Splurge: Dining

Alpine Tea at Fairmont Chateau Whistler (about $25; begins in early 2012; fairmont.com/whistler) is perhaps the only place in town where you can eat tender scones and Devonshire cream in your ski boots. Aura (2131 Lake Placid Rd.; 604/966-5700), the exceptional restaurant at Nita Lake Lodge, uses molecular gastronomy with the right amount of restraint in its dinner menu ($208 / 5 courses for 2, including wine). Start with the housemade charcuterie.