Category Archives: Whistler Accommodations

Best Location In Whistler

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Best Location In Whistler

Best Location In Whistler

What Is The Best Location In Whistler?
By: Henry Schlee

When you rent a vacation home in a resort you don’t know, it is very important to find out as much as possible about the pros and cons of different locations within the resort. Take Whistler, BC, as an example. Whistler is one of the top ski resorts in the world, repeatedly voted #1 in North America. Some of the rental homes in it are spectacular, extremely convenient and desirable in every way. Others are less so. Before you book, educate yourself about the features of each possible location.

Village

Many people want to be right in the Village in Whistler. This is understandable, since the Village is the center of shopping and restaurants, and the gondolas up both mountains leave from the top of the Village. It is also an attractive location, since it is car-free and nicely-designed., with colorful low-rise buildings and an array of cafes and shops. The downside is that the Village is predominantly one and two-bedroom apartments, built fairly cheaply and generally small. They are very convenient, but with a few exceptions they are not spacious or luxurious and will not give you the feeling of being in a mountain cabin or a ski lodge. The same applies to most of the developments in Village North: convenient, but very small and generally built to a low budget. The major exception is Montebello, which are 3 and 4-bedroom townhomes built and decorated to a high standard, all with large private hot tubs and many with nice views over the mountains. Try Montebello for a quality modern home within a few minutes walk of the Village. However, don’t expect log construction and a mountain cabin feeling.

Upper Village

The Upper Village is an area on the lower slopes of Blackcomb Mountain on the upper side of Blackcomb Way. Some of these properties are true ski-in, ski-out (look for the Aspens, Cedar Creek, Cedar Hollow, Cedar Ridge, Pinnacle Ridge, Woodrun Lodge and Snowy Creek; others involve a short or short-ish walk to the slopes. At the north end of the Upper Village are several developments where you can ski back but have to take the shuttle bus to get to the lifts in the morning. These include The Woods, Treeline and Forest Creek. If you want true ski-in, ski-out make sure you understand exactly how far it is to the slopes. If you want to be near the Village as well as having true ski-in, ski-out then Snowy Creek is almost your only option, but its popularity means that you will pay a hefty premium for one of the 3-5 bedroom townhomes in this sought-after development.

Blueberry Hill

This is an area of many very exclusive multi-$m homes half-way between the Village and Creekside. Most of the homes have great views over both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. You can get good value here if you don’t mind driving to both the Village and the lifts.

Taluswood

This is an area on the lower slopes of Whistler Mountain, consisting of several different sub-developments, namely Taluswood Phase 1, The Ridge, The Bluffs, The Heights and The Lookout. These are all high-quality properties, with some of the best being the original Taluswood Phase 1, where the homes have peeled log interiors, custom-built doors and everything is comfortingly heavy-duty. Go for the Bluffs for the best views and the Ridge if you want to be right on the slopes. Try the Heights and the Lookout for larger homes, some of which have great views. The only drawback here is that the ski-out now involves taking your skis off to cross the road.

Whistler Creekside

Although the commercial area near the gondola is brand new, this is largely an older area for vacation properties, with a lot of cheap and fairly run-down units (avoid Gondola Village at all costs). However, there are some very upscale homes amid the dross, and some of the older properties have been nicely renovated. Caution is the watchword here.

The bottom line, if you don’t know the resort well, is to take advice from an expert. Try Holiday Whistler where you will get not only a great choice of Whistler accommodation, but also an unvarnished and knowledgeable perspective on the advantages and disadvantages of each location.

Henry Schlee is a regular skier in Whistler and always consults the experts at Holiday Whistler for advice on great Whistler rental accommodation.


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Fairmont Chateau Whistler

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Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Skiing Vacations at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler
By: Jasmine Stone

The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, in Whistler, British Columbia, is a gorgeous alpine resort in the shadow of Blackcomb Mountain. Rated as the number one ski resort in both Canada and North America in recent years, the Whistler Blackcomb resort is one truly not to be missed. British Columbia is home to many of the world's best ski resorts, and Whistler Blackcomb certainly reaffirms this. The impeccable reputation of the resort is only further bolstered by the eight thousand acres of pristine skiing, and over thirty-five feet of powder white snow which falls every single year, making Whistler Blackcomb the destination of choice for savvy ski enthusiasts the world over.

