DRINKING
Is expensive! Liquor sales are controlled by the province so prices are pretty standardized and are all subject to large liquor tax levies. The beer is pretty strong, leads to explosive diarrhoea and hangovers of the sort that no man should have to deal with. Tip for cheap boozing is buy cider (about £5 for a litre) and smash that before going out. Or just cut out the drinking so you can wake up each morning feeling fresh and ready to ride. Drinking out means even pricier drinks, but if you pick the right bar then you will be rewarded. Do drink in the GLC because all the staff are friendly, the view is incredible, and post–ride beers never tasted so good. Don’t ever drink in Citta’s for all the opposite reasons.
EATING
Again it is expensive so unless you earn big then you won’t be seeing much of it. For laid back eating I say go to the GLC every time and try the Beef Dip Sandwich. A little further out of town in Creekside is Dusty’s and they serve the best Pulled Pork Sandwich with Butt Rub Mayo. If you find That Trail then this is where you will be finishing your ride. Whistler is blessed with many sushi restaurants my favourite being Samurai Sushi (Nesters market, Creekside and even Squamish) because it is laid back and the Sumo Sized Samurai Special is a good healthy feed that will fill you up and not drain the account too badly (£7 eat in or out). Various restaurants and bars have daily specials like 2–4–1 pizza nights so check out the Pique Newsmagazine when you get there for the deals.
The most important thing to remember is to ALWAYS tip your server. The standard minimum is 15%, and stick to that as a minimum. Don’t whinge about this state of affairs, it is the way things are there so pay for what you get. If you don’t think your service has been optimum then you must politely inform your server. There are a few snooty servers out there and if their service standards are pants then tell them. Don’t leave without tipping or saying anything as they will think you are just being a cheap and rude touron (tourist + moron = touron. Don’t be one) rather than realizing they need to buck their ideas up.
HOSPITAL
Get adequate insurance cover and get ready to make a claim. An incredible number of people axe themselves in the Bike Park and end up in the Medical Clinic. If you get pulled off the hill by Bike Park patrol they will take your bike with you and have it locked outside the clinic until you pay your bill or prove it can be paid. Even just seeing a doctor is very expensive, getting X–rays ramps the price up and then receiving care becomes somewhat like having the doctors empty your wallet with a vacuum. Most accidents occur on the first day of riding, and this is due to a combination of over excitement, travel fatigue and not respecting the trails. Trust me, go small before you go big and you will enjoy the whole holiday.
NOT RIDING?
If you do injure yourself then you are going to need to find a hobby whilst all your friends are hooting and hollering around the trails. Number one recreation is swimming and lurking at the lakes. Whistler Valley is made up of a chain of lakes, most of which are clean and serviced with showers, changing rooms, concession stands, and on warm days, a blanket of bikini clad ladies hanging on the shores. Number two would be walking a dog. Local pet rescue group WAG (www.whistlerwag.com) always need volunteers to walk dogs and this is a great way to explore the Valley with a new best buddy. Plus dogs are chick magnets. Number three is hiking up the mountains. Use your ticket and take the lifts to the top and take a giant walk around the hiking trails above the alpine. Also included is the Peak–2–Peak Gondola which is a magnificent piece of engineering. There aren’t many ladies up there so enjoy the peace.
THE BEGINNING OF THE END?
Whistler. F–king Whistler. Singlehandedly responsible for turning many bright young people into impoverished bike bums.
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