Whistler Beer Tasting

Following last year’s successful inaugural event, the second annual Whistler Village Beer Festival is back September 11 – 14, 2014.

A festival celebrating the awesome talents of the Canadian and Pacific Northwest craft brewing industry, will be held at the beautiful Olympic Plaza in Whistler Village.

Being a newbie to the whole craft beer scene, I am stoked to be able to check out some of the finest in the area and right in the heart of Whistler Village, it just doesn’t get any better!

Some of the beers you may know at the festival are:

Red Truck Beer

Vancouver Island Brewery

Red Racer Beer (winner of 2013 Best in Fest Award)

Granville Island Brewing

Whistler Brewing

Parallel 49 Brewing Company

Bomber Brewing

Russell Brewing Company

Click HERE for a full list of breweries participating this year.

The festival’s signature tasting event on September 13 from 1 to 5 pm offers a chance to sample more than 150 beers from 53 B.C., Canadian, and international breweries. 

This year’s festival has expanded to four days and includes cask nights, parties, and brunches. There are also educational seminars such as Beer 101, Craft Beer Revolution, and History of Beer.

Event organizers are expecting 4,000 people this year, double the amount who attended last year.

Some of the festival’s highlights:
Friday, September 12
Triple B – Beer, BBQ at Brickworks; 7 pm, Brickworks Public House
A night of craft beer and BBQ

Best in BC – The Mainland; 8 pm, Firerock Lounge, Westin Whistler
Tickets: $15
Sample from five casks of carefully selected ales, talk with the brewmasters, and vote for your favourite cask of the night.

Saturday, September 13
Best in the West; 5 to 8 pm, Garfinkel’s
Tickets: $15
An American cask/small batch battle featuring casks and small-batch brews from Oskar Blues, Lost Coast, Deschutes, and Gigantic.

BRICKöbertest; 5 pm, Brickworks Public House
Tickets: $15
Bratwursts, beer maidens, and beer! Prizes for the best dressed. Ticket includes first beer and snack.

Each $35 ticket for the Saturday, September 13 tasting includes a four-ounce WVBF sampling mug, five beer tokens, and a $5.00 food voucher for use at participating Whistler restaurants.

For those looking for a more exclusive experience, a limited number of $45.00 Gate Crasher tickets will give beer lovers a one-hour jump on the afternoon event ahead of the crowds.

 Whistler Beer Festival Video

Articles about Whistler Beer Festival

Vacation Rentals by Owner for Whistler Beer Festival…

Whistler rentals including condos, cabins, rental homes, and chalets. Mostly owner-direct reservations, so you’ll find deals on budget to luxury vacation rentals for the Beer Festival.

Search Whistler vacation rentals by owner in the best Whistler Resort locations.

Perfect accommodation for your Whistler holiday. Many homes feature private hot tubs and secure ski, snowboard, bike and golf equipment storage.

Cheap or luxury, studios to mansions… visit ResortAc.com for a deal today.

Whistler Volunteers Make Ironman

Whistler’s Second Ironman

Having run my first and last marathon in Portland, I remember how grateful I was to have the many volunteers everywhere helping make the gargantuan task at hand possible.

The community of Whistler came out full force to show support for Whistler’s second Ironman.

“We’d ask for 10 volunteers and 30 would show up” says Evan Taylor, race director in Whistler Question article July 27, 2014.

After running the 42 km part of program, I couldn’t even imagine swimming 3.86 kilometres through chilly mountainous waters, cycling 180 km over coastal mountains AND running 42 km in 30 C weather to finish your 10-hour day with a sprint to the finish for a place on the podium. Just under 2,000 athletes lined up at the start line this year down from 2,300 last year.

Whistler Ironman 2014

Some athletes are calling it the hardest Ironman ever, noting the climb back to Whistler from Pemberton as the crux of the course. However Taylor claims it is on par with other Ironman courses.

The fastest Whistlerite on course this year was Adam Ward at 10:20:49. Behind him was Mike Edwards, finishing at competitive time of 10:26:41. Marla Zucht, a four time Ironman finisher crossed the finish line on Sunday evening July 27, 2014 with a time of 11 hours 45 minutes.

And as noted in Pique Newsmagazine – triathlon world – Marino Vanhoenacker is back.

