WHISTLER, BC

Reading week gives you the chance to study for upcoming exams and catch up on those pesky textbook readings, but it also gives you the chance to take a much needed break and give yourself some TLC. Since the whole university is dismissed for the week, it makes it easier to rally up a group to do something, and even easier if that something doesn't involve schoolwork.

With that being said, a few of my pals and I headed off to Whistler! It was my first time going there to ski, so it was all the more exciting. We left bright and early, had the mandatory Squamish pit stop, and were all ready to hit the slopes by 9am.

It was the perfect day, the skies were blue and the sun was shining, making the views even better. I didn't realize just how vast the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains were until then, the number of lifts and the elevation gain still baffles me.

Afterwards we checked into our room at the Blackcomb Lodge, because it was a super last minute reservation we ended up getting a pretty good deal considering it's in the heart of the village. Our après ski consisted of cold beers in warm pubs, grabbing dinner at Hunter Gather, taking advantage of the hot tub at our hotel, and finishing the night off at yet another watering hole.

The next morning began with hot coffee, a filling breakfast, and taking in the views one last time before hitting the road. The change of pace was much needed, balancing work and play is necessary, otherwise moments like these are far too few.