When it comes to skiing facilities, you'd naturally expect the Whistler Blackcomb resort to have it all. Catering for a broad cross-section of skiing abilities and tastes, there are over one hundred different runs to keep you occupied on your stay. The natural beauty of these resorts is obvious, and the facilities just add to the overall experience. In the lap of luxury, you can experience world class skiing, indulging in connoisseur black diamond runs, and lightening fast ski lifts. With an astonishing 57,000 skier per hour capacity, the Whistler Blackcomb resort is not only high quality, but also in high demand by those in the know across the world. And after you're active day, relax in the warmth and comfort of the resorts bars and restaurants, where you can share a joke or two over an open fire when it's cold outside. For most people, it really doesn't get much better than that, and that's why the resort has attracted such acclaim, on top of its excellent skiing and snowboarding facilities.

But don't worry if you don't know how to ski - the resort also boasts activities like golf, a health spa, gourmet restaurants, attractive walks and hiking. There really is something for everyone at the resort. Additionally, if you'd like to learn to ski, there really is nowhere better. The Whistler Blackcomb resort also employs a one thousand-strong teaching staff, making it one of the biggest skiing and snowboarding schools in North America, and indeed in the world. Whistler Blackcomb boasts an unparalleled number of world class instructors, which serve to ensure a high standard of training for all the school's participants. Additionally, with a range of training and tuition programmes available, the Whistler Blackcomb resort truly is one of the best locations in the world to improve your skiing skills.

The Fairmount Chateau Whistler is a truly unique skiing experience, making use of its beautiful natural resources, and a flair for quality and service. Any vacation at the Chateau Whistler will be an experience not to be forgotten, and with a wrought-iron reputation, you'll find many skiers choose to go back year on year for their annual vacation. If you're looking for a good tip for vacations to the Chateau Whistler, you could do worse than to book direct through their website. By cutting out the middle man you are paying only the hotel price and no commission, which means you can benefit from a much cheaper stay. Additionally, on the Fairmount website, you will find last minute bargains and offers which are simply unbeatable anywhere else, so you might just find that your once in a lifetime skiing experience costs a lot less than you had anticipated.

To learn more about skiing, including skiing tips and the best ski resorts, visit http://www.ski-trip-planning.com.


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Blackcomb Ski Accommodations

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Accommodations Whistler

Blackcomb Ski Accommodations

Blackcomb Ski Accommodations

Ski Accommodations At Blackcomb
By: Jewel Montoya

Whistler is known as a resort with extremely extensive terrain and the highest vertical drop in North America (over one vertical mile from the top of the Blackcomb Glacier down to Whistler Village. It is also known for a wide variety of ski-in, ski-out accommodation. However, potential visitors should be aware that not all ski-in, ski-out accommodation is created equal. For those who do not know Whistler well, here is a brief overview of the major slopeside developments on the lower slopes of Blackcomb Mountain.

On the Blackcomb side, the largest lodge is The Aspens. Over 300 one and two-bedroom apartments, a large swimming pool and several outdoor hot tubs, plus a large and comfortable lobby, a ski rental/tuning shop and several other onsite facilities comprise the Aspens complex. It is right on the edge of the slopes and just a 20 second ski down to the Blackcomb Base. For easy access to skiing, there is nowhere better than the Aspens. However the apartments in the Aspens are fairly small (the two-bedroom units are around 850 sq. ft.) and often furnished in a Spartan fashion. One or two have been extensively upgraded, and these are the ones to go for.

Next to the Aspens, and also equipped with a pool and hot tubs, is Greystone Lodge. Some people prefer Greystone Lodge since it is smaller and less like staying in a large amorphous hotel, and its proximity to the slopes is almost equal.

If you need a larger unit, a little further up the hill is Woodrun Lodge. This is a cut or two above the Aspens, and has units of up to 4 bedrooms and 1800 sq. ft. Go for one of these if you are a larger group and want to all be in the same place. However, the truly premium building on the North side of the Wizard run is Cedar Creek. A beautiful building, with very few units in the rental market, this is the crème de la crème of multi-unit ski-in, ski-out complexes in Whistler.

At the bottom of the Wizard are a couple of popular buildings which are very convenient: the Le Chamois Hotel: really a glorified apartment building, and Glacier Lodge. These contain a variety of accommodation right at the Blackcomb Base

On the other - southern - side of the Wizard lies Pinnacle Ridge. Pinnacle Ridge is a townhome with over 40 units, some of which are a lost closer to the slopes than others. Also, some have been extensively upgraded (sometimes to the tune of over $1m in renovations), while others are totally original (read: cheap fittings and drab décor). Further over again, and a little lower, are Cedar Ridge and Cedar Hollow. Of the two, Cedar Ridge is somewhat closer to the slopes (but they are both pretty close), whilst Cedar Hollow has the edge in design and interior space. Cedar Hollow and Cedar Ridge have the great advantage that you can ski down to the top of the Village, not just to the base of Blackcomb: this gives you the option of skiing up Whistler as well as Blackcomb mountain.

