WHISTLER SKIING HOLIDAYS

Whistler has always been a favourite of the well healed for its huge vertical challenges and the vastness of its ski area offering high open bowls, woodland trails, heli-skiing and of course the Whistler sliding centre for some extra adrenalin fuelled fun. This is definately a four season resort offering much for non skiers and summer visitors alike. The accommodations are luxurious, the restaurants are gourmet international and the spas are simply sublime. Why not consider combining a ski holiday with a stay in the wonderful cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, sometimes described as“Manhatten with Mountains!” Here everything for a first class holiday is at your finger tips. Stunning scenery of sparkling water and majestic mountains, designer shopping, gourmet cuisine, fabulous live entertainment and of course the warmth of the Canadian people. Whistler’s plentiful powder snow, luxury accommodation and marvellous terrain is why visitors feel compelled to book time and again.

The 2010 Winter Olympics did much to put the international resort of Whistler firmly on the map for skiers and winter sports enthusiasts of all levels. Whistler's enviable average snowfall of almost 12 metres elongates the skiing season from November until early May and gives more opportunity for low season availability. Located on the west coast of Canada Whistler has everything a ski destination should, with its dramatic scenery of rough uneven peaks, deep glaciers and dense forests, together with its larger than life après ski and fabulous dining options. As a purpose built resort, it is modern and largely car free with more of a European feel than might be expected. It provides a highly desirable choice of luxurious slope side accommodation offering every amenity expected in a world class resort. Whistler covers some 8,000 acres of pisted mountain, including 12 alpine bowls and 200 marked trails. The lift system includes 5 Gondolas, 7 Quad Express Chairlifts and 9 Triple or Double Chairlifts. This, in addition to the wonderful facility of the Peak2Peak gondola, opened two years prior to the Olympics, The gondola links Whistler Mountain to Blackcomb Mountain over a sweeping valley offering a greater variety of skiing for visitors. This is the longest continuous lift system in the world, almost 440 meters above the valley floor. The beauty of Whistler is that it caters so well for every level of skier. The resort layout is purpose-built and easy to get between ski gear collection and storage spots to the lifts. Ski Instruction: Whistler offers world class ski school for beginners and for skill progression. There are large beginner areas and plenty of green runs to try once you're confident enough to hit the main slopes. And a few of them start from the very top of the mountain, so you'll still get to see the staggering views from the peaks. Ski Guiding: Whistler has its very own Mountain Hosts available daily to show you around the mountain. This Free service is suitable skiers and snowboards but not for beginners. Heli-Skiing: With over 17Km² of powder terrain and over 170 galciers and 475 runs to explore Heli-skiing for the day from Whistler is from the heliport, only a 10 minute drive from Whistler Village. Whistler Heli Skiing has exclusive access to this big mountain terrain, 50 times the size of Whistler Blackcomb Resort itself. Cross Country Skiing: There are 130km of cross country trails between Whistler Olympic Park and Callaghan Country and a further 32km in the Lost Lake Park.

Guide Prices in Whistler Resort: Coffee: $3 Beer: $6 Bottle Wine: $24 Coke: $3 Sandwich: $14 Pizza: $14 Burger and Fries: $14.5

For the fashion conscious skiers and the shopaholics amongst us, there are ample shopping opportunities in the various boutiques, galleries and shops, and for those in need of pampering after a hard day’s skiing, there are many spas to help relax those aching muscles and prepare you for your next day on the mountain. One indulgence not to be missed is the scenic helicopter trip around the area. Why should it just be the daredevil heli-skiers that get to experience these sights? Cosmopolitan Whistler offers much for the whole family whether on or off the snow.