Christmas in Whistler 2015 :: Holiday Tips

Plan a Magical Whistler Christmas Vacation.

Whistler Holiday Events, Activities & Dining December 2015.

Spending Christmas Holidays in Whistler Resort can be an amazing experience for all. There’s something about being high up in the BC mountains, while still having the festivities of a world class resort… you can have your Christmas cake and eat it too! Here’s a schedule of Whistler Christmas Events to help you plan your trip.

THE WHISTLER HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE

December 19, 2015 – January 3, 2016 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Whistler Conference Centre
This family fun zone is unparalleled for indoor entertainment! Kids can enjoy a mini putt course, table games, bouncy castles, crafts and video games free over the holiday season. Santa often makes an appearance before Christmas along with other performances and entertainers. Parents can relax in the lounge area and enjoy a coffee or hot cocoa while the kids play. Please note The Holiday Experience is usually closed December 25 and December 31 to prepare for the New Year’s Celebrations.

FAMILY APRES

Monday and Wednesdays, December 21 – March 30 | 4:00 – 6:00 PM (3:00 PM start February & March) | Whistler Olympic Plaza
Bring your family and friends for free outdoor Canadian winter fun at Whistler Olympic Plaza, with different activities and local entertainment every week. Family Après is weather dependent so please check in with the Village Hosts on the day to confirm if the event is going ahead. Please note Family Après will not run on New Year’s Eve, December 31 as the rink is open to ticket holders for the New Year’s Celebration only.

SKATING WITH SANTA

Whistler Chrstmas Skating

Sunday December 20, 2015 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Whistler Olympic Plaza
Join your family on the ice and skate with jolly old St. Nick himself on the outdoor ice skating rink at Whistler Olympic Plaza. Santa will be available for photo opportunities and there will be hot chocolate, cookies and holiday crafts to celebrate this festive season. If you did not pack skates, rentals are available for $5.00.

KIDS NIGHT OUT

Multiple dates in December, January, March and April | 5:30 – 9:00 PM | Blackcomb Kids, Blackcomb Mountain Base II
An evening of non ski-based entertainment for the kids, including an activity, dinner, drinks and snacks. Kids should be dressed for outdoor winter fun, because activities include tubing, ice skating and cross country skiing (activities depend on weather conditions). Cost is $59.00 per child, for children age 5-12.

FIRE AND ICE SHOW – FREE!

Sundays starting December 13 – March 27, 2016 | Skier’s Plaza
Watch world-class athletes flipping and twisting through a burning ring of fire and finish with a first class fireworks display. The Fire and Ice Show is performed by top members of Whistler Blackcomb’s Ski & Snowboard School. This free, legendary show kicks off Sunday evenings in Skier’s Plaza at the base of Whistler Mountain. Don’t miss the special Fire & Ice Show on New Year’s Eve!

Whistler Fire & Ice Show Video:

BONFIRE NIGHTS at WHISTLER OLYMPIC PARK

Mid-Winter | 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Whistler Olympic Park
Each Wednesday enjoy Bonfire Nights at Whistler Olympic Park. Pay just $5 for park access, and enjoy $5 trail tickets and rentals. Bring your marshmallows! Start date to be confirmed.

DRESS LIKE SANTA DAY

Whistler Christmas Santa Ski

December 19, 2015 | Whistler Blackcomb
Dress like Santa and Mrs. Claus and bring the festive fun to the slopes. A free lift ticket will be awarded to the first 100 people to arrive at the Garibaldi Lift Company, at the base of Whistler Mountain, in full Santa or Mrs. Claus attire. To qualify, skiers and snowboarders must arrive dressed in their very best Santa or Mrs. Claus costume. The costume must include red or black pants or a skirt for Mrs. Claus, a red jacket with white trim, a black belt, a beard for Santa and of course, a Santa or Mrs. Claus hat.

CHRISTMAS CAROLING

December 24, 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Our 32nd annual Christmas Eve Carol Service takes place at 6:30 pm in Whistler village at the Westin Resort & Spa. Hosted by the Whistler Children’s Chorus and Whistler Singers, this interdenominational celebration features traditional carols, choral music sung by the choirs and readings by community members telling the story of the birth of Christ. Come and enjoy the sense of community and ‘peace and goodwill toward all’ that this carol service creates.

This event is by donation.  All proceeds go towards continuing to be able to provide this community service.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES FOR FREE!!

