ALOHA WHISTLER ACCOMMODATIONS BLOG

The Opportunity of a Lifetime

The Whistler SabbaticalProject offered a unique experience each week for 15 weeks.They ranged from culinary experiences, to dancing on stage with ago-go dancer, to performing live with a recording artist, aride-along with a snow groomer, overnight ziplining, heli skiing, aFirst Nations dance off, a spa retreat and the opportunity to skior ride with a local Olympian… just to name a few!

Each week we were presented with an experienceand asked “Would You Do It?” Contest entries were earned each timethe poll was answered. You can view the experiences by watching theWhistler vignettes.

The Lucky Ones

You Can Still Do It…

If you entered the competition and were named as arunner-up, you automatically qualify for the Fan ChoiceAward.

As for the rest of us… our dreams of adventure, thrilland excitement are not yet dashed. Whistler isn’t goinganywhere, and most opportunities and ideas portrayed by thesabbatical project are always fully available to anyone with thedesire to make their dreams a reality!

Aloha regularly has great deals to make your Whistler adventure allthe more comfortable and affordable. Contact our friendly concierge team to bookyour stay… they’re more than happy to answer any questions youmay have.

Photo credit: Mike Crane

Comments

The Fans Choice Award contest will be going live onFacebook on February 20th, 2012 and will end March 12th,2012.   The contest will offer the ten finaliststo have their essay’s judged by the public for a chance to win atrip to Whistler. The contest will start after the Grand Prizewinner of the Sabbatical contest has been selected to provide thefinalists with a runner up prize.

Fans can vote for their favourite Sabbatical Finalistson facebook.com/gowhistler. At theend of the voting period, one Sabbatical Finalist will be awarded a5-night trip to Whistler for themselves and one guest. For voting,one Eligible Fan will be randomly selected to also win a 5-nighttrip to Whistler.

Aloha Whistler is pleased to be part of the Fans ChoiceAwards and will be offering 2, 3 bedroom town homes for 5nights.

Make sure you visit facebook.com/GoWhistler onFebruary 20^th to enter the Fans Choice Awardcontest!

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR WHISTER ACCOMMODATION?

Aloha Whistler has been providing quality Whistler accommodationsand vacation packages since 1979.

Check out our great selection of Whistler luxuryhomes, Whistlercondosand townhouses. Contact our staff todayfor more information.

Comments

The skiing and riding conditions in Whistler are trulyamazing! January was an incredible month which saw 244 cmof new snow and the total snow fall to 707 cm or over 23 feet! Thecurrent snowbase on Whistler Blackcomb Mountains is sitting at avery healthy 255 cm.

February so far has been awesome. The first dayof the month started with 14 cm of fresh snow and the skies havebeen sunny for the last few days.  More snow is in theWhistler forecast for the weekend.

Check out these latest photos of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountaintaken at the beginning of the month.

Photo credit: Brad Kasselman / www.coastphoto.com

Upcoming On Mountain Whistler Events

Roxy All Star Snow Camps

These all female ski and snowboard weekend camps are agreat way to improve your skills, make new friends and get taughtby top ski and snowboard instructors. The next camp isthis weekend Feb 11-12.  The following camps will be held onMarch 3-4, March 17-18 and April 14-15. Contact us for more detailsand we can help you with Whistler accommodation.

Winemaker Après Series

Enjoy this unique dining and wine tasting experience atSteeps Grill on Whistler Mountain.  The afternoonstarts at 2pm and features BC’s best wines paired with locallysourced culinary delights. There will be a five course meal pairedwith five glasses of wine.

The next Winemakers Après Series is on February 29^thand features Osoyoos Larose And NK’Mip.  Tickets are availableat Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations.

Valentine’s Day in Whistler

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Whistler. Enjoy a day skiing on the mountain, relax at one of Whistler’s spasand enjoy a fabulous dinner at a fine dining restaurant. Contactour friendly staff who can help you find the perfect Whistleraccommodation.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR WHISTLER ACCOMMODATION?

Contactour staff today for more information. Check out our greatselection ofWhistler luxuryhomes, condosand townhouses.

Comments

Tomorrow is Australia day… at least it is inCanada. Today is actually Australia Day in Australia, andif you look carefully you’ll see some die hard Aussie pride beingsported on the hill. Usually in the form of the National flag wornas a cape while snowboarding.

