This Pop-Up Après-Ski Lounge is the Most Canadian Thing Ever

You’ll have to head to Whistler to check out the food and drink at the Four Seasons x Hudson’s Bay pop-up, The Cabin.

Canada’s illustrious history begins with the legendary Hudson’s Bay (the world’s oldest company!) and those hardy fur trappers who would brave epic winter conditions to share the gospel of 17th-century beaver hats. If they did manage to avoid uncertain fate by disease or the occasional bear, they were rewarded handsomely for their valiant efforts.So it’s good news that we, too, can now experience the historic untamed wilds of Canada and be rewarded all from the comfort of a custom-hewn bench over raclette cheese (with North Arm Farm potatoes)—all you have to do is fearlessly brave the Sea To Sky highway and then valet park at the Four Seasons Whistler. Once there, throw your leather bag over your shoulder and descend the stairs to a converted ballroom now doubling as the clever Cabin pop-up.In this cozy homage to that venerable Hudson’s Bay, tables and benches have been appropriated by bearded men and rosy-cheeked women (underlings stay outside in a most-welcomed and supervised children’s area) who all cross the threshold to après-ski, après-dine or cocktail-hour with old-fashioned gusto and spirit—the outpost operates from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The concept, kitted out with faux-fur, skis and full-size canoe (to chill the local craft beer), features a hyper-local menu that offers modern riffs on more rugged times.

READ MORESki and Life Lessons at Kelowna’s Big White

A Penicillin Highball (Bruichladdich classic single malt, Port Charlotte peated whisky, honey, lemon juice, ginger) hits the spot after a long day on the hill while charcuterie and cheese plates from Two Rivers Meats and Golden Ears Cheese arrives wrapped in kraft paper and twine for a gourmet bundle of sustenance. For the truly adventurous, there’s Northern Divine caviar, hemp-seed crusted tuna and house-made chocolate cake, as well as locally brewed craft beer, B.C. wine and a selection of Sidecut’s signature cocktails. It’s tough work, but someone’s got to do it.The Cabin opened December 16 and runs until January 8 (closed New Year’s Eve). Then, the pop-up will be reprised for two consecutive weekends in February—Family Day and President’s Day—February 10 to 13 and February 17 to 20. fourseasons.com