Winter is almost over, but for the avid skier who can't get Austria, but wants the international feel, Whistler, in British Columbia, Canada is the place to be.
A two-hour bus or car ride from Vancouver or, during May and November, a 1-hour scenic train ride, departing North Vancouver, Whistler has all the amenities to feel like being a-million-miles away, but with the comfort of knowing it isn't too far from home.
Arriving on the mountain, in either the Village or the Upper Village, and, if deciding to stay in a hotel rather than a hostel, the options are vast, with each offering a different experience.
Probably the most lavish of these options is the Four Seasons in the Upper Village, its suites, guest rooms and townhouses are the largest in Whistler and offer spectacular views of the mountains, valleys, pools, forest or courtyard from step-out balconies.
If paying anywhere between $300-$800 a night isn't ideal, but still planning on staying inside the village, more moderately priced places include, the Delta Whistler Village Suites, top-rated for kids and family tourists, with its fully kitchen rooms and close proximity to all major family attractions and slopes.
There is also the Pan-Pacific Whistler Mountainside, which features views of the gondola riders (gondolas are used for those wanting a nice, comfortable, scenic and/or romantic way to travel in between the Village, Upper Village and ski slopes. Its Dubh Linn Gate Irish Lounge/Pub is popular with the young ski crowd as meet-and-greet place after their morning/afternoon runs.
Each of these hotels will cost $100 less, but won't take away from the atmosphere.
Whistler is also home to many fine-dinning restaurants-from French to Italian establishments and fast-food joints, but to take in the B.C. lifestyle and cuisine, nothing beats freshly caught seafood from the Northern-Pacific Ocean, at Araxi.
Voted "best restaurant in Whistler," for 11 straight years, by Vancouver Magazine. It offers a relaxed, but sophisticated setting. The menu is so-what Italian, with pasta dishes, but with a seafood twist.
Araxi also has a top-rated wine list. Advice-make a reservation and prepare to take out the checkbook.
However, why is one going to the mountains? To ski of course-Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains sport something for everybody.
Whistler is considered better for the beginners to low-moderate skiers, while Blackcomb caters to the vastly experienced.
The Ski Lift has a 4,928 feet of vertical and more than 100 marked runs serviced by the aforementioned gondola and eight, high-sped chairlifts.
For the more extreme enthusiast, helicopter rides to the top of the mountain provide access to another 100-plus runs on nearby glaciers.
Can't ski? No problem-when the lake freezes over in winter, bring out the hockey sticks and play some hockey.
One more thing to do before ending the night or beginning the day-head over to Blenz coffee house for a Strawberry Tea Latte or a Wild Strawberry Tea.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
