Whistler for Poseurs

Seattlest grew up in South King County and spent our winter breaks sliding off the Dumpster behind Pay 'N’ Pak. Nonetheless, Seattlest is engaged to a a ski sportive (it’ll be a mixed marriage), so naturally, we waited until late April to “hit” the “slopes.”

All après, all the time.

Inspired by an episode of Ab Fab, Seattlest set out to have a glamorous ski resort weekend, without resorting to you-know-what.

First we checked in to the Adara, the former Timberline Lodge with a boutique makeover.
Boo-teek, indeed. We loved the hotel’s own gratis bottled water, Fresh products, waterfall shower, and mod design, all for like $99 American big ones! Bring a swimsuit for the hot tub (or not) and remind your sticky-fingered traveling companion that the hairdryer is NOT complimentary, or you’ll wind up with a guilt complex and much less space in your bathroom drawer.

Once you’ve stowed your “gear” (that vintage Val d’Isere ski cap you scored at a pdx thrift is perfect) head to key people-watching spots in the heart of the Village, where you can quaff bad coffee or weak drinks beneath at a lovely outdoor umbrella'd table while watching people in comically enormous, logo-emblazoned sunglasses mill around against a jaw-dropping mountain vista.

Poor service, overpriced food, smoke wafting into your nostrils-- it’s just like Europe!

Since that’s so taxing on the hammies, skip the spendy spa treatment, and go straight to Peak Performance (300-4227 Village Stroll), which seems to employ only hale, vigorous Aussie women. It will hurt like hell, but you may finally be able to go to back to beginner’s yoga class, preferably in a brand-new outfit from Lulemon or Roots.

Now say it with us: Daahhrling, we ADORE skiing! (wink-wink.)