Pangea Pod Blog and News

The Guide to Pangea’s Cocktails

05Sep

The word is out. Pangea, which only opened in August last year, has already gained a reputation as one of the best places in Whistler to enjoy expertly-crafted cocktails. It’s not just staying guests that are saying it – it’s the locals too. (Remember: The Living Room and The Rooftop Patio are open to everyone). Perhaps it’s our convenient location right in the centre of Whistler – no-one wants to be far from the action when they’re on cocktails, right? Or maybe it’s because our cocktails can be enjoyed on Whistler’s only true top-deck terrace? Both true. But we also think it has something to do with the fact that our drinks are, quite simply, divine – the brain-children of our master mixologist whose creativity knows no bounds. Here are just some of his creations…

CHILIPIÑARITA.

  • Glass type: coupette
  • Ice: straight up
  • Ingredients: gin (1 ½ oz); lemon, (¾ oz); berries syrup (¾ oz); egg white (¾ oz)
  • Method: dry shake; add ice; shake; fine strain
  • Garnish: floating petals

Created in honour of Romina, the female protagonist in our cafe mural, this classy cocktail was conceived while imagining the kind of drink Romina might be sipping at a Pangea party. It’s an adaption of the classic Clover Club cocktail, using a homemade syrup made from four different berries, though don’t let the berries fool you – this drink packs a punch that belies its velvety texture.

DALMATIAN.

  • Glass type: rocks
  • Ice: cubed
  • Ingredients: vodka (1 oz); cracked black pepper syrup (¾ oz); grapefruit juice (1 oz); lemon juice (½ oz)
  • Method: built
  • Garnish: rosemary sprig

A drink that shouldn’t work but does, so much so that it’s come to be known as Pangea’s signature cocktail. A drink to be enjoyed while looking out from Pangea’s floor-to-ceiling windows in The Living Room or a little higher up on The Rooftop Patio. Intrigued by the genesis of the name?… You’ll have to ask Matt (nicely).

DAVIE STREET COOLER.

  • Glass type: Collins
  • Ice: cubed
  • Ingredients: vodka (1 oz); white wine (1 oz); apple juice (1 oz); elderflower cordial (¾ oz); lime juice (½ oz)
  • Method: shake; strain
  • Garnish: apple slice

Designed originally for “Queer Wednesdays” – Pangea’s weekly LGBTQ2+ meet-up – we wanted to create a beverage that personified the LGBTQ2+ community in our neighboring “big brother” city of Vancouver, hence the name. It’s crisp and refreshing and most importantly still light – a combination that makes it perfect for a warm afternoon on The Rooftop Patio.

DELICIOUS SOUR.

  • Glass type: Nick and Nora
  • Ice: straight up
  • Ingredients: cognac (¾ oz); peach liqueur (¾ oz); lemon juice (¾ oz); simple syrup (¾ oz); egg white (¾ oz)
  • Method: dry shake;add ice; shake; fine strain
  • Garnish: bitters hearts

Adapted from the book The Flowing Bowl by A. William Schmidt (1892), this is a drink that harks back to a simpler time. Delicious by name and delicious by nature.

BRAZILIAN SMASH.

  • Glass type: rocks
  • Ice: cubed
  • Ingredients: cachaça (1 oz); strawberry puree (1 oz); orange liqueur (½ oz); lime juice (¾ oz)
  • Method: shake;strain
  • Garnish: dehydrated lime; baby basil leaves; black pepper

This Frankenstein cocktail is the love child of two of the greatest summer inventions – the Caipirinha and Basil Grande. The seasonal strawberries and fresh basil give this drink a great fresh summer feel. To be enjoyed when the sun is high in the sky. All party, no siesta.

ROMINA SOUR.

  • Glass type: coupette
  • Ice: straight up
  • Ingredients: gin (1 ½ oz); lemon,(¾ oz); berries syrup (¾ oz); egg white (¾ oz)
  • Method: dry shake; add ice; shake; fine strain
  • Garnish: floating petals

Created in honour of Romina, the female protagonist in our cafe mural, this classy cocktail was conceived while imagining the kind of drink Romina might be sipping at a Pangea party. It’s an adaption of the classic Clover Club cocktail, using a homemade syrup made from four different berries, though don’t let the berries fool you – this drink packs a punch that belies its velvety texture.

Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels for more insight and more tips and tricks to experiencing the best of the unique mountain town of Whistler on a budget.

