Hotels

Affordable Whistler is not an oxymoron. Prices may have soared here before the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, but every effort has been made to keep the mountains accessible to as many kinds of pocketbooks as possible. Sure, there are some up-in-the-stratosphere prices to be found, but the range of options among the condos, bed-and-breakfasts, self-service suites, and hotel rooms means that Whistler is as accessible to families and active boomers as it is with the youthful crowd who take advantage of sharing suites with sofa beds, bunk beds, and dorm-style accommodations. The farther away from the Village, the cheaper the price. Nevertheless, ski-in ski-out hotels and lodges command premium rates. Unless otherwise noted, hotels offer free Wi-Fi. Contacting Whistler.com (800/944–7853) is the most efficient way of securing the best accommodations to fit your budget.

Price categories are based on January–April ski-season rates; prices will be higher during Christmas and school breaks, but lower in summer and considerably lower in the shoulder seasons. Minimum stays during all holidays are pretty much the rule. Also, Whistler Village has some serious nightlife: if peace and quiet are important to you, ask for a room away from the main pedestrian thoroughfares, book in the Upper Village, or stay in one of the residential neighborhoods outside the village.