With over 6ft. of snowfall already this season, and a Canadian currency trading around 1.5 to the US Dollar, Whistler perfects value and idyllic conditions for winter skiing this year. Despite near perfect weather conditions and world-class skiing, Whistler has slowed down with new hoteliers. Sizzling real estate market aside, Four Seasons remains the town's top pick despite its removed Blackcomb location that requires transportation to the Whistler village - and as with many Four Seasons, that's in a communal hotel van. For something closer to town, Pan-Pacific manages two Whistler hotel properties that benefit from many of the style and service accolades shared with their Singapore and Chinese properties.
Dining in Whistler has always managed a few yearly additions come winter, like The Mexican Corner with its quirky fiesta-cool feel or revamped Stoneedge Kitchen that mixes farm-to-table recipes with an urban style you'd find in Vancouver's Yaletown. Nearby along Sundial Place, 21 Steps Kitchen +Bar takes on more of an American brasserie feel with large counter presence that manages its own bar scene after 11pm in the upstairs Attic. A bit more deconstructed in Basalt, a wine and salumerie bistro that's the perfect compliment to those still reveling in the satisfaction of their 2pm après yam fries at Christine's. These newer eateries compete with age-old favorites like Araxi and Bearfoot Bistro that are still the best restaurants in town, as well as Aura Bistro at Nita Lake Lodge that's a bit sleepier come winter's frozen lakefront.
Those visiting for the first time in a few years will discover a mountain that has benefited from numerous improvements, thanks to a parent company with a stock that's currently booming. You'll find all-new cabins on the Whistler Village Gondola and a new frequency identification system that doesn't require you take your lift ticket out of your pocket - just make sure it's not next to your cell phone. On Blackcomb you'll find a fully renovated Rendezvous Lodge with an all new Japanese eatery and a revamped Christine's dining room with new chef, from Vancouver's Hawksworth Restaurant. As for Whistler nightlife, it's still the same story of Tommy Africa for the posh 2am crowd and Maxx Fish or Garfinkel's for snowboarders and their endless micro-brews.
