 Poster: A snowHead
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A friend and I in the UK are planning a trip to North America in late January/early February. We've stuck to Europe previously, so this will be the first time. After a bit of searching for resorts we've settle on Whistler, being sure to offer a bit of everything.
In the past we've either arranged something through a tour operator, or similar. In fact one of the best weeks we had was with a company specialising in putting together small groups or individuals (later 20's +, not your club-18!) in a chalet for a week.
At the point of booking something, however, we're both surprised that there doesn't appear to be the multitude of tour operators, etc. to book through. There are certainly some, but not the range we expected.
So, we are looking for a bit of advice on who people have booked through previously and how this worked out? Despite a bit of searching, we also haven't found any small group chalet setups as mentioned above. Something like this would be preferred, albeit by no means mandatory.
Thanks in advance for any help.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@JohnV85, Welcome to snowHeads. Canada isn't really a "chalet" type place. I always use Ski Independence or Frontier Ski to organise Canadian trips as they do tailor if you want
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Thanks for the replies so far. I should have been clearer that the chalet experience we had previously was very much marketed at a very specific demographic with all people looking for the same sort of thing. It wasn't your Inghams, etc. where I guess it's much more of a lottery as to who you end up with. We thought this might not exist.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@JohnV85, Not quite the same but you could do a Yes Improvement course. They put you up in a chalet with the rest of the group.
Whistler is not a Chalet place - even the link above is hotels. Not sure how they think they are chalets in our european understanding. Most places you will find under chalets will be self catered whole house hire. I think there are a couple of B&B but don't know anything about them.
If you are wanting to meet people. You could also do lessons and that gives you some similar level people to ski with. Don't forget the free orientation guides for both mountains - as that will meet like capable people. Not to mention do that "talk to people on a chairlift" thing.
We have mainly used Ski Independence, but then Crystal & Virgin do also do packages.
Try and go on a "Whistler Discovery week" (see their website) as these are the quieter times.
Stay in the village as it is all walkable then on the pedestrian only centre.
Love it, hope you do too. If you search there is loads of info on here already, but you will always find  happy to help.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Generally the main alternative to hotels are the self-catered apartment rentals rather than chalets.
Check out here for apartments...
https://www.alluradirect.com/whistler/
And if you don't want to cook every night there are hundreds of restaurants to choose from or take away places.
There are a few chalet type places but some of those only rent the entire chalet rather than individual rooms (e.g. http://hausheidi.ca/).
Also see Airbnb for some other options.
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And if you decide to visit in February make sure you avoid around Presidents' Day/Week since it will be crazy busy at that time with all the visitors from the States.
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As above whistler is not really a chalet place. What aspect of the chalet experience do you want?
If you're looking for people to ski with your best bets are chatting to people on the lifts (very normal in whistler!), or posting on the Facebook whistler 2017/2018 group (not sure its created yet). Free orientation might work too.
Definitely avoid presidents weekend. Unless you like crowds and lots of drunk 19 year old americans.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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BTW there is no real need for a tour operator. Very easy to doi it diy. Air transat has really cheap direct flights to Vancouver (plus an additional ski bag was free - not sure its still the case. Then lots of cheap shuttle options from van to whis.
Best look at getting your pass asap as they go up soon. Check out epic and epic local passes.
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| JohnV85 wrote: |
| with all people looking for the same sort of thing. |
just curious, what sort of thing?
Only been Canada once but used American Ski Classics for that trip and a prior USA trip and they both worked out equal if not cheaper than DIY (booked well in advanced though). We were also looking for a chalet type accommodation but they don't seem to exist, just hotels or condos/ apts.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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There are two 5 star caliber hotels, the Four Seasons and the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. There are a few properties in the village, but the better more upscale condos are on the Blackcomb side in an area called the Benchlands. I have stayed in an area called Montebelle which are small 3BR homes but you need a car there. The benchlands is largely ski-in ski-out. Lodging on the whole is more affordable than Vail or Aspen.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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We have used Ski Safari <https> a few times. They have matched our budget and provided custom packages. We combined Whistler with whale watching from Tofino and Aspen with Las Vegas and National Parks. Next year we are combining Salt Lake City with Mardi Gras!
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