Why Don't You
Stories by David Burke | Images by Joern Rohde
Cozy Up in The Vodka Ice Room
You’ve come to Whistler to experience winter in one of North America’s top ski destinations. Why not go all the way and experience what’s likely the coolest place in the resort?
Visitors and locals with a flair for adventure can don parkas and cozy up inside the Bearfoot Bistro’s Ketel One Ice Room for a fun, unique and educational tasting tour.
“Wrapped in our cozy Arctic Expedition parkas, our vodka experts guide you on your tasting journey. They will explain how the intricacies of distillation and filtration combined with being served at -32 C affect the flavour profile of the finished product,” said Marc Des Rosiers, Bearfoot Bistro marketing and communications manager.
The temperature — just above the freezing point of vodka — is a big part of the experience, as the cold helps participants minimize the alcohol burn and gain a full appreciation of the vodka’s flavour profile.
Visitors will experience an exhilarating flight of four of the Bistro’s selection of more than 50 vodkas from around the world.
Reservations are required.
bearfootbistro.com | 604-932-3433
Slide Like An Olympian
The year 2022 is an Olympic year, and the Whistler Sliding Centre (WSC) invites guests to feel the speed and excitement of the Olympic sliding disciplines of bobsleigh, skeleton and luge — no experience necessary.
Until March 27, WSC is offering passenger bobsleigh and public skeleton programs for those at least 14 (bobsleigh) or 16 (skeleton) and up. For kids 8 to 14, a series of “Discover Luge” sessions is being offered on select dates, with a chance to take a run down the final four curves of the track that has hosted the 2010 Winter Olympic and World Cup events.
“We are in an Olympic year, so it is extra special that we can give public guests the opportunity to slide like an Olympian themselves, and to give them a first-hand experience of our sports,” said Tracy Seitz, WSC track director. “They will watch the Olympic races in February with a completely different appreciation.”
Passenger bobsleigh runs take place on the final 10 turns of the 17-turn track in a four-person sled with a professional pilot, moving at speeds approaching 125 km/h (78 mph). Solo skeleton guests slide down the track’s final six curves at speeds up to 100 km/h (62 mph).
whistlersportlegacies.com | 604-964-0040
Go Nordic at Night
For the past few winters, one of the best recreational deals in the Sea to Sky Corridor has been what many refer to as “Locals’ Night” at Whistler Olympic Park (WOP) — but is open to anyone who’s keen to delve into the sport of cross-country (or “Nordic”) skiing.
On Wednesdays until March 9 (weather dependant), WOP invites both experienced and beginner Nordic skiers and snowshoers to visit the park from 3 to 9 p.m. for just $8 — less than one-third the usual daily rate. If don’t have your own equipment, it can be rented for $8, with advance online booking required.
WOP, which hosted the 2010 Winter Olympic events in cross-country skiing, ski jumping, biathlon and Nordic combined, is in the beautiful Callaghan Valley, about a 20-minute drive from Whistler Village. Approximately 6 kilometres of trails are lit at night, or guests can bring headlamps to ski on trails that are groomed but not lit. Dogs are even allowed on a couple of the unlit trails.
Before or after skiing and snowshoeing, guests can enjoy a hot beverage or discounts on hearty meals at the park’s cozy day lodge (some Covid-related restrictions may apply). whistlersportlegacies.com | 604-964-0059
Nordic skiing is also available on the Lost Lake Trails near Whistler Village, daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with discounted rates beginning at 3 p.m. Approximately 4 km of trails are lit for night skiing.
crosscountryconnection.ca/lost-lake | 604-905-0071
Take in A Comedy Show
If the pandemic has left you pining for some fun, lewd and live entertainment, Whistler’s Laugh Out LIVE could be just the ticket.
Created by improv specialist Ira Pettle, a Whistler resident for more than a decade, Laugh Out LIVE features Pettle, Rebecca Mason, Dave Francis, and a litany of special guests in weekly performances of sketch, stand-up and even a bit of musical comedy.
“It’s been a heavy year for many of us, and everyone could use a night of laughter!” Pettle said. “See our local community at play. Meet locals and experience Whistler with the locals, like a local. And it’s a cheap night out.”
The shows, which take place at the Maury Young Arts Centre in the heart of Whistler Village, can run from goofy to bawdy and are open to anyone 19 and older. General admission is just $10 and can be purchased online or at the door.
Theatre and bar open at 7:30 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m., running weekly until April 28.
Proof of Covid-19 vaccination, government-issued ID and masks are required.
artswhistler.com | 604-935-8410