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The Insider’s Guide to Skiing Whistler

28Jan

As with full-time ski resort residents the world over, Whistler locals are none too keen to share the insights of their beloved mountains. But hey… it won’t be the first time we’ve broken the rules, so here we share some of our top tips for skiing Whistler Blackcomb. Consider it another gift to you, just like our convention-breaking rates.

WHERE AND WHEN TO SHRED.

  1. Glorious powder – that’s what we’re all here for, right? Symphony, Harmony and The Peak on Whistler, and Seventh Heaven, Crystal and Glacier Express on Blackcomb are the chairlifts to look for to access the best terrain.
  2. If you’re looking for sunny runs, your best bet is to head up Whistler mountain in the morning and Blackcomb in the afternoon/evening. Or just ride the Seventh Heaven chairlift (on Blackcomb) all day long – it’s called that for a reason… Of course, that’s if the big ball of fire is around at all.
  3. Advanced skiers/boarders should head to the alpine area accessible by the Glacier Express and Seventh Heaven chairlifts on Blackcomb and The Peak and Harmony chairlifts on Whistler. This is where you’ll find the most challenging terrain.
  4. Not a lot of people are aware of this, but if you’re a complete newbie (or, in Whistler lingo, “never nevers”), there’s a significantly cheaper pass that gives you access just to the initiation terrain. It’s totally worth saving dollars if you’re not going to making full use of the slopes anyway. There’s not much information about it online (for good reason – they don’t want you to know about it) – just visit the lift ticket window for details.
  5. Plan your adventures on weekdays if you have the chance. Fewer crowds means more riding, fresh powder and even better rates at Pangea.

AVOID THE CROWDS.

  1. If you’re thinking of taking a lunch break at The Roundhouse on Whistler or Rendezvous on Blackcomb, avoid doing so between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Waiting around for a table is the best way to waste precious time. Heading back down to the village for lunch, on the other hand, will save you both time and dollars. Remember, the best pizzas (and sandwiches and salads) in town are just a few steps from the gondola (that’s Pangea’s The Living Room, of course!).
  2. Lifts busier than you’re willing to accept? Check out Garbanzo chairlift on Whistler and Excelerator on Blackcomb – both tend to be ignored by the crowds and give you access to great skiing terrain.
  3. Many people like to go out of bounds in pursuit of fresh powder. If you’re a high level skier/rider and that’s what you want to do, make sure you’re accompanied by someone who knows the area. Better yet check if one of Pangea’s shredhead managers are heading up for a morning of riding and ask to join them! Following random tracks can be very dangerous.

DEALING WITH THE WEATHER.

  1. Don’t let rain in the village dampen your spirits. Rain down low generally means snow up high…
  2. If you don’t love the snow conditions where you are on the mountain, try going higher or lower. With the amount of vertical Whistler Blackcomb has, the snow can change dramatically.
  3. This is Canada. It’s f@$king cold. Whistler locals know that a couple of hand/toe warmers can really fix your day, especially if you plan to be up on the mountain for a long time. These can be purchased from The Shop at reception in Pangea (and they’re about half the price here as they are on the mountain).

MAXIMIZING YOUR SKI TIME.

  1. Keep in mind that getting to Symphony Bowl takes some time, so don’t leave it for the end of the day. By the time you get there you might find it closed.
  2. Get up early, eat breakfast at Pangea, and be at the lift line 15 minutes before the official opening time. The lifts open practically every day at least 15 minutes before the published opening time – that’s something only the locals know (and like to keep to themselves). Consider yourself a local now.
  3. Take the lift after it’s officially closed. Confused?… Again, nearly every day all the chair lifts will run a 15-minute “grace period” after the official closing time. So when the liftie tells you “last chair”, well, try your luck. You can nearly always get another run in. And again, it’ll be just you and the locals out, desperately trying to keep that secret.  Shhh… (Note: the gondolas only run a 5-minute “grace period”, so plan accordingly.)

Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels for more insight and more tips and tricks to experiencing the best of the unique mountain town of Whistler on a budget.

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A Local’s Guide to Eating Out in Whistler

22Oct

Breakfast, burgers, burritos, pizzas, pasta, paella, pies… you can get just about any kind of cuisine in Whistler. And you can play the role of epicurean without breaking the bank or resorting to the usual no-frills fare. Where to go, what times to do so, and what to order? Read on to find out…

 

BREAKFAST. COFFEE. BOTH.

