently enjoy up to 75 per cent off accommodation at the resort so call the Travel team to take advantage of this opportunity.
With slopes to suit all abilities, fantastic après-ski and a wide range of restaurants, it’s easy to understand why this world-class resort hosted last year’s Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games. Whistler’s long and wide groomed pistes, deep bowls of powder and the extraordinary Peak to Peak Gondola – connecting the Blackcomb and Whistler mountains in less than 15 minutes – mean that the choices for skiing are endless.
‘Whistler’s a small town, but somewhere I always recommend to members looking for an alternative to Europe’s ski resorts. I’ve spent several seasons here and love it for its innovative attitude – it is constantly looking to improve the experience of its guests. Its restaurants and après-ski venues are as much of a reason to visit as its mountains, meaning you can ski and party non-stop for an entire week. This is a particularly Canadian form of hedonism: everyone’s really very friendly. You’ll make new friends every morning on the ski lift and every evening at the bar.’
Carla Murphy, ski specialist at lifestyle concierge
What we can do for members in Whistler
- Organise heli-skiing, the ultimate back-country experience.
- For non-skiers or snowboarders in your group, arrange for private lessons with dedicated, patient professional instructors – or an extensive itinerary of alternative activities, from spa days to designer shopping.
- Arrange all the logistics – from lift tickets to equipment hire – ahead of time so that you can hit the slopes straight away. If you’re bringing your own kit, we can get it sent ahead so you don’t have to drag skis around the airports.
- Book Whistler’s most exclusive après-ski itinerary – a table at Araxi for dinner, followed by drinks at the Mallard Lounge.
What we can’t do
- Make it snow. But there are plenty of snow machines, so even if it is unseasonably warm, some trails will always be open. You can even ski on a glacier in June and July.
Set your sights
Whether you’re looking to ski off-piste or just soak up the vibe in a hot tub, our experts will draw on their knowledge of Whistler to design a bespoke itinerary that will help you make the most of your visit. Look beyond the trails, too – skiing and snowboarding is the priority, but there’s much to see and do beyond the standard ski resort fare. Tour the Whistler Brewing Company, explore native culture at the Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre, or watch the landscape flash past from a snowmobile. The resort now has its own app for smartphones, meaning you can track your day with GPS and keep up to date with conditions.
Seize the day
Take control and see Whistler the way you want to.
Morning: ‘My top tip for Whistler is to get a Fresh Tracks ticket,’ suggests Carla. ‘These allow a lucky 650 people up on the slopes early in the morning, before the rest of the lifts officially open. Guests are treated to a hearty breakfast before a cowbell is rung and everyone rushes out to get the first tracks of the day. You might be lining up at an unearthly hour, but carving the first clean lines of the day before anyone else is an unforgettable experience.’
Lunch: There’s no need to come down the mountain when there are numerous excellent restaurant options on the slopes. Go for fondue at Christine’s, which offers white tablecloth surroundings but welcomes diners decked out in ski gear.
Afternoon: Garibaldi Lift Company is by far the best place for après-ski. Non-skiers can partake in one of the many other unique outdoor activities in Whistler. Children will love the Coca Cola Tube Park with its eight lanes to zoom down, and there is also snowmobiling, husky sledging, cross-country skiing and hiking, and the village’s cinema, art galleries and boutique shops.
Dinner: Bearfoot is widely regarded as Whistler’s best restaurant. Start with the freshest Pacific oysters and champagne at the glowing pewter bar, before moving on to a corner table in the sultry, low-lit dining room. You can’t get more local, or exquisite, than the caribou chop.
Show: Garfinkel’s is the place for live music. We’ll be honest – it’s pretty rowdy. But it’s the best spot for world-class acts and DJs. Best enjoyed in a private booth away from the crush – ask us to book you one.
Nightcap: The Mallard Lounge and Terrace is the most charming spot for a drink. Relax your tired limbs in a soft leather chair, or step out on to the patio to stand by a fire pit and take in the stars. It doesn’t get more romantic than this.
A few of the packages our members currently have access to
Four Seasons Whistler (5*)
- Two people sharing a Resort King Room
- £1,379 per person
- Double room upgrade to Deluxe
Hilton Whistler Resort (4*)
- Two people sharing a Hilton Room
- £1,379 per person
Tantalus Resort Lodge (3*)
- Four people sharing two bedroom suites
- £1,129 per person
- $50 grocery voucher included
We can also offer
- Children aged between six and 12 get free ski rental (when with one paying adult)
- Save up to 45 per cent on lift tickets (if you book by 15 November)
- Save up to 40 per cent on equipment rental (if you book by 15 November)
- Fantastic discounts on ski and snowboard school
