Whistler BC Canada - Walkin’ In a Whistler Wonderland
No place celebrates Christmas like Whistler
Twinkling lights wrap around frosted evergreens and a winter white blanket cloaks the alpine village. Although the snowfall muffles sounds from the exhilarated crowd, there’s no way it could mask the enthusiasm. Children frolic in wintry wardrobe mounds that have been piled high by busy snow ploughs. Other young tykes are towed in sleighs by their parents who meander the shop-lined streets. And as we walk arm in arm along Village Stroll and hum the familiar carols that fill the air, we also partake in the magic. Christmas is nearly here, and there’s no place that celebrates it like Whistler.
“Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow,” chants a nearby group of young skiers. And they aren’t alone with this wish. In fact, more than two million people are lured to Whistler by her loyal winter coat each year. Weighted down with boots and boards they head off to high-speed lifts that will whisk them a mile closer to the heavens.
Some will go in search of perilous fall lines and powder that’s as light as goose down. Others will choose open bowls, mogul fields, classic cruisers, or cross country trails bordered by evergreen ghosts. With the compatible union of Blackcomb and Whistler there are over seven thousand skiable acres and ample territory for all skill levels. Included in this terrain are twelve magnificent bowls, three glaciers, and over two hundred gloriously groomed runs that are draped in more than nine hundred centimeters of snowfall each year. Now, that’s worth celebrating.
These two majestic coastal peaks frame the village hub and when the clouds disperse, their summits are picturesque and omnipresent. From a mile high, there are countless manicured runs that wrap the mountain contours like white woolen scarves, eventually funneling down to the glistening village where we roam.
Irresistible aromas frequently waft from creative kitchens as we wander the quaint village walkways. With over ninety options, ranging from quick-fix fast food outlets, coffeehouses, deli cafes and bistros, to ultimate fine dining establishments offering any ethnic flavor we choose, our taste buds receive the royal treatment.
On our final night we celebrate with a visit to Ill Caminetto di Umberto, one of the longer standing restaurants located in the heart of Whistler village. Since 1981 creator, Umberto Menghi, has satisfied many a palate with his creative Tuscan fare. Under the direction of Executive Chef Ron Lammie, the superlative menu offers delectable choices such as venison carpaccio, costate d’agnello estrucca, (or in English, a delicious rack of lamb served with a flavorful crust of rosemary and garlic) and a medley of incredible pastas. Warm hospitality and an intimate atmosphere set the perfect stage and once paired with a fine wine, both of our meals are perfecto!
Hugging up to the village’s pristine perimeters are fabulous five star hotels such as our home away from home, The Westin Resort & Spa. Festive white lights that outline her dual towers of exquisite granite are also brought indoors to the open-air lobby and four-story atrium.
Here, the fireplace crackles next to a decorated fir. A toy train encircles a miniature village made out of yummy edibles. And the feeling of Christmas is in the air. During our stay we enjoy the ultimate in luxury, intimacy, and impeccable service. Our decadent suite pampers us with a soaker tub, flickering fire and a heavenly bed, and for ultimate nirvana I head to the eight thousand square foot Avello spa and nourish my body with a sensational Algea Wrap treatment. With two hot tubs, an indoor / outdoor swimming pool and award winning culinary team at the The Aubergine Grille and FireRock Lounge, it comes as no surprise that this property has won so many accolades.
Over our three day visit, much of the time is spent browsing through the various village shops, all of which are uniquely decked out in festive flair at this time of year.
Custom designed wreaths and glittering trees emit a warm welcome, and flowing from each interior are favorite holiday tunes, ranging from traditional choir singers to Bing Crosby’s White Christmas. We pick up unique stocking stuffers at a number of souvenir shops, check out a couple of art galleries, and while Brent drools over the latest ski trends and sporting goods, I head for my favorite retail outlet.
As well as arts and craft stores, there are awesome accessory emporiums, chocolate and candy factories and even a year-round Christmas shop. Offering something for everyone, our dilemma of holiday shopping is easily resolved.
As well as retail outlets, there are opportunities for adventure tours here as well. A group is gathering with snowshoes for a backcountry hike, while others are heading in the opposite direction in search of snowmobiling terrain. There is also dog sledding, heli-skiing, flight seeing tours and more. We, on the other hand, prefer to keep our feet firmly planted on the ground and continue walkin’ in a Whistler wonderland.
Other Christmas Festivities to partake in: * Caroling through the village Christmas Eve * Caroling at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Christmas Eve * Decorations (walk through) at the Chateau * Large mulit-denominational Christmas service Christmas Eve * Breakfast with Santa at the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain (right at the top of the gondola which goes from the village)
Where To Stay: The Westin Resort & Spa4090 Whistler Way,Whistler BC Canada V0N 1B4Telephone: from within US or Canada Toll free: 1-888-634-5577 Or 604-905-5000Fax: 604-905-5589
For Further Resort Information: www.myWHISTLER.com
Author: Jane Cassie
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