The phenomenal Fairmont Chateau Whistler invited me to experience their beautiful resort and village first hand. My buddy Debbi Scolari-Rowan, accompanied me for the three day funfest! We flew into Vancouver, followed by a two hour shuttle ride with picture perfect postcard scenery around every bend.
From the moment we arrived at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler they treated Deb and I like royalty. We were spoiled with an upgrade to the 8th floor Gold Level. Here, a private staff ensures guests every need is met. We became fast friends with Gold manager Dale LeRose whose huge smile and friendly demeanor made us feel right at home. The Gold Lounge, with a spectacular view of the pool and Blackcomb ski slope, was only steps from our room. Everyday they served complimentary breakfast fit for a queen, afternoon canapes, hot beverages , and sweet treats before bed.
Bearfoot Ice Bar
After talking with a few locals, we were advised no visit to Whistler would be complete without going to the Bearfoot Ice Bar. Off we went. It’s the worlds coldest vodka tasting room at -25F ?, making it mandatory to wear provided Canadian Goose arctic parkas. I was the official photographer while the nice bartender in this pic topped off many shot glasses for the 18 other peeps in the sub-zero watering hole. Very cool hanging out in a room made of ice.
A tour of the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre
The next day we toured the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre to learn about Whistler’s First Nations thousands of years ago. The structure is made mostly of glass with views of untouched forest, paying deference to the land. As with America’s native settlers, Canada’s bears, mountain goats, rams, and more were important to the early settlers for the fur, meat and trading. The younger generation are docents at the museum. They are very proud of their heritage and want to keep the customs alive. A fun activity the docent’s do with visitors is to weave a cedar bark bracelet. The cedar tree is considered the tree of life. They use every part through their lives; for ceremonial purposes, to stuff mattresses, inside diapers, baskets, head dress, floor mat, serving tray, and the aforementioned bracelets, which Deb and I each made. So fun!
Dinner that evening was at Fairmont Chateau’s Four Diamond restaurant — Grill Room
The specialty is 45 day dry aged Angus Beef. I don’t eat red meat, but Deb does. Our server presented her with a two foot long piece of raw steak, then asked her to choose the size of cut she’d like cooked. Thick or thin, it was her choice.
The soup course was prepared table side with fresh tomatoes, a local organic gin for flavor and thick fresh cream
A special treat was homemade vanilla cotton candy served at the end of the meal
As we left the restaurant this bee-u-tee-full display of fresh pink lilies posed in the lobby like nature’s supermodels
The attention to detail, such as personalized toiletries in our guest room, are what make this hotel stand out above the rest.
A visit to Whistler Village
Our morning java was at Mount Currie Coffee Co. a few miles away in Whistler Village. It’s a small Ma & Pa bistro that’s been voted “Best Latte” for the past 8 years. A MUST try is their Canadiano — a latte with Canadian maple syrup! One sip…ahhh, yuumm, yup !! Afterwards, we poked our heads in a few of the local boutiques and souvenir shops.
In the evening, our visit to the Scandinave Spa was like stepping into a winter wonderland! It is 20,000 square feet of outdoor splendor. They offer day and evening soaks. Who doesn’t love a nighttime snow spahhh?! Hot baths, saunas, eucalyptus steam rooms, and cold waterfalls are tucked among a cedar forest. No talking is permitted, which just about killed Deb and I, but still, the perfect way to end the day and our trip to Whistler.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler website: http://bit.ly/2ozmuw4
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