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Why Go
For starters, Whistler offers more terrain deeper into spring—and, yes, summer—than any other resort on the continent. (Whistler Mountain will stay open into April; Blackcomb often through the beginning of June, conditions permitting.) And the place is so ridiculously big (8,171 acres, 17 bowls, three glaciers) that you can be sure to find skiing to fit any appetite or ability. And Whistler has nearly single-handedly redefined the spring ski vacation during the past decade by offering a nonstop schedule of events, anchored by the World Ski and Snowboard Festival in early April.
Convenience Quotient
Moderate. Flying into Vancouver is a haul from the East Coast, though not from the West. Then it’s about a two-hour drive. But after you arrive, this mega-resort comes as close as any to offering everything for everyone. Reminder: Don’t forget your passport.
Where to Stay
The luxurious Four Seasons Resort Whistler is located in Blackcomb Village and is the whole package: slopeside location, full-service spa, multiple restaurants, on-site ski rentals and shop, and spacious rooms and suites. From the attentive guest service to the warm robes by the pool, the Four Seasons is the spot for ski travelers looking for the most turnkey vacation they can find.
The Sundial is in the heart of Whistler Village, close to all of the shopping, dining, après, and legendary nightlife. It also happens to share a building with Sushi Village arguably the best spot for sushi in all of ski country. The all-suite accommodations come in one- and two-bedroom configurations, and some have their own hot tubs.
Aava Whistler is set on the outskirts of Whistler Village, close enough to the fray to walk to the lifts or dinner but far enough away for a little peace and quiet. The hotel’s rooms range from queen rooms up to two-bedroom suites. It’s also pet-friendly, for a small fee.
Don’t Miss
Fly among the treetops like Peter Pan with a Ziptrek Ecotour. Suspended in a harness from a cable up to 200 feet off the valley floor, you’ll soar through the temperate rain forest. Between flights, guides take you on a tour of old-growth giants via a series of trails and suspension bridges.