The Living Room, Pangea

Since we’re writing this blog we might as well start here… but seriously, with gourmet eggs benedict (bacon or salmon if you’re feeling “West Coast”) and latte art to accompany from Whistler’s slickest espresso machine (it’s a White Eagle for those of you who know your stuff), there are few better ways to start the day. Open to the public from 8 AM in the summer and 7 AM in the winter, The Living Room at the Pangea Pod Hotel is perched above the pedestrian Village Stroll, offering incredible views and “people-watching” opportunities while you sip on your Americano. Don’t like eggs? Try the Avocado Toast which comes on sourdough and is dressed with feta, chili, coriander, red pesto and lime.

 

BURGER.

Splitz Grill

Without doubt one of the best burger joints in B.C., Splitz Grill is where to head to when you need to satisfy your carnivorous cravings. Their Legendary Burgers are big, tasty, and served in a super laid-back environment where you don’t have to worry about appearances – which, as we all know, can easily be compromised by a good juicy burger! Best of all, you can have it your way by constructing your own burger from an array of fresh ingredients.

 

PIZZA.

The Living Room and The Rooftop Patio, Pangea

We’re not done with the back-patting quite yet. Serving handcrafted flatbread pizzas (all dough made in-house) on both The Rooftop Patio and The Living Room, Pangea has upended the  pizza offerings in the Village with its creative, delicious fare. House favourite pizzas include the Butternut Squash + Goat’s Cheese as well as the Broccoli + Fennel Sausage. Pair it with one of Pangea’s signature cocktails or craft beers, enjoy it with Whistler’s best views from the Village’s only rooftop patio, and you’ll understand why it’s become so popular.

 

PIE.

Peaked Pies

Run by Canadian-Australian couple Kerri and Alex, Peaked Pies is a solid bet for a hot ‘n’ hearty meal at the end of a day’s skiing or boarding. Handmade and baked fresh daily, their Australian meat pies with peas and mash potato are something of a godsend when it’s cold outside and you’re running on empty. If you’re asking us which pie to try, we’d have to say the steak, bacon and cheese. Yum!

 

MEXICAN.

La Cantina

Specialising in authentic Mexican burritos and tacos with mouth-watering fillings such as cochinita slow cooked pork and pasilla beef, La Cantina is one of our favourite eating establishments in Whistler. The food is fun and vibrant, as is the atmosphere, so it’s no surprise that both branches tend to fill up fast.

 

POUTINE.

Zog’s

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Canada, eat Poutine. If you’re still wondering what the hell Poutine actually is, or indeed what it tastes like, we recommend you find out by heading down to Zog’s Dogs, a take-out joint serving up seven different variations of it. Opt for the classic fries with cheese curds and gravy, or try the Zog’s special with spaghetti meat sauce. Either way, Poutine is just what you need after a good night out.

 

JAPANESE.

Sushi Village

For over 30 years Sushi Village has been pleasing both locals and visitors with its fine food, vibrant atmosphere and legendary sake margaritas. As well as the usual maki and nigiri rolls (with fresh fish shipped in daily from Vancouver), the menu includes teriyaki, Japanese hotpots, tofu, and udon noodle soups, all of which are a taste sensation. Reservations at Sushi Village are only necessary if your party numbers 6 or more.

 

PASTA.

Pasta Lupino

Owned by husband-and-wife team Kevin and Kendra, Pasta Lupino is an Italian-inspired restaurant and deli that focuses on freshly-made pastas, sauces and bread. It’s a cozy, laid-back dining experience with a menu that features all the classics, from oven-baked lasagne to spinach and ricotta ravioli.

 

INDIAN.

Tandoori Grill

If you’re hankering after a curry, Tandoori Grill is where it’s at. Serving an array of classic dishes from the subcontinent, this large and fairly informal restaurant is a favourite of Whistler locals looking for something to keep the cold at bay – i.e. spice. That being said, one of our favourite dishes on the menu is the deliciously creamy and not-so-spicy butter chicken (don’t judge us). Pair it with a peshwari naan and a cold glass of Cobra and you’re onto a winner.

 

DESSERT.

Purebread

This family bakery, whose mission is to “bring a smile to peoples’ faces”, offers a truly scrumptious selection of home-baked sweet treats (as well as bread and savouries, if you’re crazy enough to fill up on anything but Purebread’s desserts). Their crack is amazing too (and yes, it’s called that for a reason).

 

ICE CREAM.

