Whistler, Canada – Summer 2016
Whistler has had many firsts. Not least, as a former co-host to the US Winter Olympics. But, as I arrived at its remarkable hub last week for an incentive-planning site visit, one word struck me, incredible.
It’s not just the amazing elevation at more than 2000 feet, or the two staggering mountain peaks that dwarf everything around, or the glacier like lakes and rivers, it’s something in the air and in the people that gather there, visitors and residents alike, that makes you feel both energized and at one with the outdoors.
I was greeted on arrival by Karen Carini from the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and so began our Sea to Sky journey, a scenic drive from Vancouver to Whistler and later, welcomed at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s Grill room for an amazing dinner.
The next day, with Cantrav Services as our host and organizer, we explored by jeep and zipline (one of my many firsts experienced on this trip) through the crisp air on Blackcomb Mountain. The view was breathtaking. Add the Peak to Peak gondola and that’s the definition of a fantastic morning.
After an exceptional dinner at the delightful Bearfoot Bistro in The Listel Hotel, we paid a visit to the unique The Kettle One Ice Room where the temperature is maintained at -32C (-25F) making it the world’s coldest vodka tasting room. “Just above vodka’s freezing point,” I was told .
Snuggled into goose down, arctic-ready parkas, with a variety of vodka shots in hand, we experienced first hand how the Ice Room’s temperatures enhance the flavor of the vodka without the alcohol burn.
The following day we set out to Cougan Mountain on Razors (another of the firsts), lunch at the Fairmont Golf Club house, visits to Audain Art Museum, Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Center and Whistler Conference Center, followed by a farewell dinner at the Portobello Smokehouse. Around the world in 80 days had nothing on me.
Takeaways:
This was not only a fascinating visit for forward planning on incentive travel options, but the unique experience that is Whistler will stay with me, as will my new friends at the Fairmont and Cantrav Services who work and play there.
Did I mention Incredible hospitality at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler? A welcoming and visually lovely resort, surrounded by views and an award winning Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designed golf course that offers a par 72, and 18-holes of Audubon-certified play!
And of course the exceptional planning by Cantrav Services Inc.
Now imagine all these activities under a white blanket of snow when the season changes! Of course Razers are replaced with snowmobiles! Whistler – We’ll be back.