The Belgian triathlete conquered the Subaru Ironman Canada course in Whistler on Sunday, July 27 in a blazing time of eight hours, 16 minutes, 10 seconds, leading wire-to-wire to claim the pro men’s title.

Meanwhile, Hawaii’s Bree Wee captured the pro women’s victory after making up some ground over the run course, earning the second full-distance Ironman win of her career in a time of 9:46:58.

IRONMAN is about persevering, enduring and being a part of something larger than ourselves. It shows the heights that can be achieved when we push beyond our boundaries and go the distance to earn the title… IRONMAN.

Congratulations to all who raced at the 2014 Subaru IRONMAN Canada!

Whistler Vacation Rentals for Ironman Triathlon…

Whistler rentals including condos, cabins, rental homes, and chalets. Mostly owner-direct reservations, so you’ll find Ironman deals on budget to luxury condos for the big triathlon.

Whistler vacation rentals by owner in prime Whistler Ironman locations.

Perfect accommodation for your race training & event day. Many homes feature private hot tubs and secure ski, snowboard, bike and golf equipment storage.

Cheap or luxury, studios to mansions… for way less than a hotel. www.ResortAc.com

14-year-old Whistler Mountainbiker Takes on the World &  Wins!

Finn Iles, wins the Whip-Off World Chanpionships  Photo by Anthony Smith

Iles was allowed into the competition on a special exemption after a social media campaign last week that made use of the hashtag #LetFinnIn. Iles has been riding for 11 years and is a long time user of the Whistler Bike Park. He frequently podiums at BC Cup races and recently came third at the 2014 Canadian Mountain Bike Downhill Championships at Sunpeaks. 

Letting Finn compete is not a decision we have taken lightly and we understand the risks associated with competing at Crankworx,” said Finn’s parents Dave and Allison Iles. “As parents, we think the best thing we can

Thomas Vanderham. Photo by David Reddick

do for our children is to give them the freedom to follow their passions while ensuring they have the awareness, training and proper equipment to do so in a safe manner.” Quoted in the Whistler Question, August 11th.

The now-official Crankworx Whistler Whip-Off World Championships went off August 14th, with around 100 of the world’s most respected riders drawing the contest’s biggest-ever crowd of close to 1,000 fans. Event organizers implemented considerably more structure than previous years, when the event more resembled a high-profile jump jam than a formal competition. The more regimented structure didn’t stop the crowd from going into a frenzy with each massive whip.

Mens Crankworx Results:

Anton Thelander. Photo by David Reddick

First: Finn Iles

Second: Bernardo Cruz
Third: Andreu Lacondeguy
Fourth: Graham Agassiz

Fifth: Ryan ‘R-Dog’ Howard
Best Whips Both Ways: Bas van Steenbergen
Best Overall Style: Ryan ‘R-Dog’ Howard

Womens Carnkworx Results:

First: Casey Brown
Second: Lorraine Blancher

Here’s a glimpse of some of the day’s highlights from Bike Magazine:

Find a Great Vacation Rental and Relax in Whistler…

Whistler rentals including condos, cabins, rental homes, and chalets. Mostly owner-direct reservations, so you’ll find deals on budget to luxury flats.

Whistler vacation rentals by owner in prime Whistler Blackcomb locations.

Perfect accommodation for your relaxing holiday. Many homes feature private hot tubs and secure ski, snowboard, bike and golf equipment storage.

Cheap or luxury, studios to mansions… for way less than a hotel.

What to do in Whistler in June?

Spring activities come in all shapes and styles in Whistler Resort, especially if you ignore changes in the weather.

After a decade of living in Whistler, I’m here to tell ‘ya that anyone who cancels their activity plans due to rain or snow is called a weenie. OK, sometimes we call them wankers or wussies or gorbies.

Bottom line in Whistler is dress for the weather and go for it, every single time.

It is unbelievable how many times the sun shines on your face just as you ascend the peak… or get to the beach… or walk onto the teebox on the Whistler Golf Course.

So, here are some springtime ideas what to do in Whistler in June…

Zipline Through the Trees

If you aspire to be an adrenaline junkie, but don’t have the nerve to do anything too crazy, then ziplining may be for you. Ziptrek Ecotours has 2.3 km of lines running between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains that whiz you across creeks and forests at speeds of up to 80km per hour. The tours have an educational component that lets your adrenaline levels drop between rides, but your heart will race as gravity takes you down ziplines that are as high as 60m above the rushing waters of Fitzsimmons Creek. Check out the zipline companies here.

