ALOHA WHISTLER ACCOMMODATIONS BLOG

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Imagine experiencing the thrill and excitement of askeleton slide or bobsleigh ride at the venue of the 2010 WinterOlympic Games. You can now with the Whistler SlidingCentre public sliding programs.

Starting in mid December will be the Skeleton PublicSlide Program and Bobsleigh Public Ride Program. This is the ultimate adventure and an amazing way to experience thefamous course just like the athletes did at the 2010 Winter OlympicGames.

Skeleton Public Slide Program

The Skeleton Public Slide Program will begin on December16. The experience begins with a sport orientation,including helmet fitting, sled positioning, sliding sessionwalk-through, track etiquette, and safety guidelines. The slidestarts at the Maple Leaf start position which is 1/3 of the way upthe track. A  track crew member will meet you there to gothrough the final checks before you begin your journey down. Onceyou have been given the green light, a track crew member willsecure your sled as you climb on, releasing you for the run of yourlife!

You will pass through six corners and canexpect to reach 90-100 km/hr by the time you race through thefamous Thunderbird corner at the bottom of the track. You willenter into the uphill outrun and slow to a stop at the juniorfinish.  A track crew member will be ready to assist your exitand grab your sled.  You will enjoy two skeleton runs beforereturning indoors to Guest Services with your guide and fellowsliders to revel in your shared adrenaline-filled experiences!

The price for the Skeleton Slide is $149 per personwhich includes 2 solo skeleton runs.  The tour will beapproximately 2 hours.

Bobsleigh Public Ride Program

Starting on December 22^nd will be the publicBobsleigh ride.  Your Bobsleigh Ride Experience willbegin with a sport orientation, including helmet fitting, slidingsession walk-through, track etiquette, and safety guidelines. Theride begins at the start position which is 1/2 way up the track. Atrack crew member will meet you there to go through the finalchecks before you begin your journey down the track with two otherfellow participants and a professional pilot.  You will passthrough ten corners, and can expect to reach 120-135 km/hr by thetime you race through the famous Thunderbird corner at the bottomof the track. You will enter into the uphill outrun and slow to astop at the finish dock. After the exhilaration of your bobsleighrun, you will return indoors to Guest Services with your guide andfellow sliders to revel in your shared adrenaline-filledexperiences!

The price for the Skeleton Slide is $149 per personwhich includes 1 bobsleigh run with a pilot.  The tour will beapproximately 2 hours.

This is a wonderful experience and no prior skeleton orbobsleigh experience is required. All participants must be16 years or older at the time of the experience.  Advancebooking is required. If at any time before the experience takesplace, a participant finds that they are not comfortable withparticipating, a refund will be provided. Visit Whistler Sliding Centre forfull program details.

ARE you looking for whistler accommodation for your whistlerski vacation?

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

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Aloha Whistler Accommodation is pleased to support theWhistler Sabbatical Project!  Check out the detailsof this amazing opportunity.

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One lucky prize winner will experience their dream WhistlerSabbatical that includes airfare, accommodation, lift passes, gear,and a series of extraordinary adventures.

Weekly video experiences give you more chances to win. Log in,take the hypothetical challenge each week, and prepare yourself forsomething amazing.

Would You DoIt?

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Whistler is home to some of the greatest skiing, andsnowboarding in the world, but what you may have not known is thatWhistler offers a huge amount of family friendly diningchoices. Here is our list of the Top Five family-friendlyrestaurants, to enjoy after your day on the slopes, or tore-energize yourself on a lunch break.

1. Old Spaghetti Factory

The Old Spaghetti Factory opened in Whistler on December1st 1994 and is open daily from 11 am to 11pm.  It islocated in the Crystal Lodge in the heart of Whistler Village. Thisrestaurant is great for families with good food, service and value.Included with the purchase of any main dish are a crisp greensalad, sourdough bread, coffee, or tea, and Spumoni Ice Cream at noadditional charge! Great food at reasonable prices is what you needwhen you have got a family to feed.