Cows

Winter or summer, rain or shine, there’s nothing quite like a sweet treat from Cows. Part of a Canadian chain (though still a Whistler institution), they offer an array of flavours ranging from bubble gum to New York cheesecake, as well as lots of different cones – all of which are handmade. The ice cream here really is superb, so don’t miss it. And please don’t sit on the cow, she’s not real.

 

Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels for more insight and more tips and tricks to experiencing the best of the unique mountain town of Whistler on a budget.

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The Pangea Packing List

05Jul

First, some reassurance: while you won’t find a walk-in closet at Pangea, you will find that our pods have been cleverly designed with integrated storage in the form of shelves, hangers, hooks and cubbies. As long as you’re fairly savvy with what you pack (as in, don’t bring your entire footwear collection or your pet chihuahua), you’re going to be fine.

So what should you bring, and what can you leave out? Read on to find out.

 

LUGGAGE.

First things first, we need to deal with the bag you’re planning on bringing to Pangea. Although there’s no restriction on size if you’re staying in one of our standard pods, there is if you’re booked into one of our Mezzanine pods (if in doubt, check your confirmation email). These have a separate storage cubby which can accommodate luggage with dimensions of up to 32” x 22” x 15”. That being said, we recommend something around this size regardless of the pod you’re staying in… it’ll just make your life easier!

 

LOCKS.

Padlocks are available from The Shop at reception if you forget them, but we do recommend that you bring your own. The maximum you’ll need is four (see our “So I guess I need locks?” answer on our FAQ page). Generally we suggest that you bring combination type padlocks instead of padlocks with keys – it’s just one less thing to lose while you’re out on the slopes (don’t make us get our bolt cutters out!).

 

TOILETRIES.

All of Pangea’s bathrooms include complimentary toiletries in the form of hand soap, shower gel and shampoo. However, anything else (think toothpaste, razors and the like) you’ll need to either bring with you or buy when you get here. Many of the basics are available from The Shop at reception.

 

OUTDOOR GEAR.

Without wishing to point out the obvious, Whistler is a mountain town, and unless you plan on renting you’ll want to bring your own gear (tip: if you are renting you might want to consider reserving gear ahead of time directly with Whistler-Blackcomb’s network of rental shops – you’ll receive a generous discount of up to 20% off by doing so). 

And in case you were wondering, Pangea does have dedicated storage for outerwear and accessories (helmets, goggles etc.) as well as skis, boards and bikes, so there’s really no need to compromise by leaving these off your list. It’s another easy way to save some coin – renting gear in Whistler may be easy, but it’s definitely not cheap.

More info about The Toy Box, our dedicated gear storage area, can be found here.

 

VEGEMITE.

Sorry, Aussie friends. If you simply can’t do without your favourite yeast extract, you’ll just have to remember to bring a jar with you, as unfortunately we don’t stock it in The Shop at reception (though we’re sure you’ll find it somewhere in Whistler). Same goes for Marmite and Yorkshire Tea, Brits.

 

ELECTRONICS.

We probably don’t need to remind you to pack your phone, camera or tablet. In fact, they’re likely among the first things on your list. However, in case you were wondering where you’re going to store them, remember that the pods at Pangea have integrated lockable cubbies where you can simultaneously store and charge your electronic devices (with the exception of our Mezzanine pods, which have a separate locker for such things).

 

NOT NEEDED.

Just like a regular hotel, we provide fresh, clean towels upon your arrival (and are happy to change them every day for a small additional fee). In terms of toiletries, we also have hand soap, shower gel and shampoo, so you won’t need any of those (as explained above).

Another thing you won’t need is a hair dryer. Although our vanities are fitted with electrical sockets for such things as straighteners, razors, electric toothbrushes and the like, we’d prefer you borrow (at no charge) our own high-powered dryers. Just ask at reception.

 

Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels for more insight and more tips and tricks to experiencing the best of the unique mountain town of Whistler on a budget.

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Best places to rent (or fix) a bike in Whistler

25May

Whistler is one of the hottest mountain biking destinations on the planet, hosting the sport’s biggest names and competitions, so it’s only natural you’d want to sort yourself out with some wheels and hit the trails as soon as you get here. Shipping your own bike isn’t always easy (especially if you don’t have one in the first place!), but don’t stress – Whistler has a number of excellent shops where you can rent one instead (or take it for surgery when your ride’s in need of a fix or tune-up).

 

FANATYK CO.

