OK, this is the next episode in my opinion fairy story. This op is split between the ski resort of Whistler, and snowboardingin general. Both of them are mint.
Whistler
Whistler is located in British Columbia, Canada. Thats on the West Coast, about 2 hours from Vancouver, along the spectacular 'Sea to Sky' Highway. It is a purpose built resort, split into two halves, Whistler and Blackcomb, which used to be separately owned and run but have since been amalgamated into a single world class resort. The skiing and snow is second to none - the range and quality of the runs is unsurpassed, from groomed blues to unpisted glacier runs, open snow at the top to winding tree runs lower down. The area is serviced by a fabulous lift system, so there are few queues. The town itself can only be described as quaint yet functional - it has traditional style buildings but all are close to the lifts - you can see how the bult-up area is extending up the mountain. I stayed in the Marriott, which for a reasonable price was extremely good value - with unlimited buffet breakfast, great rooms, poll, gym and hot tubs - as well as being located actually on the piste. There are lots of shops for non-skiers and little walks and nature trails too.
Unfortunately the extreme snow comes at a cost - it is rarely sunny. Also, the base of the resort is very low at a little over 2,000 feet, so at Easter is tends to rain - but they always make sure there is snow right down to the resort. Lift passes are also expensive - but well worth it. I suppose you would have trouble skiing without them though. I have heard great things about the instruction - my only experience was with a snowboard instructor, but he was pretty cool. There is an outrageous snowboard park as well, though it is serviced by the crappest lift ever.
Snowboarding
It appears as though snowboarding is the next big thing. Woops, too late, it is the big thing. The sole great advantage of snowboarding is, if you don't mind one day of pain, its dead easy after that. Seriously, compared to skiing, reaching an adequate standard is laughably easy. Here are some top tips:
- Get professional instruction. I learnt more in one hour than I did in 4 days on my own. - Don't give up or cry. It really is worth it. - Never, ever, ever, face downslope and catch your front edge. Ouch. - Don't be afraid to move. Turning is far easier at 20mph than it is at 2mph. - Don't even try to stay upright when getting off lifts. - Don't get step-in bindings. Good principle, but you look like a dick, and once full of snow it's pretty much impossible to 'step in'. Proper bindings are quick to release, and whats 30 seconds doing them up right? They don't come off ever. - Work out which way you want to go. Left foot forwards = Regular. Right foot forwards = Goofy. Supposedly your strongest foot should go at the back, but I'm not so sure. - Jumping is silly. I get hurt. - Don't stick to the nursery slopes - once you can turn, go for a blue or red, and you will progress faster - Get fit before you go. It's easier than skiing, but you will enjoy it more if you are fit. I wouldn't know, its just what I heard. - Wear lots of clothes. Snow is cold for a reason. - Go off piste. Its fun and easy. - Don't ski straight afterwards. It gets ugly.
OK, there you have it. Snowboarding is the second best sport (after skiing), so you have to give it a try. But don't do it for just one day, take a few days and do it properly. It's definitely worth it.
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Great op! My brother goes snowboarding every year and he's been telling me I must try it. As I finish my Masters this year I think I'll give it a go. He says Whistler is excellent - may have to check it out! ~Deenie~
gennymutant 23.05.2001 23:56
Wow - sounds great! I've never actually been snowboarding or skiing yet (I was soooo tempted when I was in Switzerland last year but I didn't have insurance - I just know I would have broken something!). I'll be going to Canada sometime within the next couple of years so I'll have to keep this in mind! Great op - Dione
paule23 23.05.2001 23:45
Alas due to a rather dodgy knee, I shall never be able to ski or even snowboard. Never mind, maybe I'll go check out the apres-ski!
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Advantages: Two excellent mountains, plenty of snow, night life, wonderful people, wonderful food, excellent accomidation, plently of room on the slopes Disadvantages: Expensive, very long distance and traveling time
sonyduo 21.05.2006 (21.05.2006)
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Review of Whistler, Ski Resort
Advantages: Friendly, informative, good snow, excellent skiing, cheap meals, quick moving queues Disadvantages: long journey and price of flight, we had to get a bus to the lifts
Helenp59 13.02.2001 ·
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Review of Whistler (Canada)
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