Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre is Number One

As the snow creeps closer to the Whistler valley floor we are reminded it is that time of year again when Conde Nast Traveler releases their annual "Readers' Choice Awards" and this year, the mountain resort of Whistler has 25% of Canada's Top Hotels including: the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre earning top honours placing it #1 hotel at the #1 Ski Resort in the World (click for related article).

In the October 2011 Issue of Conde Nast Traveler the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre scored 91.6 earning it the #5 hotel in all of Canada (#1 in Whistler). For those that have stayed at the 83-all suite boutique property in the centre of Whistler village will know that it is no surprise that the Pan is a favourite by many. Conde Nast Readers remarked, "Gorgeous views and lots of colorful flower beds" are hallmarks of this metal-roofed resort "central to the action." "Crisp and stylish suites" are equipped with fireplaces, kitchens, and Aveda products. Expect a ski valet, a heated outdoor saltwater lap pool, and two hot tubs. At Pacific Lounge, the breakfast buffet is "more than a juice and muffin carbohydrate load." The property has enjoyed being crowned in the Gold List for the past four consecutive years (2010, 2009, 2008). Click to read the 2011 Gold List Review Other accolades the Pan Pacific has recently been awarded include the very prestigious "Travelers' Choice 2011" by TripAdvisor.

Of the Top 20 hotels in Canada - Whistler calls home to five including:
#5 Pan Pacific Whistler Village Suites
#7 Four Season Resort Whistler
#8 Fairmont Chateau Whistler
#17 Westin Resort & Spa Whistler
#18 Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside
To review the complete list and learn more about each of the featured properties vist the 2011 Gold List

Are you coming OUT for the 20th Annual Ski & Snowboard Week - WinterPRIDE Feb. 5-12? You can stay at one of these Award winning properties starting at just $182/person/night for a four night, 3 day ski package.
Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside: $182/person/night
Fairmont Chateau Whistler: $194/person/night
Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre $214/person/night (includes breakfast daily)

For more information call 1.866.787.1966 or book online. BEST Price Guaranteed. Book before NOV. 15th to lock in these great deals. Remember think Snow, Think WinterPRIDE!

More accolades come rolling in for Whistler Blackcomb

More accolades come rolling in for Whistler Blackcomb this week.

Freeskier releases their top picks for the 2011/12 season and Whistler Blackcomb is #1 again. The editors note what makes WB #1 in their eyes are “... the terrain is still the best lift-accessed in North America, and there’s still more of it than you ski in a season. The five terrain parks and two halfpipes will keep even the most die-hard park rat happy day in day out.” The editors continue on about the epic snow conditions “especially last year” (and this year’s forecast of a strong La Nina with another incredible snow year), the pro scene “off the charts”, the apres-ski culture is “beyond comprehension” and finally the “late-night partying is still the best on the continent for a ski town and is amongst the best in the world.”


Marie Brandon for Yahoo News (Oct. 21/11) - just released her “Top Five Ski Vacations in the World” which includes Whistler Blackcomb and one of our Preferred Hotel partners - the Aava Whistler Hotel.

UK’s Daily Telegraph reporter Emily Benammar (Oct. 22/11) reports that Whistler is one of “The Hottest spots to ski and ride” and says “The best skiers in the world come here, and that's the best recommendation you can get.” and continues with “In Whistler there's very little you can't do and the après-ski is unparalleled”

UK’s Sophie Morris (Oct. 22/11) reports on the “The 50 BEST Ski resorts” for the Independent (daily newspaper) of which includes Whistler Blackcomb. The article says, “With some of the best freestyle parks in the world and powder- heavy tree runs, Whistler is a 'must do'," says Duncan. "Many only reluctantly return to Europe following a Whistler experience. Aprs- ski is well catered for and varied, with live music, clubs and restaurants to suit all tastes. These are just a few of the reasons Whistler remains one of the most popular places for UK riders to do a season."

Annual Resort Rankings Recognize Whistler Blackcomb for “best” Terrain, Value, Après/Nightlife and Family offerings

With four “best overall” wins and eighteen No.1 “category” wins, Whistler Blackcomb cements its position as the consistently ranked No. 1 mountain resort in North America.

