ALOHA WHISTLER ACCOMMODATIONS BLOG

If you ask any local what their favourite thing aboutThanksgiving in Whistler is (apart from Thanksgiving dinner) it’sthe annual Turkey Sale! Unfortunately there are no turkeysfor sale, but this is THE weekend of the year to buy all your ski,snowboard, gear and winter clothing at greatly discountedprices.

This year, Canadian Thanksgiving falls on Monday October10th.  The Turkey Sale is on all weekend from October7th to the 10th.  The sale takes place at the Blackcomb DayLodge, just at the base of Blackcomb Mountain in the UpperVillage.   This annual sale is legendary.  You canshop for top name brands in ski and snowboard equipment with hugepre season savings!  You will find sales throughout WhistlerVillage as all the stores and restaurant like to participate in thefun of Turkey Sale weekend.

Happening at the same time, will be the annual WhistlerMountain Ski and Snowboard Swap.  This is alsolocated outside the Blackcomb Day lodge in the tent. The SWAP has aproven reputation for quality pre-owned equipment for both kids andadults.  There is a huge selection and you will findunbeatable prices.  This is also a great place to sell yourused skis, snowboard and boots.

Thanksgiving weekend is the also the last Whistler FarmersMarket of the season.  The market is held on Sundayfrom 11am to 4pm in the Upper Village outside the Fairmont ChateauWhistler.  This is the place to shop for your ThanksgivingDinner.  There will be local produce from the Pemberton Valleyincluding pumpkins, carrots, squash and Pemberton Potatoes. The market also features fresh baked goods including deliciouspumpkin pies.  The Whistler Farmers Market also featuresartisans, crafts, organic and local produce, honey, pottery,jewellery and more!

Once you have shopped until you have dropped you may stillhave some energy for a Whistler activity.  This isthe last weekend that the Whistler Mountain Bike Park is open, sohead on up and experience one of the best mountain bike parks inthe World!  This is also the last weekend that the golfcourses will be open.  Have a great game of golf at TheFairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Course, Nicklaus North or theWhistler Golf Club, all of which are open over the ThanksgivingWeekend.

Looking for a Whistler CONDO for thanksgiving?

Contact our staff todaywho can help you find the perfect Whistler accommodation for yourstay in Whistler.  We also have some great rates available at the moment.  Checkout our great selection of Whistler luxury homes, condos and townhouses.

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September is a wonderful month to visit Whistler andthere is so much going on. There is more sun in theforecast and this is the perfect time of year to experience alpinehiking.

There are many great hikes in the Whistler areaincluding Rainbow Mountain, Wedgemount, Garibaldi Lake andBrandywine Meadows to name a few.  The WhistlerVillage Gondola and Peak to Peak gondola make alpine hiking onWhistler and Blackcomb Mountains more accessible than ever! Some of the favourite trails on Whistler Mountain include High Noteand Half Note trails.  On Blackcomb Mountain try the DeckerLoop trail which offers incredible views of Black Tusk and OverlordGlacier.   The wildflowers are in full bloom, so don’tforget your camera.   After your hike, relax with a colddrink and snacks on the patio of the Roundhouse Lodge or Rendezvouson Blackcomb.

September is also a great time to hit the WhistlerMountain Bike Park. Experience this epic bike park beforeit closes for the season on October 10^th.  The bikepark is suitable for all tastes and abilities and you will find agreat mix of trails.

Other September activities include golf, zip trekking,ATV tours, canoeing, fishing or just relaxing at one of thelakes.

Also head over to the Upper Village on Sunday andWednesday afternoon for the Whistler’s FarmersMarket.  There is plenty of local organic produce andother delicious goods available at this time of year.

Events this month include free concerts by Kuba Oms and 54-40 at theWhistler Olympic Plaza. The RBC Whistler GranFondois taking place on Saturday September 10^th.  Thisis an epic bike ride not too be missed.    Be sureto check out the movie premier of All.I.Canon September 23^rd as well as the WhistlerSpirit Run on September 24^th.

On September 25^th head to the Istken Hall atthe Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre for a Yoga Jam! This popular event focuses on elevating spirit, cultivatingcommunity and generating abundance.  Admission is by donation(minimum $20) with proceeds going to the Africa Yoga Project.

Are you Looking for Whistler accommodation this September?

Contact ourstaff today who can help you find the perfect Whistleraccommodation for your stay in Whistler this September.  Wealso have some greatrates available at the moment.  Check out our greatselection of Whistlerluxury homes, condos and townhouses.

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A new festival is coming to Whistler over the Labour Daylong weekend from September2^nd to4^th.