Located in the heart of the Village, the highly popular Fanatyk has some of Whistler’s best rental bikes. Their fleet of downhill and trail bikes are built with premium Shimano components and other high-end parts. Dedicated bike mechanics service them after every use, which is probably why Fanatyk has an excellent reputation for quality and reliability. You can book your rental online via their website where rates are clearly displayed. Fanatyk also has a huge catalogue of spare parts and offer full service repairs.

4433 Sundial Place

 

EVOLUTION WHISTLER.

Evolution is another top rental centre, with a large fleet of bikes in outstanding condition. Not only do Evolution’s technicians tune their bikes after every day of riding, they also rebuild the forks on their DH bikes every 5-7 days of riding. Pads and tires, meanwhile, are replaced at 70% wear. One advantage of going with Evolution is that they fit springs and adjust brakes according to your weight and other factors, which keeps them well-conditioned and makes for a better ride. You can preview bikes (including their new for 2018 full suspension E-bikes) and book online via their website. Evolution also offers bike servicing and spare parts.

4122 Village Green

 

GARBANZO BIKE & BEAN.

As well as being a great place to grab a post-ride cappuccino (the clue is in the name), Garbanzo, which is the official store of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, is a sure bet for bike sales, rentals and repair. The gear is top quality, as is the service, and its proximity to the Bike Park is highly convenient (it’s literally right at the base of the mountain) if you’ve done some damage on the way down.

4282 Mountain Square

 

SUMMIT SPORT.

This well-organized outfit has a large range of top-of-line rental bikes, all of which can be viewed and booked online via their highly intuitive website (book online for a 20% discount on in-store rates). The team here has an expert knowledge of the Bike Park (being located right next to it) and is always happy to offer their advice. Summit Sport also have a bike workshop where they’ll help you get tuned up for a day on the trail.

4293 Mountain Square

 

BIKE CO.

Locally owned since 1994, Bike Co. is another good option if you’re looking for a top-quality rental and personal service to go with it. They have a fleet of Giant, Devinci and Kona mountain bikes (which are available as long-term as well as short-term rentals), and are well-stocked with spares. They also offer bike servicing, including safety checks, minor tune-ups, brake bleeds, wheel builds, fork adjustments and more.

Marketplace

 

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Our Favourite Travel and Adventure Bloggers

27Apr

If you’ve never been to Whistler before, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. What is it that makes this place so special? Why do we keep saying that it’s the greatest mountain resort on Earth? Well, in case you needed any proof that Whistler is as beautiful, fun and exciting as we (and everyone else) says it is, we suggest you check out some of following bloggers and Instagrammers…

 

AUSTIN ROSS.

If epic aerial action shots set against a backdrop of jaw-dropping mountain scenery is your kinda thing, Austin Ross is your kinda guy. A professional skier and “good ol’ fashioned” adventurer, his Insta feed is filled with material that is both awe-inspiring and, we have to say, a little envy-provoking (Why can’t we all be super suave adventurers who spend all their time in the mountains?). When he’s not skiing he’s out there paragliding, climbing, hiking, trail running, mountain biking, camping… it’s the endless outdoors.

@austinross88

 

ANNA SEGAL.

Whistler resident Anna Segal takes instagramming to dizzying heights with some truly epic action shots from the snow-covered mountainsides of Whistler and Blackcomb (interspersed with a few cheeky selfies, of course). Segal seems to live and breathe adventure, especially the kind that involves snow and ice, and judging by her feed, she’s far more at home on a pair of skis than in shoes.

@anna_segal

 

KC DEANE.

There’s a reason this dude has over 60,000 followers. KC Deane‘s well-curated feed is beautiful and inspiring to look at thanks to a combination of high-wire skiing/biking stunts and gorgeous alpine vistas. KC features the mountains around Pangea heavily in his work, and thanks to him and the photographers he works with, Whistler’s spectacular beauty is done full justice in this feed.

@kcdeane

 

MARK ABMA.

Mark Abma is another pro skier based in Whistler whose feed is both exciting and inspiring, which is why he too has a robust Instagram following (clearly we’re not the only ones who can’t get enough of big air shots and powder shredding). Always smiling, one of the things we like about Abma is how patently clear it is that he’s loving every minute of the time he spends outdoors. No wonder, when you look at the magical scenery around him.

@markabma

 

MISS SNOW IT ALL.