All Terrain Vehicle ATV Ride

Not for everyone, especially if you have an aversion to exhaust fumes, but piles of fun if you love motorized activities.

My faves are the Canadian Wilderness trips that offer mild to wild adventures on Blackcomb Mountain and a handful of other playgrounds around Whistler Resort.

If it happens to snow in June, it’s OK… Al,Craig, and the boys and girls at Canadian know how to improvise. This might require a quick change from ATV to snowmobile, but either way, you’re going to have a blast and snap some photos to send home to your co-workers.

Explore Whistler’s Valley Trail

From the Whistler.com website… Over 40 km of paved trail and boardwalk that connects all of Whistler’s neighbourhoods. Skate, walk, run, cycle or rollerbade your way from lake to viewpoint to picnic spot. A fun and accessible way to experience Whistler with the whole family – including the dog! Be prepared for all weather, bring some lunch money, and go for it… You’ll be glad you did.

Aboriginal Experience for Bad Weather Days

OK, I know I just said to go for it, regardless of weather, but…

Sometimes the weather in June requires inside days.

When we had 5 kids in tow on a recent Whistler family trip, we needed an inside day… the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre was the perfect fit for us.

Today, visitors to Whistler can explore the two nations’ distinct cultures, histories, practices and beliefs at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, an innovative, architecturally stunning collaborative endeavour.

Designed in the form of a Squamish longhouse and a Lil’wat istken – a traditional pithouse dwelling – the centre features fascinating displays, an istken, an interpretive forest walk, multimedia exhibits, interactive performances and traditional craft making, offering visitors a truly immersive experience of the two nations’ rich cultures.

Find a Great Vacation Rental and Relax in Whistler…

Whistler rentals including condos, cabins, rental homes, and chalets. Mostly owner-direct reservations, so you’ll find deals on budget to luxury flats.

Whistler vacation rentals by owner in prime Whistler Blackcomb locations.

Perfect accommodation for your relaxing holiday. Many homes feature private hot tubs and secure ski, snowboard, bike and golf equipment storage.

Cheap or luxury, studios to mansions… for way less than a hotel.

Whether you already love Whistler, or you are keen to find out what all the Whistler buzz is about, here are some great Whistler vacation tips and links to some of Whistler’s best offerings.

There are many ways to relax, of course, but in Whistler it’s a bit different than in other resorts. 5 star spas to heart-pounding adrenaline trips, every Whistler guest can scratch their itch…

RELAX in WHISTLER…

Here’s a bit from www.Whistler.com about how to relax in Whistler Resort.

Research out of Harvard University (and plain old common sense) suggests that relaxing the mind and body can activate “disease fighting genes” that will keep us happier, healthier and living longer. Apparently being relaxed, breathing deeply and living the good life allows for better blood circulation to feed body and brain tissue and switches on the parasympathetic nervous system, which is linked to everything from good digestion to boosted immunity and cell regeneration.

Of course, Whistler locals are way ahead of the curve on the science of taking it easy and the Indulge in Whistler program running May 1-15, 2014, is all about showcasing some of the area’s best lower-adrenaline activities. Indulge will feature spring-value golf and spa packages with multi-course dining specials throughout town. It’s all about slowing down, breathing deep and enjoying the high life.

“Chill days are so necessary,” says Whistler pro-snowboarder Helen Schettini. “After all the energy that goes into a big winter, and the travel and stress, May is the time to just unwind, play golf, go for walks and hang out with friends.”

Helen has her own favourite local spots but this May anyone can customize their own Whistler chill days. Indulge in Whistler is a “choose your own adventure” style initiative that sees all four of Whistler’s golf courses, six top spas, and over 25 top restaurants all offering special spring value packages and deals. You don’t need to be a Harvard scientist to see that a day of golf, massage, hot tub soaking, and fine dining is going to be beneficial to anyone’s mind, body and soul. Toss a little spring skiing in there, or some epic patio sessions and the road to enlightenment has never looked better.