The Jazz on the Mountain festival is a weekend filled withconcerts by top international and Canadian jazz artists, freeconcerts around Whistler Village, a street festival with children’sentertainment and family fun and a master class series for selectedstudents.

Outdoor concerts at Whistler Olympic Plaza

Daily outdoor ticketed concerts will be at the WhistlerOlympic Plaza. Jazz on the Mountain will feature jazzgreats including Kevin Eubanks Quartet, Stanley Jordan Trio, OliverJones Trio, The New Gary Burton Quartet, Spyro Gyra, TheRippingtons and more!

The Whistler Olympic Plaza will play host to theinaugural Jazz on the Mountain at Whistler, offeringfestival goers the opportunity to be among the first to experiencethis incredible facility.  This outdoor venue featuresstunning views of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

Tickets are available as a 3 day pass or single daypasses and will provide access to the Whistler OlympicPlaza venue from noon until night, with in and outprivileges.   Tickets are valid for all shows each day inthe Whistler Olympic Plaza.

The venue will also feature the Jazz Bistrosponsored by Heineken, Appleton Estate Rum and its Festivalbeverage The Appleton Pentatonic, and by WineOnline.  Relax in this great venue and enjoy snacks,cheese, gourmet food, beer, wine and other beverages.

There will be a Solo GuitarSeries at MillenniumPlace. This late night series ofperformances is set to thrill as three jazz guitar masters eachtake to the stage for a solo performance.  This is a ticketedevent and will feature guitar virtuosos Stanley Jordan, KevinEubanks and Russ Freeman (of The Rippingtons) in their element.

Free outdoor concerts

Whistler’s Village Square, at the very heart ofthe resort will host a stage for the duration of thefestival.  Daily free shows are at 2pm and 4:30pm and willfeature the powerhouse jazz fusion ensemble Five After Four, bassvirtuoso Michael Farquharson, drum wizard Mat Marucci, Five AlarmFunk and more!

Street Festival

Throughout the three-day Jazz on the Mountainfestival, Whistler Village will come alive with anincredible street festival featuring acoustic musicians,face-painters, jugglers and acrobats. This is the perfectentertainment for kids and all the family.

Jazz on the Mountain Schedules

For more information check out detailed schedules of…

• Day 1 featuringKevin Eubanks, Stanley Jordan and more;
• Day 2 featuringGary Burton, The Rippingtons and more;
• Day 3 featuringOliver Jones, Spyro Gyra and more;
• or visit the Jazz on the Mountainwebsite.

Are you looking for Whistler accommodation for the Jazz on theMountain Whistler Festival?

Check out Aloha’s complete listing of accommodations in Whistler.Then contact our in-resort localexperts to get more information or book your lodgings, eventsand activities!

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Crankworx has pushed the boundaries of freeridingfurther than any other festival out there.

One of the highlights of the festival is the Red BullJoyride on Saturday July 23^rd which combineselements of slopestyle, dirt jump and North Shore mountainbiking.  Over 20,000 spectators are expected to watch the RedBull Joyride in Whistler Village, evidence that the Crankworxfestival is huge and getting more popular each year.

There are many events taking place over the duration of theKokanee Crankworx festival showcasing the sports many differentangles including freeride, trick and slopestyle events, races ofall descriptions, trial riding and even pump track racing.

Don’t miss the Canadian Cheese RollingFestival!

The Whistler Kokanee Crankworx festival is a greatspectator event for families and all ages. Anotherhighlight of the festival and the only non-mountain bike themedevent is the Canadian Cheese Rolling Festival on July23^rd. This hilarious event is so much fun for the wholefamily.  Head over to Blackcomb Mountain to see what thisevent is all about. Visit the Canadian Cheese RollingFestival for more information.

For more information you can read the day by dayevents for the Whistler Crankworx festival.

Still Need Whistler Village Accommodation for theCrankworx Festival?

Check out Aloha’s complete listing of accommodations in Whistler.Then contact our in-resort localexperts to get more information or book your lodgings, eventsand activities!

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The Whistler Farmers Market is one of the highlights ofthe summer in Whistler.

Featuring fresh local produce from the Pemberton Valley andbeyond.  Stock up on local strawberries, raspberries,blueberries, Pemberton potatoes, greens and beets to name a few! Aswell as amazing produce the Whistler Farmers Market  featuresan array of artisan foods, home baked goods, fresh bread,jewellery, textiles, pottery, woodworks, bath & body productsand art work.

Every Sunday from 11am to 4pm allthrough the summer until October 10^th.

The market located in the UpperVillage, outside the Fairmont Chateau Whistler at the baseof Blackcomb Mountain.

New this summer, the Farmers Market will also be open onWednesday evenings from 3pm to 8pm. The Wednesdaymarket will be a smaller market and will concentrate on offeringfresh produce and food items.

