[trip style = ski + weekend getaway + sightseeing]
{Editor’s Note: Until noon PST today, enter to win two nights at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and two Scandinave Spa Whistler bath passes. Takes less than one minute to enter. Good luck!}
----------------------- After ziptrekking at 80km/h over Fitzsimmons Creek and dipping into therapeutic waters in the name of Nordic wellness, we've worked up an appetite. In the last of a three-part Experience Whistler series, exploring the resort's food and beverage marvels should fit the bill {pun intended}! -----------------------
Whether it's an intimate affair or big bash, there's a fete happening in every bar, lounge and restaurant in Whistler. It's a resort; festivities come with the territory. Beyond Whistler's world-class cocktails and cuisine, here are some unique experiences perfect for epic or everyday celebrations!
Bubbly
Why pop the bubbly when you can saber it like Napoleon? You and your party are ushered down a narrow stairway to a 20,000 bottle wine cellar to strike the 'lip' off the bottle of Champagne with the blunt edge of a sword!
Where: Bearfoot Bistro
Cost: There is no fee for this, just buy a bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine {which start at $50} and request to saber it!
Take Flight
Don a $1,000 Canada Goose down parka and fur hat with ear flaps, and step into an arctic chill known as the Belvedere Ice Room. With 50 vodkas from around the world, the petite ice bar plays host to flights in a -18 degrees Celsius room! Bring gloves.
Where: Bearfoot Bistro
Cost: One shot is $20, a flight {4 shots} is $48.
Nitro
As you can probably tell from the last two experiences at one of Whistler's finest and highly acclaimed restaurants, the Bearfoot Bistro is as much about the food and beverage as it is about the show. For those who like a sweet and frosty finish to their meal, complete the culinary adventure with a simple, yet flashy dessert. A wooden trolly arrives bearing the gift of cream, sugar and nitroglycerine. Churned right in front of you, this high-end take on build-your-own sunday dazzles the eyes and delights the sweet tooth.
Where: Bearfoot Bistro
Cost: $15 per person, minimum two people.
Lounge
Hands down, one of Whistler's favourite spots for après-ski and après-dinner is the Mallard Lounge. Anchored by an oversized fireplace stretching into vaulted ceilings, this open-concept lounge is ski- meets hunting-lodge chic. Weekend entertainment {Thurs - Sun in high season} only adds to the atmosphere. All the artists are excellent. Ask if Colin Bullock is playing; his medleys of popular Coldplay and Tracy Chapman songs, as well as his own singer-songwriter tunes will turn you into a night owl.
Where: Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Cost: A single malt and glass of wine start at $10.
{Trip Styler Tip :: Don't miss out on Fairmont Fridays, $5 beers and cocktails await. And with the help of Fairmont's exec chef and sommelier, learn to cook the quintessential festive meal and select the best wine pairings for Holiday Cooking 101 (nov 18 - 20).}
Crêpe
Crêpe Montagne is a small French crêperie tucked away near Whistler's Celebration Plaza. The crêpes are as authentic and delicate as the design with fresh flowers on every table and bright blue banquette seating. Visit during the holidays when the bistro sparkles. A giant branch towers over guests with gazillions of silver bobbles catching the dim winter light from every twig.
Where: Crêpe Montagne
Cost: Crêpes start at $5. Open breakfast, lunch and dinner. Don't miss the fondue and raclette!
{Trip Styler Tip :: Avoid the midday cafeteria rush while skiing Whistler Blackcomb and overlook the ski-scape below with full service dining at Christine's.}
[photo credits in order of appearance: bearfoot bistro (1-3), tripstyler, fairmont chateau whistler, heatherlovesit]
{Disclaimer: Though I wish I had a lifetime Champagne bottle sabering pass to the Bearfoot Bistro, I have no affiliation with any of the businesses listed above. More about our editorial policy.}