Staying in Whistler
Whistler has a great holiday vibe. Set among spectacularly beautiful mountains the main Whistler Village center was designed to be car-free. This enables people to easily walk from their Whistler accommodations wherever they want to go and creates a wonderful street atmosphere. The accommodation options are endless, ranging from luxury resorts to private rental homes, condos and apartments. Because of the many adventure activities available in Whistler, it is great to have some flexibility during your stay. For this reason, many visitors choose private Whistler vacation rentals. The rentals are generally well-equipped with all the comforts to make you feel right at home. You can enjoy meals and activities on your own schedule. If you want to take a day off from the trails, you can sit back and enjoy the view from the privacy of your own vacation home.
Getting to and Around Whistler
The nearest commercial airport to Whistler accommodations is Vancouver Airport (YVR). The Sea to Sky Highway is a scenic two-hour drive that links the two destinations. There are regular bus transfers that operate daily from Vancouver airport and several of the city's major hotels. Alternatively, you can hire a car and drive up or enjoy the luxury of a chauffeur-driven limousine. An alternate airport that is four to five hours away is Seattle-Tacoma International airport. Many U.S. visitors prefer to travel through Seattle because it has good connections to other locations in the States. Once in Whistler, you will not need a vehicle to get around. If you are staying in the main village, just about everything is within walking distance--the ski-lifts, restaurants, and grocery and clothing stores. There is also a local bus service you can use to access different ski areas or to simply get across town.
Whistler Winter Activities
In the winter months, Whistler is best known for its incredible skiing and snow activities. The area is a regular host to the Winter Olympics and frequently ranked as the top mountain resort in North America. The average annual snowfall is around 33 feet which provides ample powder for the more than 200 ski trails in the area. In total, the region covers more than 8,100 acres, with snowmobile tracks, cross country skiing, snowboarding and downhill skiing for both beginners and more advanced snowbirds. There are approximately 38 ski lifts that take you to various routes on both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. While the snowfalls are abundant, the daytime winter temperatures are still relatively mild, averaging around -5 degrees Centigrade or 22 degrees Fahrenheit, making for pleasant slope conditions. Another reason that Whistler lodging is so popular is because of the wide variety of après skiing activities available. Spectacular snow acrobatic shows, live entertainment and superb restaurants provide a vibrant atmosphere where you can relax and socialize in the evenings.
Loads of Outdoor Adventures at Whistler Vacation Rentals
Whistler's attraction does not melt with the snow. Visitors come to Whistler throughout the year because there is so much to see and do in the Vancouver Coast & Mountians area. Enthusiastic mountain bikers can explore the miles of fantastic forest trails, with switchbacks, single track and spectacular views. For the fit and adventurous mountain biker, you can spend all week in the saddle. If you'd like to stretch your legs and explore at a more leisurely pace, then stop in at the local info center and find out about the many hiking trails that can be enjoyed with the family. As a treat after spending the day outdoors, you can visit one of the many spas in the village. Enjoy a relaxing hot tub, sauna or massage and feel the aches fade away. For the golfing enthusiast, there are four championship golf courses to choose from. The mountain vistas have been superbly incorporated into the golf course design, making Whistler one of the top-ranked golf destinations in Canada. Signature courses designed by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus will challenge your golfing ability and the stylish club houses provide all the necessary services and amenities.