Whistler has been chosen to host the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic games.

* February 12 -28, 2010 -- XXI Olympic Winter Games
* March 12 - 21, 2010 -- X Paralympic Winter Games

Learn more about the 2010 Winter Games.

Whistler Blackcomb has unveiled plans to build a new high speed detachable quad in the high alpine for the 2006-2007 Winter season. The new Symphony Lift on Whistler mountain will run to the Piccolo peak from the bottom of Flute Bowl and will provide access to more than 1,000 acres of the most spectacular high alpine terrain available in North America.

Learn more our Whistler's new Symphony Chairlift.

Whistler Mountain opened on November 18. Massive winter storms that have blanketed Whistler resort since late last week resulted in Whistler Mountain opening earlier than planned today, Saturday, November 18.

Learn more about Whistler Mountain's 2007 ski season opening.

For the third year in a row, Whistler has been named the "Best Overseas Ski Resort" in Australia's esteemed Luxury Travel Magazine's "Gold List", to be published in the January 2007 issue.

Learn more about the Luxury Travel Magazine award.

Currently U.S. Residents only require ID and not a passport to enter Canada by land or air. This changes as of December 31, 2006 and U.S. citizens arriving by air will be require possession of a valid passport. All other travelers arriving into Canada require a valid passport.

Learn more about Passport requirements for entering Canada from the U.S.

Whistler Blackcomb announced plans to proceed with a new alpine gondola development.

Whistler's mayor and council provided Whistler-Blackcomb Mountains nearly $1-million in tax breaks this week to help the ski operator build one of the world's longest gondola lifts into the area's remote alpine region.

The gondola terminals will be built adjacent to Whistler's Roundhouse and Blackcomb's Rendezvous restaurants. Four towers will span Fitzsimmons Creek and give 4,000 skiers and snowboarders access to the incredible alpine area, and should attract visitors from around the world.

Learn more about the new Whistler Blackcomb Alpine Gondola.

The Whistler Pique Newsmagazine annually polls its readers to determine the best Whistler businesses and activities. Highlights of "Whistler's Best of 2006" includes Citta Bistro as the best place for people watching & the Rimrock Cafe as the dining establishment with the best Chef, service and seafood.

See the complete list of the "Whistler's Best of 2006" winners here.

Whistler Blackcomb has announced a bold move with the construction of the Peak to Peak Gondola. Completion is scheduled for December 2008. The two mountains will be united by a gondola that will set world records for length and height while providing an unmatched experience for both winter and summer resort guests.

The Peak to Peak Gondola will travel 4.4 kilometres in just 11 minutes, transporting winter and summer guests from Whistler’s Roundhouse Lodge to the Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb Mountain.

Learn more details about the Whistler Peak to Peak Gondola.

Tourism Whistler, in collaboration with Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR), has successfully launched a pilot program in Whistler to provide passengers with a more seamless travel experience.

In 2006, YVR launched 38 new off-airport kiosks, including six in Whistler, and approximately 2.4 million passengers used self-service check-in kiosks, including 100,000 who used them offsite.

Learn more about the Vancouver Airport/Whistler Kiosk Program.

We know that BC is an incredible golf destination. And that's just been confirmed again.

The International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) has selected British Columbia as the “2007 Golf Destination of the Year” for North America at the IAGTO Awards, held as a part of the 9th annual International Golf Travel Market in Marbella, Spain.

Learn more about the recent award citing BC as North America's top golf destination.

Whistler's spectacular summer kicks into high gear in June. From spectular spa retreats to this summer's Dine & Unwind program now is the time for a Whistler get-away. Whistler spas are offering discounts up to 40 per cent off treatments, nicely rounded out by multi-course menus at the best restaurants starting at $20 per person. Meanwhile, the full range of warm weather activities are opening this month, with many already enjoying the long hours of sunshine and fresh mountain air. Whether it's a relaxing family Father's Day golf getaway, a "Dining and Unwinding" romantic weekend for two, or a thrill-seeking mountain biking or white water rafting adventure, Whistler is the place to be. Summer glacier skiing and snowboarding also begins. Check out Whistler's June roster of activities and events.

Tourism Whistler reports that Whistler's 2006/07 winter season results, combined with the 2006 summer season, marks the best year on record for the Resort. Tourism Whistler's Vice President of Marketing - Arlene Schieven - notes...

"There's been a great response to our year-round value and expanded offerings such as new skiing and mountain biking terrain. These things, combined with excellent weather and an increase in marketing and sales efforts all contributed to our record-breaking results."

The 2006 summer season (May through October) was Whistler Resort's best season on record resulting in a 14 per cent increase in room bookings compared to the previous summer. Bookings for the recent winter season (November through April) increased 13 per cent over the same period last year, with results only two per cent behind the best winter season on record (2000/2001).