Whistler Christmas Holiday Tips

Make the most of the holidays with these helpful tips…

Book in Advance – The holiday season can sell out early, be sure to book in advance to get the property you want.

Come Early – Did you know that rates leading up to Christmas are generally less expensive than between Christmas and New Year’s?

Get Up Early – get up the mountains early and enjoy great morning conditions.

Stay Up – and don’t return back to the Village until after 11am to avoid lift lines.

Fresh Tracks – Breakfast at the top and fresh runs – go to Whistler Gondola at 7:15am.

Eat Smart – and have lunch on the mountains before 11:30am or after 1:30pm.

Free Mountain Tours – Get to know new areas – Daily at 11:15am on both mountains.

Magic Castle (Blackcomb) and Treefort (Whistler) – Kids will love it.

Coca Cola Tube Park – great evening activity (open until 8:00 nightly).

Rent Smart –  and rent your ski equipment the night before so you’re ready to go in the morning.

Take a Lesson – Nice way to get in on local secret spots and cut the line-ups.

Ski the Great Beyond – branch out and check out the far away spots on the mountain: Crystal Chair, Blackcomb Glacier, Garbanzo Zone, Peak to Creek Zone and the new Symphony Amphitheatre. You’ll be sure to find your own piece of Whistler.

Whistler Blackcomb Snowphone: 604 932-4211.

Christmas Dinner in Whistler

Let someone else do the cooking this holiday!

Whistler Cooks Catering – Festive Dinner delivered to your home or chalet on December 24th 1.604.938.8835

Bearfoot Bistro  – Holiday Feast with all the trimmings. Grab the menu with prices: BBistro Turkey to Go 2015

Fairmont Chateau Whistler – It’s a holiday dream come true.  Pick up the phone. Place an order. Then put your feet up.

Portobello Market & Fresh Bakery in Whistler’s Upper Village takes all the hassle out of preparing a scrumptious Christmas feast by doing all the hard work for you. Our talented chefs will prepare your Christmas turkey, you just take it home. For menu and more details click here.

Get dressed in your holiday finest and dine out on the town…

Here is  USA Today 10 Best Top 10 Restaurants in Whistler

Aura Restaurant – Join them on December 24th and December 25th for a special four course Christmas dinner menu. $95 pp. Reservations are highly recommended. View the menu here.

Fairmont Chateau Whistler – Fairmont Chateau Whistler’s Christmas Dinner and Dance is at the heart of the week’s holiday celebrations. Families and friends alike can immerse themselves in the joy of the season with a memorable evening of festive fine dining and dancing. The night will be capped by a professional stage show by Tony Barton.


 

Whistler Christmas Vacation Rentals by Owner

Full selection of scam-free rentals from budget studios to luxury chalets. Book an owner direct vacation home & save.

Whistler Accommodation BY Owner

Whistler Blackcomb Official Opening Day

Whistler Blackcomb Opening Day 2015

WHISTLER MOUNTAIN OPENS EARLY – NOVEMBER 19, 2015

Whistler Mountain will be opening one week ahead of schedule. The early opening has been made possible thanks to favourable early season conditions, including natural snowfall and prime temperatures for snowmaking. Blackcomb Mountain will open as scheduled on November 26.

Whistler Mountain opens on November 19 with five lifts running, including the Whistler Village Gondola, the Creekside Gondola, Emerald Express, Big Red Express and Franz’s Chair. More details about what guests can expect on November 19 will be available early next week.

Official opening for Whistler Blackcomb winter operations. Whistler Mountain, Blackcomb Mountain and the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola open officially on Nov 26, 2015.

Opening Day has always been something to write home about, fill up your thermos…(or your flask) and git in line, for the most exciting of all Whistler events!!!

Here’s some fun memories of opening days gone by…

Opening Day 2014

Whistler Line UpThere’s stoked, and then there are the Bathgate brothers, who, along with a few friends, camped out for over 40 hours this week to get first crack at the mountain on opening day.

Parked in a tent since 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, the teens have been coming early to camp out ahead of opening day for several years, and wanted to make sure they were first in line this time around.

“Everybody else comes one night (before opening) so we were like, ‘Well, let’s go two and one-up ‘em,” said Jackson, 15. “Show ‘em who’s boss.”

For the full Pique Newsmagazine article click here

Opening Day 2012

Lining up for opening day November 2012, Whistler Mountain opened 5 days early. With 10 cm’s of snow Friday night, another 15 cm’s falling during the day, and prizes given out to the first 1500 guests, the stoke for the winter was on!