Further down from Cedar Ridge and Cedar Hollow lies Snowy Creek, often considered the best location in Whistler, since uniquely in Whistler it combines ski-in, ski-out with just a two-minute walk to the Village. Again, the Snowy Creek homes vary greatly in attractiveness, since the ones which haven't been renovated are fairly grim. However, due to their proximity to the Village, these are some of the most sought-after units in town.

So if you are looking for ski-in, ski-out accommodation in Whistler make sure you understand exactly what you are getting.

Read about types of frogs and types of glue at the Types Of Things website.


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Vacation Rental Property In Whistler

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Property Whistler

Vacation Rental Property In Whistler

Vacation Rental Property In Whistler

Selecting vacation rental property in Whistler
By: Alton Gonzalez

Whistler is perhaps North America's best ski resort; certainly there is nowhere close for vertical drop, acreage of groomed runs and variety of expert terrain. However there is also a tremendous variety of rental accommodation, and before you make a choice it would be as well to be educated about the options and their implications.

Whistler properties vary along 3 key dimensions: size, quality/style and location. We don't need to say much about size; there are properties on the rental market ranging from shoeboxes of 350 sq. ft to imposing chalets of 6000 sq. ft. or more. Quality is another question altogether. Much of the Whistler rental inventory was built in the 80s and 90s when the profile of the resort was lower and cost was the name of the game. Most developments were built with indifferent design, cheap materials, poor quality fixtures and fittings and décor that is unimaginative at best. You do not want to spend your vacation in a condo with a blue carpet, magnolia walls, formica countertops, shiny brass bathroom fittings and garishly-coloured sofas. So you need to seek out either one of the more recent developments, such as Taluswood, that were built to a much higher specification, or you need to find a unit that has been recently renovated (or 'Whistlerized', as the local term has it). 'Whistlerization' typically involves installing slate floors, granite countertops, stone fireplaces, wooden cupboards, beams and trim, and painting in earthy autumnal tones of café-au-lait, caramel and burgundy. These units have a much more mountain-cabin feel. The top-of-the-line properties in Whistler go a stage or three beyond this, with spectacular designs and extremely high-end finishes, although only a few of these properties are on the rental market.

Location is perhaps the key issue in choosing your Whistler rental. Although only a small town, there are many different areas you can choose for your vacation, and each of them has advantages and disadvantages.

The Village is the place for proximity to bars and restaurants, and for being a relatively short walk to the lifts. However most of the inventory in the Village is small, with one or two-bedrooms units dominant in the mix, and it was all built to a cheap standard. It is critical to find a unit that has received a recent quality renovation. There are also one or two units that are larger, but you may have to search hard to find them.

The Upper Village is on the lower slopes of Blackcomb Mountain. This is the location for ski-in, ski-out units that are also reasonably accessible to the Village. However, if you want ski-in, ski-out make sure that you check what this means. Some properties are actually on the slopes; others, still styling themselves 'ski-in, ski-out' may be up to 5 minutes walk away. Still others are ski-in, but not ski-out.

The second main location for ski-in, ski-out units is Taluswood on the lower slopes of Whistler Mountain. This is a very upscale area with a variety of accommodation, but all of a high quality standard using peeled logs, natural materials and quality décor. Access to the slopes is very easy, with no more than a 2 minute walk from most properties. However you need a vehicle to get to shops and restaurants, as this area is not served by either the free shuttle or by municipal buses.

The fourth location is Creekside, the original location of Whistler. This used to be a very downmarket area, but recent heavy investment has made it a decent alternative to the Village. The Creekside gondola is always less crowded than the lifts in the Village, and there is now a great selection of shops and restaurants in town. The quality of accommodation is very mixed, with many unattractive older properties and a few newer, luxury chalets that are equal to any in Whistler. You can walk to the lifts from most locations in Creekside.

Finally, there is a selection of other locations, including Blueberry Hill, Nicklaus North and Alpine Meadows. Here you will generally find larger homes, but they are not ski-in, ski-out and you will have to drive to the Village as well. However, you will get more for your money in terms of the quality and size of the property itself here.

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RV travel from Alberta through the Rockies to Whistler BC

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RV travel from Alberta through the Rockies to Whistler BC

RV travel from Alberta through the Rockies to Whistler BC

RV travel from Alberta through the Rockies to Whistler BC. You will never forget it.
By: Joe Mac Millan

Drive your RV from Banff, Alberta to Whistler, BC. There are many RV parks all along your route.

