Pssst! Whistler Mountain Opens Saturday!

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB OPENING EARLY - SATURDAY NOVEMBER 16

Whistler Mountain opens 13 days early for eager skiers and riders

WHISTLER, BC November 13, 2013 - Thanks to cold temperatures, impressive snowmaking and natural snowfall Whistler Mountain will open thirteen days early on Saturday, November 16. With five lifts running, guests will have the option to upload from either the Whistler Village Gondola or the Creekside Gondola. Blackcomb Mountain will open, as scheduled, on American Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 28, 2013.

“Early season snowfall combined with our snowmaking team converting over 60 million gallons of water into snow the past few weeks, has allowed us to get things started early again this season,” says Doug MacFarlane, mountain manager at Whistler Blackcomb. “With all the excitement of opening day, we want to remind guests early season conditions will apply, especially off piste. It is important to obey mountain signage, ski and ride on open runs only and stay within the operational area marked by “Temporary Boundary” signage. Guests should be aware there will be rocks and other hazards below the snow surface; we do not recommend skiing and riding outside the temporary boundary in any circumstances.”

First upload on the Whistler Village Gondola and Creekside Gondola will begin at 8:30 am, with last upload at 2:30pm on November 16. Emerald Express, Big Red Express and the Franz Chair lifts will be running, allowing access to 1800 vertical feet of skiing and riding terrain. Runs set to open will include Ego Bowl, Upper Whiskey Jack, Upper Franz, Papoose, Orange Peel and Pony Trail. Stay tuned for more and to keep updated with the most up-to-date information about lift status, visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com/the-mountain/lifts-and-grooming/index.

Whistler Mountain dining locations will also be open on November 16, including Essentially Blackcomb Cappuccino Bar in the Carleton Lodge, Dusty’s Bar & Grill in Creekside, the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain, and the Garibaldi Lift Co., Whistler’s world-famous location for après. 

Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations will operate from the Blackcomb Day Lodge, Creekside and Whistler Village on Friday, November 15 from 9am-7pm and on Saturday from all three locations from 7am-5pm. From Sunday onwards only the Village and Creekside Guest Relations will operate from 8am-5pm each day until Blackcomb Mountain opens on Thursday, November 28 and the Blackcomb Day Lodge opens again.

Ski and snowboard rentals will be available at the base of Whistler Mountain at Gondola Rentals, from 8am – 5pm, Essentially Blackcomb from 8am – 5pm, and the Salomon Store from 8am – 5pm. Can Ski Creekside will be open at the Creekside base from 8am – 5pm.

Adult Max 4 ski and snowboard lessons will be available on Whistler Mountain, and can be booked online or by calling 1-866-787-1966.

Beginning November 15, Whistler Blackcomb’s Snow Report will be updated daily throughout the season and can be accessed online or by calling 604-932-4211 in Whistler, 604-687-7507 in Vancouver, or toll-free at 1-800-766-0449.

For Canadian and Washington State residents, Whistler Blackcomb offers the EDGE Card, allowing guests to ski/ride from $69 (CDN) a day. EDGE Cards are valid for use all season long, and are available at early bird pricing until November 25 at whistlerblackcomb.com/save.

Guests interested in planning a trip to Whistler can take advantage of the Early Season Booking Offer which runs until November 15, and includes four nights lodging and a three day lift ticket deal from $99 per person, per night. To book a trip to the No. 1 rated mountain resort in North America visit whistlerblackcomb.com/lodgingdeals or call 1-866-787-1966.

Reminder:  GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE is a week earlier this season.  New dates are:  Jan.26-Feb02, 2014.  Stay + Ski packages start at just $115/person/night when  you book before Nov. 15th.  New this year is a special Stay, Ski + Play Package which inlcudes accommodations for 7-nights, 5-day ski and a full week WinterPRIDE festival package for just $179/person/night.  For this and other packages call 1.866.787.1966 or visit online at whistlerblackcomb.com/gaywhistler.  Book before Nov. 15th.  WinterPRIDE is proud to call the Aava Whistler Hotel home.  Official Pride Hotel for 2014.

WinterPRIDE special guests DJ's include:  DJ IVAN GOMEZ (BCN), DJ PHIL B (SFO), DJ PAULO (LA), DJ PORNSTAR (LA), DJ SETH COOPER (Chicago), DJ NICK BERTOSSI (Vancouver).  WinterPRIDE is proud to be working with Big Roger Events and ShowMax for incredible light + sound experience Whistler has yet to experience!  Get your festival tickets today!

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 1,192 centimetres (469 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.

72-HR Winter Sales just in time for Pride

News Flash!! Whistler Blackcomb has just released an exclusive 72-Hour Sale with savings up to 50% this season. This is fantastic news on top of the already 17+ feet of snow this year... you could sort of say this is the icing on the cake for our 20th annual celebration of Gay Ski Week!