The Farmers Market is fun for the wholefamily.

Combine your shopping with a visit to the BlackcombAdventure Zone.  Located at the base of BlackcombMountain the Blackcomb Adventure Zone is a kid’s paradisefeaturing, mini golf, a bungee trampoline, luge track, climbingwall, horse rides and many more fun activities.

Looking for Whistler Village Accommodation thisSummer?

Check out Aloha’s complete listing of accommodations in Whistler.Then contact our in-resort localexperts to get more information or book your lodgings, eventsand activities!

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Whistler’s Kokanee Crankworx, the biggest and mostprestigious freeride mountain bike festival on our bigplanet is back for 2011. Whistler Crankworx finished its seventhyear as its largest yet in 2010.

The World’s Greatest Freeride Festival

In less than a decade, Whistler Crankworx has become THEfree ride festival worldwide. A supercharged magnet forthe world’s best riders and the definitive domestication of dirt inthe service of epic endurance, supreme flow, monster air andgravity-fuelled mountain biking. Over ten fearless days in July,the venues at the Whistler Mountain Bike Park  serve as amodern day Colosseum to the world’s best mountain bikeathletes.

Highlights from Whistler’s Crankworx 2010: The numbers speak forthemselves year after year, from spectators, online web views,athletes and cash prizes – the list goes on.

• Over 20,000 spectators lined the course and filled Skier’sPlaza for the Monster Energy Slopestyle
• Highest visited period in the Whistler Mountain Bike Parkever
• Nearing 8,000 facebook followers
• Mike Montgomery’s GoPro footage of his Slope style run – nowover 1.1 million views
• Over 300 accredited media from 17 countries, including majorbike magazines, filmmakers and bike industry webzines
• Over 1,200 competitor starts throughout the event

9 Days of the Ultimate Mountain Biking Event

When it comes to the ultimatemountain biking event, no nine days stand so solid asWhistler BC’s Kokanee Crankworx. On par with the X Games, PipelineMasters, and the Hannenkahm, Crankworx is the definitive event whenit comes to off-road bicycles flying up and down Canada’s roughexterior.

Whistler’s Crankworx continues to progress the mountain bike sceneon all fronts. Crankworx 2011 runs from July 15 to 24.

Check out the complete listing of 2011 WhistlerCrankworx events:

Looking for Crankworx Accommodations?

for help with information and lodging selection or browse ourchoice of the best accommodations inWhistler.

Crankworx Photo: Steve Rogers

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Date: Saturday, April 16, 2011
Time: All Day
Location: Whistler

Registration continues for snowboarding events inthe morning.  In the afternoon at the free outdoor concert inthe Skiers Plaza, Whistler’s favourite DJ Mat the Alien will beplaying.

Monster will be hosting the Grand Opening at 8pm.  Thisnight time snowboard contest will be a freestyle snowboard jam likeno other, with a cutting edge music and light show.  At 11pmat the Whistler Conference Centre Monster are hosting the LateShow.   This huge party will feature an awesome lineup.

Looking for WSSF Accommodations?

Check out our complete list of Aloha accommodations in Whistler.Or contact our team ofin-resort experts for no-hassle, no-obligation advise aboutyour stay during the 2011 World Ski & Snowboard Festival.

Date: Friday, April 15, 2011
Time: All Day
Location: Whistler

Opening day sees registration for thesnowboarding events in the morning and Fort Knox Five on theoutdoor stage in the Skiers Plaza during the afternoon.

Over at the Whistler Conference Centre is theopening of the State of the Art gallery.  The Telus World Skiand Snowboard Festival is also famous for art exhibitions. State of the Art provides a platform for mountain town inspirationwhich features both local and international artists.  Thegallery is open throughout the festival from 12 noon to 6pm and 8pmto late on gala ticketed nights.

Monster are hosting an epic opening party withThe Sh*t Show at 10pm.  This welcome party will feature livemusic from a special guest band.

Learn more about 2011 WSSF events.

Looking for WSSF Accommodations?

Check out our complete list of Aloha accommodations in Whistler.Or contact our team ofin-resort experts for no-hassle, no-obligation advise aboutyour stay during the 2011 World Ski & Snowboard Festival.

Spring skiing means finding things for the whole familyto do. In Whistler, there’s no shortage of activitiesperfect for the kids as well as mom and dad. And surprise,surprise, some of them are free.

10. Movies, Movies, Movies

Whistler’sVillage 8 Cinema shows first-run films on its eight screens.Kids fare is well represented here with many movies opening thesame weekend in Whistler as they do in major cities. Bargainmatinee prices in effect daily until 6 pm.

