luxurywhistler, Author at Luxury in Whistler

WHISTLER, BC December 15, 2014 – Ever since Wolfgang Sterr took the reigns as Executive Chef in 2011, things have been different at Whistler Blackcomb. Food and beverage locations on and off the mountains have seen a fundamental shift, with quintessential mountain menu items like pizza and fries being complemented by fresh, healthy and locally-sourced alternatives. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are now easy to find on the mountains and changes like these are only the beginning.

“My passion is food and the environment we live in,” says Sterr. “I am fortunate that my job allows me the opportunity to focus on both. In recent years we have been able to introduce a wide variety of new, healthy options for our guests so we can fuel them up properly for their time in the mountains. We can now cater to people with all kinds of dietary restrictions and all the while we are doing what we can to reduce our impact on the environment by using locally-sourced ingredients as much as possible and participating in environmentally-focused food initiatives like the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program.”

The innovation continues this winter with Wolfgang and his team stepping things up in the Whistler Blackcomb food and beverage world even further. From new recipes, partnerships, events and tweaks to old favourites, here is the rundown on everything new and noteworthy in the Whistler Blackcomb kitchens:

Raven’s Nest: Whistler Blackcomb’s All Vegetarian Restaurant
Raven’s Nest, located at the top of the Creekside Gondola on Whistler Mountain, has undergone some major changes for the 2014.2015 winter season. It is Whistler Blackcomb’s first ever all vegetarian restaurant and one of the first of its kind at ski resorts in North America. The all plant-based menu will feature a variety of options inspired by flavours from around the world and will also include some specialty vegan dishes. Carnivores need not worry, the restaurant will have a small selection of meat options available for those who ask, however they will not be advertised on the restaurant’s menu boards. The all vegetarian concept for Raven’s Nest was the brainchild of WB Executive Chef, Wolfgang Sterr, who is a vegetarian, and fellow Whistler Blackcomb employee and vegan, Kristine Leise.

Vij’s Curry Stations at Roundhouse Lodge and Wizard Grill
New this winter, guests will be able to enjoy a selection of Vij’s curries at the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain and the Wizard Grill at the base of Blackcomb. Chef Vikram Vij is best known for his award-winning Indian restaurants in Vancouver, Vij’s, Rangoli, and his latest restaurant in South Surrey, MyShanti, as well as his time on the popular television show, Dragons’ Den. Vij will be making four sampling appearances at the Roundhouse Lodge throughout the winter season where guests will have the opportunity to meet him and try some of his curry dishes. His first appearance will be on December 20, 2014 and his second appearance will be on January 22, 2015 when he will also be preparing one of the courses for the Winemaker’s Après event happening that day in Steeps Grill and Wine Bar. The dates for the remaining two appearances are yet to be announced but will be posted to whistlerblackcomb.com once confirmed.

New Reserve Wine Lists by Samantha Rahn from Whistler’s Araxi Restaurant
Whistler Blackcomb will be introducing new reserve wine lists at Steeps Grill and Wine Bar on Whistler Mountain and Christine’s Restaurant on Blackcomb Mountain this winter. The lists were designed by Samantha Rahn, the 2013 Sommelier of the Year as decided by the Vancouver International Wine Festival, and the current Wine Director at the award-winning Araxi restaurant in Whistler. Rahn’s selections for the reserve wine lists will perfectly complement the menus at Whistler Blackcomb’s two full-service, fine dining restaurants and will elevate the dining experience at those locations for serious wine lovers. Rahn will also be making a number of Sommelier appearances at the two restaurants throughout the season. Dates for the appearances are yet to be confirmed but will be posted to the Whistler Blackcomb website once available.

