Anna Segal: Whistler for Aussies

Rachael Oakes-Ash is an Aussie travel writer and a self-confessed Snow It All who covers all things winter and ski.

Aussie Winter Olympian, pro skier, and film producer Anna Segal called Whistler home for a number of years. Despite now living up the road in Permberton, she still knows the sweet spots for Australians—from where to get their caffeine fix to where to head on a powder day. This is her guide to her adopted home.

Best Coffee

I have two favourite coffee spots! First is Alpha Cafe, where you’ll find freshly baked treats, and quality espresso. The second is Ed’s Bred, a plant-based bakery that sells organic sourdough bread and uses Australian-inspired coffee.

Best Cocktail

I’m a big G+T fan so my go-to is Bar Oso located in the village, as they have a large selection of gin and tonics on the menu. They have gin from all over the world, including Vietnam, Spain, and of course, BC!

Best Canadian Thing to Do

My favourite Canadian thing to do is finish a big ski day with a Caesar for aprés.

Favourite Ski Run

My favourite runs on Whistler Blackcomb are Rock and Roll on Blackcomb for fast, fun groomer laps, and Frog Hollow on Whistler for tree skiing on a pow day.

Best Backcountry

Out the back of Blackcomb provides some of the best, easy-access backcountry alpine terrain in the world. You can take a chairlift/T-bar to get up high, ski tour up Blackcomb Glacier, then drop into some really big, steep terrain.

Must-Do Activity

Cross-country ski or ski tour out to the Journeyman Lodge in the Callaghan, stay the night, and ski back. It’s only 20 minutes south of Whistler.

Best Après

The HandleBar at Blackcomb base. It’s a tiny bar, independently owned by locals, with an awesome selection of craft beers.

Power-Day Advice

On a powder day, I head to the trees on Whistler mountain for a few runs, then if I’m feeling lucky, I’ll wait in line for Peak Chair to crack (open), for my chance to ski some steep and deep powder turns.

Best Village Dining

Ohyama Ramen. It’s reasonably priced, casual, and so delicious! It’s my go-to spot when I’m feeling exhausted after a big day of skiing and don’t have the energy to cook for myself. My favourite dish is the Vegan Ramen.

Date Night

Alta Bistro. I only discovered this restaurant a few months ago, due to my friend getting a serving job here. She explained to me that the majority of their ingredients are organic and local, which means the menu is constantly changing.

Apparently the eggs and chickens are from the chef’s own backyard up in Pemberton! The chef is open to modifying food for dietary constraints and the staff are friendly and welcoming. No snobby attitudes here, just awesome food.

Best Shopping

Evo is a Seattle-based business, with that has five separate stores in Whistler. They stock all my favourite ski/surf/skate and outdoor brands and have a really great community program, where they host local artists, athletes, and film makers for shop gatherings.

Where Do You Take Visitors to Impress Them?

I encourage people to get out of Whistler Village and drive 30 minutes north to Pemberton. It has a really authentic Canadian vibe with some great little coffee shops and eateries (Blackbird Bakery, North Arm Farm, and Stay Wild), plus stunning views of Mount Currie.