First of all there is the ski terrain. Whistler Blackcomb is unmatched for ski terrain by any mountain on earth. There are linked resorts, such as the Trois Vallees in France, where there is more acreage in total, but in practice skiing two valleys over involves most of the day in getting across the mountains on some fairly boring runs, and then worrying about getting back again before the lifts close. Whistler, by contrast, has an astonishing range of terrain which is extremely accessible. And you can ski the same lift all day long without ever taking the same line down to the bottom: lifts such as Harmony and Peak Chair gives access to vast bowls which have a wonderful variety of descents for skiers of all levels.

Secondly, Whistler can be as much or more fun in the summer as in the winter. If you have ever visited a French ski resort in the summer, you will know that however hard they try, the place is fairly depressing. Few trees, lots of rocks and little water do not make for a special summer vacation. Whistler, by contrast, has warm lakes in abundance, lovely golf courses (the benefit of being at the bottom of the valley rather than on the side of the mountain) and a brilliant variety of summer activities, including some of the world's best lift-fed mountain biking, fabulous fishing and hiking, great kayaking and canoeing and many others. It is also full of people, so there is a wonderful buzz about the place during the summer. In this respect it is comparable to one of the lovely Austrian resorts like Kitzbuhel, which is fabulous in the summer.

Thirdly, the sheer variety and reasonableness of dining in Whistler sets it apart from other resorts. I am not talking about restaurants up on the mountain, which are a bit of a disappointment, but down in the valley there are a tremendous number of first-class establishments which do not charge through the nose. Try the Rim Rock Cafè(c), or Araxi, or Umberto's, or any of several top-class sushi joints. For the same standard of cuisine in Val d'Isere you will pay a fortune, but in Whistler they are really quite reasonable, and out of peak season they can be a spectacular bargain.

Fourthly, the sheer variety and quality of accommodation in Whistler is striking. Recent increases in property values have made it possible to build to an extremely high standard, and there are some remarkable homes available, if you have the wallet for them. There are also many very comfortable homes which are quite reasonably priced.

Of course, many other factors drive Whistler's reputation, but these are the most important. If you love the outdoors during the day, and like to dine superbly at night, try it out.