Pan Pacific Mountainside, Whistler

The award-winning Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside is the closest you can get to both Whistler and Blackcomb gondolas

Fronting world-renowned Whistler Resort, the award-winning Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside is the closest you can get to both Whistler and Blackcomb gondolas without actually being on the slopes themselves.

'Ski in, ski out?' is normally the first question you ask when booking accommodation for a winter holiday and in the case of Pan Pacific Mountainside in Whistler village, it's a matter of falling off your balcony straight into (or would that be onto?) the Blackcomb gondola lift on Skiers Plaza. 

Ski out? Let's put it this way, in the case of us once-a-year skiers, as you stumble off the mountain after a long day, it wouldn't take much to fall over and roll straight into the hotel. What no après? A few steps away is the Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub and patio, renowned throughout Whistler for its après.

The Pan Pacific is, without a doubt, in the best location in Whistler, with a view to die for (assuming the famous Whistler snow clouds are not lying low). Having said that, its position is not the only thing that sets this hotel apart from other accommodation in Whistler.

From the moment you arrive, everything is made easy for you. You can park right outside the lobby, unload (skis, boards, boots = tons of luggage) and the hotel will magic the car away with its complimentary valet parking.

Our one-bedroom suite (with valley view) was extremely well equipped with a full kitchen, including dishwasher, marble countertops and a variety of utensils and plenty of china and crockery for four people.

The bedroom, although on the fairly small side, had a super king-sized bed, and the lounge area, with its own queen-sized sofa bed and dining area, more than makes up for it, plus the fireplace keeps you nice and cosy whatever the weather outside.

If one of your group does not ski or ride, or you decide on a day off, there's no shortage of things to do. The hotel has a fully equipped fitness centre and hot tubs where you can hang out watching the activities below and look out for your friends as they come down the mountain. In addition there is a therapeutic eucalyptus steam room and a spa.

The hotel's sister site, Pan Pacific Village Centre, is a short walk away, very popular with Trip Advisor clients and whilst it is too far to be classified ski in/out, ski lockers are provided within the Mountainside location.

Details: Prices start at C$108. Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside, 4320 Sundial Crescent, Whistler, B.C. 604 905 2999 (www.panpacific.com/WhistlerMountainside)