Not only does she have a great Instagram feed, Miss Snow It All has a blog (SnowsBest.com) that’s a goldmine of information about… well, just about anything to do with snow sports. While not a native of Canada, she’s written tons of material on Canada and B.C. in particular that you’d do well to check out before visiting. And, if you like photos of shoulder-deep snow and the odd snow dog, you’ll certainly like her work.

@misssnowitall

 

MASON MASHON.

If Mason Mashon‘s Insta feed isn’t enough to have you pining for the great outdoors, nothing will be. This pro photographer based out of Whistler offers an artful take on B.C.’s breathtaking scenery, capturing patterns and forms that most of us are simply not smart enough to see. Add to that a fine selection of moody low-light landscapes (and the occasional tropical seascape when Mason’s on holiday) and you have something really worth following.

@mason_mashon

 

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What to do in Whistler on a day off from the slopes

18Apr

Whether you’re nursing a hangover or you just fancy a day off from the slopes , there’s plenty to do in Whistler that doesn’t involve gear or gondolas. Here we look at some of the other, less obvious experiences that Whistler has to offer – from catching the latest flick to dosing up on local culture.

 

CHILL OUT AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS AT PANGEA.

There’s nothing quite like a duvet day, even when you’re on holiday. It’s like taking a holiday… on your holiday. And by duvet day, we mean just generally lounging about Pangea, having a snooze in your pod, venturing out and having a pizza in The Living Room, sipping a glass of red wine in the late afternoon, boasting about your previous day’s exploits on Instagram, etc. And once you’re done with that, grab a board game and invite your fellow loungers to play at one of our family-style tables. Just remember that the only thing worse than a bad loser is a bad winner, so none of that ‘humble’ smiling as you force them to mortgage all their property on the Monopoly board.

 

 

FORGED AXE THROWING.

Have you ever wanted to launch an axe at something? Like that person loudly munching chips on a train, that novice boarder who just cut across your line, or Big Bird from Sesame Street? Well, at the aptly named Forged Axe Throwing centre, you can launch an array of axes at targets (just not living ones). Offering drop-ins, party bookings and even league play, the centre is a fun (and scarily therapeutic) diversion from other Whistler activities. Drop-in sessions last one hour, during which you’ll receive professional instruction and thorough safety advice. Just remember to wear closed-toed shoes!

 

 

AUDAIN ART MUSEUM.

Spectacularly showcasing the art of British Columbia from the late 18th century to the present, Whistler’s stunning new gallery is a great place to wile away an empty afternoon. At the heart of the collection is James Hart’s The Dance Screen, which, according to the Audain, is the “most significant contemporary carved cedar Dance Screen in the world”. Other highlights include a collection of First Nations masks and a few works by celebrated Canadian artists Emily Carr, E.J Hughes, Jeff Wall and Stan Douglas. Best of all, it’s all housed within one of the most architecturally striking edifices in town, if not the province (or the country).

 

 

ESCAPE! WHISTLER.

Voted Whistler’s best rainy day activity, Escape! Whistler is, aside from shredding the slopes, one of the most fun and engaging activities you’ll find in Whistler. A team of puzzle masters and builders have created four immersive escape rooms – called Pirate Ship, Pinball Machine, Buried Cabin and Rabbit Hole – which will have you and your buddies (up to 6 per game) racking your brains and scouring for clues as you try to fathom your way out within 45 minutes. And if you don’t? Well, you’ll be locked in forever! Just kidding.

 

 

DUBH LINN GATE IRISH PUB.

A bad weather day is a good Guinness day, so if you just want to cozy down in a warm pub for the afternoon, we recommend Dubh Linn Gate, where “Irish comfort food meets West Coast mountain goodness” (as the proprietors like to put it). Bringing Irish cheer to Whistler for more than two decades, this joint is a favourite watering hole for locals and visitors alike. Practise your accents as you cradle your perfectly pulled pint of the black stuff, or tuck into some traditional pub fare as you enjoy the sounds of high-energy Celtic classics.

 

 

SCANDINAVE SPA.

If your body is crying out for some TLC after a long day on the piste, or a long night on the town, we recommend checking yourself into the Scandinave Spa on the edge of Lost Lake Park. Take your pick from a number of traditional Scandinavian baths set amongst the spruces and cedars of the forest, and then indulge in a whole menu of hydrotherapy treatments designed to ease those aches, pains and hangovers.

 

 

SQUAMISH LIL’WAT CULTURAL CENTRE.

