Frequent Flyer Andre Obradovic with some tips from a wonderful Whistler family vacation.
We recently went on a family vacation to Whistler, Canada. Having young kids it was important we could relax and eat what we wanted when we wanted. After a long day of skiing the kids were dead on their feet so the last thing we wanted was to wait at a restaurant for meals. We picked a fantastic condo with a fully-equipped kitchen. We were located in Montebello, only about a 10-minute walk to the centre of the village along the Village Stroll.
Our kids had never skied before so we booked them into the Whistler Kids Ski Program and they had a fantastic time. We were concerned as the kids had never seen snow before but by the end of the first day they asked to go skiing again that night! After dropping the kids off each day my wife and I hit the slopes. The lifts are all very close to the program drop-off point.
The weather is so unpredictable so be prepared: we took clothing for -25C through 5C. Buying clothing in Australia before travelling is a better idea; you will most likely need the warmth as soon as you land!
We hired skis and such from a shop called
Affinity Sports (
website) and were able to book everything online beforehand. They have several shops in the area and the staff are so helpful.
On the slopes, the
Chic Pea (
4545 Blackcomb Way, +1 604 932 3434) does great hot chocolate; the sweetest we have ever had. In the Village,
Dubh Linn Gate Irish pub (
170-4320 Sundial Crescent, 1 800 387 3311 Toll-free North America only) has nice food and service and
Ingrid’s Village Café (
4305 Skier's Approach, +1 604 932 4239) does a great breakfast for the family before skiing.
When you want to cook there is a
Nesters Food Market supermarket (
+1 604 932 3545) at the Marketplace and they are open 8am-10pm daily so you can get your shopping after your skiing day. You can also shop online and have your groceries delivered.