2. Milestones

Milestones is a Canada-wide restaurant bringing you theextra touch of class. It is located at the base ofBlackcomb Mountain, just in front of the Blackcomb Daylodge. The location is perfect for lunch or a bite for après! Milestonesis open Monday to Wednesday & Sunday from 11 am to 12 am andThursday to Saturday 11 am to 1 am, which is great if you and yourfamily enjoy a little late night fun!

3. Creekbread

Creekbread cooks pizza the way it’s supposed to beeither in a wood fired cauldron, or in a hand built wood burningearthen oven. Creekbread is located in Creekside, just offHighway 99 on Karen Crescent. At Creekbread they believe their foodis sacred, with only the use of fresh, local, and organicingredients, and cooking with only the use of fire. The openedended kitchen, and oven are available for everyone to see, so youare able to get the full dining experience from preparation toplate, which is exciting especially if you have little ones runningaround. Creekbread is open daily from 2pm onwards.

4. Uli’s Flipside

Uli’s Flipside is known for its good food, funky tunes,and local colour. Uli’s is located accross from the DeltaWhistler Village Suites hotel and The Gap. Family dining iswelcomed at The Flipside, they offer kids meals, and family-styledmenus from 4 to 104 people! The quality food and fair prices arejust two of the many reasons to treat your family out to dinner.The atmosphere is friendly and uplifting, ideal for any family.Flipside is open from 6pm to 11pm 7 days a week, and as of November22nd 2011, their hours change to 5:30pm to 12 am.

5. Portobello

Portobello is ideal for that family on the run, grabbinga quick bite between skiing, or if your tummy is grumbling and youjust want your food fast. Portobello serves a wide varietyof dining options to suite anyone’s taste buds. The historic westcoast decor gives the restaurant that warm country atmosphere,providing comfy couches, and an open kitchen, this truly is aunique. Portobello is located in the lower lobby of the FairmontChateau Whistler, and is open early morning until mid-evening.

Are you looking for whistler accommodation for your family skivacation?

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

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Whistler is an outdoor playground for both adults andkids.  There are so many fun activities to do, it is hard tochoose which one. We have compiled a list of the 5 bestactivities suitable for children during the winter months.

Whistler Kids Ski and Snowboard School

Whistler has one of the best kids ski and snowboard schools in thecountry.  Lessons are available from ages 3 years to 17years.  There are a number of different programs availablefrom daily lessons to weekly adventure camps.  Lessons are agreat balance of skill development and fun.  At the end of theday your children will tell stories of visiting Magic Castles andTree Forts!

Tube Park

The tubepark is located at Base 2 on Blackcomb Mountain.  Cruisedown a variety of lanes in an inflatable ring! It is easilyaccessible via the Blackcomb Gondola from Whistler Village. The park is open from 12noon to 6pm daily during the winter. It is a great place to bring the whole family.

Climbing Wall

The Whistler Core is located in the heart of Whistler Villageunder the Whistler Conference Centre.  It features an amazing5500 square-foot indoor rock climbing wall.  There are anumber of kids programs available for children aged 4 years andup.  Visit the Whistler Core for moreinformation.

Meadow Park Sports Centre

Meadow ParkSports Centre features a great kid’s pool complete with lazyriver and whirlpool.  In the main swimming pool there is arope swing, perfect for the older children.  Meadow Park isalso home to Whistler’s ice rink.  Check out the weeklyschedule for drop in skating times.  Skate rentals areavailable.

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

The Squamish Lil’wat CulturalCentre is an Aboriginal Museum and Cultural experience. It is located in the Upper Village close to the Four SeasonsResort.   Explore the museum, workshops, indoor andoutdoor exhibits, gift shop and cafe.  Located at the end ofthe Great Hall is a children’s activity zone. Perfect for all ages,guest can play a drum, try on authentic aboriginal regalia, readbooks and try a craft.

Looking for a Whistler Accommodation this winter?

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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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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