Backpackers Buzz Issue 79: Winter in Whistler, B.C.
By Hostelling International
The 2010 olympic winter games further cemented Whistler’s reputation as one of the prime skiing destinations in the world. For 16 days last February, images of the world’s best skiers and snowboarders were beamed around the world, showcasing Whistler, Blackcomb and surrounding mountains as a skier’s paradise.
There’s even more good news for skiers, as weather forecasts are calling for snowy conditions, thanks to La Niña, a weather pattern that occurs every two to five years. During La Niña, cold seawater pushes toward the surface of the Pacific Ocean. In turn, the ocean’s temperature affects the jet stream, which often leads to chillier temperatures and increased snowfall.
But man cannot live on skiing and snowboarding alone. What about those who aren’t into downhill sports? What is there for them to do other than sitting around at an après-ski bar pretending they just got off the slopes?
There are plenty of options for those who aren’t dedicated skiers or snowboarders looking for a change of pace.
Cross-country: It may not provide the adrenaline rush of its downhill counterpart, but cross-country skiing is the kind of workout that will get your heart pumping. Whistler has three main cross-country spots: Lost Lake Park, Callaghan Country and Whistler Olympic Park–home to all Nordic events during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Prices are reasonable, with day passes in the $20 range.
Snowshoeing: If cross-country skiing isn’t enough cardio for you, then snowshoeing might do the trick. Sites like Lost Lake Park offer trails for beginners and Whistler/Blackcomb have organized trips up the mountain.
Snowmobiling: For those looking for raw speed, heaps of companies offer guided tours that are guaranteed to blow your hair back.
Snow tubing: Why bother with ski lessons when you can rush down the slopes on an inner-tube at Whistler’s Tube Park? No experience is necessary.
Dogsledding: If you’ve ever dreamed of running the Iditarod sled race, you’ll find plenty of companies that let you mush to your heart’s content. Make your way through the mountains on a sled powered by an eager team of huskies.
Whistler Village: You can always spend the day walking the streets of Whistler Village, which was party central during the 2010 Winter Games. Shops, restaurants and bars keep the village hopping and are perfect for those looking to exercise their wallets instead.
Tour Whistler Brewing Company: Take a break from the slopes and learn about the brewing process of craft beers at Whistler Brewing Company. This top-notch beer is inspired by this beautiful region and has won many awards.
Accommodation: A prime overnight spot in the Whistler Olympic Village is the brand new HI-Whistler hostel. This purpose-built, four-storey building served as an athletes’ residence during the Olympic Winter Games. Now, it’s a state-of-the-art hostel that features four-person shared rooms, private ensuite rooms and family rooms. There is a large self-catering kitchen and dining room, a TV lounge, a games room, ski and bike storage, a barbecue, an onsite café with an outdoor patio, mountain views and free WiFi. hihostels.ca/whistler
Useful websites
Photos: Tourism British Columbia
This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 8th, 2011 at 12:59 pm and is filed under Hostelling International. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site. Add to del.icio.us.
Whistler’s reputation as a world-class destination resort community shines even brighter with the awarding of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Para-Olympic Games.Reputation Management