Whistler's consumer promotions for the winter, including a California airfare special ($99 US one-way), Book Early & Save, Monday's Free, and the Stay Longer - Save More offers received very positive feedback and helped secure room nights - particularly at the beginning of the season.

Whistler visitors enjoyed increased choice provided by the introduction of the new Symphony Amphitheatre on Whistler Mountain. The area provides over 1,000 acres of new terrain accessed by the new Symphony Express high-speed chairlift. Family-focused amenities such as the Tube Park, a state-of-the-art sliding facility opened during the 2005/2006 winter season.

Resort-based marketing and operational initiatives, combined with excellent snow conditions, served to create conditions for an exceptional winter season. November 2006 was the snowiest November in Whistler's history. The snowfall continued to cumulate with over 14 metres (46 feet) of snow during the 2006/07 season - more than 40 per cent over the average annual snowfall.

Room nights booked by visitors from the regional market increased seven per cent over the 2005/06 winter season. These strong results are particularly significant considering last season's double-digit growth in the key regional markets of British Columbia and Washington State. Long-haul markets - particularly those within the U.S. and Canada - are largely responsible for the overall results this season, with a combined 17 per cent increase over last year. The overall increase seen in U.S. visitors this winter of five per cent is especially notable because the opposite trend has been seen among most other Canadian destinations.

Cornucopia, Whistler's Annual Celebration of Wine and Food, returns for 5 Days of excitement.

For the first time, the festival will run from Thursday through Monday to accommodate the long weekend holiday. The new dates pave the way for an expanded lineup of delectable wine and food grazing and tasting events, an exciting array of educational and entertaining culinary seminars and chef demonstrations, plus Cornucopia's ever-popular signature tasting event, Crush! - now running on two evenings.

Now in its eleventh year, Cornucopia commences on Thursday, November 8 with the popular House Party.

Crush! Gala Grand Tasting, previously a one night event, will run on both Friday, November 9 and Saturday, November 10 2007. The legendary after parties will also run both evenings.

The Winemaker Dinners will be held on Sunday, November 11. The event is always a favourite and is located at a number of fine Whistler dining establishments. Each restaurant's chef is partnered with a Cornucopia winemaker for a one-night only special collaboration of multi-course wining and dining.

Monday's brunches top off the weekend of food and wine decadence in style.

Visit www.whistlercornucopia.com for details including event schedules, participating wineries and restaurants, and an exciting list of celebrity chefs and wine and food presenters.

Whistler for the Disabled is a non profit Whistler-community-based website created to help people with disabilities and abilities of all types enjoy Whistler to the fullest.

The site's main focus is to provide Access Information for the disabled so that they may become more active and enjoy Whistler with fewer frustrations! Whistler for the Disabled provides information for people with disabilities and their families to take part in the many recreation activities Whistler has to offer. The site also supports working with various companies to achieve those goals. The website also provides a list of a variety of activities based on people's various abilities.

The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program provides the opportunity for hundreds of people with a wide range of disabilities to take part in sports and recreation programs.

If you are looking for accessible accommodations and vacation opportunities please contact our Aloha Whistler Accommodations travel team for a free consultation.

The snow started blanketing the peaks early this fall, and a handful of lucky skiers were seen in the powder in the early days of October! Anticipation is building for the winter.

Lots of events are taking place during fall, to keep locals’ and visitors’ minds busy while waiting for the first chair of the season

• Dine & Unwind is going on until October 31st, with sumptuous regional and organic cuisine and amazing deals on spa treatments. The perfect getaway for a rainy day.
• Wine’d Up on Saturday October 20th, Whistler Search and Rescue Society’s 8th Annual Winemakers’ Gourmet Dinner and Auction. Superb cuisine at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, an amazing wine selection, and both live and silent auctions of artworks, accommodation stay, certificates and much more, donated by business to support the Search and Rescue Society.
• Cornucopia from November 8th to 12th, is Whistler’s annual celebration of wine and food. How nice does that sound! Wine and food gazing, culinary seminars, chef demonstrations… It is a must-see (and taste!) event!
Plus, this year ARTrageous will showcase emerging and established artists. A highlight during Cornucopia.
• Whistler Film Festival is starting November 9th until December 2nd, showcasing more than 90 films from Canadian and international top directors. Aspiring movie actor or director? This is a great opportunity to network.
• And finally what everybody is waiting for: Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains Official Opening Day: November 22, 2007. Be the on the first chair for the first track of the season! Groomers and powder-filled bowls on the largest terrain in North America, welcome to Whistler!

Don’t feel left out! Book your vacations early with Aloha Whistler. You can save on events and lift tickets and activity booking by planning early. Benefit from Aloha’s selection of luxury accommodations in Whistler. Our experienced and thoughtful staff will help you book the perfect condo or sumptuous home and tickets, passes and any reservation for your vacations.

