My understanding is that you can both ski and hobby in Whistler. AFAIK, there is no need to go back and forth to Vancouver for the hobbying part.
Ho yes you can. Last and only time I was there on my own minimum rate seemed to be 400/h. So I pass and decided to hit a bar assured I would score a young skier hippy chick like I used to in my 20's. Only one who responded told me to get lost...
Cheers,