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Whistler hums
a sweet winter tune
By Christine Shin
On-line Forty-Niner
One lift ticket,
two mountains: A skiing and riding paradise.
Seventy-two miles north of Vancouver, twin majestic mountains
rise one mile out of a valley and access over 7,000 acres
of prime mountain terrain - including 12 massive bowls, three
glaciers and more than 200 marked trails.
Whistler is Canada's finest four-season winter resort and
frequently ranks in the world's top five winter ski resorts
as well as the No. 1 ski resort on the North American continent.
And who would argue with two behemoths of alpine bliss, each
with a vertical drop of one mile (the longest in North America),
and each with their own extensive lift and chair systems and
a multitude of runs that will keep any skier or snowboarder
satisfied for days in this lush powder playland.
The two separate, but adjacent mountains, Blackcomb and Whistler,
combined can handle 55,000 skiers an hour with three gondolas,
10 high speed quads and 19 other chair lifts girdling the
mountains, more than any other resort in the world.
Skiing is clearly the main activity, but snowboarding is well
catered to with three half-pipes and two extreme terrain parks.
Both mountains offer their longest runs at seven miles. The
Fresh Tracks program allows one to beat the maddening crowd
for an early start on the 7,071 acres of virgin corduroy.
Whistler offers plenty of other winter activities for the
entire family. From horse-drawn sleigh rides and dogsledding
to paragliding and snowmobiling, there's something for everybody
- skiers and non-skiers alike.
After a full day of winter play, one can frolic in the quaint,
cobble-stoned conglomeration of pubs, clubs, restaurants,
hotels and boutique shops. This European-style village lies
directly at the base of the mountains, offering skiers and
riders a chance to ski or ride down the slopes and into the
nearest pub for an ice-cold beer or a steaming hot chocolate,
as fast as they can strap out of their boots.
With its bustling energy, Whistler Village is the heart of
the resort. It caters to all dining, shopping and nightlife
pleasures, as well as any artistic cravings with its eight
art galleries.
With over 100 places to dine in the village and 20 more on
the mountains, one definitely has selection. They are all
variable in price, providing for a high-end craving or just
a quick bite.
With the shrinking Canadian dollar, Americans can get about
a dollar and a half for one Canadian "loonie." Unfortunately,
the Canadians have already done their math. Most prices equal
out, if not, go over, with the additional tourist expense
added to the price tag.
Lodging varies from executive suites at about $1,200 a night,
which includes your own concierge, lots of marble and a jetted
tub, to $20 a night for a dormitory, which includes a kick-ass
bar and lots of smokers. In between these two extremes are
15,200 pillows within 500 yards of the lifts.
Private condominiums and homes are scattered in the trees
along the base of the runs and can be rented for a hundred
to thousands of dollars a night. There are also many bed and
breakfasts in Whistler's five residential neighborhoods.
But who needs a bed when you're not sleeping?
The village is just as alive at night as it is at day, or
perhaps more. From the ballet and mellow jazz lounges to high-energy
dance clubs and plenty of live music, once again, Whistler
knows how to offer its guests an assortment of options. The
challenge is to take it all in.
Beware though, after last call, one should be careful with
the affects of alcohol on swearing. Municipal council recently
passed an anti-swearing bylaw to give potty mouths a hefty
fine.
Above-normal snowfall is expected for the 2001-2002 winter
forecast in Whistler, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac
2002. From early December to late February, skiers and snowboarders
can expect to see above-average and heavy snowfalls.
When the winter season is over in June (although Blackcomb's
glacier is open to ski until August), river rafting, hiking,
mountain biking, and golf are just a few of the summer activities
that abound. That is, come November, when the winter magic
starts all over again.
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