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Harvest Huckfest 2007 hits Whistler Mountain Bike Park Oct 5-7

Huckfest is on again next weekend, Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend, for the 6th year in a row. The Whistler Mountain Bike Park ends the summer season with a bang of events…

  • Whistler – Air Dome Jump Jam
    When? -> Friday, October 5, 5-9pm
    Qualifier -> 5 – 7pm. Jam format with three judges.
    Finals -> 7 – 9pm. Each rider will have a set amount of time to ride for the judges.
    Categories -> Pro, Sport, Amateur. No age categories.
    How Much? -> Entry Fee: $25
    Training? -> Air Dome will be open to registered riders only for training on the day of the event from 3pm – 5pm.
    Mandatory check in is from 4pm – 4:45pm at the Air Dome on the day of the event.
  • Whistler – Team Air Downhill
    When? -> Saturday, October 6, 12pm
    New! -> This event consists of a team of four riders (one member must be of the opposite sex) each racing down A-Line for a combined time.
    Training -> 10-11pm.
    How Much? -> $25 per person based on a team of four riders.
    All participants must attend a mandatory check-in on event day from 9:30am – 11:30am at the base of the Bike Park.
  • Slopestyle
    When? -> Sunday, October 7, 12pm
    Training? -> Saturday, October 6, 2pm and Sunday, October 7, 10am How Much? -> Entry Fee: $25
    Pre-registration is strongly recommended. Registration opens September 12. All participants must attend a mandatory event day check-in from 10am – 12pm at the base of the Bike Park.
    **Foreign riders will need to provide proof of travel insurance to participate in this event**

Pre-registration for all events is strongly recommended and should be completed at Guest Relations or by calling 1-800-766-0449.

Whistler Ski Season 2007/2008 opens November 22

Book this date on your calendars, November 22, 2007. It’s when Whistler Blackcomb opens for the new ski season ahead. As I’m writing you this September 30th, Whistler has already had snow, 3 days of snow and counting. In the week to come there are forecasted 4-25 cm (approx. 2-10inches) per day.

Last year the early snowfall allowed the season to start 2 weeks earlier than scheduled. Let’s hope this year is the same.

An early season start means there will be a lot of Whistler ski runs open right off the bat, with a good snow base. Not all ski runs will be open on the first day, but a good mix of beginner to advanced trails will be available for all levels of skiers and snowboarders alike.

All of you regular skiers, buy your ski passes before October 8th, and save $340.

Whistler Ski Passes for the 2007/2008 Season

A lot of you asked me how much are Whistler ski tickets.

The following is a breakdown:

Adult By Oct 8 After Save
Unlimited Ski Pass $1,399 $1,739 $340
Midweek Ski Pass $929 $1,179 $250
Single Mountain Pass $1,219 Not Available  
15-Day Pass $719 $899  
       
Children Unlimited Pass      
Youth (13-18) $509 $729 $220
Child (7-12) $329 $519 $190
Tot (under 6) Free Daypass $10 for the season  
       
Senior      
Unlimited Ski Pass $699 $849 $150
Midweek Ski Pass $499 $595 $96
Single Mountain Pass $619 Not Available  
Super Seniors (75+) $99 $139 $40

40 Fun Things To Do In Whistler

If you don’t ski and it’s not winter, what are some things to do in Whistler?

In short, anything you want. Unlike many resorts, Whistler BC is a self sustained mini city with a complete infrastructure that offers all the comforts of the big city, the charm and gratitude of a small town and the outdoor activities of a world class resort.

Many people have the idea that Whistler Canada is an epicenter for “extreme snow sports”, and they are right, but not entirely. Whistler is for the young and the young at heart, for the active and the couch potato, for the foodie and the partier, for the peace seeking and the people watcher, for the thrill seeker, for the individual and the family.

I’m going to attempt to list and categorize some of the things you can do in Whistler and over time I will discuss each item in a lot more detail.