Opening Day 2011

On The Snow Article November 22, 2011 shares the excitement of opening day, not just any day but a power day!

The line up at the gondola strung through the village long before daylight for opening day at Whistler Blackcomb last Friday. It wasn’t just the first day of the ski season, but a powder day.

With 39 centimeters of snow falling in the 48 hours prior to the opening of Whistler Mountain, skiers and riders were treated to packed powder on groomers and powder shots in the off piste. The line up at the gondola started at 10:30 a.m. the day before the opening. By the first gondola, skiers and riders were stoked to hit the slopes. Five lifts ran on opening day, and six park features at the top of the Emerald Chair kept jibbers busy.

Opening Day November 2009

An epic opening day, 560cm of snow fell during the month of November. the videos speak for themselves!!

 

Whistler Blackcomb is celebrating 50 years this season

Check out the newly released “50 Years of Going Beyond” to see much more of memory making moments skiing and riding.


Whistler Opening 2015 Vacation Rental Deals

50+ private Whistler VRBO homes… scam-free guaranteed

Get the best value for your Whistler early opening weekend and book owner direct. We were Whistler’s very first vacation rental website and have been matching up owners and guests for over a decade.

Whistler Accommodation BY Owner

Whistler Blackcomb Lift Ticket Prices 2015-16 :: Best Deals

Whistler Lift Pass Discounts.

Where to Find the Best Single Day Lift Ticket Deals.

Discount Whistler lift ticket deals come and go with the seasons and are different every year. Finding out where to buy your tickets at the best price can be pretty tricky.

When I was the Blackcomb Sales Manager, we used to recommend the Edge Card for the best deal for BC and WA residents. I’m not so sure that’s still true today, especially when you consider all the websites that sell tickets online now. The intention of this article is to help you with your research and help you track down the best discount for your Whistler tickets.

Ski Family

Lift tickets are available November – April. Get huge discounts over ticket window prices at Whistler! Tickets are available to anyone, not just Capilano Students. Students also get a chance to buy their discounted Whistler/Blackcomb Season Pass through the CSU. More details on lift ticket deals at CSU.

DID YOU KNOW?
The CSU sells Whistler Blackcomb Adult Lift Tickets cheaper than 7/11.

Whistler discount lift tickets at 7-11 in Squamish

If convenience rules it is definitely easier to stop in at the 7-11 in Squamish on the way up to Whistler and pick up the next best single day whistler lift ticket deal, but BEWARE… Whistler ticket deals are not always available at 7-11. Check 7-11 ticket info on TripAdvisor here.Ski Yellow Jacket

NEVER PAY FULL PRICE :: 2015-2016 Edge Card

As a Canadian or Washington State resident you should never pay full price for a lift ticket. And you won’t find a better deal anywhere than the Whistler Blackcomb EDGE Card.

Choose from a 1, 3, 5 or 10 day pre-loaded card.

You’ll receive the best deal on lift tickets valid any day, and can skip ticket booth line-ups with discounted Direct-to-Lift access. Add the Resort Charge option to link your pass and credit card for fast charging at restaurants and shops.

Bonus Add-Ons and Other Details

  • 5 + 10 Day EDGE Cards: FREE Early Season Bonus Day, for use from Opening to December 18, 2015.
  • All EDGE Cards: RFID Gated Lift Access. Enjoy the convenience of hands-free gate access to the lifts.

EARLY BIRD ENDS NOVEMBER 23rd – Until November 23rd, EDGE cards are going for the super-reasonable rate of $70 a day for 10-day cards, and $80 for five-day cards. As an added bonus, you will receive a free early season day (valid between Opening Day and December 18th) when you purchase a five or 10-day EDGE Card before November 23rd. EDGE Cards also nab you perks (up to 20% off rentals and shopping—hello!) and even some lodging deals. Plus, they facilitate your access to some of the coolest upgrades on the mountain this season. Order EDGE Cards here.

Whistler Blackcomb’s official opening day for the 2015.2016 season is Thursday, November 26, 2015.

EARLY BOOKING OFFERSki Family 2

To celebrate the 50th anniversary, Whistler Blackcomb is offering early booking Ski & Stay Packages; guests can save up to 40% off before November 15, 2015. Learn more here: whistlerblackcomb.com/bookearly.

