PAN PACIFIC HOTEL WHISTLER MOUNTAINSIDE

There is something special about finding a hotel that make you feel at home while miles away. Residing in the largest alpine resort in North America, Pan Pacific paves its very own way in catering to visitors as well as locals. Within the pedestrian Whistler Village hub are their two properties – The Village location and Mountainside location (where I stayed), both situated at the bottom of the Whistler Mountain just seconds away from the gondolas – the convenience is undeniably unbeatable! Reflecting the natural beauty of the valley, Pan Pacific brings in elements of familiarity and comfort contributing to an overall “lodge” essence. Wooden attributes and warming décor are consistent throughout the suites. From the studio to the penthouse, all suites include a small balcony (with a view to die for), living room area and full-size kitchen making it a livable layout for families and travel groups.

Whatever you search for in an alpine escape, Pan Pacific is the perfect home base to explore Whistler. Whether it be relaxing in the saltwater pool, skiing the slopes or strolling the village shopping, it is truly a destination where there is something for everyone. Amidst an iconic Canadian landscape of the mountains and valley, the surroundings provide visitors with the natural playground they search for. Accessibility is at the forefront with their slope-side valet ski storage and complimentary inresort shuttle, making it even easier for guests to zoom in on their passion – the powder!

As a dog owner, I was so glad to see that as a luxury hotel they provide creature comforts for guests and their pets!

Located in the lobby of the Mountainside location, The Duhb Linn Gate Irish Pub brings a warm welcoming atmosphere for global guests. In a pristine location this pub is quite possibly the number one “hot-spot” in the après ski scene. From sautéing in the kitchen to shredding on the slopes, Chef Victor Pulleyblank brings his down-to-earth attitude and use of fresh local ingredients to the varied menu of elevate pub dishes like his infamous Pork Belly – which is acquired locally from Two Rivers, slow cooked with caramelized apple sauce and roasted root veggies and finished off with a touch of maple syrup.

Wake up and sip your coffee overlooking the chairlift in your robe and slippers – the mountains are calling! Download the free Pan Pacific Mountainside’s APP and search local events and view local restaurants, pubs, fitness clubs and outdoor tour groups.

Deer Valley Resort is nestled in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah in the historic mining town of Park City. Deer Valley is consistently ranked #1 in guest service among ski resorts in North America and delivers an unmatched experience. Deer Valley offers uniformed ski valets, immaculately groomed slopes and on-site child care. The region includes six mountains – Little Baldy Peak, Bald Eagle, Bald, Flagstaff, Empire and Lady Morgan – offering a great snow experience for skiers of all abilities.

Après ski is a big part of the Deer Valley culture - although tailored to more family friendly and less about rowdy nightlife. There are lots of shops as well as non-skier activities, along with an excellent range of award-winning dining options on the slopes and in Park City.

DEER VALLEY IS east of Salt Lake City, Utah - host of the 2002 2002 Olympic WINTER GAMES WHICH is now predominantly a training facility. In town, Main Street is lined with buildings built during a 19thcentury silver mining boom.

I used to love to ski! Then life, kids and work got in the way and my skis sat (pretty much unused) for most of the last decade. So, heading to Park City, Utah on a ski trip left me feeling excited for the adventure and apprehensive if I could conquer this mountain. In the end there was no reason to worry - it’s a place for every age and every skill level. I had an absolute blast.

Just a short thirty minute drive from the Salt Lake City airport, Park City is a quaint little village with great old west history. Originally famous for silver mining, which brought George Hearst (the father of William Randolph Hearst) to Park City. His Ontario Mine, purchased for $30,000, produced more than $50 million in silver in its lifetime.

