No. 1 Rated Ski Town: Whistler

RESORT: WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

In a speech at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade in September, Rob Katz, CEO of Vail Resorts, Whistler Blackcomb‘s corporate parent, described the mountain as an iconic experience as skiers from around the world head to this destination resort. And it’s not difficult to see why. Two separate lift systems–connected by the world’s longest gondola, the Peak to Peak–provide speedy access to a massive spider-web of trails that plunge from expansive alpine summits to deeply forested glades and immaculately groomed cruising runs. No mountain resort in North America offers the variety of activities for non-skiers that Whistler does. Even sightseers are included in the on-mountain action and can ride the new lifts to gain access to the alpine vistas.

TOWN: RESORT MUNICIPALITY OF WHISTLER 

“There’s only one Whistler,” was a famous advertising slogan for the four-season destination resort. What’s equally surprising is the youthful, vibrant number of city dwellers who have either purchased second homes here or who are living here full time in retirement bliss. Whistler is home to an increasing number of entrepreneurs and telecommuteres who work all around the world in virtual fashion. You have to embrace the town’s energy and spirit in order to get the most of it and know where and when to draw the line between work and play. Ironically, most Whistler residents–even part timers and semi-retirees–don’t live in Whistler Village because condominium and strata hotels were set up to encourage long-stay vacationers, while owners are restricted in many cases to use of just 28 nights per year.

WHISTLER REAL ESTATE SAMPLES