The Province of British Columbia operate a great many beautiful parks. Rates are very reasonable. Depending upon your site services you may pay anywhere from $9.00 to $28.00 per night. Nearly all have restrooms with flush toilets, showers, nice large sites with good solid tables with table tops 8 cm (3 inches) thick. Each site is equipped with a fire ring. You will need to watch for the water supply on your way through the parks to your site and fill up if needed. You can trust the supply as the Provincial Park water supply is well monitored. Some sites have on site hosts.

Most Provincial Park campgrounds do not have electricity or water at individual sites. Water is always available in the park and most have dumping stations. Services are available at Steelhead and Juniper Beach near Kamloops.

The most popular sites will be serviced by concessionaires who will come around to your site in the evening to collect the fee and sell firewood. If you want a fire I suggest you buy it as it is not only fairly dry but it is split for you.

We should also note that the parks people really frown on cutting down a tree for firewood and by doing so you could find your self in very deep trouble.

Of course there are a great many privately owned RV parks. Expect to have more services like electric power and water, cable TV etc. The rates are variable depending upon the quality of the park and the services offered. You can expect to pay anywhere from $24.00 up to $45.00

If you have arrived at Hope and it’s around one in the afternoon, I would suggest staying in the Fraser Valley (runs from Hope to Vancouver) for the rest of the day and get an earlier start the next morning for Whistler.

There are privately operated parks at Hope, Harrison Hot Springs (5 of them) Heerling Island before Chilliwack and a few more here and there.

A large Provincial park is located at Cultas Lake. The three campgrounds all are exceptional but are very popular by the locals. You may have a chance of getting in from Monday through Thursday morning without a reservation, however weekends are mostly sold out very early.

There is a Provincial Park Reservation system. The phone number is 1-800-689-9025.

You can get to Cultas Lake by taking the 119B exit from Hope onto Vedder Mountain road, drive through town until you cross the iron bridge across the Chilliwack river. Continue along 1 km (½ mile) to the stop light. Turn left up the hill and follow the Columbia Valley road for 6 km (3 ½ miles) to the park entrance. The Provincial Park sites, on the whole are nice and large with plenty of room for motor homes, travel trailers and tenting. Some sections may be marked “available for reservation”. This means that if you park in that site and the park fills up overnight you may need to move next day. The reason we suggest you stay overnight here is you may run into the heavy supper hour traffic going through Vancouver which tends to be quite congested from 3 to 8 pm. Better to wait until morning.

Another reason is that you don’t want to travel from Vancouver to Whistler in the dark or you will miss the totally incredible scenery along the route. We class the Sea to Sky highway as one of the worlds most scenic highways.

There is a scarcity of full service RV Parks along the Whistler corridor. There are a few Provincial campgrounds but in Whistler itself there is only on RV park. Riverside RV Resort & Campground. It has 107 sites and open year round. Motorhome travel allows for many options.

BC Parks operate several very nice campgrounds. Britannia Beach has a small one but a beauty. Just before you reach Britannia you will see the sign for Porteau Cove Provincial Park. Try it, you may get lucky and find a site. It’s a popular site.

Alice Lake is a good park with large sites. 13 km (7 miles) past Squamish on your right.

Nairn Falls is another BC parks campground. Approximately 30 minutes north of Whistler on your right. Nice big sites. The falls are a great attraction.

Birkenhead is another BC park north of Mount Currie. Set on a beautiful lake.

Joe and Irma Mac Millan have enjoyed the Whistler Mountain and valley area of British Columbia for many years. They have camped, hiked and skied the mountains and fished and kayaked the rivers and lakes. Their website One couples guide to the exciting Whistler-outdoors is a must for anyone considering a trip to Whistler as well as the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. They invite one and all to take a look.


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Red Heather Campground near Whistler, BC

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Red Heather Campground near Whistler, BC

Red Heather Campground near Whistler, BC

Red Heather Campground near Whistler, BC. Perfect jump off point to fantastic hiking.
By: Joe Mac Millan

Red Heather. The name conjures up memories of nice evenings with the campfire casting a glow against the nearby evergreens and the wonderful scent of the heather filling the meadow surrounding the campsite.