So what are you waiting for? This is the time to jump off that fence and make your way up to Whistler and experience 100% of the 8,171 acres of pure skiing bliss! Book Online Now! or call 1.866.787.1966
WinterPRIDE - Whistler's Gay/Lesbian Ski/Snowboard Week is Feb. 5-12, 2012 and has a wicked line up of some incredible talent including: International DJ/producer Manny Lehman, DJ Ted Eiel (Chicago), DJ Tim Jones (London), DJ Dan Murphy (Sydney), DJ Adam Dreaddy (Vancouver), DJ/Producer Bertossi (Vancouver), DJ Zach Shore (Vancouver), JC Simon ARCADIA (Ottawa), DJ Riki Rocket (UK), DJ Miss M (Vancouver), DJ Kasey Riot (Vancouver), DJ Foxy Moron (Whistler), DJ Byron James (North Vancouver), DJ Kevin Costner (Whistler), DJ Doug Cameron; Special Guests: Jason Stuart, Julia Stretch, Ruckus Deluxe, Patrick Masse, Tyrell Witherspoon, Symone Says, Jodie James, Syren, Samantha mack, buster Cherry, Burgundy Brixx, Madame Mae I, Cris Derksen, Mr. Gay Canada 2012 Delegates

For complete listings visit gaywhistler.com or click on the festival guide below:

- Click to search other GayWhistler publications

GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE is Feb. 5-12, 2012 in Whistler, BC, Canada

Riding the Pride Train to Whistler

The count down to the 20th Annual Gay Ski Week in Whistler - WinterPRIDE is just 23 days away and Amtrak Cascades has a very sweet offer just for Pride! Save 25% when you ride the rails to Whistler... Doing a quick search I found a rate of US$57 from Seattle downtown Amtrak station all the way to Whistler Village (need to transfer in Vancouver onto a motor coach up the Mountain) - Sweet! You can add $19 and upgrade to Business Class for the train. Amtrak offers free WiFi so you can GuySpy your future dates at Pride Week... Tweet and Facebook how much fun you are having riding the rails up to Whistler.

For more details visit Amtrak search "Gay Ski" for the "Save 25% off Train Fares to Whistler, BC for WinterPRIDE Ski Week" - so what are you waiting for.... grab your posse and jump on Amtrak today! < Click to learn more >
Oh... Travel tip! For all of our American friends outside of Seattle.... consider flying into SEATAC and then taking the Train up to Whistler... the extra travel time may save you a couple hundred bucks, plus you could meet a couple new friends along the way! Visit Amtrak.com and save!

There are some great last minute deals to Whistler as well (even better if you had booked a couple months ago... but you can make a note to yourself for next year!) with room only rates coming in at just C$161/night or if you want to maximize your savings the 5th Night Free Promo is still running with rates starting at just C$130/person/night for a 5 Night, 4 Day ski package... pretty stellar deal when you consider that walking up to the ticket window the day you want to ski will set you back approx. $100 - so best get your tickets in advance for the best savings! (Travel Tip: You need to buy your lift tickets a minimum of 48 hours ahead to get the maximum discount).
< click here to check accommodations now >

This year, Manny Lehman returns to Whistler for Snowball 20 and from what we understand the light show and visuals this year are sure to impress! Most of the week’s normal programming will be back with a couple new additions including: Monday’s “Up Yer Kilt” Party at the Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub at the Pan Pacific Whistler hotel. Thursday for the first time in the resort’s history they will make an official proclamation of “Pride Week” at the city hall followed by a pride march, they will also offer Skelton racing on the Whistler Olympic Sliding Centre... can you imagine the Queens dressed in a tutu flying down the track face first clocking in speeds of 77mph - that sounds like so much fun! WinterPRIDE has something for everyone from the low key apres ski parties, to the fun late night theme parties like the Cowboy party, the Gender Bender Drag Ball (think Burning Man and your alter-ego), Pool party, Furrocious Bear party, Snowstorm (for the Club Kids), Purrlesque (bi-sexual / lesbian party), Shred Betties (mostly women’s party), culinary events for the foodies; and snowmobile, dog sled, ZipTrek, Bungee, Skiing (of course!) in total there are 8 days and 65 events for you to pick and choose your own adventure! For more info call 1.866.787.1966 or visit online at Gaywhistler.com

See you at WinterPRIDE Feb. 5-12, 2012

Final Day to get your Super Early Bird WP12 Festival Pass

Nov. 30th 6PM PST is the final day and time you will be able to pre-order your 2012 WinterPRIDE Festival pass at the Super Early Bird Rate. Book online today and save!