In more recent times, the city is known for hosting many of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and of course, is home to the Sundance Film Festival. Park City has diversity to offer visitors. Deer Valley Resort area offers a wide range of accommodation options, as well as select properties in the surrounding Park City area. We stayed at Black Bear Lodge by Resorts West. This cozy chalet style condo felt right at home in the heart of Silver Lake at Deer Valley Resort. The exposed wood interior, mountain-esque interior design, open plan living and massive log framed bed meant I could kick back and relax after skiing, and most importantly, soothe my aching muscles in the private hot tub. I really enjoyed the home-style family feel of our lodge accommodation and the gourmet kitchen that was open to the cozy living space.

This is not a ski-in, ski-out location but the lifts were a short walk away. Personally, I preferred that. It meant peace and quiet outside my condo windows and the opportunity to take in uninterrupted views.

EAT

The Zagat Restaurant Guide lists Deer Vally Seafood Buffet as “America’s Top Restaurant” and they were right. The choice of fresh seafood seems almost endless. Fresh Dungeness crab, mountains of Pacific white shrimp, house-smoked wild Alaskan salmon, freshly shucked West Coast oysters and Hawaiian poke tuna are just the tip of the iceberg.

Blind Dog Sushi (I know sushi is not top of mind when you think skiing) but this place is a must. The atmosphere is laid back and well suited to the rustic Utah lifestyle. I recommend trying the Hamachi Belly Sashimi Salad. It has incredible flavors. Also popular is the Lollipop Roll - with tuna, salmon, avocado rolled in cucumber & ponzu. I loved the chalk art on the walls, especially “People who love to eat are always the best people”. True.

SIP

Belly up to the bar at High West Distillery Saloon and enjoy some well crafted spirits. Located on Park Avenue in Park City, and surrounded by other early 1800s silver rush buildings, the High West Distillery’s decor embraces the region’s old west roots.

Start off with a light cocktail, maybe the Whiskey Collins or the Silent Stranger. Both are delicious and made with American Prairie Bourbon. Then move up to a shot of Double Rye. This is the most exciting member of the High West Distillery family. Dubbed as the spiciest rye whiskey in the world, this marriage of two rye whiskies from two different distilleries is perfect for sipping.

SEEThe Alf Engen Ski Museum should be on your list of sights to see. You can share in the thrill, excitement and unsurpassed beauty of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games as it comes to life in this state-of-theart museum. Upon entering the museum, you’ll be surrounded by the stunning banner art that decorated buildings in downtown Salt Lake City during the Winter Games. Touch screen displays, videos and a virtual reality ski theater add to the experience. Make sure you check out the display showing the US Olympic Team’s ski fashion from years gone by.

PLAYSkiing is always great fun but there are so many other winter activities you can do in Park City. For the snowmobile enthusiast, Summit Meadows Adventures offers beautiful scenic views of the Wasatch Mountains - definitely a bucket worthy experience. They also offer guided snowmobile tours on groomed trails and complimentary transportation to and from Park City. Don’t forget your ski goggles!

One of my favorite moments was reaching for gold with a speedy run down the Comet Bobsled in the Utah Olympic Park. This is the same track used in the 2002 Olympic Winter Games - and man, it is exhilarating! From loading the sled for the journey up the mountain, to climbing into the very tight quarters of the rocket-like frame, our four-person sled was driven by a professional pilot and reached speeds in excess of 100km. Unforgettable!

MUST After a great morning on the slopes, and proudly surveying that my body was intact and no worse for wear, I was ready for a celebratory break. So I headed over to the Veuve Clicquot yurt at the Montage Hotel for a light lunch and a glass of premium bubbly. Their Après Ski menu features savory gourmet bites including caviar, local cheeses and charcuterie, and (my favorite) decadent white truffle popcorn.

48 HRS Park City offers small town charm with a history that you can see, feel, taste and experience. The skiing is world class, the surroundings are truly authentic to their location. If you are a little like me, and your skis are kind of rusty, and you look for quality activities off the slopes, this is the kind of place that you go back to time and time again. My two days spent in Park City were filled with high moments - altitudes, adventures, adrenaline and awesomeness.