Whistler Blackcomb continues to offer early bird family pricing; for example, kids are FREE this winter. Children 12 and under stay, ski, rent and transfer free as long as they are with a paying adult. For more information and other family friendly deals, visit whistlerblackcomb.com/family.

How to Find Whistler Vacation Rental by Owner with Cheap Lift Tickets

Combine an owner-direct Whistler rental home and discounted lift tickets for a great value Whistler package deal. We’ve been matching up guests with Whistler vacation home owners for over a decade. Scam free VRBO, cheap lift tickets & in-resort service here.

Whistler Accommodation BY Owner

Whistler Blackcomb Rated No. 1 :: Ski Magazine

Whistler # 1 by SKI Magazine for 3rd time in 4 years.

Top of ranking in Terrain Variety, Off-Hill Activities, Après-Ski and Terrain Park.

Second Place for Lifts, Lodging, Scenery and Overall Satisfaction.

SKI Magazine’s reader’s poll has ranked Whistler Blackcomb (WB) as the No. 1 best ski resort in North America for the second year in a row. This is the third time in four years that the resort has been given the honour. The poll asks readers to rank 50 North American resorts in several different categories.

“Whistler Blackcomb offers today’s skiers and riders one of the finest resort experiences anywhere,” said Allen Crolius, publisher of SKI Magazine, in a release. “From big-mountain skiing to a base village that sets the standards for mountain resorts, Whistler Blackcomb earned its top ranking from our readers.”

 

No. 1 For Terrain Variety
No. 1 For Après-Ski
No. 1 For Off-Hill Activities
No. 1 For Terrain Park

See the full article in the Whistler Question.

Whistler Rated #1 by Ski Magazine Video:

Whistler Offers World Class Vacation Rentals by Owner

Whistler Blackcomb Resort is filled with private vacation rental homes of all shapes and sizes. Budget to Luxury options, built specifically for vacation rentals.

Not all resorts are built equally… Whistler Village was designed for tourists by smart resort planners.

Whistler’s founders & planners picked the best from international historic resorts, tossed in modern buildings & infrastructure,  then created the current award-winning year-round destination.

ResortAc.com jpg

Click to View Whistler Vacation Rentals Now

Cornucopia :: Whistler Food & Wine Festival

Whistler Resort Food Extravaganza November 5 – 15.

Cornucopia 2015, a Foodie’s Utopia.

Cornucopia

Featuring an expansive variety of hands-on seminars, fascinating winery dinners, gala tasting events and sizzling after-parties.

Serving up the finest talent in local Canadian and International food and drink Cornucopia offers something for both the experienced gourmet and those seeking to better appreciate the epicurean delights of wine and food.

Find the full Event schedule and all the details you need, at the Cornucopia website here.

Cornucopia Wine TastingTop 25 Wines

The Top 25 Reception celebrates the contributions of some of the region’s top wineries. An expert panel of 10 esteemed industry leaders has announced the Top 25 wines from Cornucopia 2015. See the Top 25 list.

Cornucopia at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler

This years offerings from the Fairmont are nothing short of fabulous!! The food and wine events include:

More on the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and Cornucopia

New for Nourish 2015

Cornucopia Nourish

Get nourished in two ways this fall. For 2015, Cornucopia launches the brand-new Nourish Retreat at Cornucopia, where you can commit, retreat-style to the first dynamic weekend of Cornucopia. This full package of Nourish programming gives you three nights and four days dedicated to your mind, body and spirit.

Or, choose your workshops a la carte with the Nourish: Health and Wellness Series and drop in to workshops and sessions that speak to your specific interests. There is something here to nourish everyone. From yoga to cooking demonstrations, join us in movement, breath, and farm-to-table dining as you’ve never experienced before. Emerge with an understanding of your personal wellness needs and a greater sense of your place in this vast, beautiful world.

To find out more or reserve your place click here.

Whistler Cornucopia Luncheon :: An Intimate Meal for 50!

This Chef Makes Gourmet Cooking a Spectator Sport!

Cornucopia 2014 Foodie Tips Video

From festive fondues to fabulous cocktails – we experience a sampling of the offerings of Cornucopia – Whistler’s premier food and drink extravaganza.

For the latest up to the minute information go to the Whistler Cornucopia face book page.


 

Find Whistler Cornucopia Accommodations

Enjoy the comforts of a private Whistler vacation rental by owner home. Off season rates offer amazing value for all budgets, discount to luxury.