Lunch with David Hawksworth
Whistler Blackcomb is excited to announce Chef David Hawksworth, of the eponymous Hawksworth Restaurant, will be bringing his contemporary Canadian cuisine mountainside in the New Year. Splitting the weekend between his two passions, cooking and skiing, Chef Hawksworth will be preparing lunch on January 10 at Steeps Grill & Wine Bar in the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain. Reservations will be required to attend the event which will celebrate the bounty of British Columbia on what should be a memorable afternoon. Details of the event will be released as they become available to www.whistlerblackcomb.com.

Garbo’s Grill at the Base of Whistler Mountain
Garbo’s Grill, located in the Carleton Lodge at the base of Whistler Mountain, is Whistler Blackcomb’s newest food and beverage location. Specializing in customizable burgers and grab-and-go breakfast sandwiches, Garbo’s Grill, along with the grills in the Roundhouse Lodge, Rendezvous Lodge and Glacier Creek Lodge, now use only naturally raised hormone and antibiotic-free chicken and beef. Garbo’s Grill is open from 7am to 4pm daily.

Whistler Blackcomb Winemaker’s Après Events
Whistler Blackcomb’s popular Winemaker’s Après series returns this winter season with a few fresh changes. There will be four events throughout the winter and as always, they will take place at Steeps Grill and Wine Bar in the Roundhouse Lodge. The events will feature a five course meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients by Whistler Blackcomb’s executive chefs and each dish will be paired with a feature wine from British Columbia. The winemakers to be showcased at this season’s Winemaker’s Après series include: Inniskillin on January 22, featuring a special guest appearance from Vikram Vij, Robert Mondavi on February 24, Nk’Mip on March 12 and See Ya Later Ranch on April 9. More information about the Winemaker’s Apres Series is available at www.whistlerblackcomb.com/the-mountain/on-mountain-dining/winter-mountain-top-dining.

Coca-Cola Freestyle Machine at the Wizard Grill
This winter the Wizard Grill at the base of Blackcomb Mountain will be home to Whistler Blackcomb’s first and only Coca-Cola Freestyle soft drink dispenser. The machine is the only one of its kind in the Sea To Sky Corridor and allows guests to customize their own drink by mixing any of the 120+ flavours of their favourite Coca-Cola beverages. More information about the Coca-Cola Freestyle Project can be found at www.coca-colafreestyle.com/home.

About Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb, the official alpine skiing venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, is situated in the Resort Municipality of Whistler located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia 125 kilometres (78 miles) from Vancouver, British Columbia. North America’s premier four season mountain resort, Whistler and Blackcomb are two side-by-side mountains which combined offer over 200 marked runs, 8,171 acres of terrain, 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers, receives on average over 1,165 centimetres (459 inches) of snow annually, and one of the longest ski seasons in North America. In the summer, Whistler Blackcomb offers a variety of activities, including hiking and biking trails, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, and sightseeing on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.

It’s almost time to sit back, relax, and enjoy an endless supplyof movies. Ok, endless may be a loose term. But with over 75movies to choose from, and 5 days to pack it all in, which ones doyou watch?

Between November 28th and December 2nd, Whistler will come alivewith Movies. Whistler Film Fest is entering it’s 12th year, andthis year seems to be going above and beyond in terms of how epicsome of these movies will be. The feature program includes anunprecedented 6 World Premieres, 1 North American Premiere, 6Canadian Premieres, 5 English Canadian Premieres, 15 WesternCanadian Premieres, 4 British Columbian Premieres, and 1 WhistlerPremiere.

So how do you choose which ones to see?
Head over to Whistler Film Festwebsite for more information on the movies to make your choicemaybe a little bit easier

Also, as a tid bit of insider knowledge, keep your eyes peeled forCeleb sightings around the Village.
Last year, I quite literally ran into Patton Oswald.
I know Micheal Shannon (Boardwalk Empires), Rick Campanelli(Entertainment Tonight host), Jay Baruchel (Tropic Thunder) andAdrian Grenier (Entourage) were all in attendance last year, toname a few.

