Most locals not happy about the new Pay Parking in Whistler

Money grab or sound business? A lot of locals are upset over the overall parking increases and new pay parking enforcements that has taken place in Whistler last month. Known pay parking has doubled and new Pay Parking is going to be in effect in Parking Lots 1, 2, 3 and 4 before the end of October. You guessed it, right before the Winter Olympics, 2010. But for us locals, what does this mean? It means that just stopping to get a slice of pizza or just picking up something quick is going to be more inconvenient. It means having to think ahead before stopping, having to have change on you at all times, or a credit card. I know a few locals have already signed petitions to fight the new parking implementations, I also know that the mayor is tickled pink that people are participating in their community because they are complaining about parking.

All I can tell you is that Whistler’s bread and butter is tourism, so more parking means more cash, and in these hard times more cash means survival for such small community such as Whistler.

Summer is Here – How many fun things can one do in Whistler during the Summer?

As I’ve been saying for years, there’s actually more things to do in the Summer in Whistler than the winter. Check out the month of June 2009…

Toonie Rides
April 30–September 24, 2009
Join the locals every Thursday for a $2 race sponsored by Whistler businesses and organizations. Racers get food and fresh bevvies at the end of every ride. Sign in is at 5:30 pm and the race begins at 6:30 pm. Participants must be WORCA (Whistler Off Road Cycling Association) members to compete.

Phat Wednesdays Freeride Series
mid June to end of August
Head to the Whistler Mountain Bike Park every second Wednesday for a downhill race similar to the Toonie Rides. Each race takes place on a different trail or course so you never know what you’re going to get. All ages and skill levels welcome. Après at the GLC. Sign in at 5:00 pm.

Whistler Sliding Centre Summer Opening
June 4, 2009
The summer tour program begins come explore this exciting 2010 Olympic Winter Games venue. Open Thursday to Monday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

PEAK 2 PEAK Alpine Experience
June 6, 2009
Linking Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains for the first time in summer, the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola opens for the season. Check out the brand new hiking and sightseeing trails on Blackcomb Mountain and re-visit your favourites on Whistler Mountain.

Whistler Art Workshops on the Lake
Various dates through the end of August
Featuring two to four day workshops from beginner to intermediate level instruction in oil, acrylic and watercolour painting, sketching and life drawing, taking place right on the beautiful Alta Lake waterfront. For a complete schedule and registration, please see the Whistler Arts Council.

Dine in Whistler
April 27–June 25, 2009
Jump-start your spring in mouth-watering style with fantastic savings on 3-course menus at Whistler’s top restaurants. Choose from $19, $29 and $39 of deliciousness.

Glacier Skiing
June 20–July 26, 2009
Summer skiing and riding on Blackcomb Mountains Horstman Glacier.

Blackcomb Base Adventure Zone
June 20–September 7, 2009
If hiking, biking or exploring doesn’t tire them out, take your family for a ride at the Adventure Zone located at the base of Blackcomb. It’s huge fun for both big and little folk, and only minutes from the base of Whistler Mountain. Activities range in price and include the ever-popular Westcoaster Luge, mini golf, a climbing wall, a bungy trampoline, trail rides, a human gyroscope, a climbing web and a jumping castle and slide.

Whistler International All Star Hockey Tournament
June 20–July 13, 2009
The Whistler International All Star Hockey Tournament is an elite youth tournament designed to bring together hockey players with a high level of commitment to their sport. Whistler has hosted this event, which is known as one of the best summer hockey competitions in North America, at Meadow Park Sports Centre since 1992.

Whistler Street Entertainment
June 21–30, 2009 – weekends and holidays
Animating the paths of Whistler Village, performers from the Sea to Sky Corridor and touring artists from across Canada provide free, family-friendly interactive entertainment like juggling, circus acts, music, bike stunts, dancing and acrobatics.

Whistler Farmer’s Market
June 21–October 11, 2009 – Sundays
The Whistler Farmer’s Market returns to the pedestrian streets of the Upper Village (near the Fairmont Chateau Whistler) every Sunday this summer, featuring local produce from the Pemberton Valley and beyond, tasty artisan foods, live cooking demos by Whistler Chefs and live music. Choose from a selection of crafts, organic and local produce, jams, honey, baked goods, jewellery and much more. The market runs every Sunday from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm. www.whistlerfarmersmarket.org

Women’s Nights at Whistler Mountain Bike Park
June 22, 2009–September 7, 2009
Every Monday and Wednesday, grab your best girls and hit the Bike Park for an estrogen-fuelled ride — no boys allowed. All levels of experience are welcome. Get discounts on rentals and learn from an experienced guide. Afterwards, bond over bevvies at the GLC après. 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Comfortably Numb Trail Running Race
June 27, 2009
This second race in the 2009 Sea 2 Sky Trail Running Series includes six runs through some of the world’s most scenic, single-track mountain trails. Competitors follow a winding 25 km trail through moss-covered forest, across elevated bridges and past spectacular views. Reaching an elevation of over 1,000 metres and with most of the descent and tricky sections near the finish this race is not for the faint hearted. To register visit www.comfortablynumb.ca.

