07
May
Whistler for Non-Skiers
Whistler for Non-Skiers
Yoga pants, swimsuit, cocktail dress — check. I’m packed and ready for a weekend in Whistler. What about skis, poles and parkas? Don’t need ‘em. Skiing just isn’t my thing, thanks to my first ski experience with a boyfriend who seemed to forget I was there at the top of the chair lift and went schussing down the hill, leaving me to fend for myself. It took hours for me to make it down the hill, mostly on my butt, and I vowed “never again.”
But that hasn’t stopped me from returning to Whistler. I’ve learned the resort town has lots to offer for non-skiers, in fact we're spoiled for choice. We checked into Nita Lake Lodge just in time for a session at Loka Yoga, which is in the building. If you can swing it, take a class with Tina James, the owner. Her unique style is infused with humour and play, and truly exhilarating--what better way to begin a few days of indulgence?
After a hearty snack at Fix, and to be sure that all the city’s traffic and tension was gone, we booked massage treatments at the Lodge's Spa, which also offers naturopathic services. I opted for the "kundalini" treatment that includes a foot scrub and facial. No wonder Nita Lake Lodge was awarded one of the top 10 organic spas--and the only one in Canada-- by Organic Spa Magazine.
We swanned upstairs to our well-appointed suite, complete with gas fireplace and balcony overlooking the lake. One thing I love about resorts is that you don't need the car. Nita Lake Lodge complimentary shuttle delivers you to the Village and will pick-up within minutes (or the trail is a pleasant one-hour stroll). It was tempting not to leave the building, but Bar Oso, newly opened by the Araxi team, beckoned. Bar Oso lives up to the high standards of Araxi. Go early because the word is already out -- by 7pm the place was packed, mostly by locals, ordering Spanish-style small plates. The housemade charcuterie is exceptional, and you must try the lamb albondigas, a recipe handed down to chef Jorge Santos from his grandmother. And the chick pea puree--need that recipe.
Back to the lodge's Aura Restaurant for dinner. We followed the freshest oysters with venison chops and sour cherry jus and sturgeon with elk chorizo. We couldn't decide who made the better choice so chef Dean split our entrees, and both dishes paired with wines by the glass. We chose well.
We had planned on snowshoeing around Nita Lake (the lodge also offers complimentary snowshoe loans) but opted for more indulgence at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
So exhilarating to breathe mountain air and view the slope action while wallowing in the outdoor hot tubs. And underwater music is piped into the lap pool. There's so much to do without leaving the building. With morning yoga classes, afternoon art crawl and shopping at Mountain Galleries (downstairs from the lobby), who even has time to ski?
Speaking of art, almost across the street is the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, built with cedar and glass. Definitely worth a visit. And the Audain Art Museum is slated to open early 2016. More than 200 significant art works, from 19th century First Nations masks to modern works by Jeff Wall, will be housed in a 56,000 square-foot tree house.
The yoga pants came in handy on the drive home--we needed the elasticized waist after an epic brunch at the Fairmont. And don't forget to stop at Fix for a loaf of bread. Whistler has it all!
Bring the Kids
BabysittingWhistler comes to your location and takes the children out and about for fun activities. Evenings the sitter will stay in your room and bring a craft kit. Owner Rebecca Craig advises that you book ahead over the holidays, although they can usually accommodate last minute bookings. "We have been offering this service for 14 years and it's the first choice for child care from the Fairmont Chateau Lake and Nita Lake Lodge, to name a few," says Craig.
Bring the Dog
If your pooch does has to be left alone for any length of time, Alpine Dogs offer in-room sitting and adventure hikes. They prefer that you book at least one day ahead but can usually accommodate same-day bookings. And evenings you can stay out until the wee hours. Whistler is one big doggy play land.
If You Go
Nita Lake Lodge: nitalakelodge.com
Fairmont Chateau Whistler: fairmont.com/whistler
Bar Orso: baroso.ca
Art Gallery: mountaingalleries.com
Baby Sit: BabysittingWhistler.com
Dog Sit: alpinedogs.ca
The writer was a guest of Nita Lake Lodge and Fairmont Chateau Whistler.