First Tracks Lodge

Located right next to Creekside Gondola, First Tracks Lodge is a homey ski-in/ski-out property with lots of ski chalet charm. The lobby is cozy and warm, with a double-sided stone fireplace, lots of wood accents, stone floors, and comfy seating. There is no front desk here, and guests have to check in at sister property, Legends, located right next door. This allows for a quieter vibe and a homier atmosphere. Several couches and chairs offer space to relax after a day exploring the outdoors, and a small separate seating area a few steps above the main lobby is a more private spot for group and family get-togethers. 

The property operates as a full-service hotel, with daily housekeeping and on-site staff, but some of its amenities -- including the restaurant and the meeting spaces --  are located at Legends. Many units are privately owned, but all have the same homey decor and high cleanliness standards as those owned by the holding company, Lodging Ovations. Of the company's three Whistler Creekside properties, First Tracks Lodge is the most charming, while Evolution has the most contemporary style. Legends has the lowest rates of all three, but is also a more basic than the other two. 

The hotel is ideally located for skiers and snowboarders, as it is directly adjacent to the Creekside Gondola and allows for ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes. It's in Whistler Creekside, near a handful of restaurants and bars, a supermarket, and a couple of other shops. Whistler Village -- known for its bustling center and lively apres-ski atmosphere -- is a five-minute drive away, and there is a bus stop near the hotel that gets guests to the Village in about 10 to 15 minutes. Whistler Airport is a 10-minute drive away, but most guests fly into Vancouver, which can be reached in about two hours. 

The hotel has 84 clean, comfortable self-catering condos, ranging from one-bedroom units for up to four guests to four-bedroom apartments that can sleep up to 10 people. All have homey decor with lodge-like touches, including stone-clad gas fireplaces, lots of wood accents, and a warm earth tone palette. Furniture is simple, especially in rooms, which have pine-wood headboards and nightstands, but this only adds to the cozy mountain-chalet atmosphere. Kitchens are equipped with dishwashers, ovens, microwaves, fridges, coffeemakers, and basics such as salt, pepper, and ground coffee. All units have washers and dryers. Other standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, DVD players, air-conditioning, and stereos. All units have spacious balconies furnished with chairs and small tables, and many have expansive views of the mountains; two-bedroom units have valley views. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos or separate showers and tubs, heated floors, and a few toiletries. Housekeeping is available daily and included in rates. 

The lodge has a small but pleasant outdoor pool with mountain views, a few lounge chairs, and a couple of tables and chairs. The pool deck also features two hot tubs that are open year-round and a barbecue area with several grills and a few cooking utensils. The fitness center has a good array of cardio and strength-training machines, as well as a steam room. Underground parking is available for a fee and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Meeting space is available at adjacent sister property Legends. Also located at Legends, Dusty’s Bar & BBQ has a lively apres-ski atmosphere, with tasty comfort food and live music. Breakfast is available at Dusty’s for a fee, but only during the winter season.