Aussie Pride

But be prepared for tomorrow. Expect to seeevery 3rd person wearing blue face paint, with white stars,flag-capes and swimwear in the freezing cold.

It’s probably the biggest party of the year inWhistler. Australians are renowned for celebrating theirfreedom… by drinking and partying hard all day long; on and offthe slopes. One of my personal favorite Aussie-day traditions inCanada is skiing or boarding from the top of the hill wearingnothing but swimwear. I actually did this last year… in Alberta.I assure you, riding a chairlift in winter wearing almost nothingrequires a LOT of national pride.

Australia Day is almost as big in Whistler, BC as it isback in Australia. Approximately 20% of Whistler’sworkforce are Aussies taking some form of another of a sabbaticalor working holiday in the snow.

For weeks now, Aussie’s have been begging, pleading, andblackmailing their workmates to swap shifts so they canget today (and hopefully tomorrow) off.
Lot’s of local establishments even go so far as to import localAustralian beers; including VB (Victoria Bitter) for theoccasion.

It’s going to be a full day of hard partying in thevillage. See you there!

Coming to Whistler for Aussie Day?

Whether you plan on joining in the massivefestivities, or relaxing away in your luxurious room… wecan help. We have some great packages for Lift Tickets & SkiRentals, which make staying and playing in Whistler cheaper andeasier.

Contact our FriendlyStaff today. They’re more than happy to help out with anyquestions you may have.

Comments

WinterPRIDE is all about fun in the snow. Thereare countless activities for all skill and ability level guests,which can be found on our Events Calendar. Guided skiing and snowboardingare just the basics. There’s dog sledding, snow-mobiling, xc skiing& much, much more. Not to mention great parties, nearly everynight in Whistler there’s a WinterPRIDE event happening at many ofWhistlers awesome night spots.

Why Whistler?

There are plenty of excellent reasonsto choose Whistler as your next getaway. Apart from thefact that it’s WinterPRIDE week, which in itself is more thanenough reason to come and celebrate. Whistler has so much to offerguests;

• It’s Got Breathtaking Scenery: 2 HUGEmountains. Whistler and Blackcomb. In every direction there’s aphoto opportunity.
• It’s An International Town: Whistler istrully an international town. Young people from all over the worldcome to work and play in Whistler, as a sabbatical orpermmanently!
• There Are Endless Activities: Get back tonature and enjoy days on end of skiing, snowmobiling,heli-skiing, sleigh rides, andsnowshoeing.
• Après Ski: Après Ski means “After Ski” It’sFrench… after you ski, you drop into one of the great bars andhave a few drinks and have a dance.
• The Best Dining: Whistler has dining optionsthat range from sandwich shop, to 5 star – world renownedrestaurant. All amazing.
• Countless Spas: Whistler hostsworld-class spas; so go ahead and indulge in an afternoonof massage and relaxation.

WinterPRIDE Events Calendar

We’ve got the full WinterPRIDE event’s listing righthere;

• Day 1 of WinterPRIDE – On Day 1 therewill be a welcome reception and an after party at BuffaloBills.
• Day 2 of WinterPRIDE – CrossCountry Cruiser, “Up Yer Kilt” party and Après are on offer on Day2.
• Day 3 of WinterPRIDE – DogSledding, Apres at The Bearfoot Bistro and Cowboy / Cowgirlparty.
• Day 4 of WinterPRIDE – Inner Tubingon Blackcomb Mountain, Apres Ski at the Conference Center & aGender Bender Drag Ball
• Day 5 of WinterPRIDE – Day 5 wehave the Skeleton Slide Experience, Barefoot Mixology, Comedy showand the Holiday Inn Pool Party.
• Day 6 ofWinterPRIDE – Pride eagle Ziptrek tour, Whistler Beer Tasting,Village t-Dance, Celebrities Snowstorm, Furrocious denim / leatherparty and Purrlesque.
• Day 7 of WinterPRIDE – BarefootWine Tasting, Après-ski, Shred Betties Bash, Snowball Dance
• Day 8 of WinterPRIDE – Day 8 is theLAST day of WinterPRIDE.

