Whistler, 2/21-2/24

[Christy]

Since I only learned to ski last year this was my first ski vacation. I've been a huge ski racing fan for years--that's what finally inspired me to learn--so we timed the visit so that we could see the men's and women's World Cup races on the new Olympic courses. It was a fantastic trip--not only did I get to ski under blue skies (that almost never happens here in the PNW), but I got to see the racers that I've watched on tv for years. If anyone is at all of fan of the sport I'd highly recommend timing a ski trip to coincide with some races (they come to Lake Louise and Beaver Creek every year). It's just fantastic to be there with other fans. My big triumph of the trip was making it down Franz's Run (which for me, is pretty bumpy and steep) without falling to watch the women's downhill from a viewing area. Another highlight was the Burnt Stew trail, a long green run that starts all the way up on top of the mountain. It was truly a treat to be in such an alpine zone on a green trail--Whistler's blues are still a bit of work for me, but the greens are just fun. There was no new snow, and it was a little crunchy at times, but I'll take that anyday over mashed potatoes. Here's a few pictures:

From the top of the Harmony lift:

A group of little kids bombing down an expert run:

Looking up Burnt Stew:

Near the Harmony Tea House with my husband (how cool is that, that there's an actual tea house on top):

Julia Mancuso and Lindsay Vonn at the bib draw:

Bode Miller finishing the GS:

Ted Ligety and the finish area:

The GS course

 

[Jilly]

Great pics. The atmosphere is great at WB any time, but races or Telus Ski and Snowboard Festival make it crazy. I keep seeing ads on TV for 2010 volunteers. I keep saying, should I. But where would I live?? So, I don't think I'll apply yet. That will be one big party!

 

[amberula4]

I was there then too... The weather was fabulous!!! Couldn't of asked for a better trip! Wish I was still out there skiing

 

[Bravosarah]

Awesome photos! Burnt Stew Trail is just gorgeous and a great way to see the Harmony & Symphony Bowls. Glad you had such great weather!

 

[LAlaskan]

Hi Christy - where did you stay and did you find it expensive at the resort? I am planning a ski trip there perhaps next year... any advise welcome. Thanks

 

[Christy]

We didn't find it any more expensive than any other type of weekend trip we take, since we had a condo. We rented directly from the owner, at alluradirect.com. It’s kind of like VRBO.com, but Allura Direct provides a bit more assurance and recourse in case things are not as depicted online. There was also no tax chargedl! A condo is the way to go. Hotels are very pricey and so are restaurants so we just bring groceries and cook (there is a good but expensive grocery in Whistler Village, but you can get them on the way in Vancouver or Squamish to save $$). My husband and I really liked our studio. It was about 10 minutes walk from the gondola (so a couple minutes less to the heart of the Village), and there was a bus stop right outside if you’re in ski boots. If you only need a studio, PM me and I can give you the specific recommendation. It was a fantastic value at $140/night. It was in the Granite Court complex at the intersection of Lorimer and Blackcomb Way.

Also, you can find discount lift tickets at various places. We got ours in Seattle at REI for $73 (at Whistler they are $82). A lot of people get them at the 7-11 in Squamish, south of Whistler, for $69 (+ tax I think). The Allura Direct site sells them at a few dollars savings.

 

[Jilly]

Us Canuck's like a travel company called SkiCan. They are online too. They will work with US gateways. WB is one of their biggest destinations.

 

[LAlaskan]

Awesome - thanks Christy I will start doing my research and will definitely check out alluradirect.com. Cheers!

 

[jjsooner]

Your pictures are incredible!

 

[Jilly]

Add it to your "bucket list" jjsooner. It's a fantastic resort!!

 

[pinto]

Very cool!!!