I think were gonna try to get out to Whistler in early March, who's been there? What can you tell me about it? Lodging recommendations, food recommendations, areas of mountain to make sure we hit, things to avoid, anything of that nature.
1. Whistler is awesome and highly recommended.
2. Lodging: If being able to stumble home from nightlife/shops/restaurants is a priority, then stay somewhere in the Village. The Westin, Carleton Lodge, and Pan Pacific are right at the base of the mountain. There are many other options along the main village walkway as you go further from the base. The drawback to staying anywhere in the Village is that other people will also be (loudly) stumbling back from nightlife late at night - if a quiet night of sleep is important, make sure you stay somewhere that is away from the main village walk (either a room away from the main walk, or somewhere outside of the village). Another option is to stay on Blackcomb. The Blackcomb base (aka "upper village") is a 5 minute walk from the Whistler base and the main village. There are fancy hotels at the Blackcomb base (Four Seasons, etc), and more reasonably priced options further up the hill. The Coast Blackcomb Suites, at the top of the road going up Blackcomb, is my pick for the best combination of reasonable price, decent rooms, free breakfast, and super-easy ski-in/ski-out (most places are not, both in the village and elsewhere). From there, there's a free bus that goes to/from the village, or you can just walk down the hill (10 minutes).
3. Food: There are tons of really good choices. It depends on what you want. Here are some ideas: Casual good food and drink/fireplace/ski movies/people watching/at the base=Garibaldi Lift Co (GLC) in the same building as the Whistler gondola. Super-expensive steak house=Hy's, around the middle of the village, away from the main walk. Fancy finest-restaurant-in-the-country stuff=Araxi, village square. Brew Pub w/ good food=Whistler Brewing, far end of village. Sushi=Village Sushi, highly recommended, locals favorite, just down from the base. Modern bistro/semi-romantic local food = Alta bistro, mid village, but hidden away from the main drag. Bars that aren't "clubs", with people watching and ok food=Amsterdam and Citta, Village square. Cheap calories and a heart attack="Poutine" (that's fries with gravy and cheese curds)=Zog's, the outdoor hot dog stand in the middle of the walkway just down from the base.
4. Transportation: There are shuttle bus services from the airport, but I've found that it's usually cheaper and easier to just rent a car (even though you won't need it if you stay in the Village or at some places on Blackcomb). Plus, that lets you stop and check out the scenery, buy donuts, or whatever. The best prices I've found are usually at Thrifty, by checking directly on their website and using the "hot deals" link that shows up on the car type selection page once you start the reservation.
5. Skiing: If you like the Vail back bowls, then you'll want to go to the back side of Whistler, down along the Symphony lift. There are lots of terrain options back there...bowls plus a more tame groomed path through the middle that you can always bail out to. You'd also probably like the Blackcomb glacier - top of the Showcase T-bar, then a 5-10 minute hike. Worth the trip. Also, everyone likes the 7th heaven area on Backcomb - choose your own path through whatever mix of trees, bowls, groomers you want...and the snow is usually good there. The smaller bowls along Harmony lift are also good and the "Arthur's Choice" area, and the area near the bottom of Symphony lift, are good for trees. It's also fun to say you skied the Olympic downhill run (on the map) or the longest run in North America (peak to creek).
6. Weather: The weather can be a challenge...but the rewards are great. It can be raining in the village and blue skies at the top. If it's foggy, do not go up to Whistler peak. I've freaked out many people with that mistake. :-) On foggy days, it can become a blind white-out world up there and it starts to make people feel like they're going to ski off a cliff. Gore-tex is important. If you don't have it already, spend the money on a good waterproof jacket, pants, and gloves. The low-light goggle recommendation is also very good - I like the Smith "sensor" lens (you can find it on their website)...it's the light purple one that comes as a second lens with some of their stuff. It works well in sun or fog - the standard orange lens is not so good when the light is low. The weather isn't always bad....don't be scared off. Still, it is good to have options and not be slowed down by sucky gear. If the weather is crappy on one part of the mountain, go check out a different part. If it's rainy, go higher. If it's foggy, head higher or lower, or for the trees and/or the smaller mini-bowl areas near the midpoint of Harmony lift. Have faith...there is always something good to be found.
7. Other: Make sure you go back in the summer. The biking is as good as the skiing. The place is a bike mecca, and this is a cambr forum, after all.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask here or PM me. I love the place and I've been there a lot.