The dining aspect of Indulge includes multi-course meals at some of Whistler’s top eateries with huge saving, and the locals literally eat it up. “Food is such a good way to bring people together,” says Helen. “I love to hit the fine dining spots this time of year for their set-menu choices to try new dishes. It’s just so nice to enjoy time with friends I don’t see much during the busy winter.“ Participating restaurants range from high-end to pizza joints so there are options to satisfy any appetite worked up over that hard day of taking it easy. Just be sure not to over-indulge and miss that morning tee-time or spa session (or better yet, book your activities for the afternoon).

“For me, a round of golf in the morning just makes the whole day better,” says Whistler Golf Club’s Ro Davies. “If you are first on the tee you feel like you’re getting so much more out of the day. While the rest of the world is in bed or hungover you’re putting on freshly cut grass into a perfectly cut and painted cup. All that silence and fresh air…you feel like your whole body just becomes more aware and awake.”

Spring is a time of renewal and Indulge in Whistler is like spring cleaning for your soul.

Source: Whistler.com

Find a Great Vacation Rental and Relax in Whistler…

Whistler rentals including condos, cabins, rental homes, and chalets. Mostly owner-direct reservations, so you’ll find deals on budget to luxury flats.

Whistler vacation rentals by owner in prime Whistler Blackcomb locations.

Perfect accommodation for your relaxing holiday. Many homes feature private hot tubs and secure ski, snowboard, bike and golf equipment storage.

Cheap or luxury, studios to mansions… for way less than a hotel.

You might also enjoy hearing about how to relax in Whistler from Tash McGill, in her article…

Waking up in Whistler is outstanding on any given day, especially when your California King bedroom has an enormous in-room spa bath on one side (perfect for soothing away the aches from a hectic day on the mountain) and a startling view of the mountain on the other. I was tempted to lie in bed all day enjoying the view – but Whistler is the kind of place you come to play hard before you relax.

When the summer season hits, it’s all go-go-go, whether or you’re on the ground or 50ft in the air. The  scary news is that you don’t need to be up a mountain to get that high. We raced to Wildplay Whistler to play in the 900-year old Douglas Fir treetops.

Of course, it really depends on your idea of play. I think this is a particularly creative form, especially considering it involves putting on a harness to climb up, over, through and hang on for dear life on their amazing zipline obstacle course! An experienced guide takes you the whole way through the course which got progressively more challenging as we negotiated our way through what seemed to be impossible pathways. What a thrill – only slightly less thrilling was the little 9 year old who blitzed us at every turn.

Down from the treetops the action didn’t have a chance to stop – so with much anticipation of how the arms would be aching – we were off for more canoeing and biking, this time on a stunning lake and small river. We were once again looking out for bear cubs on the side of the lake only to mistake a small log for a cub. Let’s blame it on the sunshine, the boogie and the glare.

A peaceful canoe ride took us past a few features of Whistler’s long popularity with travelers and young people – including an old lodge and some original settler cottages. Then, onto the bikes which would eventually lead us to our reward for all that hard playing.

Some quality relaxation at the Scandinave Spa and believe me, I was prepared to give relaxation everything I had, especially when Swedish massage and sauna was on offer.

The Scandinave Spa should not be rushed – this is a quality experience for all the senses, built into the side of a small hill with terraced pools, gardens, relaxation rooms and views of the stunning surrounds. The Nordic way begins with sauna or steam room (both options are available) for 15min, followed by a plunge into an icy cold pool before retreating to the warmer pool for 5mins. Take a breather in the sun or in one of the conservatories – then repeat the whole cycle 3 – 5 times (or until it’s time for your massage).

Not for the fainthearted – the catch is, you must be silent! But it’s hard to stop yourself from having a wee giggle about whether the Scandinave Spa will deliver a Sven to complete the all-important massage. I was not disappointed when Sven turned out to be an Ivan, all 6ft something of him. By the end of the session I was floating on air and convinced I wasn’t going to feel a single twinge of muscle ache the next day.

