Foliage hikes, gallery visits and a village (almost) to yourself … A recent weekend in Whistler proved that the shoulder season may be one of the most restful and culturally-stimulating ways to experience the world-class ski resort.
Stay
Whistler/Blackcomb has its share of luxury accommodations, but the chalet-chic Fairmont Chateau Whistler is one of the most iconic—and grand. Located at the foot of Blackcomb Mountain, with access to Blackcomb Village, the ski-in-ski-out (or hike-in, hike-out) hotel boasts all of the elegance and tradition that the Fairmont brand is known for, with opulent chalet touches at every turn.
The lobby, with it’s A-frame wooden beam ceiling, mason rock posts, rich textiles underfoot and lively Mallard lounge is often a hub of activity (and the lounge a perfect place to enjoy a fireside Hot Toddy). But the rooms—in our case a luxuriously comfortable Fairmont Gold suite with a room-dividing fireplace, king-sized bed and soaker tub in which to enjoy the complimentary Le Labo Rose 31 bath products—provide a quiet respite after long day of shopping or hiking.
http://www.fairmont.com/whistler/
Experience
You don’t need to twist our arm to say “Yes” to a trip to Whistler, but when art and culture are involved? Even better. For this particular weekend we were honoured to be invited to cover the Trees of Hope Artist Retreat, hosted by the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. For the third year in a row, ten B.C.- and Alberta-based artists made the halls of the hotel their studio on Saturday, October 14 to paint canvases that will be auctioned for sale via 32auctions.com/WhistlerTreesofHope2017 starting in the coming weeks until January 7, 2018. All proceeds will support Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, which benefitted from the auction’s approximately $30,000 in 2017.
The Saturday evening of the retreat, participating creators, media and organizers gathered in the Chateau’s Mountain Gallery, owned since 1992 by artist and filmmaker Wendy Wacko, for a wine and cheese reception celebrating the event and auction. Wacko is also the proprietor of the galleries at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and Fairmont Banff.
Many of the Trees of Hope participating artists, including Shannon Ford who creates beautiful modern acrylic paintings, often featuring the area's animals (in this case bald eagles and grizzlies), are represented in the gallery.
After the reception, our group made our way over to the Fairmont’s Wildflower restaurant for a family-style feast and a few touching words from a mother whose family had received support from Canuck Place Children’s Hospital.
The following day, we took some time for some rest and relaxation, doing a cold-hot-relax circuit in the Chateau’s indoor and outdoor pools, sauna and steam rooms. Sitting in the outdoor hot tub, feeling the steam rise over our faces, as the cold air bit our cheeks while taking in the beauty of the yellow foliage-dotted Blackcomb slope, was pure autumnal bliss.
After a late check-out, we loaded our forest-green and tan Bossa Nova Rimowa carry-on luggage into our sleek merlot-coloured Jaguar F-pace Luxury Crossover SUV. A few minutes South on the Sea-to-ski highway brought us to the Cheakamus Lake Road turn-off and eventually to the head of Train Wreck Trail.
The well manicured two-kilometre round-trip trail wound us easily through a forest of young trees, along moss-covered and mushroom covered banks and more marigold foliage, until we reached a suspension bridge hanging over a rushing river, sparkling teal in the glistening sun. After crossing the bridge we reached the area’s main attraction: the twisted wreckage of box train cars that had met their fate in 1956.
Now decorated with intricate neon graffiti art, the cars draw tourists year-round, but on this quiet Sunday off-season morning, we had the trail almost to ourselves.
Wine and Dine
With local produce, game, meat and fish at the forefront of the menu, and a dining room boasting high ceilings, beautiful fireplace and adjacent patio, the Chateau’s Wildflower restaurant is a must.
Many of the items have artisanal and eclectic West Coast touches. Our Saturday night Trees of Hope family-style dinner featured a bounty of healthful and hearty salads, succulent grilled meats and vegetables, and fine wines. At breakfast the next day the Farmer’s Feast eggs and vegetable hash was topped with Burrata and paired with artisanal bread and a mini mason jar filled with a berry, quinoa and mint salad.
Big appetites shouldn’t miss the daily brunch buffet—with all the sweet and savoury fixings including an omelette bar, plus waffles and French toast.
Those with a sweet tooth will love the hotel’s Cocoa Couture chocolate-making workshops. Hosted by the Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s chef Anup Chaubal who created a signature chocolate for Fairmont in partnership with Callebaut, the 1.5 hour course provides guests all the instruction and tools they need to create a decadent selection of their own chocolate creations.
For those with an urge to venture into the Village for lunch or dinner, the warm, glowing lights and lovingly prepared pastas and rustic Italian specialties at Trattoria di Umberto beckon. Located in the Whistler’s Mountainside Lodge, the Whistler institution comes highly recommended for a quiet romantic dinner or relaxed family gathering.
