Article sponsored by the Crystal Lodge.
“At its heart, adventure really only begins when things go wrong.” Or at least that’s what all these crusty, leather-skinned, wide-smiling, bright-eyed outdoorsy types tell me. “When the crap hits the fan, that’s when you find out what you’re made of.”
And while everyone has their own definition of what constitutes “things going wrong,” it is true that some of my best outdoor memories include overcoming some sort of unexpected challenge—physical or mental. Sleeping under the stars, playing in the dirt, watching the sun sink in places that take immense effort to get to— it’s not supposed to be too easy, this mountain life. And while sleeping under the stars is amazing (until it rains), you don’t have to spend too many nights in a tent with mosquito-enticing holes in the screen to come to the realization that life is for living, and there’s nothing wrong with occasionally indulging in the luxuries of a traditional mountain-town vacation.
As a long-time Whistler local living on the outskirts of town, I decided to take advantage of the shoulder season deals and book a staycation right here in our backyard. And it was awesome.
Our getaway to the good life began with checking into the Crystal Lodge Hotel, right smack in the middle of old Whistler Village and a literal stone’s throw away from the legendary good times of Sushi Village.
In true Whistler style, hotel staff greeted my dog with treats and goodies, making her feel like a total VIP.
A day of outdoor fun only makes a night of pampering better, so after handing the dog off for a nice long walk, my partner and I started our morning on the new Fitzsimmons Chair in the Whistler Bike Park for a few laps of gravity-fueled excitement to get the blood pumping. After years of changing out of my muddy downhill clothes in the parking lot, it felt heavenly to simply park the bikes, head up to the room, shower, and re-emerge in a clean, comfy outfit ready to take on the rest of the day.
Cruising along the Valley Trail to the lakes brought back memories of days past, living in town with no vehicle and walking/riding this scenic route around the Whistler Golf Course as our daily commute to work and play. Nostalgic for old times, we grabbed some balls and teed off, enjoying the mountain views and the (very rare) perfectly hit ball.
One of the biggest unforeseen highlights was simply being in Whistler without a schedule or any incentive to leave town early to beat the rush. We enjoyed leisurely strolls through the cobblestone village, soaking in the sights and sounds (and smells) of shops, parks and cafés we know well, but haven’t visited in ages. And of course, no trip to Whistler would be complete without stopping at local patios for après delights, indulging in some people-watching, cold drinks and catching up with friends passing by.
With the dog walked and our souls content, we eased back over to the Crystal Lodge to partake in the amenities—a hot tub, heated pool and sauna. To be honest, I had been looking forward to this the most and the pampering did not disappoint—a perfect reconnection to self and silence after a day absorbing Whistler’s vibrant community life.
The other best part? There was none of the travel, traffic and stress I often find with destination vacations. Whistler served up everything we love—scenery that never gets old, laid-back vibes and plenty of moments to soak it all in. Sometimes a mellow, low-adrenaline staycation is exactly what we need to remind us why we love adventuring here, and living here.
And yes, 1000 per cent, I asked for a late checkout.
Whether you’re planning a staycation or visiting Whistler, the Crystal Lodge offers a 20 per cent discount for Mountain Lifers. Type in promo code 425MLM in the Promotion Code box. Valid for arrivals May 15, 2024 to April 20, 2025.