Source: Tash McGill

4 of Whistler’s Best Festivals

It’s easy to see the main attraction that draws two million visitors to Whistler every year – the spectacular mountains…

However, Canada’s top winter resort has many activities to enjoy beyond skiing, from snowboarding and dog-sledding to sleigh rides, plus nightclubs and entertainment for après-ski relaxation. In the summer, the famous slopes come into their own yet again for mountain biking, and there are many other sports to try here too. On top of all this, the resort also has a busy program of festivals for visitors to enjoy. Here is a look at some of the major events staged in Whistler Blackcomb, but there are many more to choose from. The annual program really does include something for everyone, from sports fanatics to foodies.

Whistler Cornucopia Festival

Coming just before the winter season, Whistler’s food and drink spectacular in November is getting bigger and better every year. It now runs to 11 days, with a mouth-watering line-up of events designed to appeal to both budding gourmets and dedicated connoisseurs of fine food and wine. Top chefs and wine professionals stage seminars, workshops and receptions. The menu includes plenty of occasions with a party flavor. One of the most popular is the Gala Grand Tasting, spread over two nights, where you can sample wines from all over the world. There is also a Top 25 Gala giving the opportunity to savor the festival’s winning vintages, set off by cheeses. Free-to-attend events include a culinary contest for top chefs. As well as the fun elements, nutrition is also on the menu, with a series of seminars on healthy eating. Find out more…

Whistler Film Festival

Canadian films have been creating a lot of interest over the last few years, with a number of exciting new directors to watch. If you want to see the work of these rising talents, then Whistler Film Festival in December, is a must. As one of the country’s top film festivals, it attracts crowds of 10,000-plus each year, including directors and other members of the industry as well as film buffs. Running over five days, the festival features up to 90 Canadian and international films, with a number of prestigious awards being handed out. As well as a wide range of feature films, including documentaries, WFF screens several programs of short films and also has a prize for movies with a special focus on mountain culture.

Whistler Ski and Snowboard Festival

Every April, towards the end of the ski season, Whistler plays host to Canada’s largest annual celebration of winter sports, the World Ski & Snowboard Festival (WSSF). Highlights of the 10 days include the World Skiing Invitational, where the world’s leading skiers take part in breathtaking challenges such as the famous Big Air jump. The Shred Show’s arduous snowboarding contests is another sporting spectacular, and there is a chance to test out the latest winter sports equipment for yourself. Music also plays a leading role in the festival, with free concerts held every day, plus après parties, club and dance. Artistic and cultural events make another important contribution, with fashion shows, photography, films and urban art all included.

Crankworx Whistler

Held every July, Crankworx is a major 10-day festival of mountain biking which draws bikers from around the world. The event includes freeride races, challenges, slaloms and trials, and draws massive crowds of 150,000. The growth of Crankworx is just part of a successful campaign to attract more tourists to Whistler all the year round, with a whole range of smaller events also proving successful.

Making the Most of Your Whistler Visit

Visitors to Whistler during the resort’s long winter season will find that levels of snow can vary and this means it is important to keep an eye on the latest snow reports when planning activities. The resort receives an average of more than 1,170cm over the season with the all-time record snowfall having occurred in 1998, when an astonishing 1,693 cm fell. The winter season of 2010-11 came near that with 1,389cm – treating sports enthusiasts to a feast of activities as a result. The following winter was milder, but 2012-13 saw higher levels of snow returning, with the snowiest December in a decade treating skiers to a sporting feast.

Keeping a weather eye on the snow forecasts and reports helps visitors to decide when it is best to tackle a particular slope in order to make the most of their time in Whistler. Of course, to ensure winter sports safety, it is also important to be aware of the avalanche forecasts during a stay in the resort.

Whistler Resort’s Wide Range of Events

Winter sports and major festivals are only the start of Whistler’s attractions. All kinds of large and small-scale events are organized over the year, from farmers’ markets to a readers and writers’ festival, musical jam sessions, an iron man competition and much more, including activities aimed at children. It’s easy to see why visitor numbers to the resort are soaring as more people discover what is on offer here.

By Melissa Davidson

Find a Great Place to Stay in Whistler

Whistler rentals including condos, cabins, rental homes, and chalets. Mostly owner-direct reservations, so you’ll find deals on budget to luxury flats.

Whistler vacation rentals by owner in prime Whistler Blackcomb locations. Perfect accommodation for your ski, snowboard or golf holiday. Many homes feature private hot tubs and secure ski, snowboard, bike and golf equipment storage. Cheap or luxury, studios to mansions… for way less than a hotel. You can also order discount Whistler lift tickets and have them delivered to your Whistler vacation rental when you arrive in resort.

