Don’t listen to what they say. Go see.

Over a year ago, I saw a picture of Fairmont Chateau, Whistler. I was mesmerized by it and couldn’t get it out of my head for a long time. For me, It wasn’t any other picture of a beautiful hotel in a scenic location. There was something about the chateauesque architecture, surrounding alpine slopes and snow covered coniferous giants that was almost surreal. For someone like me who did not experience any snowy winters, it felt like a dream. I knew I had to visit Whistler one day in snowy winter. As luck would have it, this trip happened and it snowed to my heart’s desire.

We took the “sea to sky” (kudos to whoever conceived the name!) highway from Vancouver to Whistler. You know it is a scenic drive when you see a waterfall instead of a gas station on the highway.

We stopped at Porteau Cove, most southerly fjord in North America (thanks to wikipedia :)). With dense trees, fall colors on one side and calm water on the other, Porteau cove offered 360 degree scenic views any way we looked. We took in all the views and as much fresh air as we could. There were a few vista points that we could not stop at due to winter weather but I bet that summer is going to be an entirely different experience. 

This trip had everything: rain, snow, fall colors, blue waters, mountains, quaint little towns and snowy slopes. We couldn’t have asked for a better time to visit! After a couple of hours of gorgeous drive, we had arrived in Whistler.

For once, words fail me – the feeling was dreamy and magical. We enjoyed leisurely strolls in the whistler village, walks in the snow, Après–ski indulgences (even though we did not ski :)), watched Christmas lights being set up and devoured steaming hot food in the cold weather.

What brought me most joy, however, was a book in my hand, a wine glass by my side and watching the snow fall relentlessly. I just felt grateful for being there. Sometimes, one doesn’t have to do “things” to actually enjoy a place. All you need to do is pause, take it all in and savor the moment.

You know how a vision sometimes does not match up to your expectations? And sometimes it does oh so perfectly? Well that’s exactly what happened in this case. Whistler and Fairmont did not disappoint. And so, a winter wonderland of my dreams had become a reality!!!