Whistler differs from most “Rocky Mountain resorts” in several other ways.  First, it’s more humid than dry since it is located near the Pacific Ocean.  It is also at a comparatively lower altitude – the Village is only 2300’ above sea level and the highest ski peak is at 7400’ (about the same as parking lots in downtown Aspen).  As a result, few visitors suffer from ‘altitude sickness’ the first few days while their bodies adjust to thin air. 
 

The layout of the sprawling development is well planned and very organized – visualize the Whistler Village complex at the base of two towering mountains and as the central point of the vast ski resort.  Most everything in the Village is only a 10 to 15 minute walk away, meaning you don't need to hire or rent a car to ski, shop, or dine. 
 

Upper Village with the huge Chateau Whistler Hotel Resort is a 10 minute walk across the creek through a pretty covered bridge.  Nearby neighborhoods holding villas, condos, and apartments are only a bus ride or short drive away.  Creekside is another development about a 5 minute drive or ride from the main village and has it’s own gondola link to Whistler Mountain. 

Visitors have a huge choice of places to stay – in the village or ski-in/ski-out accommodations on the slope or being perched in a villa on the side of a mountain in a quiet, scenic neighborhood. 
 

The Village shops offer a variety of ski wear & equipment, tourist trinkets, a few art galleries, and stores full t-shirts and sweatshirts embellished with Whistler logos.  Those looking for high fashion, lots of designer jewelry, fancy apres-ski wear, and world famous art will not find it here (try Aspen or Jackson Hole instead!).  Some cute specialty stores can be found such as The Hat Gallery, a shop that had hats of every kind and color.  I couldn't resist buying the gray one, daughter Corinne thought her feathery chapeau was just perfect. 
 

For the ultimate “outback” skiing experience, go Heli-skiing!  No lift lines, no crowds, just bright white fluffy snow waiting for your group to arrive and make fresh tracks in the powder!  Four of our group, Nick (on his telemark skis), Jeff, Kara, and Kenny spent a day Heli-skiing.  They are the tall ones standing in front of the 'copter below. 
 

We’ve been to Whistler five times – once with a group of five couples and then returned with our family of 8 (our three kids and spouses) which increased to 10 with the arrival of twins for our last visits. 

On our first trip, we stayed in “Blueberry” hill at nice, inexpensive condos on a residential street about a 10 minute drive to the lifts.  We rented two vans for our group of 5 couples to provide transportation to the slopeside parking lots.  However, the non-skiers had to take the buses to the village that I found a little inconvenient (and cold standing around waiting for the bus to arrive). 
 
The next four times we stayed at the Carleton Lodge that is about 50 steps from the two gondolas and 20 steps from some of the the village shops!  How convenient for everyone and all of us were quite satisfied with the central location.  The Carlton condos, of course, cost more than being in one of Whistler's neighborhoods, but far less than the big resort hotels. 
 
The Pan Pacific Condominiums are nearby and offer another nicely located option.  It is more expensive than the Carleton but has lots of extra features such as several restaurants and bars, a pool, and huge lobby.  My personal choice (other than the Carlelton) would be the Sundial Boutique Hotel which was formerly the Westbrook) which has been transformed into a lovely group of one and two bedroom condo residences with a full service staff. 
 

The photo above was taken near the Blackcomb Gondola facing toward the Village.  The Carlton Lodge is on the left next to "main street", with the Sundial Boutique Hotel in the middle and  the Pan Pacific on the right.   As you can see, they are just steps from the ski lifts and gondola. Not in the picture is the Westin located to the left of the Carlton. 

Whistler has lots of different accommodations in every budget range.  For a more in-depth review of slope side hotels and condominiums, take the link at the bottom of the page. 
 
NANNIES & BABY-SITTERS: 
 
Since we took 4 month old twins on our 2001 trip, we contacted Whistler's Nanny Network and hired a full-time babysitter to help during our vacation.  They assigned Maria Syme, a 23 year old from New Zealand, who was an absolute delight and fit right in with our family.  The 24 hour daily rate is far more reasonable than you might think and we can easily and highly recommend Nanny Network to anyone who might need assistance with infants or children of any age.  They have hourly and daily rates. 
 
Call The Nanny Network at (604) 938 2823 or FAX (604) 938-2842 for more information. 
 
SKI SCHOOL 
  
When we returned to Whistler in 2005, the twins were 4 years old.  They had taken ski lessons in Jackson during 2004, so we signed them up with Whistler Ski School which has both a daily program and a Monday through Friday "Adventure Camp" from 9am to 3pm.  The advantage to the 5-day camp is that they will have the same instructor.  Note that both Whistler Base and Blackcomb Base have schools. 
  
The Children's Ski School has various programs depending on ages and ability.  Part of the time for 3 and 4 year olds is spent inside playing, painting, and doing fun things and some is outside learning to ski.  Both kids loved it and could hardly wait to get dressed each morning and dash out the door to school!  Kids start on the "Magic Carpet which takes them up a slow slope to the top so they can ski down.  By the end of the camp, the kids were ready for Grampa and their Daddy to take them up to a beginner slope and ski with them.  We highly recommend this ski school for your youngsters! 
  

My hubby is flat footed and has problems finding comfortable ski boots.  He was delighted to discover a shop which could accommodate his needs.  Snowcovers is excellent at custom fitting ski boots - those with foot problems need to run (not walk) to this store in the Market Place area.  905-4100 
 

Whistler Advanced Physiotherapy & Massage has an excellent staff professionally trained in all types of therapy and massage.   Our group thought that the massage therapists were some of the best we've ever had in our travels.  Call 604-932-4203 for more information. 
 
My husband and son managed to lock skis getting off a T-bar and twisted Kenny's knee.  He went to Whistler Advanced Phyiotherapy and received a full checkup of his knee, a knee brace, list of excercises to do and was back on the mountain skiing within two days. 

Whistler Chiropractic is across the hall and treated 7 of us.  We were all quite pleased with Dr. Jacqueline Brusset, Dr. Keith Ray, and Dr. Patrick Shuen and highly recommend this clinic.  Not many chiropractors can "fix" my back, but Dr. Shuen did a great job!  604-932-1922 
 
Whistler Body Wrap (The Spa) has a full range of spa services - skin care, make up application, waxing, hand and foot care, sun bed, and hair care.  604-932-0128 
 
VISITORS FROM DOWN UNDER  
 
If you are going to Whistler in January, be aware that it seems to be a favorite destination of the Aussies.  And, toward the end of the month, they celebrate "Australia Day" when you will see them partying in the streets, the night clubs, and all over Whistler.  An interesting group was lined up outside one bar, dressed as characters in what else, but .... the "Wizard of Oz"! 
 

GETTING THERE  

Vancouver is a large international airport with flights from most parts of the world.   Driving time from the Vancouver airport to Whistler will take 2 ½ hours in good weather and the total time from touchdown at the airport to arrival in Whistler is around 3 ½ to 4 hours. 

For detailed travel information and how to get there, take the link below.