And if you’re coming up, and need a place to stay, contactus right now! We’d be more than happy to help you make the mostof Whistler, the film fest, and the start of a new Ski season!

Posted on Thursday, November 01, 2012 | Comments (0) | Category: Aloha News, Resort Information, Whistler Accommodations, Whistler Events, Resort News | Permalink

Comments

BOOM!
According to over 20,000 readers of SKI Magazine, WhistlerBlackcomb has been ranked No. 1 Overall Ski Resort in North Americain their 26th annual survey.

We at Aloha Whistler, send out our most sincere congratulations toeveryone across Whistler involved in making this happen!

From on-mountain staff, to lodging and restaurant staff, to thevillage hosts, everyone combined make this resort such a vibrant,fun loving resort to be at. And it shows in the results!

The President and COO of Whistler Blackcomb himself, Mr. DaveBrownlie had this to say about the honour

“It’s an incredible honour to be ranked the No. 1 overallmountain resort by the readers of SKI Magazine. SKI Magazine’srankings come as very high accolades because they reflect thediscerning views of skiers from across North America. Ourconsistent and reliable snow fall, and size and variety of ournatural terrain combined with first-rate customer service make ourguests’ experiences at Whistler Blackcomb one of the best in theindustry. We are looking forward to delivering another awardwinning experience again this winter.”

And we couldn’t be happier to be a part of the whole thing!

Not only were we ranked No. 1 Overall, but we also rankedextremely high in a few other categories as well:
No. 1 overall in Terrain Variety,
No. 2 overall in Service, Lodging, Après, Off Hill Activities, andDigital Presence,
And top 5’s overall in Challenge of Terrain, Lifts, On-MountainFood, Dining, Scenery, Terrain Parks, and Overall GuestSatisfaction.

Pretty impressive stats for this wonder of a mountain we call ourBackyard.

Now is THE perfect time to start planning yourvacation to Whistler, and find out why we always have a smileon our faces, and what makes the Whistler Experience THE best inthe world!

Remember, by booking before November 15th, you’re on your way togreat savings on tickets, rentals,and more!

*Photo Courtesy of WhistlerBlackcomb.com
Location: Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia

Comments

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

The countdown is also on to see who can be the first ones up the mountain and be granted the magical first carve of the year. This is definitely one of the biggest bragging rights anyone can claim!

There’s only one way to take a shot at that title, and that’s by being here bright and early. In fact, some people camp overnight, just to make sure they’re first in line. Now THAT’S dedication to the sport!

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

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

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

If you are planning a family ski vacation to Whistler, make sure you check out these tips. Whistler is a kids(and big kids) paradise! April is a great month to visit with the family as you can save up to 30% on lessons, lift tickets and rentals with Discover Whistler Days. Here are our tips to ensure you have the best Whistler family ski vacation.

1. Whistler Kid’s and Ride Tribe

The Whistler Blackcomb Ski and Snowboard Schoolis one of the largest in the world and attracts top instructors. Lessons are available for children aged 3years and up to 18 years. During Discover Whistler Days(April 13 – April 22) you can save up to 30% on daily lessons and multi day adventure camps. Children of all ages will love the facilities including a Magic Castle on Blackcomb Mountain and hidden Tree Fort on Whistler Mountain. Take of your skis and snowboards and come explore these great outdoor adventure playlands.

2. Whistler Blackcomb Tube Park

The Tube Park is located at Base II on Blackcomb Mountain. This is a fun activity that everyone can enjoy – no experience required. The Tube Park has six to eight lanes varying in difficulty from green to blue to black. There is also a mini zone with mini-tubes for younger kids looking to join in the fun. The Tube Park is open daily from 12noon (11am on weekends) until 8pm. Access to the tube park is easy by taking a free ride up the Excalibur Gondola from the Whistler Village base.

