Whistler: Where to go, stay, eat

Whistler is one of the world

By Seattle Mag December 31, 1969

Category: Winter Olympics Guide

 

By Amanda Ross, Neal McLennan, Deanna Duff, Cynthia Nims, Nick O’Connell and Virginia Smyth, with Alexis Morley and Jacquie Perez
Photos by Graham Winterbottom

A premier resort area long before being awarded the 2010 Games, Whistler has recently added new venues, a spectacular gondola and other amenities. You’ll have to wait a few weeks to experience the thrill of skiing the downhill run (Whistler Mountain opens Thanksgiving weekend; cross-country venues, slightly later), but there’s plenty to see and do now. No need to wait until February to catch Olympic fever.

STAY
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With Whistler positioned as one of the world’s premier ski resorts, it’s no surprise that accommodations are at every turn—from high-end luxury to rustic old-school lodges. An important choice is where to stay: Walking distance to the lifts? Close to Blackcomb? Near the Creekside gondola? Here’s help navigating the choices.

src=http://\/\/seattlemag.com/files/image/main/LARGE/WHIST_nitalake_horiz.jpgCreekside:
Nita Lake Lodge One of Whistler’s newest properties is by Creekside, a quieter alternative to Whistler’s main Village area, and in the thick of the Olympic action: Several races will end at the base of the Creekside gondola. The luxury boutique lodge overlooks picturesque Nita Lake. Rooms and suites include amenities like heated stone floors, generous soaking tubs and floor-to-ceiling fireplaces. 2131 Lake Placid Road; 888.755.6482; nitalakelodge.com; from $159

Blackcomb Mountain:
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
It’s all about luxury at one of Whistler’s premier hotels located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. That, and easy access to golf in the summer and slopes in the winter. Throw in a health club (spa, pools, sauna), tennis courts, valet services, rooms from standard to superlative, and you’ll never want to stay anywhere else. 4599 Chateau Blvd.; 604.938.8000; fairmont.com; from $149

Whistler Village:
Adara Hotel
Quirky is one way to describe the Adara, because who would expect such contemporary design (note the resin antlers in the lobby) in a ski-area hotel? Modern furnishings are combined with a neutral palette and playful punches of color. Rooms and suites are available in this hotel, tucked into a quiet corner of the Village. 4122 Village Green; 604.905.4009; adarahotel.com; from $144

Blackcomb Lodge & Spa

One of Whistler’s original properties, Blackcomb’s location—in the heart of the Village—can’t be beat. Rooms have a soothing color palette, and accommodation configurations include a traditional hotel room, studio or studio with loft—the latter two choices include full kitchens. 4553 Blackcomb Way; 888.403.4727; whistlerblackcomb.com; from $99

When a Hotel Won’t Do
If you’re not looking for daily cleaning or room service, renting a condo or house gives you space to spread out (and a kitchen). Check a resort map to pinpoint the property’s location, since some descriptions stretch the definition of “within easy walking distance to gondola” or “ski-in, ski-out.” The Tourism Whistler Web site’s accomm

 

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