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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.

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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 22nd 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.

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

Ever dreamed of unplugging? Now is your chance. Win a month inWhistler, Canada, all expenses* paid.

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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Lauralee Bowie is a World Champion Freestyle Skier,3-time Canadian National Champion, and former member of theCanadian National Ski Team.  Lauralee Bowie SkiAdventures is recognised as one of the top ski instructionalprograms in the world.

Lauralee Bowie Ski Adventures has been operating since1984 and offers instructional programs in North America, Japan andArgentina.  Guests can choose their preferred resort,date and time and the ski program will be tailored made around yourrequirements.

The philosophy around the ski programs is to “start overand go back to the beginning”.  You will be taughtfrom your current skill level, but the focus will be on redefiningand relearning the fundamentals and then advancing fromthere.  Lauralee Bowie Ski Adventures will take your skiing tothe next level.  The teaching style is unique and the resultsare proven.  The programs are available for people of all agesand abilities.

This is the typical daily schedule for theprograms:

MORNING

  • Welcome and Introduction
  • Equipment evaluation and Specialty Ski Boot Assessment,
  • Correct alignment and canting of ski boots
  • Warm up exercises and stretching on slope
  • Skiing, exercises and drills. Exaggerated exercises to improvepositioning (Lower Body)
  • Video Analysis
AFTERNOON

  • Lunch Break
  • Warm up exercises and stretching on slope
  • Skiing, exercises and drills
  • Upper Body
  • Video, Après Ski and Review

All ski programs include the use ofindividual radio headsets.  The advantage of thissystem is that you are given instant feedback.  This “Head toHead  Coaching” style keeps coaches in constant contact witheach skier.  The goal is for each guest to be able to ski moredifficult terrain and runs they may only have dreamed about.

Lauralee Bowie Ski Adventures are pleased to offerprograms in Whistler. For more information please visit Lauralee Bowie SkiAdventures.

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