Whistler Accommodation BY Owner

 

Whistler Turkey Sale 2015 Survival Tips

Thanksgiving Sale 2015.

Tips to get the Best Deals on ski & snowboard gear.

Heading to the Turkey Sale this year? If you’ve ever gone before you know it can be a bit overwhelming as there is so much to choose from, not to mention the crowds and then well the deals that lure you in!

Things jump out at you from all over, or at least it seems that way. And then you get caught up in the moment and end up taking something home that stays in the closet all year.

Turkey Sale Coats

Whether you’re a veteran or it is your first foray into Whistler’s Turkey Sale jungle, here are some tips to survive the Turkey Sale and walk away with the best deals possible.

1. Get Educated

Do your research before you go. Find out what kind of gear you are looking for and why, also know what other deals are out there so you know how good the prices actually are.

2. Size up Before you Go

If you’re looking to buy new ski or snowboard boots, get your foot measured by a professional before you head to the Turkey Sale. Get them to recommend a brand and style that suits your foot and stance the best and which brand is the most adjustable to you. This will save you from getting a pair that you end of selling in the swap next year.

3. Have your Latte in Line

Things go quickly at the Turkey Sale so grab your hot chocolate or latte and get in line before the doors open especially if you’re looking for something specific.
Turkey sale List

4. Make a  list

And bring it with you! Decide what you want ahead of time and write it down. Bring you list with you and refer to it often, it will help you stay on task and not get overwhelmed in the heat of the moment.

5. Go Again

Just as any seasoned consignment store shopper knows, new gear is put out every day, so if you didn’t see what you were looking for the first time, go back and give it another go, it may just be it gets put out on the second or last day.

6. Make Room for New Gear

Clean out your closet to make room for the new gear you’re going to find.  Take your used quality equipment to the SWAP located at the base of Blackcomb.

Turkey Sale Gobble

7. Free parking

Parking in lots 4 and 5 are free, and located just a five minute walk from the Turkey Sale in the Blackcomb Daylodge. Whistler Blackcomb will be operating a free shuttle throughout the weekend from lots 4 and 5 to and from the Daylodge.

8. Get your Thanksgiving Turkey

$15 frozen turkeys will be on sale starting at 9am on Saturday, October 11. All proceeds from the Thanksgiving birds sold will go towards the Whistler Food Bank.

Where & When is the Turkey Sale?

The Legendary Turkey Sale, where you can shop for the top name brands in ski and snowboard equipment under one roof, at huge pre season savings. The main attraction is at the Blackcomb Daylodge, but the deals and activities don’t stop there.

Local retailers, accommodation and restaurants are all sharing in the Thanksgiving spirit.

The Turkey Sale, and all of the Thanksgiving activities that go along with it, starts at high noon Friday October 9, with a sale for locals and lasts through the weekend.

BLACKCOMB DAYLODGE AT THE BASE OF BLACKCOMB MOUNTAIN
Friday – Locals / Pass Holders / EDGE Cardholders October 9 Noon – 9:00pm
Saturday October 10 9:00am – 6:00pm
Sunday October 11 9:00am – 6:00pm
Monday October 12 10:00am – 5:00pm

Don’t forget to pick up your Seasons Pass or EDGE Card while checking out the sale.

Whistler Turkey Sale & Ski Swap Video

 


 

Thanksgiving Vacation Rentals by Owner in Whistler…

Great deals on private rentals, including log chalets to budget condo studios. Contact owners directly and book a great home for Thanksgiving weekend. Search for your best rental deal here…

ResortAc.com Sign

Whistler Bears :: Bear Safety Tips

Whistler Bears: Lets Keep People Safe & Bears Wild.

“The simplest way to put it is that the bears ate the fall crop in the summer…”

This time of year, bears throughout the province are out and about searching and competing for available food sources while gearing up for the winter months.

Bear StandingAs we move into late summer and early fall, human-bear conflicts will be on the rise. In Pique Newsmagazine Sept 8, 2015 article, Michael Allen, who’s been studying the region’s bears for over two decades, said that Whistler’s alpine berry crop – a vital food source for local bears as they fatten up for winter – has virtually disappeared after a hot, dry summer.

“The simplest way to put it is that the bears ate the fall crop in the summer,” Allen explained.

“Because it was hot and dry for so long, everything ripened three to five weeks earlier, so bears started in on the berry crop in the first week of July and it peaked in about the first week of August. Normally the berries peak about the first week of September.”

