from
WorldWeb Travel Guide
The resort of Whistler
Blackcomb, with ski runs and lifts on both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains,
is ranked among the world’s best. Add to this local hiking trails, golf courses,
campsites, bike trails, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural scenery
and Whistler becomes
a year-round, multiple-attraction tourist destination.
In the information below,
WorldWeb Travel Guide offers tips
and details on a large and varied selection of places to stay in Whistler
with an emphasis on the areas of Whistler Village, Whistler Creek, the Upper
Village, Village North, and Nicklaus North/Alpine. As well, information is provided
on Whistler’s lowest vacancy dates and suggested booking times for accommodation.
Useful Accommodation Links for Whistler
Whistler Village, the Upper
Village, and Village North are all very close – in fact, strolling distance
for the average visitor. The restaurants,
nightlife,
and shopping
in any one of these different areas can be enjoyed, regardless of your accommodation
location. Even the outlying areas of Whistler Creek and Nicklaus North/Alpine
are included in all that is offered in the main village areas since they are
only a five-minute drive away. Without a car, Whistler is still accessible as
it is serviced by Whistler’s taxi companies
and public
transit system.
SEASONS AND BOOKING TIMES
The ski season in Whistler
starts in November and runs to June, dependent on the weather. From May to October
golf is in season at the four golf courses in and around Whistler – three in
the immediate vicinity and one in nearby Pemberton.
It is possible to find last-minute
accommodation at Whistler throughout the year, even during busy weekends and
holidays. However, if there is a particular accommodation that you would like,
booking a minimum of one to four weeks ahead of time is recommended.
SLOPE-SIDE ACCOMMODATION
During the ski season, a stay
at slope-side accommodation means that it is possible to have ski-in and ski-out
privileges. With ski-in and ski-out, slip into your skis or snowboard at the
entrance of your accommodation and head straight to the gondolas and lifts for
the day. At the end of the day, ski to your front door for warmth, comfort,
and apres ski activities. In order to be sure, confirm that your accommodation
offers these privileges when booking.
ACCOMMODATION AREAS
| |
 |
| |
Whistler
Accommodation Areas |
Whistler Village
Whistler
Village lies at the base of Whistler Mountain, offering immediate access to
both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Whistler Mountain is accessible via the
Fitzsimmons Express chairlift or the Whistler Mountain gondola while Blackcomb
Mountain is available via the Excalibur Gondola. Some accommodation options
in Whistler Village are slope-side.
Also, Whistler Village lies
adjacent to Whistler
Golf Club, allowing easy access for golfers during the golf season.
Whistler Creek
Four kilometers (2.5 mi) south of Whistler Village along Highway
99, Whistler Creek also offers slope-side accommodation. Access to Whistler
Mountain is available via the Creekside Gondola.
The Upper Village
Adjacent to Whistler Village, the Upper Village sits at the
base of Blackcomb Mountain. Blackcomb Mountain is accessible directly from the
Upper Village via Magic Chair and the Wizard Express high-speed chairlift. Slope-side
access is available from some accommodation within the Upper Village.
As well during the golf season, the Upper Village allows easy
access to the Chateau
Whistler Golf Club.
Village North
Adjacent to the north of Whistler Village is Village North.
Village North does not offer slope-side accommodation, however it is only a
short walk or free shuttle ride to the ski lifts of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.
Of note, Village North provides immediate access to the Lost Lake Trail System
for cross-country skiing.
When in
Village North, restaurants, shopping and nightlife are a step away in Whistler’s
Marketplace and a short stroll away in Whistler Village.
Alpine Meadows
Further
north from Whistler along Highway 99 towards Pemberton, is the more relaxed
area of Alpine Meadows. Accommodation in this area surrounds the Nicklaus
North Golf Course, a course designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus.
While Alpine
Meadows is not in the heart of Whistler, the culinary delights and the excitement
of the Whistler Village area are only a short drive away.
ACCOMMODATION TYPES
A world-class resort town,
Whistler offers all types of mountain
accommodation.
Luxurious living is encouraged
at the hotels,
inns, and lodges
of Whistler. In-room fireplaces, heated outdoor pools, hot tubs, and on-site
restaurants and lounges are commonplace. A number of these apartment-style rooms
contain kitchen facilities. Additionally, full spa facilities are offered at
some of the resort
complexes including massage therapy, aesthetic services, and holistic
care.
The full amenities of home
are provided by a number of rental condominiums,
townhomes, and executive cabins. Kitchen, laundry, and lounge facilities
are offered in self-contained apartments and homes. Many of these types of accommodation
come complete with private hot tubs.
Hot tubs are also common in
the many bed
& breakfasts in Whistler. They offer many, if not all, of the amenities
of rental properties in a shared and home-like environment.