Aloha Welcomes WinterPRIDE Guests

We here are Aloha Whistler welcome our WinterPRIDEguests, and look forward to making your stay ascomfortable and enjoyable as possible. We have a great range of accommodation options for everybudget and lifestyle.

Contact our friendly in-resort local traveladvisers. They are happy to take your call and answer anyquestions you may have. We’re here to help!.

Comments

Whistler’s events and festivals bring a constant and fun buzz tothe coastal mountain town. The next few weeks are alight with somegreat, family-friendly events and shows that aren’t to bemissed.

13 and Under Ski / Snowboard Snowcross Event

The Whistler Blackcomb Ski and Snowboard Crossevents are recreational competitions open to all ages. Ski& Snowboard Cross events see typically 4 racers competehead-to-head on an exciting course with berms and jumps. Amateurskiers and boarders compete in different age and disciplinedivisions on the Whistler Nintendo Terrain Park Snowcross course.Places are limited in each category. Pre-registration is stronglyrecommended through Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations and SkiSchool Sales locations.

This event takes place on Saturday January 21 – 22, 2012

Buzz Brass are an ensemble of two trumpets, a horn, atrombone and a bass trombone. The group formed in 2002 andthey’re dedicated to promoting chamber music for brass ensembles toaudiences worldwide. The groups musical range encompasses a greatvariety of styles and time periods.

This show starts at 8 PM at Millennium Place on Sunday 21ndJanuary. Tickets cost $24 for adults, $21 for seniors &students and $19 for WAC members. They can be purchased atMillennium Place or online. Find out more information on Buzz Brass

Fire& Ice Show

Fire & Ice is the legendary outdoor show which is held every Sundayat the base of the mountains and is completely free! Remember todress warm, and prepare to be amazed by the acrobatics of skilledskiers doing big air! Also entertaining us are fire spinners, alive DJ and fireworks display.

This show takes place at the base of Whistler Mountain at theSkiers Plaza at 6.30pm on Sunday the 22nd, January.

Whistler Events Calendar

Aloha Whistler keeps a regularly updated Events Calendar righthere on AlohaWhistler.com. Check back regularly for new events andtheir details. We also regularly post events and other specialdeals on our social media networks. Follow us on Twitter and Like Us on Facebook and be thefirst to hear about great deals, festivals, shows and eventshappening in and around Whistler / Blackcomb.

Comments

Would you spend one month in Whistler, all expenses paid?

Not a hard question to answer for even the most modestoutdoor enthusiast. Seems too good to be true…? Wellthis is exactly what Whistler Blackcomb is offering to luckyindividuals as part of the Whislter SabbaticalProject!

Get Involved With The Sabbatical Project

By entering, you get a chance to win one month with allexpenses paid in Whistler, BC. Make sure March to Aprilthis year is clear in your calendar!

Winners receive airfare, a mountain for the month, ski passes,brand new K2 ski or snowboard gear, one-of-a-kindadventures and all the time you need to relax and enjoyyourself.

Enter the SabbaticalProject Now

Make sure to explore theSabbatical Project website for more chances to win. Afterentering, you’ll be emailed with weekly video experiences to helpyou develop your own personalized sabbatical project. Watch thevideos and receive a bonus entry each time you answer the weeklypoll. If you’re the Grand Prize winner, you’ll bejumping in a limo real soon! Good luck!

What’s it all about?

The Sabbatical Project celebrates our shared passion forthe mountains. We’re excited and fortunate to have suchincredible natural beauty at our doorstep, we want to share it inall its glory.

The Sabbatical Project wants to engage and inspire you. Rememberthe last time you were in the mountains? The clean air, the amazingviews, the infinite fun and potential all around you. Theadventure. This is your chance to have a month in the best place onEarth, with nothing to do but take it all in.

These are just a few of the great unique experiencesavailable at Whistler Blackcomb. Don’t forget to check outthe Sabbatical Project Websiteand Whistler Blackcomb’sWebsite for more information. Good luck!

Photo Credits: Chad Chomlack, Steve Rogers, MikeCrane, Whistler Heli Skiing

Celebrate the Holidays in Whistler! Whistler isan amazing place to spend this special time of year.  Inaddition to world class skiing and riding, Whistler has lots ofevents and festive activities happening.

