Whistler Vibe: Tourism Whistler's monthly media newsletter
Welcome to Tourism Whistler's new media newsletter, featuring information on what's new and noteworthy, upcoming events as well as quirky and interesting Whistler story ideas.
As 2010 dawns the excitement in Whistler is growing as the resort eagerly anticipates the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympic Games. January is the perfect time to come and experience the pre-Games buzz that surrounds the village. Don't miss your chance to ski the very runs the athletes will compete on during the Games and if you're lucky spot one of the athletes hard at training.
WHAT'S NEW
Viewing areas for the alpine skiing speed events
Talk about the best seats in the house! During the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games a Whistler Blackcomb lift ticket provides access to select areas on Whistler Mountain where guests can watch the Downhill, Super Combined and Super G alpine skiing events. Whistler Blackcomb has developed a map to help locate these prime viewing locations and to help guide guests to where the viewing areas are located. View map here.
An international flare comes to Whistler as more countries confirm Nation House
Whistler will have a decidedly international flare throughout the 2010 Winter Games as Jamaica, France, United States, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Slovenia and others establish special ‘houses' throughout the resort. The following countries have confirmed locations within and around Whistler Village.
• Whistler Canada Olympic House - Whistler Public Library
• USA House - in a private log home south of the village.
• Austria House - in a purpose-built ‘passive' house at the entrance to Lost Lake
• Jamaica Bobsleigh House - Savage Beagle nightclub
• Switzerland House - The Mountain Club Restaurant
• Norway House - Maurice Young Millennium Place
• Slovenia House - Westin Resort & Spa Whistler
• Bavaria House - Nicklaus North Golf Club; this location will also be the Whistler base for the German Bobsleigh team
• France House - 21 Steps restaurant
• Italian House - Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa
Whistler cements itself as one of the most inclusive destinations in the world
As a destination famous for its annual WinterPRIDE celebrations it is no surprise that Whistler will host the first ever PRIDE House during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Located at the Pan Pacific Whistler Village hotel, the facility will be open to gay and lesbian athletes, their families, friends and fans, free of charge, from February 8 to March 21. It will offer a lounge, cocktail bar, television screens and meeting areas. PRIDE House promises to be a hub of activity in the first week of March when the annual WinterPRIDE celebrations kick off. Taking place from March 1 to 8, the week in-between the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and the Paralympic Winter Games, this years event promises to be bigger and better than ever. Over the past few years, WinterPRIDE has evolved from what was once a party-centric event to a well-rounded festival that caters to men and women alike. This is one of the largest gay ski weeks in the world that offers culinary and health and wellness events, and fantastic entertainment both on and off the slopes. For more information call 1.866.787.1966 or visit www.gaywhistler.com.
New businesses open in Whistler ahead of the 2010 Winter Games
The past six months has seen a flurry of activity in Whistler as businesses move into Whistler, ready and eager to welcome the world in February 2010. Vancouver-based Bread Garden has opened in Town Plaza offering a variety of sandwiches, soups, pastas and more. Creek Bread has opened in Creekside offering wood-fired organic flatbread pizza. Also new in Creekside is PCH Prime, a tapas bar and lounge brought to you by the owners of Players Chophouse. The Lift Coffee Company has opened in skier's plaza offering tasty treats such as chili, curry, coffee and sandwiches. One of Whistler's original pizza companies Misty Mountain Pizza has returned to the Village opening a location in Mountain Square and White Spot has opened a new restaurant at the new Whistler Aava Hotel.
New Olympic exhibit opens in refurbished Whistler Museum
A new exhibit, Whistler's Olympic Journey, has opened at the recently refurbished Whistler Museum. The rich and varied history of Whistler comes alive in this new and dynamic interactive exhibit - specially designed to celebrate Whistler's journey to the 2010 Winter Games. Whistler's Olympic Journey chronicles the story and artifacts of Whistler's passionate visionaries that dreamed big - and worked together as a community to make it all happen. The museum also provides an insight into what makes Whistler the place it is today, chronicling its journey from its grassroots beginnings to one of the world's leading year-round destinations. The museum is open seven days a week from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Admission price is $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors (65+), $4 for youths (7-17), with free admission for children six and under. A family (4-6 people) rate of $20 is also available. www.whistlermuseum.org.
Whistler is home once again to the mother of all end-of-season parties
The TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival (TWSSF) returns to Whistler once again this April, promising to deliver one cranking end of season party. Earning the title of North America's biggest annual gathering of winter sports, music, arts and culture the festival features 10 action-packed days and nights of live music, arts and sports, fused together and dropped against the best spring skiing and riding in the world. The TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival features Canada's largest free outdoor concert series, pro ski and snowboard competitions including the World Skiing Invitational Big Air, Superpipe, the Orage Masters and the Grenade Games, career-making photography, film and fashion showcases, burn-the-candle nightlife, and so much more. The festival will take place from April 16-25, 2010. For the latest event information visit www.wssf.com
LOCAL PROFILE
Garry Watson - Local pioneer
Garry Watson's time in Whistler has spanned nearly five decades. That's a long time in a town whose history only dates back a little over a century. Watson, a lawyer and planner by trade, played a significant role in shaping the Whistler that you see today. He served on Whistler's municipal council from 1975 to 1980 and helped create the original land-use plans for Whistler Village. Having built his first cabin here in the early 1960s, his community involvement dates back even further than his time on council. A dedicated volunteer, Watson has given his time to numerous community groups including the Resident Housing Task Force, the Community Foundation of Whistler, the Whistler Valley Housing Society, the Whistler Health Care Foundation and the Whistler School Tax Action Committee, to name a few.
