Whistler, a Canadian Ski Town.

So, you arrive in Whistler for your ski holiday. Here’s a quick round up of the things you’ll need to find in this Canadian ski town.

Shopping and Ski Hire Whistler Blackcomb.

The Village of Whistler is a shoppers paradise, pedestrian friendly walkways and plazas lead you through shops, boutiques, art galleries and theatres.

Can-Ski Stores: Top-end fashion and high performance hardgoods. With a reputation for expertise in bootfitting, ski tuning and service. CAN-SKI is fashion focused yet performance conscious. All major ski hardgoods brands including Rossignol, Salomon, Atomic, K2, and Head. Classic ski clothing brands including Descente, Arc’Teryx, Spyder and The North FFac. And high end couture from Prada, Bogner & Pucci.

Glacier Shop: The home of Whistler’s freeski movement, the Glacier Shop mixes fashion, art, music and skiing together in a concept that reflect’s what is driving the sport’s new culture. Stocking ski brands found in few other places including Faction, Line, Armarda & 4Frnt, a huge selection of outerwear from Spyder, Sessions, Bonfire, Rip Curl & The North Face, and is one of the only shops in town that carries new streetwear brands including Obey, Lifetime, Fenchurch & American Apparel.

Showcase Snowboards: The most recognizable retail brand in Whistler, Showcase continues to be a fresh face, an innovator, and the eternal focal point of the local snowboard community. Featuring the best in hardgoods and fashion forward clothing, expert boot fitters and an in-store tuning centre, Showcase will fit you out all whilst listening to local DJ’s spinning at the store.

Burton Women’s Store: Labelled as one of Burton’s flagship stores, the Whistler Burton Women’s store is the only women’s specific Burton outlet in the world. Adjoining Showcase, this store has the full range of Burton Women’s gear from boards, boots and bindings to the specialized Women’s AK line and B by Burton outerwear.

So much Shopping the this Ski Town.

Quiksilver: Surf-inspired, Quiksilver has had a natural progression into the ski and snowboard world.

The North Face Store: For years The North Face brand has been associated with technically advanced and innovative apparel, footwear, and outdoor gear that continue to inspire both professional and amateur adventurers alike to Never Stop Exploring.

Columbia: Columbia has become renowned for developing innovative products that are functional and stylish. Whether it is outerwear, sportswear, rugged footwear and accessories, the Columbia store has it all!

Columbia Kids: Just because you’re smaller doesn’t mean your outdoor garments should lack any of the technical features found on Mom and Dad’s stuff. Nobody likes to be cold and wet! Here you will find an array of children specific outerwear that offers great value.

Salomon Store: Salomon’s commitment to innovative design and passion for mountain sports has lent to an entire array of sporting goods. If you’re in the market for new skis, boards, boots, bindings and/or apparel, come check out the Salomon store!

Squamish Outlet Store: Brand name equipment at up to 70% off manufactures suggested retail prices.

Whistler Blackcomb Accessories: Whistler Blackcomb Accessories has locations at the top and the base of both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

Blackcomb Ski and Sport: Essentially Blackcomb, Carleton Lodge (next to the Longhorn).

Mountain Top Shop: Rendezvous Lodge, Blackcomb Mountain Top.

Roundhouse Traders: Roundhouse Lodge, Whistler Mountain Top.

Hotel Accommodation Whistler.

Fairmont Chateau Whistler, 5 Star: Fairmont’s flagship Chateau Whistler is one of the grandest hotels in town, right at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. Expect opulent spas, fantastic service and top-line prices.

Holiday Inn Sunspree, 4 Star: This is a classic North American hotel, with clean, unfussy rooms and the usual groaning breakfast buffet each morning.

Lake Placid Lodge: Families and couples may well prefer to stay in the quieter environs of Whistler Creekside. Although a short drive from the bustling town centre, there are still several bars and restaurants here to ensure a lively atmosphere. Lake Placid Lodge offers plush self-catering apartments.

Crystal Lodge: Crystal Lodge is located right in the centre of Whistler Village. Facilities include an outdoor pool, hot tub and spa as well as wi-fi access in the rooms.

Westin Resort and Spa: This being North America, spa resorts are very popular in Whistler. The Westin, with its Avello Spa and Health club, is the pick of the bunch.

Eating Out in a Canadian Ski Town, Whistler.

An A-Z round up of aa few places to be seen around this ski town.

21 Steps: 21 Steps provides stunning 2nd floor views of Whistler Village. Updated comfort food that are both big in portions and flavours for great value. Extensive small plate menu offers items that the locals crave.