Are you looking for Christmas or birthday gift ideas? Give the gift of pride and give an experience for that special someone that has everything. GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE is celebrating it's 20th annual Gay & Lesbian ski/snowboard week and has a stellar line up including Int'l Producer/DJ Manny Lehman headlining Snowball. Other artists include: Ruckus Deluxe, Patrick Masse - Canadian Country Recording Artist, DJ Byron James, DJ Zach Shore, Jason Stuart - Comic, DJ Dan Murphy, Vancouver's Drag Diva - Symone, DJ Tim Jones, DJ Ted Eiel, Burgundy Brixx, DJ JC Simon, DJ Adam Dreaddy and a few more artists we can hardly wait to share with you. For more information about these artists click here.

Whistler Blackcomb is off to an epic start to this snow season... WB is the only resort in the world that currently offers the most terrain and most vertical in the World. An astonishing 4,300 acres and 4,085 vertical feet of pure skiing/riding bliss on an impressive 144cm (57") base... and just in the last 24 hours received another 18cm (7") of fresh virgin snow... wait there is more! In the last week... the mountains have been hammered with 86cm (34")... so if you are looking for fresh POW and epic face shots... you have to make the trek up to Whistler. Remember to book early as we are sure as the snow base continues to rise we are sure hotel rates will follow, so book early and save. Call 1.866.787.1966 or visit online at GayWhistler.com GayWhistler's Pride packages start at just $130/person/night for a 5 night, 4 day ski package.

Remember to order your WinterPRIDE Festival tickets today! Order Now / Book Online

Final Count Down...

Today, Nov. 15th is the last day for the Early Bird Ski Package deal that can save you up to 36% off your vacation experience. During the WinterPRIDE Week of Feb. 5-12, 2012 we have our Pride rates starting at just $131/person/night... and when you consider that a single day ski pass at the ticket window will be just over $100/day... this is a wicked deal! So pick up the phone and call 1.866.787.1966 or visit online today and lock in the BEST package deal Guaranteed!

Mike Douglas, Whistler Ski Patrol, will be living at the top of Whistler mountain counting down the days to the early opening of Nov. 18th

EMBEDDED Day 1 – Patience from Whistler Blackcomb on Vimeo.

as Whistler gets ready to welcome La Nina back for another epic ski season. See for yourself why Whistler continues to be named one of the best places on the planet to ski/snowboard, experience some of the best hotels, apres ski parties, night life and culinary delights. The 2011/12 Season is sure to be a season that many legends are made... the question is, What legend will you create for yourself?

See you OUT on the Slopes this season. Remember think snow, think WinterPRIDE. GayWhistler.com

It's Official: Whistler OPENS 6 Day Early: Fri., Nov. 18th

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB TO OPEN SIX DAYS EARLY; FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18
The return of La Nina and an incredible snowmaking infrastructure deliver another early opening to Whistler Blackcomb

WHISTLER, BC, Monday, November 14, 2011 – Whistler Blackcomb is thrilled to announce Whistler Mountain will open six days early on Friday, November 18. The return of La Nina, forecasted to bring greater than average snowfall, has skiers and snowboarders excited about the start of the ski/ride season. Blackcomb Mountain will open on Thursday, November 24, Whistler Blackcomb’s official opening day.

“Cold temperatures, early season snow fall and the relentless work of our mountain operations teams is what allows us to open early,” says Doug MacFarlane, Mountain Manager at Whistler Blackcomb. “Early season conditions apply but we are very happy with the current conditions. Enjoying the first turns of the season is always an amazing feeling and we are very excited to announce Whistler Mountain will open six days early.”

The alpine forecast is calling for up to 35 centimeters of snow in the alpine before opening on Friday, adding to the current snow base of 55 centimeters at Pig Alley. Additionally, the Whistler Blackcomb snowmaking team has turned over 50 million gallons of water into snow so far this season, the equivalent of covering 250 football fields with up to one foot of snow.

Whistler Mountain will open for the season on Friday, November 18, from 8:30am to 3:00pm. Skiing and riding will be open on the Emerald Express, Big Red Express, and Franz’s Chair with upload access from the Creekside Gondola and the Whistler Village Gondola.

Caution should be exercised at all times as the terrain available is best-suited for intermediate to advanced boarders and skiers. With early season conditions it is extra important all mountain signage is obeyed and guests stay within the marked operational boundary. Rope and signage saying “Temporary Boundary” will be used during the early season. With early season snow-pack, guests should be aware of rocks and other hazards below the snow surface.

To ski and ride Whistler Blackcomb, for the best possible price this season, guests can take advantage of Whistler Blackcomb’s early booking offer; book by November 15 and save up to 36 per cent on lift ticket and accommodation packages at Whistler Blackcomb or call 1.866.787.1966

For Canadian and Washington State residents, Whistler Blackcomb offers the EDGE Card, allowing guests to ski/ride from $62 (CDN) a day. EDGE Cards also offer additional perks, including 20 per cent off retail/rental and $35 (CDN) off snow school. EDGE Cards are valid for use all season long, and are available at early bird pricing until November 21 at www.whistlerblackcomb.com/save.

