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Walkin’ In A Whistler WonderlandBy Jane Cassie
Irresistible aromas frequently waft from creative kitchens as we wander the quaint village walkways. With over ninety options, ranging from quick-fix fast food outlets, coffeehouses, deli cafes and bistros, to ultimate fine dining establishments offering any ethnic flavour we choose, our taste buds receive the royal treatment. On our final night we celebrate with a visit to Ill Caminetto di Umberto, one of the longer standing restaurants located in the heart of Whistler village. Since 1981 creator, Umberto Menghi, has satisfied many a palate with his creative Tuscany fare. Under the direction of Executive Chef Ron Lammie, the superlative menu offers delectable choices such as venison carpaccio, costate d'agnello estrucca, (or in English, a delicious rack of lamb served with a flavourful crust of rosemary and garlic) and a medley of incredible pastas. Warm hospitality and an intimate atmosphere set the perfect stage and once paired with a fine wine, both of our meals are perfecto!
As well as retail outlets, there are opportunities for adventure tours here as well. A group is gathering with snowshoes for a backcountry hike, while others are heading in the opposite direction in search of snowmobiling terrain. There is also dog sledding, heli-skiing, flightseeing tours and more. We, on the other hand, prefer to keep our feet firmly planted on the ground and continue walkin’ in a Whistler wonderland. Other Christmas Festivities to partake in: Caroling through the village
Christmas Eve Where To StayThe Westin Resort & Spa For Further Information: |
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Twinkling lights wrap
around frosted evergreens and a winter white blanket cloaks the alpine
village. Although the snowfall muffles sounds from the exhilarated crowd,
there’s no way it could mask the enthusiasm. Children frolic in wintry
wardrobe mounds that have been piled high by busy snowploughs. Other young
tykes are towed in sleighs by their parents who meander the shop-lined
streets. And as we walk arm in arm along Village Stroll and hum the familiar
carols that fill the air, we also partake in the magic. Christmas is nearly
here, and there’s no place that celebrates it like Whistler.
“Let it snow, let it
snow, let it snow,’ chant a nearby group of young skiers. And they aren’t
alone with this wish. In fact, over two million people are lured to Whistler
by her loyal winter coat each year. Weighted down with boots and boards they
head off to high-speed lifts that will whisk them a mile closer to the
heavens. Some will go in search of perilous fall lines and powder that’s as
light as goose down. Others will choose open bowls, mogul fields, classic
cruisers, or cross country trails bordered by evergreen ghosts. With the
compatible union of Blackcomb and Whistler there are over seven thousand
skiable acres and ample territory for all skill levels. Included in this
terrain are twelve magnificent bowls, three glaciers, and over two hundred
gloriously groomed runs that are draped in more than nine hundred
centimeters of snowfall each year. Now, that’s worth celebrating!
These two majestic
coastal peaks frame the village hub and when the clouds disperse, their
summits are picturesque and omnipresent. From a mile high, there are
countless manicured runs that wrap the mountain contours like white woollen
scarves, eventually funnelling down to the glistening village where we
roam. 
Hugging up to the
village’s pristine perimeters are fabulous five star hotels such as our home
away from home, The Westin Resort & Spa. Festive white lights that outline
her dual towers of exquisite granite are also brought indoors to the
open-air lobby and four-story atrium. Here, the fireplace crackles next to a
decorated fir. A toy train encircles a miniature village made out of yummy
edibles. And the feeling of Christmas is in the air. During our stay we
enjoy the ultimate in luxury, intimacy, and impeccable service. Our decadent
suite pampers us with a soaker tub, flickering fire and a heavenly
bed, and for ultimate nirvana I head to the eight thousand square foot
Avello spa and nourish my body with a sensational Algea Wrap
treatment. With two hot tubs, an indoor / outdoor swimming pool and award
winning culinary team at the The Aubergine Grille and FireRock Lounge, it
comes as no surprise that this property has won so many accolades.
Over the three day
visit, much of our time is spent browsing through the various village shops,
all of which are uniquely decked out in festive flair at this time of year.
Custom designed wreaths and glittering trees emit a warm welcome, and
flowing from each interior are favourite holiday tunes, ranging from
traditional choir singers to Bing Crosby’s White Christmas. We pick up
unique stocking stuffers at a number of souvenir shops, check out a couple
of art galleries, and while Brent drools over the latest ski trends and
sporting goods, I head for my favourite retail outlet. As well as arts and
craft stores, there are awesome accessory emporiums, chocolate and candy
factories and even a year-round Christmas shop. Offering something for
everyone, our dilemma of holiday shopping is easily resolved. 