Aloha Whistler has put together a list of must doWhistler activities that the entire family willenjoy.  Many of these Whistler events are free!

Outdoor Ice Skating at the Whistler Olympic Plaza

The Whistler Olympic Plaza located across from theMarketplace will be transformed into an outdoor skating rink forthe winter.  Use of the rink is free.  Skaterentals are available for $5 from 11 am to 2pm and 6 pm to 9pm.  The rink will be open daily from mid December from 11amto 9pm.  Please note that the skating rink may close forspecial events.

Coca Cola Tube Park Whistler

The tube park is located at Base II on BlackcombMountain. Tubing is a fun activity for everyone and noexperience is required!  The tube park is open daily fromDecember 17 to April 22 from 12pm to 8pm (11 am on weekends). There is a mini zone with mini tube for the younger children.

Whistler Holiday Experience

The Whistler Holiday Experienceis a free indoor activity fun zone located at the WhistlerConference Centre. It is open daily from December 16 toJanuary 2 (closed Dec 25 and 31).  Santa will be making aspecial experience on December 17 and 18.  This is a greatplace for the kids to hang out during the holidays.  They willlove the bouncy castle, mini putt course, arts and crafts, videogames and much more!  Parents can relax in the lounge areawith a hot drink.

First Night Whistler

First Night Whistler is alegendary New Years Eve celebration. This is a familyfriendly evening of entertainment and celebration that includesstreet entertainment, live music, local arts and family-friendlyactivities at indoor and outdoor venues throughout WhistlerVillage.  There will be of course fireworks to ring in NewYear.  This is an alcohol free evening.  Tickets can bepurchased in advance at the Whistler Visitors Centre.

Whistler Sliding Centre

Visit the venue of the bobsleigh, luge and skeletoncompetitions of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. TheWhistler Sliding Centre is located at Base II on BlackcombMountain.  You can now experience the thrill of theseincredible sports through the public sliding program for Skeletonand Bobsleigh.  For more information and to book the thrill ofa lifetime, visit the Whistler Sliding Centre.

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre has been voted oneof the top Whistler attractions. The centre is dedicatedto the history and culture of local First Nations.  The centrefeatures a museum, exhibits, a gift shop, cafe, gallery and atheatre showcasing a 15 minute film.  The Squamish Lil’watCultural Centre will be hosting the WinterGathering on December 29^th.

Do you need a WHISTLER condo FOR the holidays?

Aloha Whistler has been providing quality Whistler accommodationsand vacation packages since 1979.

Check out our great selection of Whistler luxuryhomes, Whistlercondosand townhouses. Contact our staff todayfor more information.

Comments

The 11th annual Whistler Film Festival startstoday.  “Prepare for the Unexpected” overthe next 5 days! There will be lots of special guests in Whistlerthis week including comedian and actor Patton Oswalt (Big Fan, TheInformant and Ratatouille, as the voice of Remy). Patton starsopposite Academy Award winning actress Charlize Theron in JasonReitman’s darkly funny Young Adult. A special advance screening ofYoung Adult will be shown tonight at the Whistler ConferenceCentre.  Following the screening will be a Spotlight Award forSupporting Performance of the Year to Patton Oswalt.

Michael Shannon honoured at Spotlight Tribute & Gala

Another star will be visiting Whistler for thefestival. Actor Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road,TakeShelter, Boardwalk Empire) will be honoured at this year’sSpotlight Tribute & Gala this Saturday. Michael Shannon iscurrently filming Man of Steel in Vancouver, Canada which is duefor release in 2012.  The Tribute will take place from 7pm to9pm at the Whistler Conference Centre and will be followed by theGala celebration at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre from 9pmto 2am.

Highlights of the Whistler Film Festival

Highlights of the Whistler Film Festival includetonight’s Opening Gala, a free outdoor showing of Pixar cartoons atthe Whistler Olympic Plaza, Awards Brunch and the ClosingGala.  The Closing Gala will feature a specialpresentation of Warren Miller latest ski and snowboarding adventureLike There’s No Tomorrow.    Like There’s NoTomorrow features fresh snow, breathtaking scenery, and some heartstopping action shots.  This is the perfect film to wrap upthe 2011 Whistler Film Festival and to celebrate the start of thewinter season at Whistler Blackcomb.  Check out the trailer ofLike There’s No Tomorrow below!

