After suffering through two of the busiest months of my fiscal year, what could be better than a getaway to one of North America’s premier ski resorts? Not much.
Now, I’m usually a pretty relaxed guy (quit coffee, exercise 3 days per week, and always get my 8.5 hours of sleep). However, If the Sea-To-Sky Highway 99 doesn’t cause you anxiety, then you must have nerves superior to the Dali Lama; dodging 130 km/hr SUV’s and potholes the size of Honda Civics was enough to send me to the chiropractor. I’m telling you, if I didn’t need it before I got to Whistler, I needed a vacation by the time I got there.
Arriving at the Four Seasons Whistler creates instant zen. Multi tone grey and brown brick, with earth coloured siding and cool dark shingles, it stands in peaceful contrast against the fabulous backdrop of 6,500 vertical feet of ‘wow’.
My first impressions were all of the staff. I should confess that I travel for business about 10-12 days per year. I’ve stayed at a number of 4-5 star hotels, but the team at Four Seasons Whistler has it nailed. The valet team were courteous and genuine. The receptionist was over the top. As an example of the superlative service, when checking in they take care of all the paperwork then mysteriously drop under the counter to instantly re-appear at your side to welcome you to the hotel and hand you the keys. As Darren’s said in the past, it’s the little details that getcha.
Another fine touch that made me pause was the “ski valet” service. It took me a while to understand exactly what the front desk was offering me. They were trying to get me to turn over my snowboard so they could “valet” it. In other words, if you’re too rich (or lazy) to carry your own gear the hotel will deliver it… maybe 400 meters… for pick-up moments before you plan to board the gondola. I couldn’t help myself but laugh. “Thanks for offering, but I’ll carry my own Burton.” Cheers.
The rooms are oversized providing ample comfort and warmth with a large patio and gas-burning fireplace. The bathroom was larger than my bedroom at home, and the closet made me rethink some home renovations. Sadly, the previous guests decided not to enjoy the view from the patio, and chose to smell up the $500/night room with nasty cigarette smoke. We threw open the doors as we stepped out for dinner, and 5-6 hours later it was 90% better. An acceptable solution, but disappointing after requesting a “non-smoking” room.
The concierge made up for it when he made a quick call to one of Whistler’s clubs and added us to the guest list, side-stepping the 75 shivering punters waiting in line to get in. Another reminder of the perks by staying at what is the most posh hotel in British Columbia. Now when your night is over; good luck getting a taxi. Luckily the Four Seasons has thought of that. A shuttle van even picks you up in the village for zippy escort back to the hotel. Saves you walking from the lower village to the upper. Nice.
Slept like a baby, and jumped up to charge the slopes. After carrying my snowboard a pathetic 400-500 meters to the gondola the day begins. The snow was great with as much powder as can be demanded in what has proved to be another spectacular snow year for Whistler. We ate up as much pow as possible from 1st tracks to last chair. By the time we got back to the hotel, I was reminded of another feature the Four Seasons is renowned for - it’s spa and pools. The only cure for sore legs and tootsies is a 2 hour soak in a non chlorinated hot-tub. If that doesn’t solve your ills, try another 20 minutes in the steam room (I’ve also added this to my list of home renovations). The only thing Four Seasons Whistler hasn’t provided is a Heffner style grotto.
Checking out in the morning was painless and fast. Again, a friendly well wishing from the Valet team and back to the Sea-To-Sky…yuck. Maybe I should never have left. Or perhaps I’ll be making another trip to Four Seasons Whistler this weekend to get rid of that muscle cramp in my lower back.
Written by timinganddelivery contributor, Paul Pflanz
0 Responses to “four seasons whistler”