3. Stay in a Whistler Condo

Aloha Whistler offers a number of luxury homes and condos located throughout Whistler. This is a great option for families as all our accommodations have full cooking facilities and living space ideal for longer stays. Don’t stay squashed up in a hotel room when you can enjoy the comfort of a Whistler home. Booking a Whistler condo is often much better value than staying in a hotel. All our accommodations offer free parking for example. For more information, view our Whistler homes and condos.

4. Whistler Family Activities

Kids can receive up to 50 per cent off most Whistler activities like snowmobiling. There are also a number of great free or almost free kid’s activities in Whistler available. Make sure you spend an hour or two at the outside wood carved jungle gym, just opposite the Whistler Olympic Plaza. Kids will also love the outdoor ice skating rink in the Whistler Olympic Plaza. Just outside of the Village is the Meadow Park Sports Centre which has an excellent kids pool complete with lazy river, slide and rope swing.

5. Family Friendly Whistler Restaurants

Whistler has many great restaurants and some great options for families dining with children. We recommend making restaurants reservations ahead of time. Family favourite Whistler restaurants include Creek bread, The Old Spaghetti Factory, Caramba, Uli’s and Pasta Lupino.

Do you need WHISTER ACCOMMODATIONS for your family ski vacation?

Luxury In Whistler has been providing quality Whistler accommodations and vacation packages since 1979.

Check out our great selection of Whistler luxury homes, Contact our staff today for more information.

Celebrate the Holidays in Whistler! Whistler is an amazing place to spend this special time of year. In addition to world class skiing and riding, Whistler has lots of events and festive activities happening.

Aloha Whistler has put together a list of must do Whistler activities that the entire family will enjoy. Many of these Whistler events are free!

Outdoor Ice Skating at the Whistler Olympic Plaza

The Whistler Olympic Plaza located across from the Marketplace will be transformed into an outdoor skating rink for the winter. Use of the rink is free. Skate rentals 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 for special events.

Coca Cola Tube Park Whistler

The tube park is located at Base II on Blackcomb Mountain. Tubing is a fun activity for everyone and no experience is required! The tube park is open daily from December 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 Sliding Centre

Visit the venue of the bobsleigh, luge and skeleton competitions of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The Whistler Sliding Centre is located at Base II on Blackcomb Mountain. You can now experience the thrill of these incredible sports through the public sliding program for Skeleton and Bobsleigh. For more information and to book the thrill of a lifetime, visit the Whistler Sliding Centre.

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre has been voted one of the top Whistler attractions. The centre is dedicated to the history and culture of local First Nations. The centre features a museum, exhibits, a gift shop, cafe, gallery and a theatre showcasing a 15 minute film.

Do you need a Whistler Accommodations for the holidays?

Luxury In Whistler has been providing quality Whistler accommodations and vacation packages since 1979. Check out our great selection of Whistler luxury homes, Contact our staff today for more information.

When you are visiting Whistler this winter, make sure you include a trip to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and learn about the local BC First Nations cultures. The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler provides guests the opportunity to experience the distinctive living cultures of two local First Nations. Whistler and the surrounding area is home to the Squamish Aboriginal people and the Lil’wat Aboriginal people.

The Tale of Two Nations

The Squamish Nation territory extends from North Vancouver up through Squamish to Whistler. The Lil’wat Nation territory starts in Whistler and extends north through Pemberton to Mount Currie. The traditional territories overlap in Whistler which is the perfect location for the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is located in the Upper Village, just across from the Four Seasons Resort Whistler. The centre is open in the winter from Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 5pm. Every Tuesday throughout the winter admission 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 performances and guided tours with local First Nation Ambassadors.

A new exhibition for this winter is the Lil’wat Nation Weaving Wisdom exhibition. This is a collection of contemporary and traditional cedar woven pieces. The exhibition is an opportunity for the public to learn more about the interesting and spiritual process of weaving that continues today as a result of the guidance, inspiration, and dedication of many in the Nations. The Lil’wat Nation is highly regarded for basketry and 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’wat Cultural Centre features a gift shop and cafe. Both the gift shop and cafe can be accessed without paying the admission fee to the centre. This is a great place to find the perfect Whistler gift that will be unique and special. The gift shop is now also available online at shop.slcc.ca. You can browse and purchase some amazing First Nation art work from local and regional artists.