Knowing how to avoid bears and what to do when you see one will help keep you and the bears safe. Here are some key things you can do to help keep bears and people safe.

  1. Manage your garbage and recyling so that bears cannot access it. Put all garbage and recycling in wildlife-proof containers or enclosures. Do NOT leave garbage in your vehicle.
  2. Manage other attractants such as barbeques, bird feeders and fruit/berry bushes. Keep them clean or out of reach, so as not to tempt bears to hang around human-inhabited areas.
  3. Hike, bike and camp in a Bear Smart manner. Make lots of noise to avoid surprising bears, travel in groups, and always secure your food and other attractants well out of reach. Learn more.
  4. Keep your picnic or camp site attractant-free.
  5. Avoid bears. Never approach a bear.
  6. If you see a bear, keep your distance, back away slowly and leave the area. Report the sighting to theBritish Columbia Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277 or 604-905-BEAR.
  7. Know what to do in case of an encounter by learning more about bears and their behaviour. Learn more.
  8. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Learn more.
  9. Keep your dog on a leash. Dogs can provoke defensive and dangerous behaviour in bears.
  10. Stay clear of dead wildlife. Carcasses attract bears; leave the area immediately if you come across a dead animal.
  11. Slow down if you are driving and see a bear on the roadside. It’s tempting to stop and watch but moving on is safer for bears and other traffic.
  12. Never feed a bear, either intentionally or unintentionally, by being careless with your garbage or food scraps.

Visit the Bear Smart Whistler website.

Go on a Whistler Bear Watching Tour.Bear Climbing

Bear-watching tours provide the opportunity to watch the bears in their natural environment, while getting to know their personalities and even their names.

Whistler Activity Companies that offer Bear Watching Tours:

Whistler Discover Tours  – Daily Bear Viewing Tours website

Whistler Blackcomb – Trip Advisor Reviews

Whistler Bear Videos:

Video of a large black bear in Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada.

These two black bears explore people’s backyards for food – be it garbage, berries or grass. While they’re at it, they take time to have some fun!

Getting into a sketchy mountain bike / bear encounter at whistler.

This hungry bear was walking in the village and smelled some good food behind a door. so what do you do? you ring the door bell!

Learn More about Bear Behaviour, check out the Alberta Bear Smart video: Think like a Bear!


Whistler-Lift-Ticket-Discounts-e1443494788995Whistler Discount Lift Tickets.

Get a Package Deal, Without Buying a “Package”.

Find the best deal for multi-day lift tickets to go with your Whistler vacation rentals.

See Whistler like a local by renting owner direct. Prime, scam-free rentals in various Whistler neighbourhoods.

Whistler Vacation Rental Map & Guide :: Shows Whistler’s best ski in ski out & golf course locations, along with all the condo building names. Find the best locations before you make your reservations.

 

 

Whistler Accommodation Tips :: Find Best Fit for Your Group

An Insider’s Guide to Whistler Accommodations.

Ski In Ski Out in Winter. Golf Course or Mountain View in Summer.

Whistler Trail Map PhotoIf you’ve spent any time researching Whistler accommodations, you know you have an overwhelming number of choices to make.

Should you book a hotel or a chalet?

Should you stay close to the action or somewhere more serene?

Should you walk or take public transportation to the slopes?

Let’s make it easy by breaking it down into steps.

First let’s look at whether to book a Whistler hotel or chalet.

Whistler Log Cabin Photo

Book a Vacation Rental Chalet, Not a Hotel Room.

Vacation rentals are becoming savvy travellers’ first choice for accommodations, and for good reason.

The average vacation rental charges around the same price you would pay for a couple low- to mid-range hotel rooms. However, with a vacation rental, everyone can stay together, you get the luxury of an entire house, and you can save a little money by cooking a few meals yourself.

In Whistler, in particular, vacation rentals also offer more charm and comfort than a traditional hotel or lodge. Imagine going back to a cookie-cutter hotel room after a long day on the slopes. There’s no fireplace, you have to lock up your gear, and if you want to hang out together, you have to do so in the common area with all the other guests.

In a vacation rental, you have your own fire, a hot tub, a private space to store your gear, and a spacious lounge area where everyone can sip hot chocolate together while reliving the day’s adventures.

ResortAc.com presents more than 50 Whistler vacation rental owners, and our weight in the Whistler community allows us to offer incredible benefits to our guests, like discounted lift tickets and personal concierge services. We’re also available to answer any questions, and you can trust that when you rent from www.ResortAc.com, you’ll get what you see online. Scam-free guaranteed.

