Whistler vs the Alps

Most resorts can look like this photograph some of the time. But how many of them actually look like that from November through to May? Very few… For many of us Brits, the thought of a 9.5-hour flight to go skiing is just too daunting a prospect, particularly for those with small children. However, having been lucky enough to have spent a year of my life in Whistler, I urge you all to bite the bullet and get on that plane!

We have a great selection of hotels in Whistler - just get in touch and we would be delighted to put a quote together for you.

Impressive snow record aside, there are many reasons why you should visit. Listed below is why I believe that skiing in Europe just can't compare to Whistler.

1. Snow, snow and more snow!

Whistler has one of the best snow records of any ski resorts in the world, and one of the longest seasons. I admit, sometimes rain can be a problem at the base of the resort. However, this only means that at the top of the mountain there is lots of fresh snow to explore! Year on year, Whistler consistently delivers that lovely powder that we all enjoy so much. The snow in Europe is much more erratic and it is a real gamble as to whether you get decent snow on your holiday. In addition to the fantastic snow, Whistler is considered the largest linked ski area in North America. I know there are HUGE ski areas in Europe, but often the links to each area are via horrendous bottlenecks or tricky moguled pistes littered with terrified skiers. This is not the case in Whistler. The fantastic Peak-to-Peak gondola (don’t get on it if you are scared of heights!) links Whistler and Blackcomb mountains making access to the whole ski area extremely easy.

2. The Friendliest Lifties in the World!

Everyone in Whistler is happy to be there. This is a fact. Consequently everywhere you go, you will be greeted with a smile and a “how are you doing?”. There are no scrambles to get on the lifts – in fact, the lifties place your skis for you in the gondola and when you reach the top another friendly liftie will be there ready to hand your skis to you. I have lost count of how many “pole and elbow” fights I have had with French people in lift queues….. never again!

3. Proximity to Vancouver

Vancouver is truly a great city. It has the ideal setting – mountains AND sea! It is cosmopolitan and buzzing without being manic like London or New York. The whole city has a chilled atmosphere and there are lots of great bars, restaurants and interesting shops. Never have I seen such a healthy city – head down to the marina to spot the locals running at all hours (and maybe Michael Buble!). Taking a walk around the beautiful Stanley Park is reason enough to pay a visit. Plus a couple of days there at the start or end of your trip to Whistler can be a really lovely extension to your holiday.

4. Nightlife

OK, so Canada doesn’t do après-ski like Europe; I fully accept this and it does disappoint me a little. Canadians are very sweet and think they have “wild” après-ski, but regrettably, they really don’t. What they do have however, is much better nightlife than Europe. There are actual nightclubs in Whistler rather than dodgy French basements and you can find decent music (no Europop here!). It’s not Ibiza or Ayia Napa, but for a ski resort it does pretty well. Head to Tommy Africas for 80s night or Maxx Fish for well known DJ’s. When you finally reach breaking point after a hard day’s skiing and a night’s partying, there is always Fat Toni’s pizza joint to soak up that alcohol. Late night food outlets open to the small hours are severely lacking in Europe!

5. Off Slope Activities

My mum is a non-skier. Normally when we go to France, she just sits around and drinks vin chaud all day whilst we ski. Although this is great fun, it’s not actually very interesting after a few days! In Whistler, she suddenly became very active, which was a huge shock for all the family. Turns out there are a considerable number of things to do in Whistler even if you don’t want to ski. For example, there is a stunning outdoor spa in the forest which is well worth a visit (see Scandinave Spa). There is also Zip-Trek (crazy hanging wires through the trees), quad biking and husky rides. Whistler was also the host of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Since then, everyone has been able to try the bobsleigh, luge or skeleton and pretend they are the new Amy Williams. Funnily enough, mum didn’t actually participate in this aspect of Whistler life…

Hopefully, these reasons will convince you to book your next ski holiday to Whistler! To discuss anything about booking your next ski holiday give us a call: (+44) 20 7801 1080 or send us an online enquiry.