Trip Report - An Epic Ski Trip to Whistler
“The Point - Although a weekend in Whistler is cost-prohibitive, Points and Miles make a weekend trip a possibility, rather then just a dream.”
Ever since I was little, I wanted to ski at Whistler. Luckily enough for me, Miles and Points have made that dream a reality. Last week I returned from a weekend jaunt to one of the world premiere ski resorts, all of it was booked on points! I was able to book my weekend in Whistler for less than $500* using miles and points, which, considering Whistler prices, isn’t bad
(Note: Alcohol adds to this bill!)
The flights
Working the full-time demanding job of Consulting, I knew that the best option for me was to leave on a Thursday evening after work and return on the Sunday red-eye, ready for work the next day. Also, running a blog, I wanted to review different products. On the way to Vancouver, I opted for WestJet Flight 719, leaving from Toronto at 7 PM, leaving me plenty of time to get to the lounge to download some work for the over 5-hour transcontinental flight.
Look at that - a WestJet RBC Card advertisement on a WestJet plane
As I have the WestJet World Elite Mastercard offered by RBC, I have a few WestJet dollars that I was able to use to book a WestJet fare for only 103 WSD and $75, an absolute steal for a transcontinental flight. If flights are more expensive, I could have used my WestJet Dollars for a member exclusive fare for only 125WJD.
Winter flights are a lot cheaper than the summer
That being said, at this time of the year, one can typically pick up Toronto to Vancouver flights for less than $200 each way. Although it’s nice to travel in premium class, it’s significantly more WestJet dollars, and therefore it wasn’t worth it to me on this evening flight.
Premium fares for an Air Canada Premium Rouge product
On the other hand, in order to maximize my time in Vancouver, the return flight it was going to be red-eye, which meant that I would be flying on Air Canada, as WestJet doesn’t fly their Dreamliners from Toronto to Vancouver.
Cash fares on this business heavy route can be expensive
Instead, I landed a direct seat on AC124, the red-eye from Vancouver to Toronto. This flight was operated by the 777 with lie-flat seats that are on Air Canada’s long haul planes which feature executive pods and a lie-flat bed, perfect for the flight that left at 10:45 and arrived at 6 AM the following morning. Domestic Aeroplan rewards on Air Canada carry minimal surcharges, therefore the flight only cost $72 and 25,000 Aeroplan points. That being said, I was so exhausted from my trip that I won’t be reviewing this flight because I slept gate-to-gate!
Hotels
As I was visiting friends in Vancouver, I was lucky enough that I didn’t have to splurge on a hotel for the first night, though that did mean that I was booking hotel rooms for 4 people.
The drive from Whistler to Vancouver
We were heading up to Whistler bright and early on the Friday for a day of skiing without the crowds. The cheapest option available for two days of skiing is the Edge Pass, which cost almost $280 for the two days. I used the points from the TD First Class Travel to cover this cost.
I was originally looking at the Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa to use pay for one night, to use up my Hilton Aspire Credit, and a weekend certificate that is given as a holder of this card. Unfortunately, I wasn’t on the ball and I was only able to book one night Saturday. Furthermore, when I was awarded my weekend night in late January, I was unable to use my weekend night, as there were no base rooms left. In the end, I had to pay 80K Hilton points for the night, which is still a great deal considering that rooms were going for over $900 for the night we were there. That being said, this hotel is much cheaper on a weekday, something to consider when travelling to Whistler.
Ouch - the weekend in Whistler is popular
A weekday night in Whistler is much more bearable price wise
Unfortunately, I knew that I would have to grab another hotel for Friday night. As I frequent Marriott hotels and have Marriott Bonboy Platinum status with the chain, I wanted to take advantage of that for our other night in Whistler. There are two options in Whistler, the Delta Hotel Whistler Village Suites or the Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler.
Westin Whistler
As this was the middle of Winter, at the end of the Australian summer break and during British Half Term, rates were astronomical for both hotels. We ended up choosing the Delta Suites, as the room would give us more space, and we potentially would be upgraded to a two-bedroom suite, perfect for our party of 4. In the end, our room came out to $660 or $170 each, which is a lot more manageable when split by a group.
Don’t wait until the last minute, there is a good chance there won’t be Award space!
Overall, my experience in Whistler was incredible, but make sure to consider a few things before travelling there using points:
Book Hotels well in advance - both the Hilton and Marriott hotels will sell out of rooms available on points. Book at least two months in advance but preferably earlier.
Get an Epic Pass - for only $969 US plus tax you’re able to shred all season at several resorts worldwide
Get up early - Although we didn’t end up doing it, you can take advantage of the Fresh Tracks program and enjoy breakfast on the top of the mountain at 7:15am. This is well worth it, as the mountain gets busy on the weekend
The Point - Had an Epic stay in Whistler, now I want the Epic pass!
