ALOHA WHISTLER ACCOMMODATIONS BLOG

Aloha!

With a VERY successful Thanksgiving and world renowned TurkeySale under wraps, Whistlerites and Vancouverites(Vancouver-onians??) are now reeling from the food and salehangover we’re all experiencing, and slowly gearing up for our nextgreat event: Whistler Cornucopia 2012!

Cornucopia is an annualcelebration of food and wine, and they’re kicking off their 16thyear on November 7th.

The 5 day festival offers a bit of everything for everyone. Fromhands-on seminars, fascinating winemaker dinners, galatasting events and sizzling after-parties, this is certainlya festival you don’t want to miss!

If you get a chance, make sure to check out thesoon-to-be-sold-out House Party happening Thursday, November 8th.It is most certainly a favourite around Whistler.
Or if you’re looking for the seldom chance to bet all your moneyon Red, The Fairmont will be hosting the High Rollers casino nighton Friday the 9th. They’ve even received a temporary gaminglicence, just to let you try and win BIG! The best part aboutthe Casino night, is that all of the proceeds will be donated toWAG Whistler Animal Shelter.

Make sure to book your tickets now for any, or all, of theevents!
And give us a call to book yourself a gorgeoustownhome to enjoy while you’re here.
Nothing screams sophistication more than an abundance of wine,maybe paired with some tasty cheese, and your very ownhome-away-from-home mini-vacation.

For more information on Cornucopia, or to buy your tickets online,please click on the following link:
http://whistlercornucopia.com/schedule/

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Mark it on your calendars, November 22nd Whistler mountain willbe opening it’s Gondola doors once again to usher in a new seasonof amazing winter fun and memories!

The countdown is also on to see who can be the first ones up themountain and be granted the magical first carve of the year. Thisis definitely one of the biggest bragging rights anyone canclaim!
There’s only one way to take a shot at that title, and that’s bybeing here bright and early. In fact, some people camp overnight,just to make sure they’re first in line. Now THAT’S dedication tothe sport!

Fortunately, there’s a whole bunch of dealsgoing on right now to make it easier for you to take a shot at thattitle. From Early Bird lift ticket deals tosubstantial savings (up to 43%) on all your ski rentals through AffinitySports.
Make sure you take advantage of this, and enjoy some of thesplendours that the early season has to offer.

Whistler Blackcomb has also posted their Hours OfOperation for the upcoming season, just to make it easier foryou to plan your vacation!

Please feel free to contact us to book your upcoming (maybe early)vacation!

Aloha!

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The TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival takes placefrom April 13 to 22. This is Whistler’s annualcelebration of winter sports, music, arts and mountainculture.  During the 10 days and 10 nights prepare to be blownaway with amazing tricks in sporting competitions such as the BigAir event, incredible parties, awesome bands, DJ’s and muchmore.  There is a lot going on during the festival, so here isour list of the top 5 events not to be missed.

1. Big Air

The Big Air Competition is one of the most talked aboutevents at the festival. Watch pro skiers light up thenight and expect the atmosphere to be electric as this eventtypically sees a crowd of 15,000.  The competition takes placeon Saturday April 21 at the base of Whistler Mountain. Training starts at 7pm with the finals starting at 8pm.  Theawards ceremony will take place at 10pm.

2. Swollen Members

Each day from 2.30pm to 5.30pm there will be the freeoutdoor concert series at the Main Stage in the SkiersPlaza.  Vancouver and Victoria natives SwollenMembers, will be performing on Saturday April14^th.  This hip hop group are a festival favouriteand will certainly impress.

3. Whistler Dogfest

What does a dog fest have to do with a ski and snowboardfestival? Not much, but why not! After all Whistler is ahuge dog loving community and dogs love living here too.  Thisevent is another festival favourite and is a kid friendly, petfriendly event.  Watch canines of all shapes and sizes paradethrough the Village Stroll on Saturday April 21^st. All proceeds of this fun event go to Whistler’s local animal shelter (WAG).

4. Fashion Show

This will be the 7^th year that the TELUSWorld Ski and Snowboard Festival celebrates the world offashion. This event takes place on Friday April20^th at 8pm at the Whistler Conference Centre. Tickets are required. The runway will feature some of the edgiest,fashion-marries-function brands available.  The show willemphasize Whistler’s style scene both on and off the hill.

5. State of the Art

The TELUS World Ski and Snowboard is also a celebrationof art in this mountain town.  State of the Artshowcases up to 40 underexposed artists.  There will beapproximately 100 pieces of art, across a wide range ofmediums.  The gallery will be open daily during the festivalfrom 12pm to 6pm and is located in the Grand Foyer of the WhistlerConference Centre.  The cost of this event is free.

Check out the WSSF Event Schedule – Day by Day

For more information and a detailed schedule, visit Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival.

Are you looking for WHISTLER ACCOMMODATION FOR the telus world ski and snowboard festival?

Aloha Whistler offers accommodations in Whistler and Creekside in a selection of fine homes, townhouses and condos. Contact our in-resort travel experts for more information.

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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

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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.

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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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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.

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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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