It was the most amazing trip on all levels. I have not skied for 36 years (due to a fractured back) but my friends at Big White persuaded me that I could. So with much trepidation, I took to the nursery slopes; much to my amazement, I found that I had not forgotten all I knew and with the "new" skis, I was soon on the main chair lift under sunny skies with a grin from ear to ear!. After an excellent lunch I returned to my apartment at the Stonebridge Lodge, sank gratefully into the hot tub and then went for a massage - what a fabulous day!!
From Big White, I flew to Vancouver and after a couple of days relaxing with friends went down town to sample the Olympic fever that swept the city. It was absolutely amazing; the weather - the warmest for 100 years, the crowds - all good humoured and mostly dressed in Olympic or Canada logo wear - there were just seas of red! There was such a feeling of joie de vivre and excitement; free concerts and all sort of entertainment around the city. I was lucky enough to get tickets for the men's figure skating and the ice dance. Both events were full but the queues to get in were minimal and everything was brilliantly organised.
After 3 days in the city, I headed up the newly completed Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler - just as beautiful as the old road but a lot faster and safer. The village was looking stunning - decorations everywhere - the trees lit with bronze, silver and gold lights; the sun was shining and full of people enjoying themselves!! Again free concerts everynight and an amazing sense of energy. I was staying at the Evolution in Creekside and was struck how much this part of Whistler has changed; lots of restaurants, a good supermarket and so easy to get into Whistler village - just $2 and a 5 minute bus ride and you are there - during the day of course, you can take the lift up Whistler amd ski down into the village
The next day, I took a private instructor (so worth while) and surprised myself by being able to ski off both the Peak Chair and Harmony, not elegantly to be sure, but at least I was on the mountain! There was not a cloud in the sky, the snow was phenomenal, beautifully groomed and I had one of the best days of my life!
The next day it was time to don snowshoes for a walk in the forest before heading off to the Callaghan Valley 
for the cross country relay race - those athletes are just so fit it is scary. We had great seats and could see most of the course; the place was crowded and the atmosphere was amazing; cow bells, shouts, whistles - the lot! My only complaint was that I did not have enough sun screen and got sunburnt! Off to the Celebration Plaza to see Amy Williams collect her Gold Medal; I felt amazingly proud watching the Union Jack slowly rise up the flag pole. The day ended with a good dinner and lots of excellent Canadian wine with friends and colleagues from Whistler.
The following day, it was snowing, so conditions for the athletes on the Men's Grand Slalom were not quite so easy; but it was a great race and really exciting watching the speed that these men reached. They seemed so much faster than when you see them on Ski Sunday:)
The day and unfortunately, the stay, finished with a sleigh ride and a wonderful fondue dinner at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. A memorable 2 weeks.
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