“We are ecstatic to be recognized as one of the best mountain resorts by such a cross-section of sources: from ski and snowboard industry magazines, to travel experts,” says Stuart Rempel, senior vice president of marketing and sales at Whistler Blackcomb. “We’ve got extraordinary natural assets and a robust infrastructure combined with staff that go the extra mile to make guests’ experiences at Whistler Blackcomb one of the best in the industry. This past season Whistler Blackcomb scored an 88 on our Net Promoter Score, the highest score for customer satisfaction in Canada and among the top scores in North America. We’re going to work hard this season to not only maintain, but surpass this score.”

“No. 1 Overall” rankings Whistler Blackcomb achieved:

FREESKIER - “The Best”
Onthesnow.com – No. 1 Favourite North American Resort 2011
Australia’s Luxury Travel Magazine – No. 1 Overseas Ski Resort 2011
Findthebest.com – Best Ski Resort in the World
Whistler Blackcomb “Top/Best” inclusions:

Forbes.com – World’s Best Ski Resorts
Yahoo.com – Top Five Ski Vacations in the World
Powderhounds.com – Top Overall Resorts
About.com – Top Ski Resorts
The Independent – 50 Best Ski Resorts

Whistler Blackcomb Category Wins:

Value Award Winner: Up! Magazine
Best Terrain: onthesnow.com, SKI Magazine, TransWorld SNOWboarding, Powderhounds.com, and National Geographic
Best Après/Nightlife: FREESKIER, onthesnow.com, SKI Magazine, TransWorld SNOWboarding, and Powderhounds.com.
Best Family Resort: SKI Magazine (Canadian Resorts)
Other “not too shabby” placing(s):

No. 2
Terrain parks – onthesnow.com
Family – onthesnow.com
Digital Programs – SKI Magazine
Best Steeps - FREESKIER
No. 3
Resort in North America – SKI Magazine
Lifts – SKI Magazine
No. 4
Overall satisfaction – SKI Magazine
“vibe” – TransWorld SNOW Boarding
Top Destination in Canada – Trip Advisor
Best Powder – FREESKIER
No. 5
Best Family Resort in North America – SKI Magazine (No. 1 in Canada)
Best Pipe – Transworld SNOWBoarding


So what are you waiting for? Book your Whistler snow escape now and call 1.866.787.1966 or visit online at GayWhistler.com. Remember WinterPRIDE - the annual Gay & Lesbian ski/snowboard week is Feb. 5-12, 2012 and has a wicked line up to help celebrate 20 years of being OUT on the slopes of Whistler including award winning international DJ/Producer Manny Lehman. For more information please visit GayWhistler.com

GayTravel.com Names Whistler in the Top 5 in the World

Gay Travel Guru, Nick Vivion of GayTravel.com along with some of his colleagues experienced GayWhistler’s WinterPRIDE this past year, naming WinterPRIDE the #2 in the World for Best Gay Ski Weeks! From the look of their video montage it looks like they had a wicked experience and showed the diversity of activities that can be done from Skiing/Snowboarding, Nordic Skiing, Bi-Athlon (complete with riffle shooting), hot tub parties, culinary events, dining, comedy show, and of course the fun apres ski parties and the big dance parties.

This coming season, Whistler will celebrate our 20th annual Gay & Lesbian ski/Snowboard week and it is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever before. We are so excited to welcome back international DJ/Producer Manny Lehman to headline the grand finale of the week - Snowball, Sat., Feb. 11th, 2012. We also have DJ Ted Eiel headlining Furrocious (Bear, Leather, Denim) party on Friday, Feb. 10th and funny man Jason Stuart headlining the annual Comedy Show on Wed., Feb. 8th, 2012!

Make sure you book your ski package by Nov. 15th for your best savings. Ski Packages start at just $131/person/night for a 4 Night, 3 Day Ski package at the Aava Whistler hotel or $208/person/night at the Host hotel: Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa. Call 1.866.787.1966 or visit online at GayWhistler.com to reserve today or build your own custom package.

Would you do it? Would you unplug for a Month?

