Popularity of Whistler

I always knew Whistler was famous, but not really that popular.  Then, today, I arrived in London-Heathrow airport for a week-long business trip.  Waiting to claim my bag, I saw dozens and dozens of long bags — snowboard and skis — coming into the baggage pickup.  I turned to the British gal next to me, who had some skis, and asked “Did you just go to Whistler?”  In which she responded, “Of course.  Whistler is famous!”  Go figure.