A Wonderful Winter Weekend: Ski Edition

The slopes, the shops, the dining—what better way to spend a winter weekend in Jackson Hole, Vail and Whistler. Here's an itinerary for a weekend mountain resort getaway.

Dec 12, 2011

By: Jennifer Sanchez

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Jackson Hole has recently invested $4.5 million to make your mountain adventure even more enjoyable. A redesigned Kids Ranch, increased snowmaking and grooming, and a new lift are among the improvements for the 2011–2012 winter season, and Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole offers ski-in/ski-out lodging just steps from the Bridger Gondola, Eagle’s Rest and Teewinot chairlifts.

Photography courtesy Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

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With two distinct mountains in the heart of the Grand Tetons—Rendezvous and Apres Vous—Jackson Hole offers a unique winter experience and unparalleled back-country access. Start your weekend off with a trip to Base Camp, a full-service outdoor adventure centre located on the ground floor of the Resort. Here you’ll find all the equipment you need for a day on the mountain, plus a team of Base Camp counsellors and Ski Concierge that can put together a personalised itinerary for your stay at Jackson Hole. From wildlife safaris to dogsled tours and ski lessons to tubing, Base Camp is the place to go to get started. When you’re ready to unwind, grab a table near the large stone fireplace at Westbank Grill and tuck into a meal that evokes the flavours of the American West.

Photography Tristan Greszko/Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

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Vail Village is abuzz with energy this time of year, especially during Vail HoliDaze, December 17 to 25, complete with holiday concerts, carolling, ice-skating performances, kids’ activities and more. But no matter when you arrive this winter, be sure to stop by the Ski Concierge at Four Seasons Resort Vail for all your equipment needs before heading out on the mountain.

Photography Van Davis, Vail Resorts

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Vail has 5,289 acres of some of the most diverse and expansive skiing in the world, so most of your weekend here should be spent on the slopes. While on the mountain, have lunch at Wildwood Restaurant & Pavilion at the top of Chairs 3 and 7. They offer barbecue from an old-fashioned smokehouse, as well as hearty sandwiches, soups and tasty sweets—all at 11,000 feet. And after more skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or whatever your snow fancy, head into town for some après-ski fun. There you’ll find plenty of shopping, nightlife and a variety of family-friendly eateries and cosy pubs.

Photography Don Riddle

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Whistler Blackcomb officially opened on November 24, but that didn’t stop Whistler Mountain from opening six days early, thanks in part to forecasts of early snow. If that is any indication, this ski season should be a great one. With so much to do, even heli-skiing, a winter weekend in Whistler is non-stop fun.

Photography Steve Rogers

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Hit the slopes early to get a jump on the lift lines. Whether you start on Whistler or Blackcomb, head up toward the Peak 2 Peak Gondola one day and have lunch at either Pika’s in the Roundhouse Lodge (comfort food atop Whistler Mountain) or Rendezvous Lodge (artisan sandwiches and Mediterranean specialities on Blackcomb). Then take the breathtaking ride between the two snowy peaks. After exploring the slopes, head back to Four Seasons Resort Whistler for dinner at Sidecut, a modern take on the classic steakhouse, serving Canadian prime steaks. Whistler Village also offers plenty of shopping, cafés, dining options, art galleries and more, so take a nighttime walk on the pedestrian-only Village Stroll for the best look at this charming ski village.

Photography Whistler Tourism/Mike Crane

Concierge Recommends Tips

Vail

Make the Most of the Mountain

Vail is the largest single mountain ski resort in the nation. Experienced skiers should try Adventure Sessions, which focuses more on touring than instruction through small-groups led by certified instructors.

See all Vail recommendations

Vail

A Perfect Day

If you have the energy after a long day, a dramatic dining alternative is the Game Creek Restaurant at Game Creek Club. Arrive by gondola and luxury Sno-Cat, then enjoy a gourmet dinner with unmatched views.

See all Vail recommendations

Vail

Family Fun

There is plenty to do in Vail for visitors of all ages. Adventure Ridge is a mountaintop activity centre that comes alive after dark, with snow tubing, kid-sized snowmobiles, bungee trampolines and ski biking.

See all Vail recommendations

Jackson Hole

Tee It High

One of Jackson’s two public courses, Teton Pines, was designed by Arnold Palmer. The course's two signature holes, 7 and 9, play directly at Grand Teton, and 3 and 16 face steep Rendezvous Bowl.

See all Jackson Hole recommendations

Vail
Make the Most of the Mountain
View Tip Vail
A Perfect Day
View Tip Vail
Family Fun
View Tip Jackson Hole
Tee It High
View Tip

An integral part of any winter wonderland is snow—and plenty of it. A weekend jaunt to any of these premier ski destinations is sure to satisfy skiers, snowboarders, adventure seekers and any winter-weather enthusiast this season. Here are a few suggestions for what do at Four Seasons mountain resorts in Jackson Hole, Vail and Whistler.

Learn more about Jackson Hole, Vail and Whistler.

Discover more weekend getaways this season.

One Comment about A Wonderful Winter Weekend: Ski Edition

Accommodation Whistler says:
April 30, 2012 at 7:01 am
I just love this scenery very much. Please tell me the location I want to visit there.
Accommodation Whistler
Reply

A Wonderful Winter Weekend: Ski Edition