Whistler is not that big but walking 1km in ski boots makes it feel like 10, especially with 3 kids and all their gear in tow! How far you have to walk in ski boots is only one of the many things you need to consider when you are booking your Whistler hotel in the winter.
Here are some things to consider to help you choose the right accommodation:
1. Is your accommodation ski-in, ski-out?
If your accommodation is ski-in, ski-out, you have to take into consideration the time of year you're coming. In early season (November-mid-December) and late season (mid-March-May) there likely won't be snow all the way down to the village. This means that your ski-in, ski-out accommodation may not have enough snow to ski in or out of which may result in you walking down the mountain with all your gear to get to the lifts.
Another consideration with ski in and out accommodation is the difficulty rating of the run. For example, in Creekside, some of the accommodations on the hill itself require you to ski a black diamond run (Dave Murray) to get to the lifts which is only suitable for advanced skiers and you are not advanced you would need to rent a car just to get to the lifts.
Make sure you check google maps, double check with your accommodation or feel free to send me an email jen@whistlerfamilyvacations.com if you are unsure. Or click here for everything you need to know about Whistler's ski in, ski out accommodations.
2. Is your accommodation within walking distance of the lifts?
In the winter when you are carrying a ton of ski gear as well as your kids and their gear, "walking distance" becomes a lot shorter! I wouldn't want to walk more than 300-500m with kids and ski gear and there are many accommodations further from the lifts than that.
If you aren't within walking distance you should check whether your hotel has a shuttle or a ski valet closer to the gondola. If not you can take your skis on the bus, rent a car (drop off your kids, partner and gear by the lifts so only one person has to walk) and then park the car in Day Lots 1-5 and walk to meet your family. You could also rent a storage locker for your skis and boots in the Carleton Lodge which is right next to the Whistler Village Gondola.
3. Is there a pool and/or hot tub?
When the ski day ends at 3-3:30pm and it gets dark around 4:30-5pm you're going to need to fill the rest of your day somehow! Having a pool and hot tub in the hotel is super convenient and the kids love to play in the pool after skiing.
The hot tub is a perfect place to warm up and relax after a long day on the slopes and save you from having to plan or spend money on other activities each night.
4. Is there a dryer or fireplace in the room?
Having to put on wet gloves and clothes in the morning is one of the worst ways to start the ski day! If your hotel has a dryer or a fireplace you can make sure all your gear is dry for the next day. This is especially important in early and late season when the weather is warmer and there are higher chances of rain.
5. Is there a kitchen in the room?
Sometimes after a long day on the hill you just want to put your pyjamas and cosy up on the couch with a glass of wine and not leave the hotel room. If you have a kitchen in your accommodation you don't have to worry about going out for every meal which can also save you a ton of money! Airbnb rentals are especially good for this.
