This World-Class Destination Offers Year Round Frivolities By Jane & Brent Cassie Photos by Brent Cassie The spectacular snow-capped Tantalus Mountains silhouetting the ethereal sky created a scenic backdrop while we followed the gray ribbon of winding highway. We were still half an hour away from our destination, the world-renowned Whistler Resort, when our son and his best friend started getting antsy. "Can we pl-e-e-e-z go swimming as soon as we get there?!" pleaded the two pre-teens from their back seat location. When first booking our accommodation for this summer Whistler weekend, we had hoped to combine it with a few sun-splashed, carefree, kid-loving frivolities. The planning process of this event may sound like a simple task, but as we found out, the accommodation and activity options at this resort are endless! Our problem was soon resolved after a phone call to Whistler Chalet’s one-stop shopping service. Not only was our accommodation arranged to please our playful pair, but they also booked four passes for us all to ride the Whistler gondola. For nearly 20 years, Whistler Chalets has been offering quality vacation rentals in combination with tailor-made, fun-filled activities to suit the varying needs of visitors. From comfortable condos to exclusive luxury homes, this company offers more than 600 retreats to choose from, and is committed to delivering quality and comfort to every guest, every time. Boasting unobstructed views of neighboring Rainbow and Sprout mountains, their top-of-the-line massive peeled-log estates are complete with gourmet kitchens, river-rock fireplaces and private hot tubs. Golf-lovers will enjoy similar luxuries from ‘The Woods’ exceptional units, where access to the Valley Trail and eighteen holes of greenery are just steps from each front door. As we wanted to be closer to the energized village, where restaurants and entertainment were just a short hoof away, we chose a two-bedroom unit at Northstar Stoney Creek. From its deck and two floors, we viewed the countless groomed runs that funneled from the peaks of Blackcomb and Whistler into the hub of this year-round wonderland. icely decorated, our spacious home away from home provided a few extra perks, such as a gas fireplace, a jetted tub and an outdoor pool. The boys registered their approval with a big, "Yeah," while scurrying to suit up for the courtyard splash, and we later joined them for a soak in the pool’s adjacent hot tub. When it comes to optional fun stuff, the Whistler Chalet’s coordinator can tailor adventures to suit your needs. Become totally energized while whitewater rafting, witness breathtaking scenery from a helicopter or floatplane, or escalate, as we did, to Whistler’s alpine area via gondola. During our seventeen-minute hop to the top, we perused heavenly hiking and biking terrain that would soon transform into snow-covered ski runs. Taking advantage of the past season’s unusually large snow pack, unique sightseeing tours and adventures to winter-white bowls were offered via snowmobile and snowcat. During our descent, the two boys let out a whoop of excitement when sighting a black bear, one of many which roam these parts in the warmer months. From our bird’s eye location, they let out an even bigger whoop when the mini-golf and bobsled ride at the base of Blackcomb came into view! Although our unit included a beautifully equipped kitchen, by the end of our busy day the variety of dining options at the neighboring Marketplace looked pretty appealing. "After we get a bite to eat, would you boys like to rent a video?" we suggested, while envisioning a peaceful evening in the comfort of our suite. Once again we were reminded of the reason for planning this weekend Whistler getaway, as our pre-teen water ducks replied, "Can we pl-e-e-e-z go swimming instead?" If You Go: Whistler Chalets, A ResortQuests Company 436 Lorimer Road Whistler BC Canada V0N 1B4 Ph: toll free from Vancouver: 604-683-7799 or 604-932-6699 Toll Free: 1-800-663-7711 Fax: 604-938-6622 Web site: www.whistlerchalets.com From the city of Vancouver BC: North on Highway # 1 to Upper Levels Follow signs to Whistler via Sea to Sky Follow specific directions provided by Whistler Chalets. For our State-side neighbors: Either through Sumas, taking Highway #1 north to Vancouver, or through Blaine, north on Highway 99, Pass through Vancouver to Upper Levels Approximately one and a half hours from Vancouver