9. Whistler Olympic Park

The whole family can cross-country ski on the same trails as theOlympians in the beautiful Callaghan Valley at the Whistler Olympic Park. Or theycan try out snowshoeing. Rentals for both sports are available.About 9 kms south of Whistler, WOP is located in a unique microclimate that often has snow when Whistler Village is bare.

8. Ziptrekking

Ziptrek Eco Tours offers great viewsto those courageous enough to buckle in and fly along one of their10 forest canopy-skimming ziplines. Speeds can reach up to 80 km,so this is definitely not for the wimpy. Kid have to be at least 6years old and 65 lbs to ride alone, tandem rides can be arrangedfor younger and lighter visitors.

7. Coca-Cola Tube Park

A little ways up Blackcomb is the Whistler Blackcomb Tube Parkfeaturing multiple lanes that average 1000 ft in length and whereriders can attain speeds of more that 80 km an hour. Tickets areeither 1-hour or 2-hour passes for the park; the average rider cando five to seven runs in an hour. Children (under 12) must be 36inches tall and accompanies by an adult. Magic carpet lift inplace.

6. Meadow Park Sports Centre

With a six-lane lap pools, kids pool, hot tub, wet and drysauna, fitness centre and an NHL regulation size ice sheet in thearena, there’s always something fun to do at MeadowPark Sports Centre.

5. The Valley Trail

Walk, run or ride a chunk of The Valley Trail. The 30 km trailwinds in and around Whistler from just outside of Emerald Estate toSpring Creek. If you’ve left the bikes at home, don’t worry;rentals are available at sports stores throughout WhistlerVillage.

4. 7-11Fire & Ice Show

On Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m., the place to be is at the baseof gondola in Whistler Village. There, amid twirling fire spinnersyou’ll see the area’s best skiers and boarders jumping throughrings of fire and performing stylish aerials. Fireworks cap offthis great free experience.

3. Skate on a frozen lake

Ice isn’t always guaranteed, but bring your skates just incase.

2. Drink hot chocolate outside

Snow and hot chocolate gotogether extremely well. The best way to enjoy both is to take yourbeverage outside to a heated patio.

1. Ski Whistler Blackcomb

What would a Whistler vacation be withoutskiing? Whistler Blackcomb’s diversity of terrain is perfect foraccommodating family groups with varying skill levels. Ski lessonsand ski tours can be arranged.

Looking for Spring skiing accommodations?

Check out Aloha’s complete listingof accommodations inWhistler.

Then contact our in-resort localexperts to get more information or book your lodgings, eventsand activities.

Photo Credits: Chad Chomlack / Tourism Whistler

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Beyond Fast Food – Five Faves for Family Dining Whistler

For vacationing parents, successfully dining anywhereother than where you place your order through a speaker,can feel like a victory.

A favourite foodie destination, Whistler is also one resort thathasn’t forgotten about the mac and cheese set. Here are a fewkid-friendly places that adults will also enjoy.

Pasta Lupino

Kids likenoodles. And no one does noodles like this hole in thewall next to the 7-11 on Main Street in Whistler Village.

Pasta Lupino specializes insimple, delicious fare: fresh, fabulous noodles available with red,white or meat sauce with a few other Italian favourites on themenu.

Most meals are under $12. With it’s small tables and limitedcapacity, Pasta Lupino is great for smaller groups.

Samurai Sushi

Withlocations in the Nester’s Market complex and in Creekside,this local favourite has one of the best deals for kids’ plates inall of Whistler offering omnivore and vegetarian versions. It’spossible for a family of four to walk away from Whistler Samurai Sushi stuffedfor under $40

Splitz Grill

There’s a lot of healthier burger fare at thisVillage joint on Main Street, but it’s also the place togo if you just want to remember how great life tasted before youeven knew you had a cholesterol number.

With Splitz Grill handcut fries, crispy onion rings and impressive array of condiments,Splitz puts the chain burger places to shame.

White Spot

For kids, this BC institution hasalways been about the Pirate Pak.

Prepare to leave White Spot carryingat least one of the cardboard pirate ships designed to hold agrilled cheese, hamburger or chicken nuggets in its hull, alongsidesome fries, a container of ice cream, some chocolate milk and achocolate gold coin.

Creekbread

Organic, entirely homemadepizzas (right down to the house-cured pepperoni) give thisCreekside eatery the edge when itcomes to producing a nice wheel. This is good food that’s familiarenough that even picky eaters will come onside, but differentenough to amuse mom and dad’s pizza-jaded palates.

Looking for Spring Break accommodations?

Check out Aloha’s complete listing of accommodations in Whistler.Then contact our in-resort localexperts to get more information or book your lodgings, eventsand activities.

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