The experts: Dale and Rosemary Hotell have been mountain hosts for 24 years and are part of a team of 10 daily hosts taking visitors on free ski tours around the mountain. They meet skiers at 11.15am at the top of Solar Coaster chair on Blackcomb or the guest satisfaction centre on Whistler.
The hottest hot chocolate: On Whistler it's at the coffee bar in the Roundhouse restaurant and on Blackcomb the Rendezvous restaurant. At either, be there before 10am to enjoy the views and the solitude before the bustle of the day begins. If you're truly brave, have your hot chocolate with a freshly-baked mountainous cinnamon bun. They cost C$7 but are well worth it.
The ultimate lunch stop: If this gets back to the restaurant staff, we've just made some enemies, but there is only one choice for lunch and that's the Glacier Creek Restaurant. The deli sandwiches can't be beaten for value and flavour. For dessert, Crystal Lodge at the top of Crystal Chair has amazing waffles served with everything - fruit, maple syrup, chocolate and whipped cream… you'll want two.
Apres beer time: Skiing down to the base of Blackcomb, head for Merlins - live music, great fireplace and super views of the mountain. If you go to the village from either mountain, the GLC has great atmosphere and a deck overlooking the square. If your day ends at Creekside, go to Dusty's, which has live music, good food and great atmosphere.
Top of the slopes: On Blackcomb, if it is groomed you cannot beat Catskinner - steep, very fast and a true adrenalin pumper. Bark Sandwich gives a "through the trees" experience and on a clear day on Cloud Nine on 7th Heaven, you can see forever and enjoy great snow. On Whistler our picks are: the Peak to Creek run (do this early as it takes an hour and you end up in Creekside), or Symphony Bowl for great powder and easy tree runs.
A word of advice: Start early. Get out before 9am and you'll beat the crowds and get the best snow and perfect corduroy. And do lunch before 11:30am or after 1pm to avoid line-ups.
• Interview by Samantha Warwick