The cafe at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural is located between the Istken Hall and the Giftshop. Try some indigenous inspired cuisine such as Squamish salmon chowder or Lil’wat venison chilli and of course you have to try the Bannock. The cafe is kid friendly and features a children’s reading, colouring and play zone.

For more information, view the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre website.

Do you need a whistler condo for your ski vacation?

Luxury In Whistler has been providing quality Whistler accommodations and vacation packages since 1979. Contact our staff today for more information.

Whistler is an outdoor playground for both adults and kids. There are so many fun activities to do, it is hard to choose which one. We have compiled a list of the 5 best activities 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 the country. Lessons are available from ages 3 years to 17years. There are a number of different programs available from daily lessons to weekly adventure camps. Lessons are a great balance of skill development and fun. At the end of the day your children will tell stories of visiting Magic Castles and Tree Forts!

Tube Park

The tube park is located at Base 2 on Blackcomb Mountain. Cruise down a variety of lanes in an inflatable ring! It is easily accessible 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 Park Sports Centre features a great kid’s pool complete with lazy river and whirlpool. In the main swimming pool there is a rope swing, perfect for the older children. Meadow Park is also home to Whistler’s ice rink. Check out the weekly schedule for drop in skating times. Skate rentals area available.

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

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

Looking for a Whistler Accommodation this winter?

Contact our staff today who can help you find the perfect Whistler accommodation for your stay in Whistler. We also have some great rates available at the moment. Checkout our great selection of Whistler luxury homes.

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

Whistler Kids Ski and Snowboard School

The Whistler Core is located in the heart of Whistler Village under the Whistler Conference Centre. It features an amazing 5500 square-foot indoor rock climbing wall. There are a number of kids programs available for children aged 4 years and up. Visit the Whistler Core for more information.

Meadow Park Sports Centre

Meadow Park Sports Centre features a greatkid’s pool complete with lazy river and whirlpool. In the mainswimming pool there is a rope swing, perfect for the olderchildren. Meadow Park is also home to Whistler’s ice rink. Checkout the weekly schedule for drop in skating times. Skate rentalsare available.

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

A new festival is coming to Whistler over the Labour Day long weekend from September 2^nd to 4th.

The Jazz on the Mountain festival is a weekend filled with concerts by top international and Canadian jazz artists, free concerts around Whistler Village, a street festival with children’s entertainment and family fun, and a master class series for selected students.

Outdoor concerts at Whistler Olympic Plaza

Daily outdoor ticketed concerts will be at the Whistler Olympic Plaza. Jazz on the Mountain will feature jazz greats including Kevin Eubanks Quartet, Stanley Jordan Trio, Oliver Jones Trio, The New Gary Burton Quartet, Spyro Gyra, The Rippingtons and more!

The Whistler Olympic Plaza will play host to the inaugural Jazz on the Mountain at Whistler, offering festivalgoers the opportunity to be among the first to experience this incredible facility. This outdoor venue features stunning views of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

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

The venue will also feature the Jazz Bistrosponsored by Heineken, Appleton Estate Rum and its Festival beverage 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 of performances is set to thrill as three jazz guitar masters each take to the stage for a solo performance. This is a ticketed event and will feature guitar virtuosos Stanley Jordan, Kevin Eubanks, and Russ Freeman (of The Rippingtons) in their element.

Free outdoor concerts

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

Street Festival

Throughout the three-day Jazz on the Mountain festival, Whistler Village will come alive with an incredible street festival featuring acoustic musicians,face-painters, jugglers, and acrobats. This is the perfect entertainment 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 the Mountain Whistler Festival?

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