Starting today, the Snow Report, powered by TELUS, will be updated daily and as of Nov 18 the Snow Report will be updated three times daily at 6:00am, 7:30am and 3:00pm, featuring the most current weather and snow information. The Snow Report can be heard online or by calling 604-932-4211 in Whistler, 604-687-7507 in Vancouver, or toll-free at 1-800-766-0449.

Stay up-to-date on what’s open, mountain conditions, temperatures, snowfall accumulation, forecasts and stay and ski/ride deals at www.whistlerblackcomb.com.


Download the App
The free app, Whistler Blackcomb Live, Powered by TELUS, allows skiers and riders to track their runs using GPS; check live grooming, lift status and snow reports; view the trail map; take photos and share them with friends; and view special promotions and information about the resort. Available for iPhone and Android. More info: whistlerblackcomb.com/app



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, over 8,000 acres of terrain, 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers, receives on average over 1,090 centimetres (430 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.

For more information, visit http://ww1.whistlerblackcomb.com/media



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Proud to be a venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE is Feb. 5-12, 2012

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

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.

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

Whistler Blackcomb Primed for Winter!

There is a sweet buzz in the air as Princess La Nina sends kisses to the resort with a cool breeze that whispers Winter is just around the corner and like the 2010/2011 season being the 2nd snowiest on record... the Long Range forecast for this coming winter season is looking pretty awesome!

Last week we were up in the Alpine for the annual skiOUT Alpine Hike on the "High Note Trail" and there was still plenty of snow... if the temperatures remain moderate I am sure this is just going to add to an epic early start to the season with a good base. Just this week Whistler Blackcomb released their teaser video

Whistler Blackcomb 2011/2012 Season Kick Off Video from Sherpas Cinema from Whistler Blackcomb on Vimeo.

So what are you waiting for? Book your winter escape now and save HUGE on the end of summer sale (Ends August 31st) where you can save on your accommodations and lift tickets. Here is a sampling of those wicked deals:

1. Best Deal 47% Savings at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler for just C$156*/person/night for a FIVE (5) Night FOUR (4) Day Ski package. The Fairmont is a 4.5 Star luxury hotel at the base of Blackcomb mountain.

2. Excellent Value 32% Savings at the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa for just C$180*/person/night for a 5 Night 4 Day ski package. The Hilton was our Host Hotel in 2011 and is a 4.5 star luxury hotel with suites and over sized rooms. Some of their suites have a private steam room as well as wood burning fireplaces.

3. Best Price Point 29% Savings at the Aava Whistler Hotel for just C$125*/person/night for a 5 Night 4 Day ski package. The Aava is a four star property close to all the action including the Whistler Conference Centre.

Other options with wicked deals include:
$152*/person/night at the Crystal Lodge & Suites - The Crystal is "in the heart" of Whistler Village and is a four star property with a variety of room types perfect for your posse that needs a variety of bedding configurations, plus their location is stellar close to everything plus Ric's Mix & Starbucks are right there.

$180*/person/night at the Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside with their unbeatable location and arguably "Whistler's Best Address" right at the foot of both Whistler & Blackcomb mountains. You literally cannot get any closer to the lifts. Their salt water pools and hot tubs makes your apres ski soak so much more enjoyable and leaves you feeling rejuvenated and ready to party with the big boyz!

$213*/person/night at the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre is the Pan Pacific's younger sister within Whistler Village centre and has One, Two and Three bedroom suites to choose from. Not only will you rejuvenate in their salt water pools but you also have included in your nightly rate a breakfast buffet served daily.

*Starting from rates are quoted in CAD funds. Package rate is per person per night, based on 2 people in a Deluxe Room, valid Feb 5 - 12, 2012. Taxes and fees are extra. Restrictions may apply. Offer is subject to availability and may change without notice. Offer available until August 31, 2011. Other packages available, please inquire for details.

To take advantage of these great rates call 1.866.787.1966 today or visit online at GayWhistler.com

The Hotels & Ski Packages are not the only items that are on sale...
GayWhistler's WinterPRIDE event passes are also on sale and as an added incentive we will give you a $25 Gift Voucher towards your event passes simply by using the Promo Code: Outgames. GayWhistler was a sponsor of the 2nd North America Outgames and to celebrate these games we are giving everyone an opportunity to use $25 towards their purchase of a Men's Full Week $249 (Regular rate $299) or a Women's Full Week event pass $169 (Regular rate $199). Book your pass today!
click here

Confirm today and lock in on these great deals. Call 1.866.787.1966 or visit online at GayWhistler.com