(Yes, this is in Whistler!) Whistler sits squarely on First Nations’ territory, giving all the more reason to discover the legends, people, art, history and culture of the Squamish and Lil’Wat Nations. As part of its mission to “inspire understanding and respect among all people”, the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre runs hour-long tours that include a welcome song and offer the opportunity to don traditional First Nations regalia, bang a drum, and even try your hand at some craftwork. There’s also a cafe and gift shop where you can get your hands on some authentic First Nations art and handicrafts. As far as we’re concerned, this informative centre is not to be missed.

 

 

VILLAGE 8 CINEMAS.

Yes, we have a cinema here in Whistler, so if you fancy catching the latest flick on your day off from the slopes, or have little else to do, head down to the Imagine Cinemas duplex (a three minute stroll from Pangea).

 

 

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Pangea’s 4 pod types

20Feb

As Louis Armstrong once crooned, “You like tomato and I like tomahto.” Quite appropriate for our pods, which, aside from minor differences, are nearly identical in all respects, and definitely in all meaningful respects. They all have super comfy double memory-foam mattresses, wood-lined walls, mirrors, fans, LED lighting and storage space like hangers, hooks and shelves.

That being said, we’ve decided to categorize them into four “Pod Types”. Here you go…

 

MEZZANINE.

As the name implies, these are all found on our Mezzanine (i.e. “Loft”) level. Aside from needing to skip up a few additional steps to access them, the main difference between these and all our other pods is that their associated storage space for both your bag and your valuables is across from your pod, not within it. In case you think that’s a negative, we should tell you that this means the actual “lockable” space is far larger than that in all our other pods (which instead of a large lockable cubby have a small lockable cabinet for valuables and a cable-tie to secure your bag). That being said, since the storage is indeed outside your pod (if only a step away), these are priced at a discount and are therefore our most affordable pod type.

 

FRONT-ENTRY.

Our most common pod type is found on both our second and third floors. We call them “Front-entry” because you enter from the front. Duh. And while the entrance to our Front-entry pods is smaller than that of our Side-entry ones, making them narrower but longer, the benefit is that once you draw back your curtain you (and your head) are further from “the rest of the world”. From a pricing perspective, these are right in the middle – still very affordable, but just a little bit more than our Mezzanine pods because of their longer length and integrated storage.

 

SIDE-ENTRY.

You probably guessed this one. We don’t have many Side-entry pods, but the ones we do are all located on our third floor. They have the most spacious and gracious feel, and as such come at a slight premium to their Front-entry cousins. You’ll have to book early to be lucky enough to get one.

 

FEMALE-ONLY.

The name says it all – a private pod in a female-only suite. A good option if you’re just testing the waters of the shared accommodation concept or simply want added peace of mind.

 

Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels for more insight and more tips and tricks to experiencing the best of the unique mountain town of Whistler on a budget.

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Storing your stuff at Pangea

20Feb

The last thing you want to be worrying about when you come to a place like Whistler is where you’re going to put all your stuff, and in the case of equipment, how you can store it securely. So let us put you at ease; at Pangea you can safely secure not only your small valuables – like phones, cameras and laptops – but also all your gear, be it for skiing, boarding or biking. Read on to find out exactly how…

 

WINTER TOYS (SKIS + SNOWBOARDS).

The Toy Box, our dedicated gear storage room, is the place to securely store your winter equipment. It has lockable racks for skis and snowboards, as well as lockers for accessories like boots, helmets and goggles. The racks come with cable ties which can be used to concurrently hang your wet outer gear – with fresh air ducted and flowing through the space, this is where your wet jackets and pants can dry. A single large lock is all you’ll need to secure both your rack and the adjoining cable tie.

You’ll also need a separate lock for your assigned locker. If you forget to bring any locks, you can always purchase them at The Shop at reception.

The Toy Box has assigned gear storage areas for each pod, so just look for the rack (and locker) with the same number as your pod, and voilà! Reservations are not necessary.

 

SUMMER TOYS (MOUNTAIN BIKES).

In the summer, The Toy Box transforms into a bike storage room with space for more than 40 large mountain bikes. Bikes are securely stored on pivoting racks, while helmets, googles, body armour and other accessories can be stowed in the lockers. We have Krytonite bike cable ties for securing your precious MTBs – all you’ll need to bring is your own lock. Don’t have one? No problem. The Shop at Reception has an array for you to choose from.

Because we can’t accommodate as many bikes as we can guests, bike storage will need to be reserved in advance for a small fee. So that all our guests are treated equally, this fee is set at the same rate as overnight storage provided by Whistler Blackcomb at the base of the bike park.

