Whistler is much more than just steeps, deeps and glaciers!
From large fast food restaurants seating hundreds of guests to small, quaint and cosy, tucked away chalets or huts, there are so many fantastic options for dining on the mountain!
Why not start off with fresh tracks and hit the slopes before everyone else? Get your Fresh Tracks ticket the day before and head up the mountain as early as 07.15 am before all the main lifts open at 08.30 am. Head up on the Whistler gondola and indulge in a hearty hot and cold buffet breakfast (eat as much as you want) before you head out to enjoy the fresh powder or perfectly groomed slopes. The mountain top breakfast takes place in the Roundhouse Restaurant which can seat over 650 people!
The secret to skiing less busy slopes is to ski and ride over the lunchtime period – so it’s usually best to stop for an early brunch or a late lunch! Most mountain restaurants will be closing at 2.30 pm – some close at 3.00 pm.
Roundhouse at the top of Whistler Gondola is great for an inexpensive lunch where you are spoiled with a huge choice of self service options from their live cooking stations – choose a curry created by one of the Canadian Dragon’s Den judges called Vikram, or perhaps Chinese or a traditional grill if you’d prefer. They do fab daily soups, pizzas and fish and offer great kids meals too!
The Rendezvous at the top of Blackcomb mountain was reopened at beginning of last season after a million dollar renovation at the end of winter 2015. It offers very spacious dining options and a huge outdoor patio with fantastic views. New menu options include a wok station, a fresh Mexican station with burritos, tacos and salads and a fresh burger bar. There is also a new espresso bar. If you fancy a sit down with service option, make a reservation and dine at their fine dining restaurant in the Rendezvous called Christine’s. As well as great food and an amazing wine list, you will enjoy fantastic views of the mountain.
For a more rustic and cosy quick lunch why not avoid the crowds and head down to Chic Pea a much smaller restaurant offering great BBQs on their patio over the weekends. They also offer delicious daily soups and stews as well a big selection of pizzas. Chic Pea is great for sitting out in the sun – getting a suntan and feeding the friendly and lovely Whisky Jack birds from you hand – a unique experience to Whistler.
In the afternoon, if you are peckish and need a patio to enjoy a beer or warming hot chocolate, head to the Crystal Hut on Blackcomb Mountain at 6.000 ft at the top of the Crystal Chair lift; sample that local beer or try one of their famous Belgian Waffles with umpteen topping choices. Our favourite is maple syrup or mixed berries and cream!
At the end of the day once you have made your way to the bottom of the mountain you are spoilt for choice with a great selection of gastro pubs; The GLC Garibaldi Lift Company with great patio at the base of Whistler Mountain; Merlins at the base of Blackcomb Mountain (Nachos are a must here) the biggest plate of nachos you have ever seen… and Dusty’s at the base of Creekside.
Don’t forget to try the Canadian version of our Bloody Mary called Caesars’ – it has a bit more of a kick to it!
Blog by Liz Cakebread, Inghams resort representative in Whistler.