Whistler, BC - It's Not Just For Skiing by Bryan Reimer

Whistler, BC, in Vancouver, Canada, is full of excitement, thanks to the fact that the town was chosen as the Host Mountain Resort for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Since the mid 1990s, the two-mountain town has been chosen as one of the top skiing destinations by major ski magazines. Between Blackcomb Mountain and Whistler Mountain, there are plenty of ski slopes, tracks and lifts to keep the avid skier busy.

What if you aren't into skiing, though? Isn't that what you do at a ski resort? Is there anything for anyone else to do? Most definitely:

Winter Festivals

During the winter months, Whistler holds several winter festivals with a little something for everyone. Take, for instance, the Cornucopia Festival, held every year in November. Listen in fascination to seminars with wine professionals, wineries and critics while you swirl, sniff and sip the lovely bouquet of wines. Enjoy delicious multi-course gourmet dinners, after-parties and brunches.

During the Whistler Cornucopia, enjoy ARTrageous, the original Whistler arts party. Artists and art lovers alike enjoy this sold out event, where people dance all night and enjoy photo studio experiments, visual art, creation stations, live music and beer. It's a true celebration of wine, food, music and art! The Whistler Cornucopia is a delightful festival for those that enjoy the finer things in life.

Shortly after the Cornucopia, Whistler again brings out it's best at the Bizarre Bazaar, the town's Original Artisan Market. Over 100 artisans come from around the area show off their unique, hand-made crafts, clothing, candles, Christmas decorations and more. Shop for quality, one-of-a-kind treasures while enjoying live music and delicious food!

Cornucopia, ARTrageous and the Bizarre Bazaar are just a few of the winter festivals you can enjoy. There's also the Whistler Film Festival, and don't forget the New Year's Eve bash!

Activities - Other Than Skiing

If you don't like to ski but love to play in the snow, there are other ways to get around and enjoy it. Hop on a snowmobile for a ride to the top of Blackcomb Mountain, 6,000 feet into the air. At the top of the mountain is the charming Crystal Hut, where you can enjoy delicious fondue, fine wine and fruit pies in a candle-lit atmosphere. Panoramic views, the twinkling lights of Whistler and the best table anywhere make the snowmobile ride more than worth it.

If you'd rather have a different kind of ride, take advantage of a sleigh ride drawn by horses. Ride through a winter wonderland in the back of a sleight, and then stop by a local restaurant for cheese fondue, Chinese fondue, appetizers, salad and more. Or - instead of horses you can enjoy a ride on a sled drawn by Alaskan Huskies and you tour the cougar mountain wilderness. Whether horses or dogs pull the ride is up to you, but either way is a fascinating way to get around.

What if you don't want to go anywhere? There's always the Core, hidden beneath Whistler's streets and walkways. A premier fitness facility, the Core has a huge indoor rock climbing area, weights, fitness sessions, cardio workouts and yoga. Although a lot of the activities are indoors, the Core offers outdoor activities as well, such a rock climbing training and wilderness tours.

Although the above list is short, it gives a good hint of what kinds of things you can do in Whistler besides ski. Keep in mind that it leaves out other activities, such as taking a hummer tour, going horseback riding, enjoying skyline eco-tours, indoor swimming and - let's not forget - shopping.

Even if you don't like to ski, Whistler is a great place to be. It's not just a ski resort