Today’s Insider Guide is written by Kevin Davis – Ski Travel Expert, who recently explored Whistler, British Columbia and is sharing his firsthand experience with us.

I recently had the opportunity to spend some time in Whistler Blackcomb as they geared up for a highly anticipated winter season. My last visit to Whistler was in the summer, circa 1990! To say the area has changed a little would be an understatement. Since then, the two mountains have merged operations, accommodation has expanded, and the village now boasts even more shopping, bars, restaurants, and, of course, winter activities.

The village itself is a seamless blend of local shops, snow retail, cafés, bars, and restaurants, all nestled under or between top-tier accommodation, perfectly designed for your mountain experience.

During my stay, I had the chance to sample a few of the local restaurants, and I can highly recommend Hunter Gather for its artisan pub fare and an excellent rotating beer selection on tap. Caramba is another must-visit, if you’re up for a challenge, try finishing one of their gigantic pizzas! And if you’re after coffee and a pastry, do not walk past Purebread without stopping. I stumbled upon it on my last morning, and the sticky pecan cinnamon bun was nothing short of mind-blowing.

My visit to Whistler was early in the season, 9th December, and the mountain was already in excellent condition, with a solid snow base. The upper mountain was skiing brilliantly, though a touch more fresh snow wouldn’t have gone amiss, fortunately, it arrived the day I left. Even so, the skiable terrain was vast, and in just a few days, I barely scratched the surface. These mountains are huge!

Early season in Whistler tends to be quieter midweek, but I still caught glimpses of the village’s vibrant après-ski scene in the evenings. It’s easy to spot the places where the party really kicks off, and there are quite a few! I enjoyed a couple of nights out but made my exit before things got too lively—early breakfast starts and all.

I also had the chance to check out a wide range of accommodation options, and from what I saw, it’s hard to go wrong. But you can definitely go very right! Whether you’re looking for a family suite, a romantic getaway, a group-friendly stay, or something high-end, mid-range, or budget-conscious, there’s an option for everyone.

Whistler is truly a world-class mountain village, the largest ski resort in Canada, and offers everything you could possibly need for an unforgettable winter getaway, just a short trip from Vancouver.

To book a dream holiday to Whistler, Canada including flights, transfers, accommodation, lift passes and activities call the Ski Travel Experts at travel&co NZ Toll-Free: 0800 555 035 or click here to see our latest featured offers