Mountain Top Dining
June 27–September 7, 2009
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, from June 27 until September 7, Whistler Blackcomb hosts an incredible alpine dining experience at the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain. Simply ride up on the Gondola and enjoy mouth-watering food while taking in famous Whistler views at 4,000 ft. above the Village. Choose from Whole Hog Friday, the Saturday Night BBQ or the Sunday Salmon Bake. Live music plays on all nights. Tickets are available by calling 1.800.766.0449.

Dirt Series Women Only Mountain Bike Camp
June 28–29, 2009
The Dirt Series women only bike camp is back for another weekend of rough riding and big air. Skills improvement for all levels and a chance to hang with the girls guarantees a great time. Leave the boys in the dust as you race down the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. For more details about the camp, visit the Dirt Series website. Additional camps available in May, July and September.

April 2009 – The last chance this season to Ski or Snowboard in Whistler

Not to worry though, Blackcomb Mountain remains open until May 18th, then Whistler opens again on May 19th…

I’m just dropping in to let you all know that there’s still lots of fun to be had in Whistler.  Actually there’s been so much snow as of late, the skiing is better than earlier in the season.  If you can make it to Whistler, try to do so before April 26th, you’ll have the pleasure of skiing both Mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, with the least crowds.

The Telus Ski and Snowboard Festival is on starting April 17th and lasts until the 26th.  This is a staple celebration in Whistler, the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival is a 10 day and night showcases of the latest in the skiing and snowboarding World, where even the arts events are packed full of adrenaline. The dynamic combination of Canada’s largest free outdoor concert series with spectacular action sports showdowns, lifestyle fashion, photography, film, the best spring snow conditions and nightlife, this even is THE “To Do” in Whistler.  A celebration of everything that’s core for the old and the new mountain culture.

Or you could just take it easy in the Village; the sun is out, the patios are open, I think even Golfing has started…or maybe not…play the video below…

Things To Do in Whistler to watch out for in the Month of May – The Whistler Mountain Bike Park opens May 16th!

All of you mountain biking enthusiasts, tune up your bikes.

See you on the hills.

Andy

March 2009 Whistler Events

Whistler Events January 2009

Lots of great events happening in Whistler, this first month is loaded with events that will delight fans of all ages.

Today, December 16th, one of the Whistler Blackcomb Gondola posts collapsed and left 53 stranded, 10 people injured.  The skiers were stuck for several hours in subzero temperatures before being rescued.

See how rescuers saved skiers trapped in the 30 cars of the Gondola.

Whistler Gondola collapses (follow link for video)

Blackcomb Gondola Rescue (follow link for more video footage)

Blackcomb Gondola Tower collapses

The Fun Begins for the New Winter Season in Whistler

Here is a list of all the Events happening in Whistler this December, 2008:

Discover Whistler Days
November 27 — December 19, 2008
All tourists receive 40% off learn-to-ski and ride programs on Whistler and Blackcomb. Discounts are also available on many packages, including kids’ ski/ride packages.

Whistler Outdoor Farmer’s Market
October 26 – December 21, 2008
Select Whistler Farmer’s Market vendors set up shop inside the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre’s Istken Hall for an indoor market experience. Featuring rotating vendors from the seasonal market, it will be a new market every week. 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, 4584 Blackcomb Way. Please enter through the Lorimer Road entrance.

Whistler Film Festival
December 4 — 7, 2008
Four exciting days of film featuring more than 90 movies from around the world, plus exclusive premieres, outdoor screenings, workshops, ski races, parties, celebrities, live music and prizes.
For more information go to www.whistlerfilmfestival.com.

5th Annual Christmas Breakfast
December 4, 2008
Presented by Mountain FM and the Westin Resort & Spa Whistler, this yuletide event helps raise money for the local food banks throughout Sea to Sky Country. Bring a new toy, non-perishable food item or cash donation and enjoy a complimentary breakfast, local entertainment and the fulfillment that comes from helping out those in need. Breakfast runs from 6:30 to 9:00 a.m. at the Westin Resort & Spa Whistler.

PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola Opens
December 12, 2008
When the Peak 2 Peak Gondola begins operating in December 2008, it will be the longest unsupported lift span in the world.

7-Eleven Fire and Ice Show
December 12, 2008 — April 5, 2009
It doesn’t get much hotter than this! Be amazed as firespinners and fireworks light up the night sky, while skiers and snowboarders jump through the dazzling Ring of Fire every Sunday at 7:00 p.m. at the base of Whistler Mountain.

The Whistler Holiday Experience
December 19, 2008 — January 4, 2009
Celebrate the season with Whistler Village street entertainment and train rides, a tree-lighting ceremony, dog sledding, caroling, kids’ activities and Christmas story reading.

First Night Whistler
December 31, 2008
Whistler’s First Night is a legendary alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration featuring live music, art workshops and street entertainment for all ages. For more information, please visit www.whistlerfirstnight.com.

Even though I love downhill skiing and boarding, I still think there’s something totally Zen about cross country skiing.  I had many amazing days on the Mountains, but magical nights cross country skiing around Lost Lake in Whistler, when all is quiet, the night lights shimmering on the snow, and the only thing you hear is the sound of your breath.  Magical.  That’s why at night you’ll probably find me on the trails around Lost Lake rather than in the busy village.  For us cross skiers, I thought I’d include a post about the Early Bird Sale for the trails around Lost Lake.

The Early Bird is on sale until December 7th, and you can get your passes at Meadow Park Sports Centre, call 604-935-7529 or visit the Cross Country Information on the Whistler Web Site for details.

Here are the deals before December 7th:

Night Skiing starts at 3pm and goes until 9pm.  The ticket booth closes at 8pm though, so you need to be on the trails by 8pm to enjoy the night cross country skiing.

Of course Whistler has another cross country trail to offer, in the New Olympic Park.  I will write a separate post for that, but for information please visit their site.

The New Olympic Park is a little ways down the road from Whistler, or before you get to Whistler.  I will include maps, directions, prices and details in my next post.

Enjoy the nights with cross country skiing.

Cheers,
Victor

Get your Edge Card for Whistler before November 21 and Save!

For all Vancouver Region and Washington State, the Whistler Edge Card provides cheap ski days for the season, without having to buy a season’s pass.  The Edge Card gives you the convenience of getting:

• 1 day for $64
• 5 day for $319 (works out to $64 a day)
• 10 day for $584 (works out to $59 a day) – The 10 day Edge Card Deal not available after November 21st.
• none of these deals include the new Peak 2 Peak Gondola Ride.

The benefits of getting the Edge Card Early, as announced by Whistler Blackcomb:

• Get up to $30 a day savings off the regular costs
• Get Exclusive low lodging rates, starting at $99 a day
• Get up to $150 off gear with coupons for equipment and outerwear
• Get $100 certificate for select ski and snowboard lessons

If you live in the Vancouver or Washington State areas, what’s nice about getting the Edge Card, is that it’s actually cheaper than the 7-Evelen tickets, and the Edge Card is connected to your Credit Card, so you can use it conveniently on the Mountains.

The only caveat is that the card doesn’t include the Peak 2 Peak ride, which the 7-Eleven ski tickets at $78 per person includes.

For more information, check out Whistler Edge Card deals.

In Whistler November is a month of much anticipation for the new ski and snowboard season to begin.  To make the wait a little more bearable, November is full packed of fun events for all ages.  Here is a list of the main events leading to the big Opening of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains for the new ski season, on November 27th, 2008…

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Showcase Vancouver Grand Opening Sale
at West 4th and Burrard in Vancouver, BC

• Whistler Blackcomb are featuring the new Gondola to
  connect Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains
• Also, this is the time to remember to sign up for the
  Express Card

November 1st and 2nd
Warren Miller’s Children of Winter
at Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver, BC

November 2nd
Winter Farmer’s Market
on Blackcomb Way

November 6th to 10th
Cornucopia – Celebration of Wine and Food
in Whistler at many location around the Village

November 6th
ARTrageous
at Whistler Art Galleries

November 9th
Winter Farmer’s Market
on Blackcomb’s Way

November 14th to 16th
Whistler Creekside Fashion and Lifestyle Market
at Whistler Creekside

November 16th and 23rd
Winter Farmer’s Market
on Blackcomb’s Way

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November 27th – Ski and Snowboard Opening Day for the 2008-2009 Season

on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains
November 28th and 29th
Bizarre Bazaar
at Telus Whistler Conference Centre

November 30th
Winter Farmer’s Market
on Blackcomb’s Way