“What on earth are we going to do for the next few months?” my husband asks, gazing out at yet another gray, drizzly day. “One thing’s for sure, we won’t be needing shorts or swimsuits anytime soon.”
Rethinking Our Usual Escape
For the past decade, Brent and I have migrated south with countless other snowbirds to a sun-soaked RV resort in Arizona, where our winters overflowed with golf, pickleball, and long, lazy afternoons enjoying the desert heat.
However, a few minor health hiccups this past year nudged us to reconsider our routine and explore the idea of staying closer to home.
Once we began looking, we realized British Columbia offers plenty of winter magic of its own. Vancouver Island welcomes off-season visitors with mild weather and charming coastal communities.
Penticton, in the Okanagan, beckons with cozy winery tastings, chilly air included. And when we craved something more active, Apex Mountain promised ski runs, snowshoe trails and enough winter fun to keep any boomer grinning.
A Whistler Invitation
“How would you feel about hitting the slopes again?” my husband asks, a touch of trepidation in his voice. “We could relive a bit of our youth and head up to Whistler.”
Being born and raised in Vancouver, just a two-hour drive from these popular slopes, we both knew what to expect. As teens, we frequented this heavenly terrain, and over the decades, we’ve watched Whistler evolve into the internationally acclaimed resort it is today.
Skiing had always been our sport of choice, but since retiring in 2015, our winter adventures had mostly revolved around sunny snowbird destinations.
Could I still ski? Would it feel like riding a bike at this stage in life? The classic senior joke, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up,” flashed through my mind.
First Tracks on the Mountain
A few days later, the mountaintop breeze brushes my face, biting through my layers, as I perch on one of Whistler’s summits.
Jagged peaks surround me, while Blackcomb Mountain stretches out in every direction, its slopes crisscrossed with trails. Together, these two mountains offer over 8,000 skiable acres, sixteen bowls, three scenic glaciers and more than 200 marked runs.
Before me lies a sun-kissed basin cloaked in powder, edged by evergreens. Carved-out runs like Burnt Stew Trail, Sidewinder and Olympic beckon, pathways back to civilization, or at least a civilized pace.
My heart races as I contemplate the first run of the day. “C’mon, Hon! Just follow me! I’ll get you down,” Brent calls, already thrilled to be back on familiar terrain.
I take a deep breath, release tension in my edges, and let gravity do its work. Suddenly, it all comes back, the effortless rhythm, the yo-yo motion of turns, the sheer joy of gliding through fresh powder.
Classic Runs and Gentle Cruisers
The day unfolds in a series of exhilarations and quiet triumphs. While adrenaline seekers chase moguls and tackle steep fall lines, we stick to classic cruisers and groomed trails.
Lower Franz’s winding forest sections, the broad sweep of Harmony Piste, and the mild, mellow Green Acres provide varied terrain that’s both doable and immensely satisfying.
Sunlight filters through the snow-laden trees, shadows dancing across the powder. Wide-open bowls offer space to glide, pause, and admire the surrounding peaks. Each trail invites careful exploration while allowing room to breathe and savor the mountain experience.
Even by late afternoon, we venture onto Ptarmigan, a bumpier run that links Lower Whiskey Jack to the mid-station of the Whistler Gondola. Our legs quiver, our hearts pound, yet smiles remain intact.
Brent, of course, is still eager for more, ready to chase that feeling of pure exhilaration one run after another.
Skiing here isn’t just about the sport, it’s about the landscape, the crispness of the air and the subtle thrill of reconnecting with an old love. Every curve, turn, and gentle dip reminds me why we were drawn to these slopes in our youth.
A Pause for Perspective
“Let’s do another run,” he urges. Boomer Bowl, a nearby black diamond, seems innocuous, but it funnels into the steep, narrow Gun Barrel run.
Feeling spent, I suggest a hot chocolate break instead. For the first time that day, Brent happily follows my lead.
We settle at a sidewalk café in Whistler Village, warm mugs in hand, gazing across the plaza at snow-dusted rooftops and towering evergreens. The late afternoon sun turns the peaks into a breathtaking palette of icy blues and soft gold.
Reflections on a Winter Rediscovered
Photo courtesy of Vail Resorts
Though we’ve traded the warm sun of our usual snowbird haunts for mountain air, this winter adventure offers a different kind of warmth.
Reliving our youthful love of skiing in the crisp alpine environment has been invigorating. We’ve discovered that adventure doesn’t have to be measured by distance or temperature; it can happen right in your own backyard.
By the end of the day, we are exhilarated, a little exhausted, and thoroughly content. Whistler reminds us why we fell in love with skiing decades ago, and it proves that some passions only grow more rewarding with age.
If You Go:
Getting There & Getting Around
- The drive from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Whistler takes about 2 hours via the scenic Sea‑to‑Sky Highway.
- Once you arrive, you don’t need a car. Whistler Village is pedestrian-friendly, and free shuttle buses run throughout resort areas like Creekside and Upper Village.
- If you do drive, parking is available, but you’ll want to check current conditions and reserve where possible.
- More Info
Where to Stay
- Main Village: Ideal for walking access to lifts, shops, and restaurants.
- Creekside: Quiet, family-friendly, and you can catch your ride up from the Creekside Gondola.
- Upper Village / Blackcomb-base: Great for ski-in/ski-out if you want to maximize mountain time.
- More Info
Best Value Picks
- Main Village: Crystal Lodge & Suites — central, walkable to lifts, shops and restaurants.
- Creekside: Legends Whistler — condo-style lodging at the base of the Creekside Gondola, ski-in access and more relaxed vibes.
- Upper Village / Blackcomb-base: Coast Blackcomb Suites — slopeside stay on Blackcomb Mountain with full-suite units (kitchen, living area), ideal for ski-in/ski-out convenience.
Mountain Tips
- Take advantage of first-track lessons — not only do you improve, but you can often skip lift lines by booking lessons early.
- For mountain navigation, know that Peak Chair gives fast access to some prime terrain, and you can hop on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola to switch between Whistler and Blackcomb.
- On powder days, locals like to head from Peak Chair down to Creekside for more open terrain.
- More Info
Après & Local Eats
- For a laid-back après vibe, try Garibaldi Lift Co. (GLC) — firepits, music, drinks, and mountain views.
- Longhorn Saloon (base of Whistler Mountain) often has DJs and a lively local crowd.
- If you want something cozy and quiet, head away from the hustle to Scandinave Spa for hot pools, steam rooms, and a peaceful recovery.
- For food, Earls Kitchen in the Village is great for a relaxed dinner or après with a patio.
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Author Bio: Since 1996, while freelancing, Jane Cassie has had thousands of articles published. Her stories have appeared CNN Magazine, Northwest Travel, New York Daily News, Chicken Soup For The Soul, Dreamscapes, Air Canada In-flight, Cottage Life, Epicure and Travel, just to name a few. She has been a regular contributor to Spa Life, INNspire, North American Inns Magazine, Cottage, and Inspire Magazines.
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