Watson's Whistler history traces that of the local Olympic bid history. He was involved in the original 1960s bid and was the first person to sign the Volunteer Book for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Whistler during the bid phase. The ultimate culmination of this community pioneer's vision and commitment will be in 2010 when Whistler welcomes the world as the Host Mountain Resort for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Watson plans to be front and centre as a volunteer, an ambassador and proud community member.
To view more local profiles click here
WHISTLER NEWS
Hell's Kitchen winner joins Araxi
Araxi Restaurant in Whistler is looking forward to welcoming Hell's Kitchen winner Dave Levey, who joins the Araxi kitchen brigade this week. Earlier this year, Hell's Kitchen announced that the grand prize for the season was a Head Chef position at Araxi - providing the winner with the opportunity to work under Executive Chef James Walt as Whistler welcomes the world during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The popular reality series which pitted aspiring chefs against each other under the searing scrutiny of Chef Gordon Ramsay aired during fall 2009 on FOX and CityTV. www.araxi.com/
Whistler Brewing Company returns to Whistler
Whistler Brewing Co. has returned to its Whistler roots opening a brewery, tasting room and retail store in Whistler. Located just south of the Village in Function Junction the brewery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11a.m. and visitors can see authentic craft brews in production and take part in guided tours of the facility. Guided brewery tours depart daily at 11.30 a.m., 2.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. and include a comprehensive explanation of craft beer brewing processes and a tasting of four Whistler craft beers. Entry cost is $12.95 which includes the tour, tasting and $5 redemption off retail merchandise. For further details call 604.962.8889 or visit www.whistlerbeer.com.
The world's largest hydrogen bus fleet in action in Whistler
Whistler is home to the world's largest fleet of hydrogen fuel cell buses, which literally only leave water in their wake. The 20 emission-free buses - each with 37 seats, a 60-person standing capacity, and a top speed of 90 km per hour - are twice as efficient as internal combustion engines and produce no smog-creating emissions. The buses have been transporting residents and visitors around Whistler since mid-November. After being showcased in Whistler during the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the buses will remain as part of the regular Whistler Transit fleet until approximately 2017. www.whistler2010.com/media-room/whistler-stories/
EVENTS
January Events
7-Eleven Fire and Ice Show, every Sunday at 6:30 p.m. (up until April 4, 2010)
- Deep Winter Photo Challenge, January 7, 2010
- Winter Purina Incredible Dog Challenge, January 8 to 9, 2010
- NiX Theatre of Snow and Ice, January 22 to February 27, 2010
- Callaghan Classic Group Cross-Country Ski, January 30, 2010
Coming soon...
Further information about any of these events can be found at whistler.com/events.
DEALS & PACKAGES
Visa Winter Advantage
Discover the Visa Winter Advantage and enhance your Whistler Vacation. Use your Visa card between December 1, 2009 and April 30, 2010 to book your dream holiday in Whistler and your hotel room will be upgraded free of charge* Visit www.whistler.com/visa_advantage for details.
*Terms and Conditions apply. Visit www.whistler.com/visa_advantage for a list of participating hotels and to review offer terms and conditions.
Stay & Ski Free*
Book a five night package to Whistler and your 5th night of lodging and 4th day on the slopes is absolutely free. Extend your holiday to 10 days and you get two nights and two days free. Rates start from $429 CAD per person**.
Last Minute Deals*
Throughout the early winter season, Whistler has amazing last-minute accommodation deals. These change daily with current rates starting as low as $149 CAD per night.
Reservation agents at whistler.com can also customize a vacation package for you, taking care of flights, transportation, accommodation and activities. Call toll free 1.800.WHISTLER (1.800.944.7853) to request a no-obligation quote or visit www.whistler.com/ for more details and offers.
*Advertised rates are exclusive of taxes, may change without notice and are subject to availability.
**Price is based per person and on two adults sharing.
More fresh ideas, story starters, photography and B-roll can be found by visiting the Tourism Whistler Media Room: www.whistler.com/media - awarded Best Online Media Centre in Canada by Canadian Tourism Commission.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Breton Murphy
Senior Manager, Destination Media Relations
T: 604.935.3356
E: bmurphy@tourismwhistler.com
Vanessa Murphy
Specialist, Destination Media Relations
T: 604.938.2799
E: vmurphy@tourismwhistler.com
Consumer Website: www.whistler.com
Media Website: www.whistler.com/media