LUXURY IN WHISTLER Blog

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

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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

Posted on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 | Comments (0) | Category: Aloha News, Resort Information, Whistler Accommodations, Whistler Events, Resort News, Whistler Ski News | Permalink

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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!

Posted on Wednesday, September 26, 2012 | Comments (0) | Category: Aloha News, Resort Information, Resort News, Whistler Ski News | Permalink

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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 thefamily as you can save up to 30% on lessons, lift tickets andrentals with Discover Whistler Days.  Here are our tips toensure 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 topinstructors. 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 andmulti day adventure camps.  Children of all ages will love thefacilities including a Magic Castle on Blackcomb Mountain andhidden Tree Fort on Whistler Mountain. Take of your skis andsnowboards and come explore these great outdoor adventure playlands.

2. Whistler Blackcomb Tube Park

The TubePark is located at Base II on BlackcombMountain.  This is a fun activity that everyone canenjoy - no experience required. The Tube Park has six to eightlanes varying in difficulty from green to blue to black. There is also a mini zone with mini-tubes for younger kidslooking to join in the fun. The Tube Park is open daily from 12noon (11am on weekends) until 8pm.  Access to the tube park iseasy by taking a free ride up the Excalibur Gondola from theWhistler Village base.

3. Stay in a Whistler Condo

Aloha Whistler offers a number of luxury homes andcondos located throughout Whistler. This is a great optionfor families as all our accommodations have full cooking facilitiesand living space ideal for longer stays.  Don't stay squashedup in a hotel room when you can enjoy the comfort of a Whistlerhome.  Booking a Whistler condo is often much better valuethan staying in a hotel.  All our accommodations offer freeparking for example.   For more information, view our Whistler homes andcondos.

4. Whistler Family Activities

Kids can receive up to 50 per cent off most Whistler activitieslike snowmobiling and sleigh rides.  There are also anumber of great free or almost free kid's activities in Whistleravailable.   Make sure you spend an hour or two at theoutside wood carved jungle gym, just opposite the Whistler OlympicPlaza.  Kids will also love the outdoor ice skating rink inthe Whistler Olympic Plaza.  Just outside of the Village isthe Meadow Park Sports Centre which has an excellent kids poolcomplete with lazy river, slide and rope swing.

5. Family Friendly Whistler Restaurants

Whistler has many great restaurants and some greatoptions for families dining with children.  Werecommend making restaurants reservations ahead of time. Family favourite Whistler restaurants include Creekbread, The OldSpaghetti Factory, Caramba, Uli's and Pasta Lupino.

photo credit: Brooke McDonald

Do you need WHISTER ACCOMMODATION for your family skivacation?

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.

Posted on Thursday, March 08, 2012 | Comments (0) | Category: Aloha News, Resort Information, Whistler Accommodations, Whistler Ski News | Permalink

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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.

Posted on Friday, December 16, 2011 | Comments (0) | Category: Aloha News, Resort Information, Resort News | Permalink

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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.

Posted on Thursday, November 24, 2011 | Comments (0) | Category: Resort Information, Resort News | Permalink

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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.

Posted on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 | Comments (0) | Category: Resort Information | Permalink

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A new festival is coming to Whistler over the Labour Daylong weekend from September2^nd to4^th.

The Jazz on the Mountain festival is a weekend filled withconcerts by top international and Canadian jazz artists, freeconcerts around Whistler Village, a street festival with children'sentertainment and family fun and a master class series for selectedstudents.

Outdoor concerts at Whistler Olympic Plaza

Daily outdoor ticketed concerts will be at the WhistlerOlympic Plaza. Jazz on the Mountain will feature jazzgreats including Kevin Eubanks Quartet, Stanley Jordan Trio, OliverJones Trio, The New Gary Burton Quartet, Spyro Gyra, TheRippingtons and more!

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

The venue will also feature the Jazz Bistrosponsored by Heineken, Appleton Estate Rum and its Festivalbeverage 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 ofperformances is set to thrill as three jazz guitar masters eachtake to the stage for a solo performance.  This is a ticketedevent and will feature guitar virtuosos Stanley Jordan, KevinEubanks and Russ Freeman (of The Rippingtons) in their element.

Free outdoor concerts

Whistler's Village Square, at the very heart ofthe resort will host a stage for the duration of thefestival.  Daily free shows are at 2pm and 4:30pm and willfeature the powerhouse jazz fusion ensemble Five After Four, bassvirtuoso Michael Farquharson, drum wizard Mat Marucci, Five AlarmFunk and more!

Street Festival

Throughout the three-day Jazz on the Mountainfestival, Whistler Village will come alive with anincredible street festival featuring acoustic musicians,face-painters, jugglers and acrobats. This is the perfectentertainment 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 theMountain Whistler Festival?

Check out Aloha's complete listing of accommodations in Whistler.Then contact our in-resort localexperts to get more information or book your lodgings, eventsand activities!

Posted on Thursday, July 21, 2011 | Comments (0) | Category: Resort Information, Whistler Events, Resort News | Permalink

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