Après: A boutique style restaurant with a vast wine list with over 100 varieties available.

Araxi: Araxi’s contemporary regional cuisine is crafted from the finest and freshest local ingredients; the internationally awarded wine list is deep and global, and the artful decor provides an elegant and relaxed atmosphere in the heart of the village.

Aubergine Grill: The Aubergine is located inside the Westin Hotel, the Grill offers an eclectic selection that includes west coast seafood, grilled meats, and pizza and pasta entrées.

Bavaria Restaurant: This European alpine restaurant offers one of the best fondue dinners in the resort. Large selection of schnitzels, German appetizers and main dishes, with a touch of local product. Bavaria also offers an extensive wine list and a large selection of European imported beer.

Bearfoot Bistro: Whistler’s ‘most sophisticated eatery’; the bistro is designed for those who enjoy a dining experience. It is a French bistro-style champagne bar that even serves Dom Perignon by the glass! Features live jazz music on most weekends.

Brewhouse: Enjoy a wood-fired pizza or rotisserie chicken while you warm by the fireplace and sip fresh brews such as the famous ‘Lifty Lager’. Great patio on sunny days.

Caramba: A casual dining experience, Caramba features a varied menu including wood-oven pizzas, west coast seafood and a great selection of traditional entrées.

Cinnamon Bear Bar & Grille: Specializing in contemporary Pacific Northwest cuisine, this family friendly restaurant combines warm service with great value. Each dish is crafted by the freshest local ingredients. Children 12 years and under eat for half price while those 6 years and under eat free!

Crepe Montagne: European, charming and friendly, Crêpe Montagne is most popular for breakfast. But Cheese Fondues, Swiss Raclettes and Meat Fondue are their house specialities along with Crepes & Chocolate Fondue. Licensed.

That’s Your ABCs Done.

Earl’s: A popular chain restaurant with a menu that appeals to the entire family in a casual, yet up scale atmosphere.

Hy’s Steakhouse: The quintessential steakhouse with impeccable service and an excellent martini selection.

Il Caminetto di Umberto: One of Whistler’s original fine dining establishments, this Umberto Menghi’s establishment combines regional Italian cooking with a fantastic wine list.

Kypriaki Norte: A Mediterranean restaurant that is known for its fabulous roast lamb.

Milestones: A great choice for families or groups with lots of selection on the menu. Serving large portions at great prices.

Mongolie Grill: You choose from a large selection of meats, vegetables, and noodles and the chefs will theatrically grill your creation before your eyes.

To the Second Half of the Alphabet.

Quattro: This establishment offers invitingly warm service, contemporary Italian cuisine and an extensive wine list.

Ric’s Grill: Ric’s Grill is one of Whistler’s newest restaurants featuring fresh seafood, delicious steaks, and mouth-watering pastas.

Sachi Sushi: Whistler’s sushi venue which is extremely popular with the locals. Great prices fresh seafood. Try the mango roll – it’s fabulous!

Sushi Village: A Whistler tradition since 1985 for sushi and a wide variety of traditional Japanese dishes. Featuring private Tatami rooms which can be booked in advance for parties of 6 or more.

The Old Spaghetti Factory: Whistler’s best dining value as all meals include sourdough bread, soup or salad, beverage, and spumoni ice cream. A great spot to take small children and no reservations are required.

The Keg: Serving steaks chicken, ribs, and seafood and is popular choice for large groups. No reservations taken.

Trattoria di Umberto: Al Tuscan Trattoria that serves up a variety of Italian dishes of which the pastas are the favorites. A fine Italian wine will compliment any dish.

Après Ski Bars in Whistler.

• Merlins Bar and Grill
• Moe Joes
• Tommy Africas
• Longhorns
• GLC

Non Skiing Activities Whistler Blackcomb.

Tube Park: Located in the Base 2 Zone on Blackcomb Mountain, the Coca-Cola Tube Park offers great fun for the whole family.

Snowmobiling: Canadian Snowmobile Adventures & Outdoor Adventures.

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides: Blackcomb Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides Sleigh ride tours on Blackcomb Mountain with hot chocolate and blankets.

Zip Trek Ecotours: An incredible journey on a series of cables and suspension bridges.

Spas and Massage: Solarice Wellness Centre and Spa.

Blackcomb Helicopter Tours: Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Whistler Resort, Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains and “the best of Garibaldi Park”.

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre: A three storey, 30,400 sq ft complex, built to celebrate the history of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations.

NOTE: Ski Resorts change all the time. This review may now be out of date and some of the information may be inaccurate. Please visit the official ski resort site for Whistler Blackcomb for the latest information.