Come to Whistler for a love affair with the great outdoors, and some of the best skiing in the entire world. This upscale ski town is nestled within the British-Columbian wilderness and is a mecca for downhill skiing and snowboarding, even hosting events for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Whistler village is a classic American ski town, with plenty of great boutiques and restaurants.

Stay in Whistler in a vacation rental or condo at the base of the mountain, to ski in and ski out with relative ease. A vacation rental home is an affordable way to visit, even if you’re on a budget. If you’re traveling with the family or a group, consider renting a ski chalet or cabin that fits everyone. Most condos are at the base of the mountain, with many offering gorgeous views and some others featuring private hot tubs to soothe aching muscles after a long day on the slopes. And don’t forget, with your own kitchen, you can save money by eating in and making your own meals.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Whistler offers tubing, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, gondola rides, and more on the slopes. After dark, Whistler heats up – enjoy live music, dancing and fine dining. Lost Lake Park is a beautiful cross country ski area perfect for beginners or experts. For some time indoors, visit the Whistler Museum for a brief history of this famous town. Younger kids can play like an Olympian at the Blackcomb Base Adventure Zone with luge rides, mini-golf, rock-climbing and more. The Coca-Cola Tube Park is an easy and safe way to get into the winter adventure spirit. Older kids will want to try out the Mountain Bike Park, with a mix of rugged all-terrain trails. For a breathtaking view of it all, take the Peak 2 Peak gondola ride - the #1 rated Whistler attraction on TripAdvisor.