April 27, 2011 | Tips from Us >
Whistler, Spas & Wellness
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What to do when your body aches from skiing, mountain biking or exploring Whistler? Or you just want to relax in peace and quiet? How's three hours in Scandinavian baths, saunas, steam rooms and and solariums - surrounded by mountains and forest - sound?
Yeah, thought so.
I was recently in Whistler with a bunch of friends who were all off being active...but I just wanted to chill out. So I decided to check out the new and impressive Scandinave Spa, located a few minutes' drive outside the village.
I arrived at the spa through a foresty walkway (a real chipmunk munching a pinecone greeted me!), and entered into this AMAZING zone of calm. I opted to spend a day in the baths (though you can also get Swedish, Deep Tissue and Sports Massages!), and soon flip-flopped my way down to do the "circuit" of relaxation...
I started in the amazing eucalyptus steam room (so good for colds & sniffles!) then plunged into an icy pool (seals pores and strengthens the immune system). I then sat under a warm waterfall that pummelled any stress out of my shoulders, relaxed and read magazines, sat with my feet up outside by a wood fire it, gazed at the mountains, looked at the trees, then popped into the dry wood-burning Finnish sauna, followed by another round of cool pool and warm pools.
Along with my amazing cheese/nut/grapes snack box which I had afterwards in the lovely little Spa bistro, the whole experience took me about three hours - but you can stay for less or longer. I even snoozed a bit in the solarium while listening to bird noises and new age music!
The best bit? Talking isn't allowed, really, so you're there to enjoy the unwinding in complete peace...
Cannot recommend Scandinave enough. If you're up in Whistler, make sure you book in time to relax in between all the sports and rec!
April 26, 2011 | Tips from Us >
Whistler, Attractions
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I was up in Whistler this weekend for the Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival with a bunch of friends, and while they snowboarded, I took the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful sunny day by riding the amazing Peak 2 Peak Gondola. I
Even if you're not skiing/boarding, you can get a lift ticket and it's worth it for the views on a clear day. Just magical. I hopped on the Gondola at Village base and road it to the top of Whistler Mountain, enjoyed the views there (and the snowboard demo park for the WSSF), and then snuggled into a P2P gondola for an 11-minute breathtaking tour of the skies over to Blackcomb peak.
You also get a birds-eye view of the village, the local lakes and more tree tops and ski trails than you could ever imagine. Once at Blackcomb, grab some nosh at the lodge or do what I did, lay down a plastic bag in the snow, have a seat and enjoy the sunshine (put sunscreen on, it's really strong sun!), the views and ruddy faces of all the people skiing.
April 26, 2011 | Tips from Us >
Whistler, Festivals & Events
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One of the myriad great things about Whistler, besides its jaw-dropping mountains and the fact that it's kind of stunning all year round is that it is home to some amazing festivals and events.
This Easter Weekend, we headed up for the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival which ran from April 15 - 24. There were gigs and concerts in the main Village Square, DJs, ski and boarding competitions, plus fashion and art exhibits.
While everyone was hitting the snow, I road the gondola to the top of Whistler Mountain to check out the demo park (bonus! The views are there year round - get a lift ticket and you can check them out whether you're riding or not), then took the Peak 2 Peak over to Blackcomb for a bite to eat at the lodge. Sat in the sunshine, chatted with other visitors (one from BC, another from Dublin) while having a beer on the patio on top of the world.
In town (see pic), I wandered, shopped, and checked out the Whistler DogFest. At night, our gang stuffed our faces at Ric's Grill, and joined the thousands in the square for the WSSF Big Air competition - brilliant to see great athletes make huge ski jumps, and and meet other visitors. The WSSF activities provided a great vibe in the village, lots of people (though we still managed to get good hotel deals), and the best news is that it happens every year. And even better news? You don't have to be at an event to enjoy Whistler. The mountains don't move! :)