Hasta La Ideas

Four tips on where to eat, sleep and get pampered in North America’s largest mountain resort

Recently spending a week at Whistler Blackcomb (my annual snowboarding destination), I stuck to some of my favorite gear and places but also used the trip as an opportunity to try some new things. This first story, in a series of three, focuses on highlights of Whistler itself. Stay tuned for a gear round-up and apparel review both later this week.

Four Seasons

While a little off the beaten path, the Four Seasons makes up for it with spacious rooms that all come equipped with cozy fireplaces, thick terry robes and toasty down comforters. Impeccable food throughout its two restaurants and full bar service at the hot tub lends easy indulgence to a stay there. Being out of the fray of the main village provides a peaceful atmosphere, and a constantly rotating shuttle bus and Mercedes MLS courtesy car provide easy access to everything—nearly on demand.

Scandinave

New to Whistler this year, the Scandinave Spa is exactly what the resort town has been missing. The 3 acre property has multiple baths of varied temperatures, a large steam room and huge pine sauna. All of these features are outside and set in to a beautiful, rustic slope, complimented by modern Nordic-style buildings that house a café, along with locker and treatment rooms. The deep tissue massage I had there was one of the best resort-town massages I’ve ever had.

Rim Rock Cafe

Down near the Creekside Village is the Rim Rock Cafe, an old Whistler standby. Skipping the fanfare of complicated dishes and stuffy interior design, this restaurant features local foods in simple preparations alongside a wide selection of regional wines. Be sure to request a table by the fireplace for a touch of authentic charm.

Crystal Hut

At the top of the Crystal Chair on Blackcomb is the best food on either of the mountains. While you’ll smell the waffles before you enter the door, it’s the salmon, potatoes and veggies prepared in their wood-burning oven that win me over. Plan ahead though, Crystal Hut is a small space that gets crowded, and food is made to order so there’s plenty of waiting.