Olympian Ashleigh McIvor Demerit’s Fave Whistler Spots

You may not be able to ski like an Olympic athlete, but that doesn’t mean you can’t eat and drink like one.

Raised on the slopes of Whistler, Olympic freestyle skier Ashleigh McIvor DeMerit can’t keep away from the mountain town for long. “I’m just looking for any excuse to move back full-time,” she laughs. In the meantime, she and husband Jay DeMerit (an elite athlete in his own right as the former Vancouver Whitecaps captain) keep two hideaways in the ’hood—a chic condo in Creekside and a rustic cabin (read: no running water) with a killer view of Alta Lake. And when the skis come off, here’s where you’ll find B.C.’s sportiest couple.

Where Olympians Hang Out in Whistler

“In my opinion, Nita Lake Lodge is Whistler’s finest hotel. It’s got that high-end boutique feel with incredible attention to detail in the decor and finishings, along with all of the amenities of a big hotel. I love to start my day with a stroll over to Nita’s Fix Cafe for a fancy coffee (or a healthy, fresh juice) and a breakfast sandwich.”

“The Garibaldi Lift Company is another one of my favourite spots for cocktails (the Gold Standard is my go-to). It has a huge outdoor patio for sunny days, and floor-to-ceiling windows and a massive stone fireplace, making it an ideal place to cozy up after a stormy day of skiing.”

“Seppo’s Bar at the top of Whistler Mountain in the Roundhouse Lodge is a great place to wrap up a day of skiing with all of your friends, whether you’re heading down to the village or to Creekside.”

“Being pregnant, eating well every day is like a job…I’m so sick of salads! Getting all of the veggies I need in a juice or a smoothie is so nice, especially when I’m on the move. The Naked Sprout, owned and operated by a long-term local, is my answer.”

“If you don’t have plans to hit the slopes at first light, you may want to visit the Fairmont Chateau Whistler for breakfast—their killer buffet has that classic “posh Whistler” feel. When I was little, I thought it was a palace—I used to draw pictures of colourful wildflowers with the Chateau looking majestic in the background.”

Planning a visit to Whistler in the summer? Check out our list of Top 5 Whistler Hikes!