Of course, you will definitely want to pick the best Whistler location for your vacation rental. There are many neighbourhoods in Whistler, each with it’s own unique set of pros and cons. It pays to know where you are renting, before making your reservations, and especially before your arrival in Whistler Resort.

Check out our Whistler Accommodation Guide for more Insider’s Tips and detailed maps. Make sure you find the best accommodation for your group and make your next visit to Whistler the very best.

Whistler Vacation Rental Videos

Remember to check out our Whistler Accommodation Guide for more Insider’s Tips and detailed maps. Make sure you find the best accommodation for your group by selecting from our Scam Free Whistler Vacation Rentals here…

Whistler Accommodation BY Owner

Whistler Blackcomb Smoking Ban :: Smoke Free Resorts

Ski & Ride Whistler Smoke Free

Whistler Blackcomb Resort bans smoking, including marijuana, everywhere on its property.

This includes lift lines, chairlifts, gondolas, ski runs, hiking trails, valley base areas, parking lots, bike trails and all bar and restaurant locations, including patios.

whistler smoke free slopes

The Niagara Falls Review article May 15, 2015 quotes

The decision was made for health reasons and to reduce the risk of forest fires, Brownlie said.

The move immediately earned praise from physicians.

“By taking this important step, Whistler Blackcomb is demonstrating it is a strong ambassador for health. We know many young people ski and snowboard, and youth who haven’t started using tobacco by the time they are 26 years old will most likely never start,” Dr. Paul Martiquet, Vancouver Coastal Health’s medical health officer, said.

“Eliminating smoking in public places, such as on our mountains, creates healthy role modelling so youth, and others, are less likely to even consider using tobacco.”

Pretty bold move, but then again they are one of the largest ski resorts in North America. Are they alone in this decision or have other resorts taken the same stand…

smoke free skiingIn a rating of environmental friendliness in Canadian ski resorts by www.skiresort.info there are a handful of ski resorts who have also chosen to have smoke free slopes, namely Mont Saint-Sauveur, Cypress Mountain and Calgary/Canada Olympic Park.

In 2005, the New York Times story reports Black Mountain in Maine becoming the first ski resort in North America to ban tobacco use.

When Black Mountain opened for the season on Dec. 10, it became the first ski resort in the nation where tobacco use was banned everywhere, including the lodge, the alpine and cross-country trails, and the lifts, state and industry officials said.

Helen Coffey sums up the smoking and non-smoking resorts in a great article on May 28, 2015 in the Telegraph skiing news section, where you can also weigh in your opinion.

non smoking ski resortsWhere do I ski if I’m… a smoker?

Austria
Germany and Switzerland
Japan

Where do I ski if I’m… a non-smoker?

Italy, France, Andorra and Spain
North America
Scandinavia

A post in the Opinion section of The Kelowna Daily Courier favours the decision.

Who could ever forget the anti-smoking campaign in Alberta showcasing a waitress, who had never smoked a cigarette in her life, dying of lung cancer caused by years of working in smoke-filled taverns. It’s impossible to argue with that.

Penticton Lakeside Resort general manager Dave Prystay made headlines in 2012 when he challenged city officials to ban all smoking anywhere in the city, using as an example Hawaii, where all walkways and beaches are smoke free.

Smoking is still permitted in Whistler in designated smoking areas as outlined in the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s Smoking policy. More information is available here: https://www.whistler.ca/services/bylaws-and-regulations

For more information about the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s smoking policy, visit https://www.whistler.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/1884_2008.pdf.

Whistler Bans Smoking Video from Global News

Whistler Bans Smoking Video with Dave Brownlie


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Fall in Whistler – Top 10 Things to Do

Fall can be the best time to visit Whistler Resort.

Weather can be amazing, crowds less & deals plentiful.

Check out the top 10 things to do in Whistler in this fall.

Alpine Hiking

Whistler-Hiking-in-Fall

September and October have seen some of the most fantastic weather in past years, this coupled with the fact that the crowds are smaller in the fall months in Whistler, make it a real treat to get out to hike in the alpine. Take in the last of the alpine splendour and get started ski season on your fitness program. There are many epic hikes in and around Whistler and the Sea to Sky, check out some favourites here.

