If you've decided to come to Whistler, congratulations. You've just chosen the best resort in North America, and possibly the best in the world. Nowhere else has the range of terrain, with a wealth of both easy groomed runs and spectacularly challenging off-piste that Whistler can offer. However, you've still got to decide where to stay. Assuming you want to be within walking distance of the lifts and avoid the use of your car or a shuttle bus to get to the lifts, you have three choices: the Village, the Upper Village and Creekside. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and appeals to somewhat different tastes, so it would be as well to understand the characteristics of each area before you make your choice. The Village is the largest commercial centre, with the main concentration of shops and restaurants. It also has the advantage of sitting at the confluence of both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, so that you can choose to ski either mountain from a single starting point: Skier's Plaza. If you want to be able to stagger back from one of Whistler's legendary nightclubs on foot and fall into your bed, the Village is the place to be. However, with a few exceptions, the Village tends to offer smaller and rather undistinguished accommodation: primarily one- and two-bedroom apartments above the shops. They were cheaply-built, and unless you find one which has been recently refurbished, you may find yourself in a convenient but rather unattractive lodging. In addition, you may find that although you are in the Village you are quite a long walk from the lifts, since the Village is quite long and narrow and the far end of it is a good 10 minutes walk from Skier's Plaza. Finally the Village is not for those looking for a peaceful time: Whistler attracts a rowdy crowd and they like to party until the early hours. The Upper Village is where you go for ski-in, ski-out accommodation and improved views. It is located on the lower slopes of Blackcomb Mountain, and if you choose one of the developments at the edge of the slopes you can have very easy access to the skiing: walk out the door, put on your skis and away you go. There are also a few shops and restaurants in the Upper Village itself around the Blackcomb Base and in the lower floor of the Fairmont Hotel. To reach the Village you have a 10-15 minute walk or you can take the free Village shuttle in the winter. The Upper Village will suit those who want the great convenience of ski-in, ski-out, like the views that come with being higher up the mountain and need a bit more peace and quiet than is available in the Village. Creekside is the original location of Whistler. Located at the bottom of Whistler Mountain, it has its own high-speed gondola up the mountain and a new commercial centre with a good range of shops and restaurants. Creekside is unquestionably the locals' favourite: knowledgeable Vancouverites have their chalets and condos there. They like seeing their friends in the lift line (on the rare occasions when there is one), they like to aprs at Dusty's and they know that access to Blackcomb is extremely easy down Expressway from the top of the Creekside gondola. Also, the true locals prefer the ski-ing on Whistler Mountain, especially the off-piste accessible from Peak Chair. Finally Accommodation is also significantly cheaper in Creekside. Try www.whistlerdeluxe.com if you are looking for a wide range of Whistler lodging options, be they in the Village, the Upper Village or Creekside. |
