From après ski to spas & fine dining, in Whistler British Columbia, the fun has just begun when the sun sets.

There’s nothing that feels more sumptuous after a day’s skiing in Whistler, BC, than wrapping yourself in a thick, plush robe and heading for a heated pool or rejuvenating spa. Leisure pools, dry saunas,  eucalyptus steam rooms, massage studios, towels warmed and waiting — spas count among the après-ski indulgences of this world-renowned ski town in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia.

Not far from Whistler Village, for example, is Scandinave Spa, a Nordic-inspired oasis secluded in a cedar forest. A late afternoon spent soothing out the kinks and restoring calm after a day slaying Whistler’s bowls, glaciers, and peaks may be just what the ski doctor ordered.

Then again, this is a world-class ski resort. At Whistler, there are many, many options for après-ski, evening, and nighttime escape. Wellness is a lovely choice, but it is only one of them.

Learn more about Whistler Spas.

Whistler

The Après-Ski Scene

Let’s take Whistler’s après-ski scene as an example. Some classic choices: At the base of Whistler: the Longhorn and the Garibaldi Lift Company, otherwise known as ‘The GLC’. At the base of Blackcomb: Merlin’s. And anchoring the base of Whistler Creek: Dusty’s Bar & BBQ. All three are unique and deserve a visit at the end of a ski day. You’ll find tables inside by the fire, outdoor seats under the afternoon sun, cold beer, plates of steaming treats, and a ski crowd keen on sharing stories of adventure-filled days on Whistler slopes.

Quieter, more sophisticated, Whistler’s cocktail scene is yet another choice. The classic, old-style Mallard Lounge at Fairmont Chateau Whistler serves martinis, manhattans, scotch, and space for scintillating conversation. Basalt Whistler has a lovely patio overlooking the village’s cobbled walkways. The Hilton’s Cinnamon Bear Bar serves up pitchers of cold beer and shots of Jägermeister. The Dubh Linn Gate is Whistler’s quintessential Irish pub. Bar Oso pays homage to Whistler’s wildlife (“Oso” means “bear”) — a conversation starter over sangria, a pisco sour, or a Spanish-influenced small plate. The Brewhouse, on the other hand, is an ideal place to savour an ale.

Learn more about Whistler’s après-ski scene

Whistler

The Food Scene

As the Whistler sun sets over its western ranges, afternoon transitions to evening. Whistler’s west coast culinary choices are fresh, eclectic, and upbeat.

Topping the charts: the Bearfoot Bistro. It is a warm and sophisticated spot renowned for many indulgences, including Perigord truffles, a 20,000-bottle wine collection, a bubbly bar, and the Ketel One Ice Room, where you’ll be zipped into cozy down jackets to enter an ice chamber and sip sub-zero-degree vodka. The Bearfoot’s charismatic restaurateur, André Saint-Jacques can saber 21 champagne bottles in less than a minute — he’s in the Guinness Book of World Records. Ask to try your hand at sabering — it’s an exclusive Whistler memory you’ll keep for a lifetime.

Araxi Restaurant & Bar is a cornerstone of Whistler Village, with its farm-to-table cuisine, impeccable sommelier service, warm ambiance, and white-linen touch. Choices also include Alta Bistro, Bar Oso, the Rim Rock Café, and a selection of sushi bars — some of the best you’ll find in Canada’s Northwest.

Learn more about Whistler Dining

After Dinner

After dinner, consider a stroll along Whistler’s walkways at night, simply for the fresh air or on your way to a club. Snow falls softly; live music, art, and a myriad of outdoor cultural experiences often play out under the sky’s twinkling lights.

2016-11-11_1550
Whistler

Outdoors At Night

The flanks of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains can also be inviting on starry nights, particularly by snowmobile. Whistler’s Nightrider program, for example, leads snowmobile tours through cedar-filled forest to 6,000 feet above sea level, all by the light of the moon. Snowmobile experiences also include dining high in the alpine inside a yurt, or indulging in fine wine and fondue by candlelight. Nordic skiing and snowshoeing can be experienced on Whistler trails after dark. At the base of Whistler Mountain, watch weekly Fire and Ice Shows — boarders and skiers jumping through flaming hoops in the black of night.

And Finally… Sleep

Whichever indulgence you choose, back inside your Whistler hotel

The Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa , First Tracks Lodge Whistler, or the Fairmont Chateau Whistler—you can fall into bed, grateful for smooth sheets, attentive service, and peaceful ambiance. All will be well-deserved after an evening of après-ski, and a day spent slaying Whistler’s slopes.

To learn more, visit whistler.com/luxury

FAIRMONT CHATEAU WHISTLER