Red Heather campsite is the best way to describe it, rather than a campground. It’s quite small. Turn east off Hwy 99 onto Mamquam Road, 4 km north of the Squamish town site. Follow the paved road past the Squamish Golf and Country Club and then take the gravel road just past the Mashiter Creek Bridge. The road is generally full of potholes so take it easy. It is graded occasionally. It is 16 km from the highway to the parking lot, located at 914 meters. You should stop at the lookout 1 km before the parking lot that provides a sweeping, panoramic view of the Squamish River Valley and Howe Sound.

All camping areas, cabins, shelters, etc. in Garibaldi Provincial Park are operated on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are there first, you get to stay. No reservations are accepted. Be prepared to camp in outdoor conditions if the shelter facility is full. Camping is restricted to Elfin Lakes, Red Heather and Mamquam Lake Campgrounds.

Camping and Shelter fees are charged year round and must be paid in full at the trailhead Fee Station. Proof of payment must be carried at all times while in the park. A box is provided at the parking lot for your payment.

Red Heather - Located 5 km from the parking lot, the Red Heather area offers a day use shelter equipped with 2 picnic tables, a propane hot plate, a wash sink, a cooking counter, a wood stove (winter use only) and pit toilet facilities. Please take it easy on the wood to ensure that wood supplies last through the winter season. Camping is not permitted in the shelter. On snow camping is permitted during the winter season only. Nearby is a small campground with tent platforms.

Red Heather is about an hours walk with a backpack from the parking lot. The shelter is nearby. The shelter is the home of families of field mice. On a rainy evening we set up our little stove to cook supper. As soon as we were a little quiet the little mice suddenly appeared. They scurried everywhere, curious as all get out.

The campsite was perfect as the platforms kept us above the rain soaked ground and we remained nice and dry. The sounds of the owl’s hooting nearby was amazing. It continued for hours.

The next morning we headed off to Elfin Lakes where we managed to get a couple of bunks in the Elfin Lakes Hut. This is a real bargain at $10. Per night. It even is equipped with propane stoves. This site is cared for by a Ranger who is on site for the season.

The heat in August can be quite unbearable as there is not much in the way of shade. The nice cool waters of the lakes are perfect to cool one down.

If you are really into hiking you might want to climb your way up to the saddle you can see from the lakes and hut. The view from there is spectacular. You might want to make sure you place some rocks inside your tent if the wind is blowing as it could literally blow it away at times.

Another 7 miles of a hike will bring you to the Mamquam Lake remote campsite. Again there are a few tent platforms and plenty of hiking adventures everywhere.

One important note. The Garibaldi Park is a carry in/carry out park. Take your garbage home with you if you please.

Joe and Irma Mac Millan have enjoyed the Whistler Mountain and valley area of British Columbia for many years. They have camped, hiked and skied the mountains and fished and kayaked the rivers and lakes. Their website One couples guide to the exciting Whistler-outdoors is a must for anyone considering a trip to Whistler as well as the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. They invite one and all to take a look.


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Ski In Ski Out Accommodation In Whistler

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Ski In Ski Out Accommodation In Whistler

Ski In Ski Out Accommodation In Whistler

Marquise - Ski-In-Out Accommodation in Whistler
By: Junior Kerr

Other amenities consist of a popular place with a pool table, underground pay out parking, and coin-operated laundry.

Most suites at the Marquise Whistler are one bed room, with some greater 2 bedrooms also offered. This development is wonderful for accommodating huge people or teams, as just about every group could have the privacy of an personal suite but still be near to every other.

Is the Marquise Whistler Suitable for You?
As stated previously, if you're travelling in a significant group and want individual suites near to every single other, the Marquise would be ideally suited. Its many prevalent facilities are also wonderful for these who want heaps of perks but at great price.

Ski in/out position will be tremendously appreciated if you want to get started skiing as quickly as doable. For non-skiers, amenities and proximity to Blackcomb Base's outlets and dining establishments will present plenty of exercise.

The closest developments to Lost Lake Park are the ones that are found alongside the Chateau Whistler Golf Course in the Blackcomb Benchlands. Though these developments do not have direct entry to the chairlifts & gondolas, they are serviced by a five moment totally free shuttle bus trip.

  • Alpine Meadows - This is principally a residential neighbourhood approx. 10 minutes from Whistler Village. It capabilities a best-notch Sports Centre with indoor arena and pool as very well as a usefulness store and coffee store.

  • Nicklaus North - This place is built about a entire world-class golf program and lake wherever seaplanes land. It's only a 3 - five minute drive or bus journey to the Village and is a peaceful and peaceful area to remain.

  • Blueberry Hill, White Gold, Brio, Nesters, Bayshores, Whistler Cay Heights, Alta Vista and Emerald Estates are also residential neighbourhoods in Whistler that could feature some chalet or townhome rentals. They array from two - ten minutes' drive to the Village.

