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

WHISTLER: BLACKCOMB MOUNTAIN OPEN TILL MAY 28 29Mar12

• This Feed has been moved to Pitch Engine - Updated Feed Link
  
  Get all your Whistler Blackcomb Media News and Updates from our new Pitch Engine ... Wed 08 Jun 11
• Whistler Blackcomb Checks Into Geo Location With a Custom Foursquare Badge
  
  January 20, 2011 – Whistler Blackcomb is "checking into" the geo location world with an official Whistler Blackcomb Foursquare Badge. The digital keepsake can be obtained when Foursquare users check into any Whistler Blackcomb location. In total ... Thu 20 Jan 11
• Blake Jorgenson Named King of Storms at Deep Winter Photo Challenge, Presented by ARC'TERYX, Whistler Blackcomb
  
  January 17, 2011 – Robin O'Neill takes 2nd, Andrew Strain 3rd and Ilja Herb wins Best in Show. Iconic Whistler photographer Blake Jorgenson took home the King of Storms title at the fifth annual Deep Winter Photo Challenge, presented by ARC'TERYX ... Mon 17 Jan 11
• GORE-TEX Deep Winter Experience Week Storms into Whistler January 8-16, 2011
  
  January 4, 2011 – ARC'TERYX Deep Winter Photo Challenge Returns as Marquee Event January 15. January in Whistler is storm season, which means plenty of snow and deep powder days on the mountains. The GORE-TEX Deep Winter Experience celebrates storm ... Tue 04 Jan 11
• Ski for Free at Whistler Blackcomb During Annual Santa Day
  
  December 13, 2010 – Whistler Blackcomb's annual "Dress like Santa Day" takes place this Sunday, December 19. A free lift ticket will be awarded to the first 50 people to arrive at the base of Whistler Mountain in full Santa or Mrs. Claus attire. To ... Mon 13 Dec 10
• Whistler Blackcomb Tops Annual Resort Rankings
  
  December 10, 2010 – Whistler Blackcomb claims top spot in Condé Nast Traveler, FREESKIER Magazine, and Outside Magazine. Consistently ranked as No. 1, Whistler Blackcomb tops mountain resort rankings once again this season. Whistler Blackcomb ... Fri 10 Dec 10

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Weather & conditions

• Ante-Up TTR World Tour Kickoff on Whistler Mountain - July 1, 2011
  
  Billabong Ante Up is the marquee kickoff event for the 2011-2012 TTR World Tour snowboard event, taking place Canada Day, July 1st, 2011 at Whistler Blackcomb at the top of the Whistler Village Gondola near the Roundhouse Lodge. The day will ... Fri 17 Jun 11
• Blackcomb Glacier Skiing and Riding is on. June 18th to July 24th, 2011
  
  Glaicer is season is back on Blackcomb Mountain. Upload between 11am and 1:30pm at the Wizard Express at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. Public Park is ready with some features in the public lane. Be sure to check out Camp of Champions and ... Fri 17 Jun 11

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