Where in Whistler?

I'm planning a ski trip to Whistler in late March. I am looking for a ski in/out accomodation. Would prefer somewhere that has a kitchen so I can cook.
Should I rent a car when I land in Vancover? How far is the bus ride from the airport to Whistler.
I assume there is a free shuttle to get to town from the ski village.
Should I buy lift tickets on line or wait till I get there?
Any information about Whistler would be appreciated.

Thanks

Some good information on the Whistler web site.

http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/index.htm

Have a good trip.

That is a pretty broad question. There are many variables. I haven't been in about 4 years but was there many times prior. Your budget is the biggest question. If you want 5 star I have no input. I go to ski, not hang out in a hotel so ammenities are unimportant to me. The bus from Vancouver airport will get you there just as quick as a car and Whistler is not incredibly car friendly. There are lots but you can get anywhere on foot. I have never had need for a car there. If you stay in the main village everything is right within walking distance including the lifts to Whistler and Blackcomb. There are hundreds of shops, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and a grocery store. I don't know where you are coming from but I live in Ontario and have traveled with SkiCan and it has been very smooth every time and the packages cannot be beat by any regular travel agency. Check out www.skican.com

To add to P2C. For our group, I rented a minibus and driver from the airport info desk, for not much more than the total bus fares. We took the bus on the return journey.
There is a skibus runs round Whistler and Blackcomb.
You can easily rent a condo online ~ route through one of the main condo websites. They all pretty much all very well equipped, and good value. You can see the location on-line.

It is a between 1-2 hours to get from the airport to the village at Whistler. You do not need a car once there, there are buses to take you most places. The village is at the base of the gondolas for Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain. I have always stayed near enough to the lifts that I always walked or skied in and out. My favorite place to stay is the Residence Inn on Blackcomb. Nice rooms and kitchens. Ski down to Blackcomb base in the AM. Shuttle will take you to and from the main village if you want to go.It may be too quiet for you- no restaurant or bar there or within walking distance Good pool and hot tub. :)

Arrowhead Pointe - Located high on Whistler's Blackcomb benchlands area. The ski in/out access is only 50 meters away from your front door.If you want to hit the town, jump on the complimentary village shuttle which stops right outside your door. Amenities include cable TV, kitchen, washer/dryer, private hot tub, and fireplace.