Going to Whistler has been a spring break tradition for our family for the last 9 years! This will be the last one for a while, since my son heads off to college next year, and his spring break will be different from my daughter's.
It's a wonderful place-- two mountains (either of which would be amazing on it's own) connected by a spectacular gondola. Nice little town right at the base, fun to walk around, lots of restaurants and stores. And, with the Canadian dollar priced where it is, it's a great deal.
The last few years, I've flown the 980 into Vancouver and driven from there. I really haven't found a better airport for getting to Whistler, especially in the winter, and you have to clear customs anyway. Vancouver is pretty easy in and out, although it's not cheap to park there (but CAA does get a 30% discount at Landmark). Jet fuel is reasonable, though.
The drive is about an hour and a half, and takes you right through the center of Vancouver. For some reason, the Canadians weren't into the idea of building freeways which go around the cities, so you drive right through downtown. For years, I got lost every time I tried to do the drive, but since the Olympics they have made the signage better.