    • How to Find & Guide a Whistler Chalet the Safe and sound Way

    You can lease a Whistler chalet from a rental management business or Owner-direct. Possibly way, you will need to locate quality accommodation, but renting from an Proprietor cuts out excess costs and offers leading appeal.

    When looking for a Whistler chalet to lease by Proprietor, commence by google checking terms such as "Whistler chalet" or "Whistler vacation rental." Sift through the outcomes to uncover web-sites with a beneficial assortment of rentals that also offer you a risk-free booking or fraud-protection guarantee.

    When you've discovered the right Whistler chalet, stick to these ways when reserving to shield oneself:

    • Save a copy of the house advertisement or listing to your very difficult drive so you have a document of what was promised to you at the time you created the reservation. Coming again to the listing at a later date may well necessarily mean the content material has been up to date and it will be hard to file any claims of fake advertising.

    • Get a rental agreement or duplicate of the booking policies in producing. An electronic or electronic mail version will suffice.

    • Pay by credit card and make sure you get confirmation of every single payment you make. Sending cash, a cheque or a funds transfer to the Proprietor signifies you have no recourse must things go incorrect.

    • Get full examine-in and emergency speak to information from the Owner when the reservation is entirely paid.

      I actually am a travel advisor by day coupled with a excursion lover and web publication article writer by weekend. Which i really enjoy seeking out terrific vacation destinations and revealing all of them to the whole world.


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    Vacation Rental Properties In Whistler

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    Vacation Rental Properties In Whistler

    Vacation Rental Properties In Whistler

    Choosing vacation rental property in Whistler
    By: Henry Schlee

    Whistler is perhaps North America’s best ski resort; certainly there is nowhere close for vertical drop, acreage of groomed runs and variety of expert terrain. However there is also a tremendous variety of rental accommodation, and before you make a choice it would be as well to be educated about the options and their implications.

    Whistler properties vary along 3 key dimensions: size, quality/style and location. We don’t need to say much about size; there are properties on the rental market ranging from shoeboxes of 350 sq. ft to imposing chalets of 6000 sq. ft. or more. Quality is another question altogether. Much of the Whistler rental inventory was built in the 80s and 90s when the profile of the resort was lower and cost was the name of the game. Most developments were built with indifferent design, cheap materials, poor quality fixtures and fittings and décor that is unimaginative at best. You do not want to spend your vacation in a condo with a blue carpet, magnolia walls, formica countertops, shiny brass bathroom fittings and garishly-coloured sofas. So you need to seek out either one of the more recent developments, such as Taluswood, that were built to a much higher specification, or you need to find a unit that has been recently renovated (or ‘Whistlerized’, as the local term has it). ‘Whistlerization’ typically involves installing slate floors, granite countertops, stone fireplaces, wooden cupboards, beams and trim, and painting in earthy autumnal tones of café-au-lait, caramel and burgundy. These units have a much more mountain-cabin feel. The top-of-the-line properties in Whistler go a stage or three beyond this, with spectacular designs and extremely high-end finishes, although only a few of these properties are on the rental market.

    Location is perhaps the key issue in choosing your Whistler rental. Although only a small town, there are many different areas you can choose for your vacation, and each of them has advantages and disadvantages.

    The Village is the place for proximity to bars and restaurants, and for being a relatively short walk to the lifts. However most of the inventory in the Village is small, with one or two-bedrooms units dominant in the mix, and it was all built to a cheap standard. It is critical to find a unit that has received a recent quality renovation. There are also one or two units that are larger, but you may have to search hard to find them.

    The Upper Village is on the lower slopes of Blackcomb Mountain. This is the location for ski-in, ski-out units that are also reasonably accessible to the Village. However, if you want ski-in, ski-out make sure that you check what this means. Some properties are actually on the slopes; others, still styling themselves ‘ski-in, ski-out’ may be up to 5 minutes walk away. Still others are ski-in, but not ski-out.

    The second main location for ski-in, ski-out units is Taluswood on the lower slopes of Whistler Mountain. This is a very upscale area with a variety of accommodation, but all of a high quality standard using peeled logs, natural materials and quality décor. Access to the slopes is very easy, with no more than a 2 minute walk from most properties. However you need a vehicle to get to shops and restaurants, as this area is not served by either the free shuttle or by municipal buses.

