Whistler’s fatal flaw is that it’s so good, everyone wants to go there. Whistler attracts around 3 million visitors every year! Booking accommodation can be a nightmare and you should get it organised early. There are various options around the village that give you different access to different parts of the resort. Remember,Whistler Resort encompasses two mountains - Whistler and Blackcomb. Both mountains can easily be accessed from the main village, so staying close to the main drag may be a priority for some.
There are several different accommodation options in the main village at varying prices so do some research to see which one will best fit your needs and budget.
Pro Tip: A relatively new (and cheap) option for the budget conscious is the Pangea Pod Hotel which is located in the middle of the Whistler Village.
Creekside Village is a bit further out from the main village and gives you access to Whistler Mountain via the Creekside Gondola, but it’s a nice option with its own mini bubble away from the main village.
Pro Tip: Check out Creekbread for great pizza and Southside Diner for breakfast
The Upper Village is a 10min walk from the main village at the base of Blackcomb. With its own shops, cafes, bars, and hotels, it also features as a mini-village. Options here include the premier Fairmont and Four Seasons
Pro Tip: After a long day on Blackcomb head down to the Handlebar for an excellent variety of craft beers and bar snacks.
Airbnb’s are also taking over and can provide a nice private option, but prices can be high. If you’re up for it and want to feel like a true local, you could even go a bit further out and utilise the fantastic bus network that Whistler has to offer.
Do some research based on your preferences of price and location, and get it organised early, because someone else is no doubt looking at the same room as you.
Whichever option you go with, remember that you can easily travel between mountains using the world-class Peak2Peak Gondola and that each of the Main Village, Creekside and The Upper Village are accessible directly off the slopes. To avoid having to bus or walk, get yourself a trail map and check the lift times so you know where you’re going and when.
Whistler Lift Passes
Lift passes are unfortunately an unavoidable and very expensive part of any ski trip. At Whistler, prices can vary during peak or slow periods. You should pre-book to avoid long lines and to save money. Another option is a Vail Resorts Epic Pass which could prove to be more cost effective for you. With Perisher, Hotham and Falls Creek all part of the Vail Empire, an Epic Pass is likely to cover your Australian winter as well.