Get Fit for the Slopes

Autumn is a great time to get started on your pre ski season fitness regime so your legs are ready to rock and roll on opening day, and the best part is you’ll be able to get out of bed the next day! Starting early means you can build up slowly and maintain longer, and it is also a good way to prevent injury. Get 4 top tips in our ski fit post here.

Bike Like There’s No One Watching (because there probably isn’t)

Autumn mountain biking is known for tacky conditions, less dust, more comfortable air temperatures, “hero dirt,” and way lest people on the trails and in the park. Even in the rain (or sometimes snow) Whistler die-hards keep pedaling and the Whistler Mountain Bike Park is usually open until mid-October. Mud rules, greasy corners are fun, and filthy clothes and a dirty face only prove how much fun you had.

Walk on Water

Or at least paddle on it. While Whistler’s lakes can be a bit chilly for swimming in the Autumn months they’re still perfectly good for floating upon. Mountain Life Magazine publisher Todd Lawson is one of Whistler’s premier Stand Up Paddleboard enthusiasts.

“Out on the lakes the autumn scenery is what it’s all about,” Todd says. “Especially those days when the winds are really calm, everything is quiet and you get a nice visual blast from all the fall colours in the trees and maybe a dusting of snow on the mountains. It’s totally serene.”

Fishy Business

Autumn brings salmon into the rivers south of town and the trout in the Whistler lakes start to get hungry and less picky about what they’ll bite. ”The lakes get good in the autumn because you have that sweet window where they go from too warm to too cold,” says Whistler Flyfishing’s Brian Niska. “So you get that magic temperature where the fish are feeding and they’re not too selective –you can put a leech pattern on and call’er good.”

Check out the Insider’s fishing post for a better look at local fishing.

Shop

The slower pace of autumn makes for perfect for shopping in Whistler. With winter approaching and all the latest ski and snowboard gear lining the shelves, you need to take a little time to try things on, test out multiple brands and models and basically get yourself as prepared as possible to rip that pow once it arrives. Check out the Whistler Insider’s Local Walk and Shop tour if you need more guidance but the best shopping often comes from wandering around and letting your instincts sniff out the best deals.

Or, on the opposite end of the spectrum, the annual Turkey Sale,a massive flea-market of winter gear that attracts thousands, happens every (Canadian) Thanksgiving Weekend. It’s mayhem, but it’s fun.

Pamper Thyself

Feeling creaky in the joints? Rainy day blues happening every day? Time to spa it up. Whistler has plenty of spas and wellness facilities. The Scandinave is always popular and I can personally attest that the Thai Stem Foot Massage at Avello is no joke either.

Insider tip from a girl here in the offices –“You can go to the Spa at the Four Seasons, or any other one, for a morning massage from a registered massage therapist (RMT) and then just relax there and enjoy the facility for the entire day.”
Now that’s what I’m talking about.

Dandelion Dog

Just because Summer is officially over doesn’t mean the pound dogs suddenly stop needing their daily walks. Head a few minutes north of the Village to WAG – Whistler Animals Galore and see if they have any puppies that need a stroll. Drop in walking hours are 1-4pm daily and few things help a person make friends in this town as quickly as a happy pooch.

Eat

Many of Whistler’s finest restaurants often reward their locals and autumn customers with fantastic deals and affordable set-menu specialties.With 100+ places to eat and some truly world class offerings autumn dining in Whistler has enough options to brighten even the greyest of days. (Combine this one with #2 Hit the Gym for guilt-free enjoyment of all those fantastic meal deals.)

Read, Learn, Get Cultured

Even though Whistler is an outdoor paradise there is lots happening inside and the rainy days of pre-winter are the best time to check out stuff you won’t have time for once the snow falls. “There’s tons of awesome stuff happening at the library,” says Nadine. The Whistler Public Library website has dozens of events listed and often has university professors speaking on top scientific topics and current events.

Not to be outdone, The Whistler Arts Council generally fires up the pre-winter stoke with their Out of Bounds:Tales from the Backcountry photography exhibit as well as an excellent live music performance series. Check their events listings.

Over at the Whistler Museum and Archives there’s always something cool happening there and its listed on theirevents page.They often host debates and lectures to coincide with the annual Whistler Readers and Writers Festival which takes place each October and sees some of Canada’s top authors in town for a weekend of readings, workshops and parties.

Of course, sitting in your private vacation rental home reading books is never a bad idea either. Happy Fall season in Whistler.

Fall Vacation Rental Deals

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