    The fourth location is Creekside, the original location of Whistler. This used to be a very downmarket area, but recent heavy investment has made it a decent alternative to the Village. The Creekside gondola is always less crowded than the lifts in the Village, and there is now a great selection of shops and restaurants in town. The quality of accommodation is very mixed, with many unattractive older properties and a few newer, luxury chalets that are equal to any in Whistler. You can walk to the lifts from most locations in Creekside.

    Finally, there is a selection of other locations, including Blueberry Hill, Nicklaus North and Alpine Meadows. Here you will generally find larger homes, but they are not ski-in, ski-out and you will have to drive to the Village as well. However, you will get more for your money in terms of the quality and size of the property itself here.

    As with most things, it pays to consult an expert. If you are looking for Whistler ski accommodation, give a call to the folks at Holiday Whistler. They will be able to help you out with sound advice.

    Henry Schlee is the owner of Holiday Whistler. If you want a great Whistler condo rental or somewhere to find a choice of Whistler ski accommodation, give them a call on 1 877 697 7776.


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    Whistler Area Camping

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    Whistler Area Camping

    Whistler Area Camping

    British Columbia camping guide to the beautiful Whistler corridor.
    By: Joe Mac Millan

    British Columbia is one of the best camping destinations North America has to offer. That being said, the Whistler corridor from Vancouver to Lillooet is the icing on the cake. This is where we offer our information as to what we found as we camped over the years.

    Welcome to the BC camping information site for the Whistler corridor.

    First, let’s take a look at what we mean as the Whistler corridor.

    The corridor stretches from Squamish, less than an hour from Vancouver, through Whistler, Pemberton, Mount Currie, Lillooet, to Lytton and Cache Creek. Arguably the most beautiful 250 km (150 miles) of camping opportunities in the world.

    Within the corridor you may park a quarter million dollar class A motor home in a gorgeous park like Alice Lake, or pitch a tent next to a glacier at Joffre Lakes. You can take a shower with nice hot water at Birkenhead Park or refresh yourself in the ice cold water of Duffy Lake.

    The choices are many and varied. A camping heaven on earth.

    There are three private campgrounds in Squamish. Dryden Creek, Eagle Ridge and Paradise Valley. They offer full service hook ups and the rates run from $30. and up.

    Riverside RV resort and campground will be found in Whistler.

    BC Hydro have three campgrounds in the Lillooet to Gold Bridge corridor. These are free campgrounds and contrary to what you may think, they are very good.

    BC Parks have some very nice campgrounds along the corridor. BC camping doesn’t get any better.

    Alice Lake is a popular place and a very busy one as well. It is located 13km (8 miles) past Squamish on the right.

    Nairn Falls Provincial Park is a half hour drive past Whistler on the right. Nice big trees, roomy sites, and with a 20 minute walk to the amazing falls it rates very highly as one of the best areas to camp.

    Birkenhead Provincial Park is located 17 km (10.5 miles) West of D’Arcy off Highway 99. On a scenic lake.

    The Province also provide a great many lesser sites that are not maintained as pure campgrounds. A few of these are along the highway 99 Whistler corridor. At the end of Duffy Lake you will see a few picnic tables and an outdoor toilet.

    Campsite at Duffy Lake

    There are about 5 sites here. Further along towards Lillooet you will find a few more. These are called BC forestry sites. Most are free. If you like the sound of rushing water to lull you to sleep, this is it. Coyooshe Creek is very fast flowing as the water bounds along through the ever narrowing valley.

    After a very scenic, twisting drive through very interesting mountains, you arrive at Lillooet. Watch for the BC Hydro campground sign on your right. If you are able to find a site it’s yours free. Maximum stay is 14 nights. Water and pit toilets are supplied and the caretakers keep the place very clean. There is even fire wood free for the taking.

    Two more Hydro campgrounds are located at Carpenter Lake on the road to Gold Bridge.

    Skihist Provincial Campground is not exactly in the corridor but offers the best BC Camping along the number 5 highway between Cache Creek and Hope. If you turn left onto the number 5 highway at Lytton and drive just a few minutes you will see it on the right. This campground has a host, good washrooms, dumping station, big lots and a nice location for an evening stroll across the highway and a fantastic view of the Fraser river and the trains that negotiate the curves and tunnels of the CPR main line.

    Joe and Irma Mac Millan have enjoyed the Whistler Mountain and valley area of British Columbia for many years. They have camped, hiked and skied the mountains and fished and kayaked the rivers and lakes. Their website One couples guide to the exciting Whistler-outdoors is a must for anyone considering a trip to Whistler as well as the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. They invite one and all to take a look.


