Icemelk's favourite places to stay: Our top pics by far are the Nita Lake Lodge and the Fairmont Chateau.

• Nita Lake Lodge: a quaint boutique style lodge set on a tranquil lake. You get the feeling that you are “away from it all”. Definitely pay extra for a room with a view of the lake rather than “mountain views”. We have been in both sections and the lake view has a better feeling of tranquility rather than a view of the street and other buildings. I love the bistro dining area with couches and a huge fire place. The food is excellent. The Aura restaurant is amazing for breakfast and dinner. There are small outdoor pools and hot tubs on the property to relax and shill. There is also a spa where you can book massages and other treatments. I booked a deep tissue massage which was fabulous and I loved the “quiet area” to sit in before and after the treatment, while drinking tea and infused water. The lodge is not in Whistler Village but there is a shuttle to take you there and back. I drove my car to Whistler Village and parked in the large parking lot for $5/day.

• Fairmont Chateau: this is a large hotel, just outside Whistler Village, but I just love it for the luxurious feeling, the excellent outdoor and indoor pool and hot tubs (there are so many! And they are so big!) and the well curated selection of foods from any of the dining facilities in the hotel. I have stayed here twice and have been blown away both times. 

Icemelk's favourite places to eat in Whistler: Whether you are looking for a stylish aprés ski meal or a small bite to eat in the Village, our list has something for everyone. Be sure to check if you need to make reservations well in advance for some places.

• Anywhere in the Fairmont Chateau (Mallard Lounge, Portobello, Wildflower. All different dining experiences, but all are excellent as they have been curated by the Fairmont. Book the Wildflower in advance)
• Aura Restaurant at Nita Lake. The food feels very fresh and satisfying with a Pacific Northwest flair.
• Quattro for Italian Food. But sure to order their appetizer platter if they are offering it.
• Red Door Bistro for cozy French food. Their duck spring rolls are amazing. Be sure to book in advance.
• Araxi for fine dining. A Whistler institution. Be sure to book in advance.
• Sushi Village. I suggest sticking with rolls and sushi. I didn’t find their cooked food that impressive. Be sure to book in advance.
• Purebread for sweet baked goods and coffee.

Icemelk's favourite things to do in Whistler: Of course there is an abundance of excellent winter sports. But what is there to do in Whistler other than skiing and snowboarding? As I found out during an injury, lots!

• Walk around Whistler Village while sipping a latte, marveling at mountain views.
• Visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to learn about the region's rich cultural history.
• Snow Shoeing around Lost Lake (you can rent snow shoes).
• Shopping at some of the boutiques and stores. My favourite shop is 3 Singling Birds for unique home decor, clothing and bath & beauty products. 
• Walking the trails around Nika Lake in the snow.
• Vallea Lumina at night for a multimedia night walk and light show. Be sure to book well in advance!
• Spa Scandinave is an amazing half day experience of intermittently plunging into cold pools and relaxing in hot tubs and saunas followed by chilling out and reading a book in small huts or in front of outdoor fireplaces. I have seen some people knitting. Be sure to book well in advance.
• And of course just sitting in front of a lounge fireplace while eating and reading a book. 

What to pack? Very warm clothes of course! Whistler is a stylish town, but still relaxed. If you are planning on going out, bring something dressy but not over the top. For makeup, you will want an easy, natural look. Use our multi-purpose Icemelk luminizer to highlight cheekbones and add a shimmery glow lips. During the day, our Icemelk lip balm will protect lips from Whistler's biting cold. 

Happy Travels! Let us know if there are any must-do’s in Whistler as we are always looking for new places to try.

Please note that these are our opinions only. We have not been endorsed by any of these establishments for promotion.