Resort height: 653m
The mountains
Whistler's skiing is divided between two big mountains, which both offer roughly 1400 vertical metres of skiing. That's a lot - far more than most skiers or snowboarders can manage in a single run without pausing (on several occasions) for breath.
At the top, conditions are very similar to the Alps - with frigid temperatures, open bowls and steep couloirs. Lower down, the forest takes over. This means there's an unusual variety of terrain and conditions to be sampled here: when it's sunny most people ski the peaks, but if the clouds come down they can drop into the trees, where the dark shape of the forest edge gives them some visual guidance amidst the general white-out. When conditions are good, most skiers or snowboarders of average ability or above get a bit giddy here - the mountains seem to go on forever.
One other noticeable feature of Whistler is its freestyle scene. This has always been a progressive ski resort, and draws much of its energy from nearby Vancouver. Each weekend, the city's young guns throng the terrain parks and put on the most eye-popping display of acrobatics you're ever likely to see. And if you feel inspired, Whistler has laid on a beginner's park, in which you try your first rails and kickers.
Getting there
To get to Whistler you have to fly to the far side of Canada, and then take a three-hour transfer. Jet lag is a problem for the first two days as a result, and will have you wide awake at 3am. Still, at least you'll be ready for the first lift of the day!
Rating: 
8/10
Après-ski
North America's biggest resort is also home to North America's most vibrant after-hours partying - the action starts in bars like Garibaldi's and Merlin's at the bottom of the slopes, and keeps going all night. In particular, it's the clubbing that stands out - courtesy of Tommy Africa's and Maxx Fish. The restaurant scene in Whistler is good too, especially if you like sushi (Sushi-Ya is the place to go). For more formal dining, the small and chic Après is a great little oasis of calm in the midst of the Whistler's hubbub.
Rating: 8/10
Non-skiers
There's a mind-boggling choice in Whistler - the only drawback is the fact that the base village is rather low, and if there's a mild spell it may not feel like a proper winter holiday. But perhaps you'll be too busy moving from spa to shop to restaurant to notice. Vancouver is a day-trip away and well worth the visit.
Rating: 
6/10
Cost of living
Such is the demand for rooms, and the current strength of the dollar, that Whistler is turning into an expensive destination. What's more, most budget accommodation is a long way from the ski lifts, and involves riding the shuttle buses. Save a trip here for when you're bank balance is feeling healthy.
Rating: 6/10
Attractiveness of the resort
Frankly, Whistler is over-built these days, and the base village is in fact a town. Still, most visitors to Whistler don't give a damn about that. It's the mountains they're after, and these are satisfyingly high and craggy (though not quite as impressive as the Alps).