For those traveling from afar, we have additional back-of-house storage for bike boxes and bike bags. Just find a Pangea person who’ll take care of the rest.

 

YEAR-ROUND “I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT THESE” TOYS (PHONES, LAPTOPS AND OTHER VALUABLES).

You needn’t worry about where you’re going to keep your valuables. Our pods are equipped with lockable cabinets for storing personal possessions like phones, cameras, cash and laptops (or anything you’d rather not take to the slopes!). And the best thing? You can keep electronics on charge whilst they’re locked up, so you can power up while you’re out and about. (Note: this does not apply to pods on our loft floor, where valuables storage and luggage storage is combined into a large cubby.)

Again, all you’ll need is a lock – bring from home or purchase from The Shop at reception.

 

LUGGAGE.

All pods have assigned storage space for general luggage. Where you’ll store it depends on the suite you’re staying in. If you’re in one of our 2nd or 3rd floor pods, you’ll have an assigned space at the entrance to your pod where you can thread the cable tie anchored to your pod wall through the handle of your luggage to secure it in place. If you’re in one of our loft floor pods, you’ll have a separate cubby in close proximity to your pod. Either way, you’ll need your own locks – bring them from home or buy them at reception.

As noted above, given the loft floor cubbies are large and lockable, their associated pods do not have separate lockable cabinets inside – we didn’t see any reason to have you bring/buy two locks when we could accomplish everything with one!

You’ll be pleased to know that our pods also have additional internal storage, like hangers and hooks for clothing and towels, and shelves for, well, anything you’d like to put on them, be it books, headphones, or folded clothes (for those of you who like to unpack).

 

Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels for more insight and more tips and tricks to experiencing the best of the unique mountain town of Whistler on a budget.

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How is Pangea different to a hotel?

23Jan

Take a look at our name. We’re known as the Pangea Pod Hotel. We call ourselves a hotel because we offer many of the same comforts as a hotel, like your own personal sleeping space, double beds and plenty of useful mod-cons. But in other respects we’re also quite different to a hotel, like the fact that we’re comparatively much more affordable. Still, we chose hotel because there’s no other word to adequately describe our style of accommodation.

If you want to find out exactly how our property differs from all other Whistler hotels, and why we chose to break the mold, keep reading…

 

SPACE EFFICIENCY = AFFORDABILITY.

Of course, the thing that really defines Pangea are the pods. In other Whistler hotels you’ll find standard rooms, some of them small, some of them big, some of them absolutely gigantic and rather pointless. All well and good, but do you actually need so much space when there’s so much to do outside? Plus, Whistler hotel rooms can be eye-wateringly expensive, so wouldn’t it be better if you had the option of paying only for the space you use?

If you’re of that mindset, Pangea is the way to go. Because our pods are far more space-efficient than normal hotel rooms, they’re are also far more affordable. What’s more, they offer virtually everything you need for your stay (read more about that here) – there’s really not much in the way of mod-cons that a hotel room can offer that one of our pods can’t.

 

PRIVACY.

We want to be completely upfront in saying that our pods do not offer 100% audio privacy (though we’re sure you’re well-travelled enough to know that few hotel rooms do!). However, the pods have been engineered in a way that reduces noise, and they also have individually controlled, built-in fans that create white noise which dampens outside sounds. In terms of visual privacy, the pods have a curtain at the entrance that you can draw back when you want to shut yourself off from the outside world.

The pods are housed within private suites, with access to each suite restricted solely to guests staying in that specific suite. Within each suite you’ll find our modular bathrooms which are designed to ensure you’ll rarely have to wait to use a washroom, shower, vanity or changing space.

 

SOCIAL VIBE.

One of the things that really sets us apart from most hotels is the social vibe you’ll find at Pangea. In this respect we’re a bit more like a hostel, where it’s invariably easier to start up a conversation and make new friends. It’s an atmosphere we actively foster in our communal spaces such as The Living Room – a blend of lounge, bar, cafe and espresso bar where you’ll find our custom-crafted, family-style tables (not to mention plenty of board games). This forms the social hub of Pangea, and in many ways is our raison d’être: to bring people from all parts of the world together (hence why we named ourselves after a supercontinent).

You can’t get this kind of environment in most hotels in the world, let alone Whistler.

 

Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels for more insight and more tips and tricks to experiencing the best of the unique mountain town of Whistler on a budget.

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