Mountains have now been added to my FS roster. This month I was able to visit Four Seasons Whistler, about an hour’s drive from Vancouver. As we pulled into the Residences driveway, I knew this was going to be a different experience – elevated from the FS norm, if that’s even possible.

The Suite

I don’t believe I’ve ever been upgraded to a two-bedroom suite in my career as a travel journalist, much less checked-in to an establishment’s private residences. What’s the difference, you ask? More privacy, for one. The Private Residences is housed in a completely separate building than the main Four Seasons Whistler building. The resort is extremely family-friendly, and seeing as how I don’t have kids, it was nice to have access to our own spa, pool, hot tubs, and hot chocolate/marshmallows as we came in from skiing. Ain’t nobody stealing my marshmallows.

I was in winter heaven with an in-room cappuccino machine, two balconies, two bedrooms, heated floors, two bathrooms, and thus – two bathtubs. And yes, I utilized both. Pure indulgence.

Sidecut

Steeeeak. NOM. Situated on the lower level of the main building, Sidecut (named for the curvature on the side of a ski or snowboard) is an updated version of the classic steakhouse. Dear Vegetarians, don’t fret. Fresh local seafood and regional specialties like wild salmon and oysters are menu highlights as well. If you aren’t following me on snapchat (lesmurph), you should. This dinner was one for the books.

The Amenities

Where to begin? S’mores and wine tastings daily. Hot chocolate and marshmallows waiting to accompany the perfect apres ski. Two heated pools that turn into steamy Oasis’ with views of the mountains. Complimentary shuttle to Whistler Blackcomb. The best amenity of all lies with the Ski Concierge. Located at the base of Blackcomb, this genius establishment allows guests to pick up their equipment at the mountain instead of hauling skis, boots, helmet and accessories themselves. Phew – what a weight off my back, literally.

If you’re a golfer, name your terrain of choice and go. Maybe it’s a course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Perhaps it’s Whistler’s top ranked course, Big Sky. Maybe it’s taking a helicopter to a remote glacier and teeing off into the sky with bio-degradable golf balls. Yep, glacier golf – anything is possible with Four Seasons.

Blackcomb & Whistler Mountains

Synonymous with towering peaks, deep snow and passionate people, Whistler Blackcomb draws visitors from around the globe. With its prime location near the Pacific, the Coast Mountain Range gets on average 38 ft. of snow each year. Adventure is calling.

The tallest lift in the world can now easily take skiers and snowboarders across to Whistler Mountain in just 11 minutes to chase the sun, new powder stashes or simply for a damn good view. Peak 2 Peak allows for the single best way to see Whistler with a 360 degree view of surrounding peaks and glaciers.

Whistler and Blackcomb mountains boast more than 8,100 acres of terrain. Thirty-eight lifts take guests to steeps, deeps, chutes, bowls, glades, corduroy, long cruisers, gentle rollers and high alpine. Blackcomb turned 50 in December, creating reason for celebration as if every day’s apres ski wasn’t enough. Ski season so far and is on track to have a record number of visits – and I can attest to that as I stood in a 45 minute lift line one day. It was well worth the powder day!

Before you enjoy any part of these mountains, you’ll need equipment. Black Tie Rentals came to my private residence, fitted Wade and I with boots, skis, helmets and poles, and were gone in 10 minutes. Four Seasons then shipped them off to their ski concierge at the base of Blackcomb. Time is precious, and Black Tie Rentals allows skiers to spend more time doing what they came to do – ski!

How to get there

For those of you on the West Coast of the U.S.A., this place is especially easy to get to. Fly into Vancouver and hop on a shuttle (Whistler Connection) or dare I say, hire a limo, for the scenic two hour drive to Whistler. For more in Whistler, see my top 8 winter activities from dogsledding to snowmobiling.