Heli-skiing is popular with intermediate, advanced and expert skiers. Up to 10 skiers can take a Bell 205 helicopter to the mountain and then ski three runs, totaling 4,500 to 7,500 vertical feet. The four-run package, using the helicopter as a “lift,” allows skiers to schuss 6,000 to 10,000 vertical feet four times. The six-run package is for fast, expert skiers. A Bell 407 helicopter flies four to five people up and down half a dozen times in order to ski 9,000 to 15,000 vertical feet. All three packages include a photo, video and picnic lunch. APRÈS SKI GARIBALDI LIFT COMPANY, located a floor above the gondola station, is a coveted Whistler hot spot. Locals love the yardlong nachos and the collection of spicy drinks made with Tabasco, Worcestershire, sriracha and cilantro-oyster sauce puree. At Blackcomb, Merlin’s Bar & Grill, located at the day lodge at the base of the Wizard Chairlift, is another favorite. Live music is the big attraction; punk bands, DJs, singers and more. Bartop dancing is encouraged. For a more sophisticated après ski experience, check out the Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s Mallard Lounge. Large windows overlook a snowy scene while a musician plays old favorites. Not sure what you want to do? Walk around the village and see what appeals to you. It might be a famous DJ, a soul party or even ’80s night. The Scandinave Spa is a different experience. What could be more pleasurable after a day on the mountain than a relaxing soak in an outdoor spa? In beautiful surroundings, you can move silently from a large eucalyptus steam room to a dry sauna to an outdoor saltwater pool heated to 102 degrees. The picturesque views are almost as good as the lavish services. Packages start at $60. Don’t forget to make a trip to Araxi Restaurant and Oyster Bar, which has been acclaimed “Best Restaurant in Whistler” by Vancouver Magazine for nine consecutive years. Chef James Walt sources ingredients from the nearby Pemberton Valley to prepare exquisite flavor combinations. After all this excitement it’s understandable if you want to take a backseat to the action. The Ring of Fire is presented every Sunday evening at the Skiers Plaza at Whistler Village from mid-December to mid-March. This outdoor extravaganza features the best skiers from the area doing huge jumps, back flips and other incredible maneuvers to thumping music. Some even jump through a hoop of fire. The show ends with fireworks, a fitting tribute to a spectacular winter destination. n October/November 2015 79 ARAXI RESTAURANT + OYSTER BAR MERLIN’S BAR AND GRILL SCANDINAVE SPA FROM TOP: TOURISM WHISTLER/MIKE CRANE (2); COURTESY OF SCANDINAVE SPA. OPPOSITE PAGE: ROBIN O’NEILL
South Bay Accent - Oct/Nov 2015
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