What do people want when they look for a rental property in a ski resort? Typically there are two criteria: ski-in, ski-out (who wants to get on a shuttle bus with all their ski gear?) for daytime convenience, and easy access to restaurants and shops for aprs-ski entertainment. In many resorts it is tricky to meet both of these objectives, since if the town is positioned (as is typical) in the valley, properties that offer easy walking distance to shops and restaurants are by definition not ski-in, ski-out, since for this they must be some way up the mountain.

Whistler is a typical example. The main village is at the confluence of two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb. The lifts depart from the top of the village in an area known as Skiers Plaza. All the major shops and restaurants are positioned on the pedestrian walkway that leads back from Skiers Plaza. On the other hand, all the ski-in, ski-out accommodation is positioned up the mountain in the other direction. So, generally, you have to choose one or the other: either ski-in, ski-out or easy access to the village. There are just a couple of exceptions to this. One is Snowy Creek, which occupies prime real estate just above Skiers Plaza. The other is Telemark Place, a development of 3 and 4 bedroom townhomes just next to the Westin Hotel. This development has its own ski-in trail and offers a one-minute walk to the village. It truly offers no need to choose between ski-in, ski-out and easy access to shops and restaurants.

Is there any downside to Telemark Place? Well, some of the older and un-renovated units are not too attractive, and none of them has a private hot tub. On the other hand, the renovated units are beautiful, and several of them have private saunas. Have a look at Telemark 1 or Telemark 25 for an example of a renovated property in this development. If you are seeking a no-compromise location in one of the world's top resorts, you should give it a look.