THE COUNTDOWN FOR WHISTLER WINTER IS ON!

With over 50 centimeters / 19 inches of snow on the upper slopes of Whistler Blackcomb, a select few expert level athletes were chosen to get their first taste of winter. The skiers were provided access to Whistler Mountain by helicopter. With perfectly fluffy snow, the professional skiers on the supervised shoot were in for deep powder turns rarely found so early in a season.

"I couldn't believe how good the snow was and today is only October 5," says professional skier Mike Douglas. "If La Nina lives up to her reputation this is just the start of an epic season in Whistler."

Whistler Blackcomb noted that is does not condone riding or skiing on Whistler or Blackcomb Mountains until the mountains officially open. They also recommend that any skiers and snowboarders entering the backcountry take necessary precautions to travel using safety best practises and carrying proper equipment such as avalanche beacons, probes and shovels. But this photos sure gets our skiing hormones jumping!

Read to book your Whistler ski vacation? Contact our experienced in-resort experts today to book your Whistler accommodations and activities.

[Photo of Cameron MacKenzie skiing Whistler Blackcomb last season courtesy of Ultimate Ski Adventures]

The popular Dine & Unwind Whistler event is back from November 24th to December 11th this fall.

Spend a weekend or a week vacation in Whistler for the beauty of Whistler’s natural environment, and take advantage of amazing deals on fine dining in spa treatments. Start the day with a gateway in one of Whistler’s spa or wellness centre and get discount prizes on facials, wraps, massages and any beauty products. Then continue to indulge with a diner at one of the many restaurants participating in the Dine & Unwind experience and enjoy multi-course menus, fine regional and organic cuisine, and the incredible experience of Whistler’s nigh life. Restaurants and spas will offer special rates and discounts.

Contact Aloha Whistler for your perfect Whistler accommodation, our experienced staff will be happy to help you plan your perfect vacation in Whistler.

One year from now, in October 2008, tickets for the Vancouver Whistler Winter Olympic Games of 2010 will be available for sale.

This may be a once in a lifetime chance to see winter sports like you have never seen them before. Either to watch your favourite skier, be amazed by half-pipe or discover bobsleigh (and of course cheer for hockey), the 2010 Olympics will be an adventure. And you can be part of it. The Vancouver 2010 website will provide all the information on time: ticket prices (half of all the tickets available will be priced under $100), program schedule, merchandises…

Be sure not to miss this event in on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains and book a luxury Whistler accommodation with Aloha Whistler. Our experienced staff will make sure you everything will be ready for your perfect Olympic vacations. To build up the anticipation, come visit Whistler in advance and lodge in Aloha’s luxury Whistler slopeside accommodations this season and test your skills on the Olympic run.

Whistler plans to party hard for the 2010 Winter games. An if the price tag of $18.5 million is any indication it should be quite the party!

As acting mayor Ralph Forsyth notes... "We are known as happy people who like to have a good time, and we are inviting the world here to proudly show them how we do it here in Whistler."

The multimillion-dollar price tag for the party is part of the Live Site program.

"I think it is absolutely worth the investment," noted Forsyth. Whistler is the first mountain host of a winter Olympics to be allowed to hand out medals. The resort is creating a medals plaza near the centre of town, and the Village will be a hub for the Live Site celebrations.

Vancouver will have two distinct Live Sites but Whistler is planning on turning the whole village into a Live Site. There will be six main gathering areas in the Resort hosting a total of 25,000 people.

Events and businesses will be 24 hours a day to allow all Olympic followers to celebrate on their own schedule. "Every day will be like Christmas and every night will be like New Year's Eve," said Forsyth.

Funding will come from a government grant, the Vancouver organizing committee and the Resort.

Fireworks anyone?

Cornucopia's biggest ever party line-up is set to for the best Whistler Wine and Food Festival yet. The 2007 event runs November 8 to 12. Numerous event after-parties include...

Friday November 9 - Ric's Grill - Casino Royale Night
Pull out the tuxedos and play your best game of cards. The evening includes firespinners, showgirls, DJ's and specialties by Ric's chef Derek Larson.

Saturday November 10 - After Crush! - Araxi's Restaurant
Doc Fingers and his band blast jazz served with amazing seafood and champagnes.

Saturday November 10 - Arti Gras - The Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa
Bourbon Street visits Whistler. Live jazz, body and face painting and authethentic Cajun cuisine.

Other events include the Chef's Table Luncheon Series hosted in the comfort of Whistler's luxury homes.

Looking for accommodations during Cornucopia? Check out our Whistler accommodations listings, then contact Aloha Whistler's longtime-local in-resort holiday specialists to help us select the best accommodations and vacation packages for your Cornucopia stay!