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    A Travelers Guide to Whistler British Columbia

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    Travelers Whistler

    A Travelers Guide to Whistler British Columbia

    A Travelers Guide to Whistler British Columbia

    A Travelers Guide to Whistler British Columbia Family vacation Home Rentals as well as Hotels and I
    By: Alfonso Koch

    Whistler is a Canadian resort city in the southern Pacific Ranges of the Coast Mountains in the province of British Columbia, Canada, approximately 125 kilometres (78 mi) north of Vancouver.  Whistler is one of the top four-season resorts in North America.

    Next, we share some interesting   attractions and things to do.  You'll also   find some useful tendencies   for this amazing locations as well as great lodging options.

    Whistler is a mix of the elegance of an alpine community with the comforts of an metropolitan centre, the pedestrianized Whistler Village offers tasty and exquisite dining, superb nightlife, cosmopolitan boutiques, tranquil spas, and high-class hotels.

    Whistler is one of the places that most ski fans choose for vacation. The Blackcomb and Whistler mountains are excellent for skiing and there are professionals who teach how to ski to adults and kids, rookies or more experienced skiing lovers.

    But what if skiing or snowboarding are not what you are looking for? Well, you have to visit The Coca-Cola Tube Park. It is located in the Base 2 Zone on the Blackcomb Mountain and gives visitors a tubing hill with many lanes that vary in difficulty. You have to try!!

    A distinctive way to experience the beauty of the Whistler area is by a ziptrek eco-tour. If you're an avid adventurer that likes adrenaline filled activities you will love this 10 cable zipline tour. The tour area boasts 7 suspension bridges, 2 rigid aerial bridges, 10 treetop viewing platforms and a total of 10 ziplines. Book now a Whistler cabin rental and discover the possibilities.

    Hop on a summit-bound chairlift or gondola, or ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Enjoy the panoramic vistas of glacier-capped mountain ranges and the Whistler Valley.

    A market research study shows that 76 percent of the travelers that searched or a place to stay in Whistler were interested in comparison shopping among Whistler vacation rentals, b&bs, inns, and small hotels. It is remarkable to know that 50 percent were open to receive lodging options from locations near Whistler like Pemberton, Pemberton Valley, and Garibaldi Highlands.

    Forty-six percent of the travelers planning their stay in Vancouver were early planners who started their vacation planning 2 or more months in advance from the travel date, 21 percent of the inquiries were sent 1 to 2 months in advance, and 32 percent were from last minute travelers inquiring within the last 30 days prior of arriving to their lodging in Whistler.

    Based on this study data, Whistler’s most popular vacation theme is family reunions with 53 percent of the inquiries for groups of more than 4 adults and 22 percent from families with children.  14 percent of the inquiries were from couples and 6 percent from solo or business travelers.

    an important role   in consumer’s decisions.

    In these troubled economic times, most travelers are looking for comparison shopping among different lodging alternatives   before decide   where to stay.}

    For instance, below there are 2 great lodging options to explore:

    Whistler BC Vacation House: Luxury, executive Whistler chalets, townhouses, and Whistler condos at Whistler-Blackcomb in all the best summer and winter Whistler accommodation locations in Whistler, Canada. Our featured Whistler vacation rental is a superb, spacious 4 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom ski-in/ski-out Whistler vacation rental town home with easy access to both mountains, the Upper Village and the main Whistler Village. This home is truly in the heart of the action and one cannot find a finer location for a rental property in Whistler.Our service is second to none. For more info, pictures and a useful form to deal with the owner directly, please log into property ID#909 at rentalo.com.


    Whistler BC Vacation Townhouse: Whistler Ski Accommodations at Arrowhead Point in Whistler Blackcomb. A fabulous ski-in / ski-out location in Whistler Blackcomb Canada, A Whistler vacation home with lots of room, our own private hot tub, and easy private access. Close to both the Blackcomb and Whistler ski slopes and Whistler Village, with all its amenities. Arrowhead Point, in Blackcomb Benchlands is one of the premier ski-in / ski-out locations in Whistler BC. Our Whistler Arrowhead Point Townhouse is a quiet end unit situated right next to the ski in off the run Home Run, condition permitting you can nearly ski in to our front door. For more info, pictures and a useful form to deal with the owner directly, please log into property ID#77078 at rentalo.com.

    Additionally, you should check:
    - British Columbia vacation homes
    - Comparison shopping for bed and breakfasts and other accommodations
    - A Travelers Guide to Whistler British Columbia Holiday Apartments and Standard Hotels

    We offerWhistler vacation rentals, other travel lodging inventory and comparison shopping tools.


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