April is a month I look forward to every year — it’s the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival in Whistler. With free outdoor concerts, such as the nostalgic 90’s group Arrested Development, the hot EXPOSED fashion show, tasty Tuscan treats at Trattoria, thanks to local gals (pictured above) for taking me, a soak in the jacuzzi at the Summit Lodge, apres on a patio at the foot of the mountain after shredding some pow (I’ve learned that lingo recently) and listening to MTVs Peak Season’s Dre Morel spin at the Savage Beagle, there’s an infectious buzz in the village.

This year I did something I’ve never done during the festival or in my life…downed 4 shots of ice cold vodka at the Belvedere Ice Room, Canada’s first permanent vodka ice tasting room at the Bearfoot Bistro (as if you need another reason to love this five star restaurant). Step up to the ice bar in this glowing, blue arctic room and sample a range of 50 vodkas from around the world. Each bottle is displayed in individual ice sculpted boxes and with a chilling temp of -24C, it’s the coldest ice bar in the world. Keep warm, cozy and stylish in Canada goose down parkas and fur trimmed hats.

As the weather warms up, here’s a new way to cool down.

Tags: Bearfoot Bistro, Belvedere Ice Room, Telus World SKi and Snowboard Festival