Here it goes…

Whistler Activities and Sports

  • Skiing…duh…but did you know you can ski in the Summer too?
  • Snowboarding…another duh
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Skate Skiing
  • Skating
  • Mountain Biking on Trails
  • Whistler Mountain Bike Park
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Running
  • ATV
  • Bungee Jumping
  • Gliding…yeah, the soaring kind
  • White Water Rafting
  • Canoeing, Kayaking and Rafting
  • Hiking
  • Climbing
  • Roller Blading
  • Swimming
  • Flying Trapeze…as in the circus kind in open air
  • Spin Cycle Human Gyroscope… I won’t even try to describe this one
  • Climbing Wall

Whistler Attractions

  • Learn about Whistler Ecology including a guided tour of bear and wildlife
  • Visit the Whistler Museum and check out the local history and the retro ski gear from the past
  • Check out Whistler Beaches and Parks
  • Explore the Forest Canopy via Suspension Bridges
  • Whistler Live Performances…check out coming up Events
  • Ride the Zipline

Whistler Leisure

  • Enjoy an open-air chairlift ride to the very top of Whistler Mountain
  • Picnic on a glacier
  • Go for a walk on the Valley Trail, a paved 20km (~12 miles) trail along the Whistler Golf Course…you don’t have to walk the whole trail
  • Take a float plane or a helicopter ride
  • Horseback Riding
  • Go Shopping and explore Whistler’s retail therapy…something for everyone
  • one word…SPA
  • Movies at the Whistler Movie Theatre
  • Visit the Art Galleries
  • Sit and sip your drink and people watch
  • Breathe in some amazingly clean air

Amazingly there are more things to do in Whistler during the Summer than in the Winter.

If you have any specific questions, please leave us a comment and we’ll answer in a timely fashion.

Have You Ever Wondered What Is “Blackcomb”?

They mystery behind Blackcomb

A lot of people are baffled by the mention of Whistler and Blackcomb in the same sentence. It’s actually pretty simple to remember. Whistler is the name of the Village, but Whistler is also the name of one of the Mountains in Whistler. There are 2 ski ready Mountains in Whistler BC, one called Whistler, the other is called Blackcomb. If you face the two Mountains, Whistler is the one on the right and Blackcomb is the one of the left. It’s that simple.

Here is the confusing part. You can take a gondola from the bottom of Whistler Mountain that will take you to the top of Whistler Mountain. You can take another gondola from Whistler that will take you to Blackcomb Mountain. Or you can walk to Blackcomb side and go up Blackcomb Mountain.

There are several access points from Whistler Village up the two Mountains, and there are people that prefer one Mountain over the other. I myself like Blackcomb better, but that’s just a personal preference, not a recommendation.

As always, if you are curious about something and want to ask any questions pertaining to Whistler Blackcomb, please leave a comment and I promise to respond in a timely fashion.

A Little about Real Estate in Whistler

Properties and Time Share for Sale in Whistler

Without any warning, you come to Whistler and find that this is the place you want to retire to, come to visit often, or if you’re like me – just never leave. It happened to me, I first visited Whistler during spring breaks, then for just one winter after University (College) but the winter stretched into 5 years.

Real Estate in Whistler can be very confusing. Hey, this is a trend… the layout of the Village is confusing… getting around is confusing… and now buying property is confusing. What can I say, a small price to pay to access Paradise.

Properties come in every known form in Whistler; condos, townhouses, homes, chalets, timeshare, quarter share, points, you name it, you can buy it. The choice is yours depending on your means and the lifestyle you desire.

For any real estate transaction you need to use a Whistler Real Estate Agent. A good one should be able to guide you through a maze of information.

The Whistler Property Listings are not available on the Internet though mls.ca, because Whistler has their own listing service, but it’s not live and accessible online. You need to work with your Real Estate Agent to get the most up to date information on the current listings. There are some listings available from different sources on the Internet, but the most up to date information is still only available from the local real estate agents.

Stay tuned for a series of posts that will contain more specific information about Real Estate in Whistler.

When is the best time to visit Whistler?

The best time to visit Whistle is when you can get here

Because your “best time” to visit Whistler depends on so many factors, I will list the top “best times” according to snow conditions (as if I know for sure), price and amount of people visiting.

Whistler Price

  • If price is not an issue and you like crowds, then come visit during a holiday. The energy of the Mountains and in the Village is at the peak of perfection and you will find anything you ever need or want.
  • If price is an issue and you don’t like crowds, then come after New Years until February, or wait until April. In April there is always snow, it’s Spring Skiing, and most people don’t realize that at least one Mountain stays open until the End of May, then the other one re-opens in June for Summer Glacier Skiing.