Tourism Whistler has launched a new contest titled "Would you do it?" where the tourism bureau gives one lucky winner a chance to live the dream of being a PAID ski bum for a month. The Prize... a one month (March - April 2012) Whistler Sabbatical where the resort gives you round trip airfare to the epic ski resort of Whistler, a posh mountain home way from home, ski pass for the month, new gear to ensure you play the part in proper form! Plus all kinds of one-of-a-kind adventures. So the question is... "Would you do it?" Unplug for a month a live the Whistler dream? For more info visit the contest page [ click here ]

Whistler Named one of the TOP Ski Resorts in the World

S Magazine (Snowsportsculture.com) named the Top 113 Ski Resorts in the world including Whistler Blackcomb and Whistler Heli Skiing. The editors say, "... Two mountains connect by a Village, more than 200 trails, 33 Lifts and 12 Alpine bowls, the Numbers Speak for Themselves. " Indeed, the numbers are pretty impressive with over 8,131 acres of pure skiing bliss, 5,280 vertical feet, and over 30+ feet of annual snow fall and this year, La Nina is meant to bring another impressive snow base and if last year was any indication we will have an awesome season.

S-Magazine highlights the Peak 2 Peak with their 28 sky cabins travelling 4.4 KMs between Whistler & Blackcomb mountains giving the skier "access to both mountains' expansive and unique high-alpine terrain and spectacular views." Some of our favourite places on Whistler Blackcomb include breakfast waffles at the Crystal Hut on Blackcomb, Apres ski fun at the GLC (we like to call it the Gay Lesbian Club) at the base of Whistler mountain in Whistler village. One of our fav places to call home is the Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside. Their all-suite rooms with stunning views of the Whistler mountain base and chill'n in the salt water hot tubs that overlook Skiers' Plaza is the bomb! 4 Night, 3 Day Ski Package at the Pan starts at $181/person/night For the best ski deals of the season call 1.866.787.1966 or visit Gaywhistler.com WinterPRIDE - the annual Gay & Lesbian Ski/snowboard week is Feb. 5-12, 2012 and will be celebrating 20 Years OUT on the Slopes of Whistler! Are you ready for an epic snow season?! Think Snow, Think WinterPRIDE!

REMINDER: Oct. 13-16 visit the Whistler Blackcomb booth at the Toronto Ski Show

* PRIDE ski package starting at $131/person/night for a 4 Night, 3 Day ski pass is based on double occupancy at the Aava Whistler Hotel.

La Nina is coming - Winter Preview

Hope you all had an amazing Thanksgiving weekend! Whistler Blackcomb released their "Giving Thanx to Ulr and La Nina" teaser video earlier this week and thought we really need to share this piece with our readers as it gives us goose bumps as we crawl closer to another epic snow season on Whistler Blackcomb!

Powder Turns on Whistler Blackcomb Oct 6th, 2011 from Whistler Blackcomb on Vimeo.

I do not know about you... but seeing fresh lines being cut in such pristine virgin snow sure gets me excited! As a special thank you to everyone that has support Whistler's Gay Ski Week over the last twenty years... this week only we are extending a special $10 credit to those that purchase your event tickets this week (offer expires this Friday) so on top of the Super Early Bird (SEB) pricing you will get an extra $10 off /person for your event tickets... that is like getting a free drink! Book Now! Promo Code: Turkey
Reminder to book your hotel/ ski package by November 15th for the best deal of the season. Call 1.866.787.1966 or visit online. Our Host Hotel is the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa and this year our preferred properties include: Aava Whistler Hotel, Coast Blackcomb Suites, the Crystal Lodge & Suites, and the Pan Pacific Whistler. So what are you waiting for? Book today and save! 1.866.787.1966 WinterPRIDE - 20th Annual Gay & Lesbian Ski Snowboard week is Feb. 5-12, 2012 GayWhistler.com

Jason Stuart heads North

Jason Stuart celebrates with laughter at the 20th annual WinterPRIDE festival in Whistler.

“I’m the Daddy and I have Candy” Comedy Tour heads North to GayWhistler’s WinterPRIDE Gay & Lesbian Ski/Snowboard week to headline the Comedy Show.

