Whistler/Blackcomb, Canada

Resort life

Whistler is a paradoxical paradise with extreme being the word, attracting anything from the likes of Timberlake and Diaz to hoards of Kokanee-swigging Aussies living the dream and 'doing a season'. On the surface, it appears hellishly expensive, and can be so, but dig deeper and the friendly locals will point you to the good spots to ride, eat, party and purchase. There are dozens of high-profile shops and some cool local establishments: Showcase, Evolution and the Circle are thriving snowboard shops with knowledgable, easygoing staff. Whistler is also home to dozens of bars and restaurants, 2 movie theatres, ice skating and swimming at Meadow Park, and an indoor climbing wall and tennis courts. All amentiies are within easy walking distance including the lifts accessing both mountains.

Eating

Locals frequent cafes such as Ingrid's, Gone Bakery and Behind the Grind for hearty, homemade soups and snacks. Java and Samaurai Sushi at Nesters Mall are great local hangouts if you have wheels (or are staying at the Shoestring Lodge). On the cheap but nasty side, Whistler hides McDonald's and KFC in it's Marketplace, alternatively, meat eaters should pop around the corner to Splitz Grill for the best burger in town.

Higher on the price ladder, do not leave Whistler without a visit to Sushi Village, eternal local favourite and as famous for its strawberry sake margs as its scrumptious menu. La Bocca is funky and fresh with a great patio and expensive but amazing extremes are Araxi and Bearfoot Bistro.

When riding, avoid the ludicrously-overpriced junk on-mountain. Ride to the village for lower cost and way better quality.

Nightlife

Nightlife begins at Apres. Worth checking out in the village are GLC featuring chilled live DJs, vaulted windows overlooking the slopes and a huge logfire. Amsterdam Cafe caters for a funky young crowd and Citta and Crystal Lounge are cool places to chill  with some nachos and the odd hockey game.

The Longhorn and Merlins can be a laugh, often housing fur-clad skiers in ridiculous headgear playing party games under instruction of local character and musician 'Guitar Doug'. In the Creek, Dusty's is the place to go.

After dark, the options are varied: again GLC rates highly, with local and international DJs spinning music such as hip hop and drum 'n' bass. Local hip hop legend Mat the Alien (from Bury no less!) plays weekly at Moe Joe's, a locals favourite night. Try Thursday's at Garfinkels for an evening of cheesy drunken debauchery or Tommy's for a young, clubby dance crowd or hideous 80's night on a Monday. Buffalo Bills is where the over-30s head. It's a notorious cougar hangout, watch out boys!

Accomodation

Accommodation in general is expensive but top quality, with outdoor pools and hot tubs the norm even at mid-price places. Whistler has the most ski-in-ski-out accommodation of any resort in North America, ranging from the royally expensive Chateau Whistler and recently opened 5-star Four Seasons, to Hostelling International on Alta Lake and the Shoestring Lodge at Nesters.

With over 2 million annual visitors, rooms in all areas fill quickly, so book early to avoid disappointment. Decent mid-price hotels include the Coast Whistler and Blackcomb Lodge. Most places offer deals late and early season - take advantage of this to experience the World Ski and Snowboard Festival in April, with often surprisingly good snow conditions.

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Resort News

• With record snowfall and technical approval, Whistler Blackcomb and VANOC are games-ready
  
  With the backdrop of a record snowfall and the blessing of international ski officials, the finishing touches are being applied over the next 16 days to the Olympic alpine ski racing venue. Whistler Blackcomb, host venue for the men's and women's ... Thu 28 Jan 10
• HEAVY SNOWFALL HAMMERS WHISTLER BLACKCOMB WITH 70 CENTIMETRES / 28 INCHES FALLING IN 24 HOURS
  
  The latest storm to hit Whistler Blackcomb has dumped a whopping 70 centimetres or 28 inches in 24 hours, immersing the resort in deep winter conditions. Although the heavy snow and high winds prevented a number of lifts from opening today, the ... Sat 16 Jan 10
• Jordan Manley crowned 'King of Storms' third year in a row at 4th Annual Deep Winter Photo Challenge, presented by Arc'teryx
  
  For three years in a row Jordan Manley has taken top spot at the Deep Winter Photo Challenge, presented by Arc’teryx. His style and skill behind the lens was most impressive with his epic powder shots, unique angels, tree climbing and underwater ... Tue 12 Jan 10
• Whistler Blackcomb’s Kids, Ride Tribe and Private Programs to Utilize flaik GPS Technology this Winter Season
  
  flaik GPS provides real-time tracking information for additional safety while giving Whistler Blackcomb’s youngest guests a chance to track their day on the mountains. This season, Whistler Blackcomb is outfitting guests of the Whistler Kids, Ride ... Thu 17 Dec 09
• One Year Anniversary Of PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola Grand Opening Chalks Up A Year Of High Points
  
  Discovery Channel Canada to air PEAK 2 PEAK documentary December 23. December 12, 2009 marks the one-year anniversary of the grand opening of Whistler Blackcomb’s world record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. In just one short year the gondola has ... Mon 14 Dec 09
• Bloggers will act as window to the world of Whistler Blackcomb
  
  Friday, December 11, 2009 – Starting today, living vicariously through the life of a real Whistler local just got easier with the launch of Whistler Blackcomb’s Blogs. Featuring five individuals, each blog will provide an up-to-date and personal ... Fri 11 Dec 09

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• Saturday January 9, 2010- Receive A Complimentary Red Bull Energy Shot
  
  Red Bull Energy Shots are the perfect answer for those times when you need sustained energy for hours in a sip. Pass and Card holders plus full day lift ticket holders will receive a complimentary sample of the new Red Bull Energy shot at the base ... Fri 08 Jan 10

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Weather & conditions

• Terrain Parks Report by Brian Finestone - March 9, 2010
  
  Parks photos and a new Terrain Park Report posted by Brian Finestone posted in the Parks Section. Ski And Snowboard Cross Presented By Powerade goes off this weekend on Blackcomb. Follow our Twitter updates @whistlerparks. ... Wed 10 Mar 10
• Latest Terrain Parks Highlight Video - January 2010
  
  Park Riders and Skiers, check out the Terrain Parks latest video: January Highlights. Stepped Up - New features, jibs and jumps. Check out the action in the Nintendo Terrain Parks at Whistler Blackcomb. Video by: Nick Hickling. Music: F*RNR The ... Sun 31 Jan 10
• Latest Terrain Parks Highlight Video now Online plus new Photos
  
  Park Riders and Skiers, check out the Terrain Parks latest video: December Highlights. Jump Line highlights and jibs from both Whistler and Blackcomb Terrain Parks. Music Track: Take a Minute to Think by Western Union. Edit by: Nick Hickling. ... Sun 03 Jan 10
• Whistler Blackcomb Terrain Parks
  
  Hey Park riders, Finestone here with a Holiday Park update. It has been a stellar week with a perfect temperature inversion keeping the valley snow cold for after hour urban sessions while the Parks are all warm and sunny with ideal snow ... Wed 30 Dec 09
• Whistler Blackcomb Terrain Parks
  
  There's been lots of activity on both Whistler and Blackcomb. Check out the new picnic table culvert combo, super fun tree bonk plus a new Cougar park line on Whistler. Blackcomb has opened the Terrain Garden and added new features and jumps on ... Sat 26 Dec 09
• Terrain Parks Highlight Video for November
  
  Park Riders and Skiers, check out the Terrain Parks latest video: November Highlights. Featuring jibs and jumps from the Blackcomb Terrain Park and Highest Level Park. ... Mon 14 Dec 09

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