In 2010 the eyes of the world, and especially those of winter sports lovers, will be drawn to the city of Whistler, in British Columbia, Canada, where the next Winter Olympic Games will be held.

Thousands of athletes will come to this mountain fringed city, which each winter experiences ten meter snow falls, and will have the chance to stay at one of its exclusive resorts. One stands out for special mention on account of its exquisite luxury, impeccable service and the quality of its facilities, all of which have contributed to it being named Top Ski Resort in North America by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine, and Top Resort Hotel in Canada by the equally well known publication Travel & Leisure. We are talking about the Hotel Fairmont Château.

This 12 storey hotel, evocative of old style Canadian country houses, was built in 1999 and renovated in 2007. It nestles at the foot of the Blackcomb and Whistler mountains, respectively 2,284 meters and 2,182 high. The understated design of the hotel contrasts with the natural majesty of these two giants to create a landscape that almost takes your breath away.

Like the other hotels in Whistler, the Fairmont Château’s business is based on the region’s winter sports activities, ranging from skiing and snowboarding to ice skating and motorbike rides along snow covered trails. However, this is as far as its similarities with its neighbors extend. As for everything else, the Fairmont is one of a kind, without equal.

This is evident just by crossing the threshold and entering its majestic lobby, decorated with minute precision to achieve the perfect balance between its furnishings and the classical pieces selected from all over Canada, together with others of more contemporary provenance. This eclectic style is duplicated throughout each of the hotel’s 550 rooms, its two restaurants and the spa, transporting guests back in time to an era of opulence and luxury.

To reach the Fairmont Château you first have to fly to Vancouver and then take a drive of around two and a half hours. Views of the Blackcomb and Whistler mountains will let you know when you are nearly there. On arrival you have a choice of rooms between 28 and 37 square meters in area, all with huge picture windows giving views over the nearby mountains, the ski runs or Whistler Valley. This guarantees that visitors can enjoy the location’s breathtaking landscapes whenever they want to.

Visitors may also choose one of the hotel’s one, two or three bedroom suites, nine of them in all, ranging in area from 44 to 111 square meters. The suites also boast sitting rooms beautifully arranged each with their own fire place, bathrooms decorated with marble fittings, a dining room, Jacuzzi and a balcony that would not look out of place in William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliette. All of this goes to convince its guests that the Fairmont Château is not just a winter get away, but also an excellent choice for a romantic holiday for two.

This theme is repeated in other areas of the hotel such as the terrace and the restaurants. The former is called the Mallard and provides a perfect setting in which to relax by a roaring fire. From here you can enjoy a view over Mount Whistler while enjoying an authentic Scottish Whisky or one of a wide choice of cocktails. The gentlemen may decide to enjoy a cigar with their cognac in the comfort of a dedicated and perfectly ventilated smoking area.

The hotel’s restaurants promise a unique evening experience. The Wildflower is dedicated to the flavors of Canada’s west coast, and is perfect for formal, intimate dinners, accompanied by a selection from one of the 250 wines in its cellar. The Portobello also celebrates local cuisine but its open style kitchen is more suited for family groups. Those seeking an even more intimate dining experience can opt for room service – after all the Fairmont restaurant serves until three in the morning.

The ultimate destination for both sportsmen and lovers is the Vida Wellness Spa. After all, what could be more restorative or romantic after a long day on one of Whistler’s more than 100 ski runs, than to put yourself in the hands of expert therapists and receive a treatment that will bring you inner peace, external vitality, pleasure for your senses and health for your spirit? This is possible thanks to the combination of ancient Canadian indigenous healing techniques and other more modern therapies.

But the best thing about the Fairmont Château is that you don’t have to wait for winter to enjoy all that it has to offer. Even when summer comes and the snow has disappeared you can still enjoy all the comforts, mountain scenery, the good natured people and an additional attraction: its Robert Trent Jr. designed 18 hole golf course, constructed to be a perfect match for the area’s geography. The flow of play leads golfers through a valley, cutting across forests and surrounded by crystal clear water. This landscape is the Fairmont Château’s gold medal for those who have enjoyed its bounty, and leaves visitors in awe under the spell of its powerful charms.

Fairmont Château Whistler
Telephone: (604) 938-8000
E mail: chateauwhistlerresort@fairmont.com
www.fairmont.com/whistler