GayWhistler’s WinterPRIDE is thrilled to welcome Jason Stuart! Jason is no doubt, one of the most successful openly gay male comics in the United States, with over 150 Film & TV shows to his credit. He has performed at all the major Gay Events including Atlantis & RSVP cruises, Bear Life (NY), HRC Night of Comedy, Gay Days (Orlando), and Homolarius to name a few. Jason has performed at The Montreal Comedy Festival twice, on Broadway, all the "A" Comedy Clubs and to 100,000 people at the Millennium March in D.C. He has had his own cable TV special  “Jason Stuart: Making It To The Middle” in addition to appearances on “One Night Stand Up” & “Wisecrack” on LOGO and “Comics Unleashed”.
 
As an actor he was recently seen in a cameo on HBOs ENTOURAGE with Andrew “Dice” Clay & regular Kevin Dillon. Later this year on TV, Jason has a supporting role as  "Chief Maurice" in the thriller HOME INVASION starring C. Thomas Howell & Haylie Duff. In the indie film world he has 4 films coming out this year THE STAND IN, MONKEY MAN, FINDING MR. WRIGHT and WALK A MILE IN MY PRADAS. Last year he had a guest-starring role on THE CLOSER starring Kyra Sedgwick and made an appearance on ITS ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA . And if that’s not enough, Jason just completed the prison drama K11 and the romantic comedy BEAR CITY 2.

Jason is sure to make the 20th Annual GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE comedy show one to remember! WinterPRIDE Comedy show is at the Whistler Conference Centre on Wednesday, February 8th, 2011. WinterPRIDE event passes now on sale. For Accommodations, Stay & Ski Packages and more call 1.866.787.1966 or visit us online at Gaywhistler.com Host Hotel: Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa

Air New Zealand - Contest Winner Announced!

Congratulations to Kate Keyes, the winner of the grand prize with Air New Zealand's "Celebrate" photo booth challenge during the Vancouver Pride day celebrations at Sunset Beach (July 31, 2011). Hundreds of pride festival participants stopped by the Air New Zealand photo booth to get their photo taken with some of our handsome Air New Zealand models as well as special guest appearances with Rob Goddard - Mr. Gay Canada 2011 and Francois Nel - Mr. Gay World 2011 (Mr. Gay South Africa 2011). Kate (right) is posing with her friend Karla (left) showing us how they like to "Celebrate." Visit Air New Zealand Canada's fan page to see all the other photos from pride!

Kate now has the task of determining who she will take with her on the Pacific Economy Round Trip tickets from Vancouver to Auckland (approx. retail value: $3,500). To learn how you can participate in other contests and special offers become a FAN and LIKE Air New Zealand Canada fan page on Facebook. [ Click here to read the 2011 Celebrate Contest Rules & Regulations ] Air New Zealand is a proud sponsor of GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE. WinterPRIDE is celebrating 20 Years of being OUT on the Slopes in Whistler. Come and join us for an exciting week both on and off the slopes in Whistler Feb. 5-12, 2012. For more information visit gaywhistler.com

Whistler's Annual Turkey Sale this Weekend!

It is that time of year again when the leaves start to fall, rain starts to turn to dustings of snow and the annual Thanksgiving (Canadian) Turkey Sale sweeps into the village with some of the best deals of the season on all your outdoor snow equipement needs. The sale is on from Oct. 7-10 at the base of Blackcomb Mountain in the Blackcomb Daylodge. The Legendary Turkey Sale, is the place to be where you can shop for the top name brands in ski and snowboard equipment under one roof, at huge pre season savings! [ Click here to learn more ]

If you do one thing to get ready for the upcoming season, make sure you stop into the Turkey Sale!

The deals and activities don’t stop there. Local retailers, accommodation and restaurants are all sharing in the Thanksgiving spirit. The Turkey Sale, and all of the Thanksgiving activities that go along with it, starts at high noon Friday October 8, with a sale for locals and lasts through the weekend.

Need a break from shopping? "Whistler Presents" two days of free concerts at the Whistler Olympic Plaza with headline acts include: Animal Nation, Hellbound Hepcats, Wassabi Collective and Five Alarm Funk

GayWhistler's preferred accommodation partner, The Crystal Lodge & Suites, is offering an additional 10% off their best available rate to anyone that mentions the key word "turkey" at time of making your reservations. Call the hotel direct at 1.800.667.3363

For other great hotel options call our central reservations direct at 1.866.787.1966 or visit online at GayWhistler.com Remember book early & save. Super Early Bird Event Tickets now on sale. Book Online Today! GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE is Feb. 5-12, 2012