Skiing Whistler on the cheap
How to enjoy the British Columbia ski resort for less
Skiing at a famous resort doesn't have to cost a fortune. With the right research and pre-planning anyone can ski at this premier resort.
Whistler Blackcomb is the premier and world-renowned ski resort in the west coast. It is famous for having perfect snow, two huge mountains of varied terrain, and is a haven for ski enthusiasts worldwide. Its international flavor comes from the easy access from nearby Vancouver where jet setters fly in and are on the slopes the next day. About three hours from Vancouver International Airport on the scenic Sea-to-Sky highway, Whistler's easy accessibility is one of the major draws. But even among the chi-chi reputation and five-star resorts are bargains for budget-conscious skiers. Here's a quick how-to guide to enjoy this first-class ski resort.
Go in the off-season
This might sound like a duh, but skiing in April is much cheaper than in March. March is the high season when everyone has spring break and prices skyrocket. The advantage of the Coast Mountains is that they get a large amount of precipitation so skiing is good through the late spring. In April, costs for hotels, rentals, and lift tickets go down dramatically.
Budget accommodations
Staying in Whistler Village is the ideal location but also the most expensive. One option is nearby Whistler Creek. This location is actually very convenient and is the first town that you arrive at from Vancouver. It even has its own gondola to Whistler Mountain. Another consideration is to rent directly from an owner. There are numerous owner-listed rentals on the internet. And if you are renting for over four nights there could possibly be a discount, it doesn't hurt to ask.
Cheap Eats
One of the best things about most places here besides the fireplace is the kitchen. Having your own cooking area cuts down on food costs dramatically. Whistler has some big supermarkets such as IGA where you can stock up on breakfast, lunch, and dinner supplies. Eating at your own rental is definitely cheaper than any sort of meal at a restaurant. You can even pack your own lunch and avoid the overpriced menu at the mountain restaurants.
Online specials
Booking ahead has the advantages of discounts, sometimes up to 20 percent off. This applies to everything from places to stay, lift tickets, and rentals. Even on the official whistlerblackcomb website, discounts and package specials can be found.
Getting there
Try websites such as kayak or orbitz. that hunt around and find the cheapest prices. Because Vancouver is an international hub, most airlines fly there so getting a bargain isn't that hard.
Currency
What really makes skiing in Canada a bargain is the currency rate. It is about 84 cents to the U.S. dollar so right off everything is cheaper.
Bottom line
Skiing at a famous resort doesn't have to cost a fortune. With the right research and pre-planning anyone can ski at this premier resort.
