Quiz: Where to Après in Whistler

Après-ski (noun, often attributive \ˌä-ˌprā-ˈskē, ˌa-\): social activities after a day of skiing

Après-ski – or simply après, as most Whistlerites call it – is a post-ski tradition that typically involves loosening up your ski or snowboard boats, imbibing in a frosty cold beverage, and swapping stories of the epic lines (or epic wipeouts) that took place earlier in the day.

As tired skiers begin their ski out – usually around 2:30 or 3:00 PM – bar stools and patio seats throughout town fill up awfully fast. To avoid missing out on a spot, it’s good to have a plan of action in place. But how do you pick your après destination when there are so many to choose from in Whistler? Take our quiz and we’ll help narrow your choices.

Picture yourself settling into a chair at your dream après spot. What’s the atmosphere like?

1. Loud and boisterous, with lots of energy.
2. Mellow and relaxed, and quiet enough to talk without shouting.
3. Vibrant, but refined.

You’ve ordered your après drink of choice. Now, what’s to eat?

1. Nachos. Beef dip. Pizza. You’re hungry.
2. Something smaller to snack on, like yam fries or a muffin.
3. Ahi tuna chopped salad, crispy BBQ duck spring rolls, or perhaps an antipasto board

What kind of post-skiing entertainment are you after?

1. A DJ spinning some funky tunes.
2. Good conversation and maybe some board games.
3. A live acoustic guitar set by a local singer-songwriter.

If you answered mostly A…

You’re in luck: there are plenty of “go big or go home” après spots in Whistler. Check out a slope-side pub for ease of access – choose one with a big patio so you can watch skiers coming down the mountain for bonus entertainment value. We think you’ll like Garibaldi Lift Company (or GLC), the Dubh Linn Gate, or Longhorns in the Village. Dusty’s is a sure bet if you'll be heading to Creekside.

If you answered mostly B…

Looking to unwind after a solid day on the mountain? You’ll want to scope out some of Whistler’s lesser-known après spots – we call these ones the hidden treasures. As an extra perk, these places often have great drink specials.

Most people don’t know that Lift (the coffee place) serves cheap pitchers and has a private patio to boot. Or how about the Fitzsimmons Pub in Upper Village (across from the Fairmont) – this tiny pub shares a kitchen with Ciao Thyme next door, and it even has a collection of board games to keep you entertained. You can also check out Three Below, which is downstairs in the same areas as the movie theatre – this (literally) underground spot almost always has a seat available.

If you answered mostly C…

It sounds like you need to head straight to one of Whistler’s luxury hotels to enjoy an après in style. The Upper Village is where you need to be (ski out on Blackcomb and stick to the right): both the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and the Four Seasons offer elegant après settings. Fur hats are optional, of course.