Must Watch Films

Other must watch films at the festival include:

RAINFOREST: THE LIMITS OF SPLENDOR – Director Richard Boyce andfriend – an elderly chief of the Kwaxkwaka’wakw people, inspires acinematic journey into in the most remote corner of VancouverIsland.  Boyce sets out to observe if the ancient forest cansurvive the massive industrial tree farming that is decimating thelandscape surrounding his home. He takes us through some of themost intensive logging on the planet, into a wilderness that isnear extinction.

DOPPELGANGER PAUL (OR A FILM ABOUT HOW MUCH I HATE MYSELF) -Following a near death experience, Karl comes to believe that Paul,a stranger he sees on the street, is his doppelganger. Afterstalking him for several weeks, Karl finally makes contact thussetting in motion a bizarre chain of events that will result in theloss of a thumb, the theft of a manuscript, rides on a miniaturerailroad, and a trip to Portland in a 1984 Chevy VanDura and twoappearances on a popular morning talk show.

IN THE FAMILY
Chip, six years old, has only known life with his two dads, Codyand Joey. When Cody dies in a car accident, Joey and Chip struggleto find their footing. Just as they do, Eileen–Cody’ssister–reveals that Cody’s will made her Chip’s guardian. Theyears of Joey’s acceptance into the family seem suddenly undone andChip is taken away. Armed with his friends support and inspired byhis memories of Cody, Joey finds a path to peace with the familyand closer to Chip.

THE LADY
The story of pro-democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi and theacademic and writer Michael Aris; a true story of devotion andhuman understanding set against a background of political turmoilwhich continues today in Burma. Starring Michelle Yeoh and DavidThewlis.

For more information and to see the complete filmschedule, visit Whistler FilmFestival.

Comments

When you are visiting Whistler this winter, make sureyou include a trip to the Squamish Lil’watCultural Centre and learn about the local BC FirstNations cultures. The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre inWhistler provides guests the opportunity to experience thedistinctive living cultures of two local First Nations. Whistlerand the surrounding area is home to the Squamish Aboriginal peopleand the Lil’wat Aboriginal people.

The Tale of Two Nations

The Squamish Nation territory extends from NorthVancouver up through Squamish to Whistler. The Lil’watNation territory starts in Whistler and extends north throughPemberton to Mount Currie. The traditional territories overlap inWhistler which is the perfect location for the Squamish Lil’watCultural Centre.

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is located in theUpper Village, just across from the Four Seasons ResortWhistler. The centre is open in the winter from Tuesday toSunday 10am – 5pm.  Every Tuesday throughout the winteradmission to the exhibits and galleries will be by donation.

The centre features a museum, modern gallery, exhibits,gift shop, café, theatre, as well as hourly cultural performancesand guided tours with local First Nation Ambassadors.

A new exhibition for this winter is the Lil’wat NationWeaving Wisdom exhibition. This is a collection ofcontemporary and traditional cedar woven pieces. The exhibition isan opportunity for the public to learn more about the interestingand spiritual process of weaving that continues today as a resultof the guidance, inspiration, and dedication of many in theNations.  The Lil’wat Nation is highly regarded for basketryand weaving.  Works within the exhibit include baby cradles,trays and berry baskets.

Visit the Gift Shop and Cafe

As well as the museum and exhibits, the Squamish Lil’watCultural Centre features a gift shop and cafe. Both thegift shop and cafe can be accessed without paying the admission feeto the centre.  This is a great place to find the perfectWhistler gift that will be unique and special.  The gift shopis now also available online at shop.slcc.ca.   Youcan browse and purchase some amazing First Nation art work fromlocal and regional artists.

The cafe at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural is locatedbetween the Istken Hall and the Giftshop.  Try someindigenous inspired cuisine such as Squamish salmon chowder orLil’wat venison chilli and of course you have to try theBannock.  The cafe is kid friendly and features a children’sreading, colouring and play zone.

For more information, view the SquamishLil’wat Cultural Centre website.

Do you need a whistler condo for your ski vacation?

Aloha Whistler has been providing quality Whistleraccommodations and vacation packages since1979. Contact ourstaff today for more information. Check out our great selectionof Whistlerluxury homes, Whistler condos and townhouses.

Comments