Whistler Snow Conditions

  • If it’s lots of snow you’re after, then for sure February, March and April are by far the best months to ski and snowboard in Whistler. These are the almost guaranteed months of accumulated base and fresh snow. Of course, last year Whistler enjoyed a phenomenal year with something like 50 feet of snow during the Winter Season. We hope that repeats, but from personal knowledge, that happens once every 10 years.

Whistler Crowds

  • If you like crowds and don’t mind spending a little extra, then come during known American and Canadian Holidays.
  • If you hate crowds, then visit Wistler in mid January, April, May, September, or November. If you want to ski, I recommend you visit Whisler in April or May for Spring Skiing and the Village will be all yours to enjoy with the Locals.

But ultimately, don’t be swayed by me, visit Whistler when it’s best for you to do so.

Whistler Restaurants Quick Review

Whistler Dining Guide from the affordable to the divine

Whistler wouldn’t be a World Class Resort if it couldn’t accommodate all gastronomic palates for every budget. There is something for everyone at every price point.

Here is a list of all the recommended restaurants in Whistler, all prices are in Canadian Dollars.

Cafe

  • Ingrid’s -> Breakfast and Lunch -> Appetizers $1.85-$4.50, Entrees $5.50-$7.95 -> Visa, Master Card, Diner’s Club
  • Alpine Cafe
  • Crepe Montagne

Pub Food

  • The Brewhouse
  • BBK’s Pub
  • Longhorn
  • Blacks
  • Dubh Linn Gate
  • Citta’ Bistro
  • Fifty-Two 80 Bistro and Bar

Fast Food

  • Splitz Grill
  • KFC
  • Pit Stop
  • Quiznos
  • Subway

Indian

  • Tandori Grill

Asian Infusion

  • Amami
  • Mongolie Grill
  • Thai One On

Japanese

The best Japanese cuisine this side of Japan :-)

  • Teppan Village -> Lunch and Dinner -> Appetizers $3-$9, Entrees $16-$52 -> Visa, Master Card, Amex, Diners Club -> Recommended Highly because you get a great dinner and a show.
  • Sushi Village – Lunch and Dinner -> Appetizers from $3.50, Entrees from $12.90 -> Visa, Master Card, Amex, Diners Club, Discover, Japan Credit Bureau
  • Kaze Sushi -> Lunch and Dinner -> Appetizers $3-$5.95, Entrees $9-$60, -> Visa, Master Card, Amex, Interac, Diners Club, Japan Credit Bureau
  • Sachi Sushi -> Lunch and Dinner -> Appetizers from $3.50, Entrees from $12.90 -> Visa, Master Card, Amex, Diners Club, Discover, Japan Credit Bureau

Italian

  • Pasta Lupino
  • Spaghetti Factory

Fine Italian

  • Il Caminetto Di Umberto
  • Trattoria Di Umberto

Steak House

  • Hy’s
  • The Keg
  • Ric’s Grill
  • Monk’s Grill

Seafood

  • Rimrock
  • Araxi

European

  • Bavaria Restaurant

Casual Dining

A little of everything, you can get a steak, or some seafood, a good burger or a fresh salad.

  • Milestones Grill and Bar -> Brunch, Lunch, Dinner and Bar -> Appetizers $6.99-$10.99 -> Entrees $10.99-$29.99 -> Visa, Master Card, Amex, Diners Club, Interac
  • La Caramba -> Lunch and Dinner -> Appetizers $6.99-$10.99 -> Entrees $10.99-$29.99 -> Visa, Master Card, Amex, Diners Club, Interac -> Recommended Highly “Grilled Calamari”
  • Earls
  • The Den at Nicklaus North Golf Course

Lounge/Bar

  • Cinnamon Bear Bar and Grill

Fine Dining

  • The Mountain Club
  • The Edgewater
  • The Aubergine
  • Apres
  • Seven
  • The Wildflower

Best

  • Bearfoot Bistro -> Costly but worth every penny, the Bearfoot Bistro is the best Whistler has to offer in fine cuisine. Once in a lifetime experience.