Travel Exchange: Why Whistler Resort Makes for the Ultimate Ski Vacation

I am absolutely thrilled to have on the blog today Shawna with Emma Westchester, who tells us all about Whistler mountain, and why it makes for such a fabulous ski vacation.

Whistler is one of the largest ski resorts in North America, and is located on the west coast in Canada, just north of Vancouver. I’ve long heard from family and friends on the west coast that it’s an amazing resort, and Shawna tells us all the reasons why.

Before I share my interview below, some of you might be wondering – who and what is Emma Westchester? Emma is actually a fictional character, based on two women who live in Westchester, NY – Erin Baker and Shawna Lubner. They are both moms: Erin is a stay-at-home mom, and Shawna works a full-time corporate career in Telecommunications in Manhattan. Though they have very different “day” jobs, both share a zest for life in and outside of the family, and started the lifestyle blog, Emma Westchester, to share their experiences and tips. From restaurant recommendations to shopping to travel, they have “MomsLikeUs” (their signature phrase) covered!

Shawna describes herself as the “accidental Suburban mom”, after having met her husband and moving out to Westchester to raise their son. They are all avid skiers, love the après-ski lifestyle, and love to travel internationally. They have been to Whistler several times, and can’t get enough of it.

Below is my interview with Shawna – forget East Coast skiing, Whistler sounds incredible!

How did you decide on WHISTLER as a destination to take a family vacation?

My husband is an avid skier. Raised in Germany he learned to ski in the ALPS and was a ski instructor as a teenager. Living in NY there is not great skiing in our area, unless one enjoys really cold and icy conditions. As a couple we travelled frequently to Switzerland and Austria to ski. The only ski resort that we would regularly go to in North America is Whistler. It’s simply AMAZING.

One of the largest skiing areas in North America, Whistler has something for everyone…from expert/advanced skiing to beginner level at all ages. Over the years I’ve noticed that the resort has expanded to cater to more than just ski enthusiasts (offering tons of activities for the non-skier/snowboarder).

Who went?

My husband and I have been going to Whistler for the past 15 years and when our son was born we couldn’t wait to take him. The first “family” trip was in 2011 when he was six and we have been going back annually.

What time of year did you go and how was the weather?

Winter Season

Depending on the year can be mild or extremely snowy but never brutally cold or windy like it is on the East Coast.

Where did you stay and how did you discover it? What were the accommodations and amenities like?

There are so many types of accommodations, however we prefer the full-service hotels staying in the Whistler Village, staying either in a Deluxe Studio at the Westin Hotel or Executive Suite at The AAVA Hotel.

What kind of activities did you do on the trip?

SKI, EAT & SHOP

When we first started going to Whistler, my husband would heli-ski, however it’s become much more commercial where just about anyone can go and not very challenging. For the more advanced skier, we would recommend off-piste backcountry skiing with professional guides. My husband’s favorite ski guide is Guillaume Otis, owner of Coast Mountain Guides.

What were the highlights for you? And the kids?

The joy of sharing one of our most favorite sports with our son and having him learn with the kindest, most skilled instructors. No tears, lots of smiles and laughs. The Whistler Ski School is simply the best. They have perfected teaching a very difficult sport to children (and adults) as young as 3.

How was the food? Did you discover some favorite restaurants?

US Ski Resorts are not known for food on the mountain nor have very much variety at the base. What makes Whistler stand apart from any ski resort in North America is simply the vast selection of restaurants. Yes, you can still find chicken fingers and pizza, but the quality of the food on the mountain is amazing and at the level of Europe.

Cows Ice Creamery

Pasta Lupino Gourmet Whistler

Earls Whistler

Crepe Montagne (Dinner)

Gone Whistler Village Eatery (Breakfast)

Lift Coffee Company (Breakfast)

Moguls Coffee House (Breakfast)

Hot Buns (Breakfast)

What are your top tips for taking this kind of vacation?

• Schedule vacation so that you can arrive on Saturday/Sunday to get settled, pick up lift tickets and rentals (if applicable).
• Kick off the vacation by enjoying the Fire & Ice show at the base of Whistler Mountain Sunday evening.
• Enroll your children in the weeklong ski/snowboard school so that they stay with the same instructor and kids the entire week.
• If renting equipment, rent the day of arrival and keep them for the week so you don’t waste time every AM picking up and dropping off.
• When heading out for dinner, make reservations well in advance or go immediately after the lifts close, as you get closer to 7:30-8:00pm expect long waits.
• Whistler Village is all pedestrian walkable. There is no need for a car during your entire trip. Take the Whistler Bus from the airport directly to/from your hotel

Were there any challenges?

Nope

Did you feel the trip was good value for what you got?

Absolutely

Would you recommend this vacation to others?

Absolutely – this is a wonderful vacation for family and friends. Everyone will enjoy themselves, they don’t need to be skiers or snowboarders to enjoy themselves.

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Thanks so much for coming on the blog, Shawna, and telling us all about Whistler! To learn more about and follow Emma Westchester, you can find them at:

Emma Westchester | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

You May Also Enjoy More Travel Exchange Posts:

A Family Vacation to Adventurous Costa Rica

A Family Vacation in Iceland

The Allure of Turks + Caicos

Family Relaxation and Adventure in Hawaii

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