Going to Vancouver/Whistler

U

UnBiased Horn

250+ Posts
The wife and I are heading up there for the next week. We're going to a wedding in Seattle and then heading north. Anything I must eat, see or do? We're skiing in Whistler for a couple of days. I have a feeling i'm going to freeze my *** off.

Also, do I need a 4WD automobile if I'm driving to Whistler? We have an SUV but not sure if we have 4WD yet.
 
It's supposed to be unbelievably cold in Whistler during Winter but it's only 35 degrees today.
Polypro long underwear is a must.
Most car rental agencies won't let you use snow chains, so 4WD is probably a necessity during Winter.
 
Whistler isn't that cold. It gets a warm flow off of the Pacific. It's also at a relatively low elevation, so little problem with thin oxygen.

It does have odd micro-climates though. It can be raining at the base/village, but beautiful blue-bird day at the summit. It can easily be 45F at the base/village and 20F up on Blackcomb. Be prepared.

I'd love to ride the new tram they opened this year from the blackcomb to whistler summits. Now you will be able to ski both in the same day without going to the all the way to the base.

Best thing is the irish pub in the Pan Pacific Hotel right at the base of Whistler. There is something about coming right off the mountain sitting in your boots in a bar straight out of Dublin drinking a few pints and listening to Irish music/Van Morrison etc. Going out for great sushi (couple places can't remember names) and then hitting Tommy Africa's

You shouldn't need a 4WD at all. The road has been expanded and improved for the 2010 Olympics just check road conditions before leaving Vancouver if there are storms around. The scenery out of Vancouver is amazing. The “Sea-to-Sky Highway”. Just make sure you do it during light.

It’s been a few years, but you could buy discounted lift tickets at the 7-11 in Squamish – town half way between Vancouver and Whistler. You might not be able to any more, but worth a try unless you hear definitively that you can’t.

Needless to say I’m very very jealous. Enjoy.
 
Thanks for the advice. I can't wait. We are for sure making the drive during the day. Unfortunately my wife does not do sushi.
 
I skiied up there over New Years a few years ago. I really didn't think it was that cold. I really enjoyed Blackcomb
 
Unfortunately it looks like it is supposed to rain in Vancouver all next week. What do you recommend we do there if it rains? Is it still worth going to Stanley Park?
 
Oh - I was just talking to a friend that goes out their a lot (in-laws live in vancouver) I mentioned this thread and the weather this early in the season. He said it can actually invert in Whistler. He said it's not unheard of to have fresh good powder in the village, a mix at mid mountain and rain at the top!! I've never seen it. Must really be a downer.

You'll have a great time even if that happens. Plenty of acres to ski. Lots of good restaurants other than sushi for your wife. Also get used to the Australian accent cause almost every worker there is an aussie, from your waitress to the lift operator to a good number of the ski school instructors. Kind of odd.
 
The road from Vancouver to Whistler (Sea to Sky Highway) is well traveled and there isn't a huge need for 4WD or AWD.
 
Thanks again for the advice. Next important qustion, is there a chance I'll be able to catch UT/Nova bball game in Whistler on ESPN or should I expect hockey to dominate the TVs? I think its a 6pm start locally and I expect it to be dark by then so skiing will be done.
 
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