Whistler is celebrating its 50th season this winter, and happily Mother Nature has decided to celebrate it too! There have been successive snow storms delivering a build in snow depth for visitors to enjoy on the mountain since November, with over 3.5m recorded by mid-December. Opening early for its season due to the impressive ski conditions, the 50th anniversary has so far shown Whistler at its very best.
Built on a dream of hosting the Winter Olympics in British Columbia, a group of Vancouver businessmen submitted a bid to be Canada’s candidate for the 1968 Winter Olympics upon selecting what is now Whistler Mountain. Although unsuccessful for the 1968 Games, the development of this new ski area began and success was found in 2003, when the bid to host the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games was won. From opening in 1966, 12 years passed until the new town centre opened and then two years after that Blackcomb Mountain opened in 1980, creating one of the largest ski areas in North America.
Credit – Mike Crane
Having just been voted the best resort in North America again by readers of US magazine SKI (that’s three years out of the past four), Whistler Blackcomb’s promise of going beyond has continued into its anniversary year while the resort continues its effort to surpass guest expectations with a number of new facilities, tours and renovation projects.
Fat bikes and their distinctive wide tyres have become an increasingly common sight around Whistler, and now they’re making their official debut at Whistler Olympic Park this winter season. After initial trials determined the impact was minimal, fat bikes are permitted on designated trails throughout Whistler Olympic Park (weather and snow conditions permitting). Access to fat-tyre biking will require a valid season pass or a cross-country day ticket with additional trails weekly.
Whistler has also added to its culinary portfolio this season, including Bar Oso, a new Spanish-influenced tapas spot in the heart of Whistler Village, which officially opened its doors in Whistler in November. Bar Oso is the sixth venue – the second in Whistler – for the Toptable Group portfolio. Family-run, casual fine dining restaurant Legs Diamond has also opened in the Upper Village, with a 1920s New York vibe and an eclectic menu of regionally inspired cocktails and a small menu supporting local farmers.
Guests visiting Blackcomb Mountain this season will also notice the Rendezvous Lodge has had a facelift. It underwent a massive renovation in 2015, with a brand new look to complement the new and fresh customisable menu options in the food court, including Japanese ramen bowls and a Thai-inspired wok station among other worldly cuisines. Those familiar with Christine’s restaurant will also see a new look as well as being able to sample a reimagined menu this season from new chef Steve Ramey.
For art buffs, Whistler this month sees the opening of the Audain Art Museum, showcasing a permanent collection of British Columbia art including Emily Carr and Andy Warhol pieces.
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