ResortAc.com offers a simple, fast and convenient way to search about 100 Whistler accommodations for rent by owner. Stay in a Whistler vacation rental that suits your budget while providing all the amenities you want.

World Ski & Snowboard Festival

This has been my favorite Whistler festival since the very first year. The concept, created by Doug Perry and the gang back in the 90’s, was to invite ski and snowboard industry staff and fanatics from all over North America. You see, Whistler had tons of snow… and empty hotel rooms… and a great party scene… and we wanted to share it with anyone that mattered in the ski world.

Looking back, hosting a big snow sports event in April was a very brave move. But hey, what did we have to loose?!

Without sounding like an old Whistler relic, here are my top 3 things you need to know about WSSF 2014:

Buy a beer at the Longhorn Apres by way of thanks

The cornerstone big-name ski events of the annual World Ski and Snowboard Festival will be saved from the chopping block this year thanks to a major cash injection from a local businessman. Joey Gibbons, owner of several Whistler bars, has stepped up to the plate at the 11th hour with a cheque for $50,000.…

Source: WSSF skiing Big Air saved thanks to private support

WSSF Tickets are on sale… and they sell out fast

Tickets are on sale for the biggest annual gathering of winter sports, music, arts and culture in North America, the World Ski and Snowboard Festival.

WSSF motto: “Party in April. Sleep in May.”

No matter how you do it, by boat, by plane, by train, just get to Whistler from April 11-20, 2014 and get involved!

Free Music Concerts – Music is happening in Whistler all week long. The 2014 line-up has started to roll in! Cut Chemist, Shapeshifter, The Original Wailers, The Planet Smashers and Bombino have been confirmed…

Silent Disco is Back! Here’s how it works. Plug in your ear phones (supplied to you at the door), choose from one of three LIVE DJ’s spinning, and you got it… dance the night away! Everyone will get a white t-shirt and glow marker for fun in the black lights. Buy tickets early because this notoriously legendary event will sell out.

OLYMPUS 72 Hour Filmmarker Showdown – The ultimate filmmaker challenge – filmmakers are tasked to shoot, edit and produce a 3-5 minute short film within 100km of Whistler, over a course of 72 hours.

Demo Park – Want to have a say on what skis and snowboards hit the shelves? The Demo Park gives you the opportunity to snow-test the latest skis and snowboards for free and kick-start the decision process.

Big Air – For 15 years, Saturday night during the WSSF has always been reserved for the biggest events, the biggest crowds and the most energy. On April 20th, max-capacity crowds will witness the world’s best snowboarders compete on a huge 70 foot table jump for $25,000.

This is just a snapshot of the events happening during the 10 days WSSF 2014 takes over the town. So be sure to check out the full schedule, to determine what events you want to be a part of. With spring skiing conditions (skiing in your t-shirt) and music and roaring crowds you can hear from the peaks, there’s no better time to ride Whistler and Blackcomb, then during the WSSF.

Source: World Ski & Snowboard Festival April 11-20, 2014

WSSF Volunteers are needed and appreciated… and cool

Volunteers are wanted for events from the photo, film and art galas in the Whistler Conference Centre, to the Outdoor Concert Series at the Main Stage in Skiers Plaza. Volunteers are also needed for on-mountain ski and snowboard events.

Those interested can visit www.wssf.com/volunteering. If you’re not sure, check out this WSSF video for some festival motivation…

Find a Great Place to Stay for WSSF Whistler

Whistler rentals including condos, cabins, rental homes, and chalets. Mostly owner-direct reservations, so you’ll find deals on budget to luxury flats. Whistler vacation rentals by owner in prime Whistler Blackcomb locations.

Perfect accommodation for WSSF. Many homes feature private hot tubs and secure ski, snowboard, bike and equipment storage. Cheap or luxury, studios to mansions… for way less than a hotel.

You can also order discount Whistler lift tickets and have them delivered to your Whistler vacation rental when you arrive in resort.

ResortAc.com offers a simple, fast and convenient way to search about 100 Whistler accommodations for rent by owner. Stay in a Whistler vacation rental that suits your budget while providing all the amenities you want.