Clockwise from top left : skiers and snowboarders hitting the slopes at Whistler Blackcomb ; skiing down one of the slopes ; a fun ride down the tubing hill ; warming up around the fire after a day on the mountain ; an ice cave in Whistler , a unique feature that has ski-in / ski-out access from the resort
LEFT TWO PHOTOS AND BOTTOM RIGHT : TOURISM WHISTLER / JUSTA JESKOVA ; TOP RIGHT : TOURISM WHISTLER / BEN GIRARDI ; BOTTOM MIDDLE : DESTINATION CANADA
WHISTLER With the Canadian border now reopened to Americans , it ’ s time to embrace big mountain skiing / snowboarding — a term used for areas with deep powder , steep descents and big turns . Our neighbor to the north has plenty to offer those interested in snow sports , but Whistler Blackcomb is an especially popular site as the largest ski resort in North America . With more than 8,000 acres of terrain at the resort and at least 200 official runs , these side-by-side mountains receive roughly 465 inches of snowfall each year .
Expected to open this season , a six-person lift called the Big Red Express will increase uphill capacity , giving riders a high-speed way to move around the middle of the mountain . Also slated for a winter opening is the Creekside gondola , which will help reduce wait times thanks to an upgrade that allows for 10 people to hop aboard rather than the previous six . The gondola whisks guests to a secondary base area with its own restaurants , shops , ski school and rental shop .
Two new options have been added to the lineup of ski and snowboarding clinics , and they ’ re designed just for women . Showcase Women ’ s Snowboard Camps last for a weekend , with professional coaches helping riders develop their skills and meet new people . Another option , which is great for skiers , is the Helly Hansen Women ’ s Ski Camp . Instructors for this experience assess your aptitude before determining the best level ( first-timer , beginner or advanced ) for you to start with .
There are a number of other unique experiences to be had in Whistler as well . Whistler Heli-Skiing provides access to pristine backcountry landscapes
while adventures through Extremely Canadian include technical steep skiing clinics plus lessons on avalanche training and mountain awareness . Plus , a local Ski With an Olympian campaign gives amateur athletes the chance to hear stories from a professional skier while also getting a lesson from him or her .
After a two-year hiatus , Steeps Grill & Wine Bar has reopened , remaining one of the top local , full-service restaurants . The contemporary cuisine is distinctly Canadian , giving it an authentic feel . Still other restaurants , like Glacier Creek Lodge and Crystal Hut , have revamped menus to enjoy as well .
Outside of the Whistler Blackcomb resort , a number of new restaurants are opening this winter , too . G . O . A ., an Indian pop-up , pays homage to the chef ’ s childhood experiences , namely his time spent cooking at home with his family , through Jan . 8 , 2023 . Fine dining eatery Wild Blue Restaurant & Bar highlights sustainable seafood and other local ingredients , with a raw bar and open kitchen , while Thai restaurant Barn Nork is open after a renovation as well .
In the world of hospitality , Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler started renovations earlier this year to make the accommodations even more luxurious . Also at the beginning of 2022 , Fairmont Chateau Whistler completed a renovation project and the spa at Whistler opened with wellness services galore .
Whether you ’ re out on the ice skating , trying dog sledding or winter zip lining , Whistler is a winter wonderland that brings people together to create lasting memories . NBM
NEWPORT BEACH MAGAZINE 35