World class ski resorts boast of providing something for everyone, but experiencing Whistler on a budget during the 2010 Winter Olympics may prove as challenging as finding an air pocket in Bode Miller’s downhill racing suit. Elite travelers certainly encounter more options here, but some deals can be found for those who know where to look. As a frequent traveler up the Ski to Sky highway, I’ll admit I’m much more inclined to dine at the exceptional Bearfoot Bistro after après at the Four Seasons’ Fifty-two 80 Bistro then take my chances on finding last minute availability at the Whistler Youth Hostel. However, with some Olympic Opening Ceremony tickets soaring well over US $1000 and budget lodging asking over $500 a room, now’s an ideal time to compare what visitors with limitless coffers can buy with what jewels the more cost conscious traveler will dig up in both Whistler and Vancouver’s North Shore, home to Cypress Mountain, the host area for snowboarding and freestyle ski events.
Who Doesn’t Love a Free Dance Party?
Unbeknownst to many first time visitors, Whistler’s been in the free concert biz for years, tossing complimentary tunes against the hills by the likes of Spearhead and Stephan Marley as hosts of the Telus Ski and Snowboard Festival each April and the Crankworx Mountain Bike Festival every August. Skier’s Plaza, site of the main stage, is just one of six different sites during the Olympics comprising Whistler Live, which will feature a free concert with performers like Usher and Feist every single night at 9:30 and a global roll call of prominent DJs, artists and performers after that. Revelers can roll into the bars with extended hours once the shows go dark.
http://www.whistlerartscouncil.com
Find Three Thousand A Crowd– Why Not Ski Solo with an Olympian?
Four Seasons Whistler, home of the Pacific Northwest’s top hotel suite, will pair you with a former or current Olympic skier to work on your technique, or just bomb the hill with you. It’s your call. There’ll also be plenty of time to hear all the stories about what it’s like to tuck a hill at 90 mph or purl together a few dozen gates with all the world watching.
http://www.fourseasons.com/whistler/seasonal_recreation/
Use Your Olympic Ticket for Free Bus Service
You can add another notch on your lottery luck by traveling free on TransLink and BC Transit Systems on the day of your game until 4am. The Olympic bus network is the best way to travel to and from Whistler from Vancouver, and you may even reserve your seat if you possess a sporting event ticket.
http://www.whistler2010.com
Or Just Look Down and Smell the Traffic
Blackcomb Aviation will offer exclusive helicopter shuttle service from Vancouver’s South Terminal to the Whistler heliport. Be sure to wave at the Hwy 99 crawl as you zoom overhead. Reservations are essential.
http://www.blackcombhelicopters.com
Love Fresh Tracks at 3 am? Grouse Mountain Says “Come on Up”
Sure everyone knows Grouse Mountain, but did you know Vancouver’s most popular tourist attraction will keep the lights on 24/7 during the Games. Insomniacs should snag the After Hours Pass, so they can ski or shred from 8pm to 6am, though I suggest a late night snack at 4am to watch NBC’s “Today” show live at the top of the mountain.
http://www.grousemountain.com/Winter/olympics/
Still on the Fence? Does Entrée Canada Have a Carrot for You
Vancouver’s Entrée Canada confirms they still possess several exceptional, multimillion-dollar homes for use during the games. Canada’s elite travel company will collect you at the airport, provide 24-hour personal service, keep your vases full of fresh flowers and your cupboards full of provisions for your private chef, among scores of other A-List amenities.
http://www.entreecanada.com
Affordable Sasquatch Viewing at TreeTrek Ecotours
If you’ve never traveled through an untouched Pacific Northwest temperate rainforest, here’s your chance. Scamper along the suspension bridges, boardwalks, trails and canopy lookouts deep in the Fitzsimmons Valley between Blackcomb and Whistler mountains. And while you’re feeling curious, check out the Squamish-Lil’Wat Cultural Centre, one of the best (and only joint) aboriginal museums in North America.
http://www.ziptrek.com/whistler-canada/tours/treetrek-tour
www.slcc.ca
Recipe for A Perfect Whistler Day
First, 90% of Whistler-Blackcomb will be open during the Olympics. There are even two, absolutely free alpine race-viewing platforms for skiers. But these mountains yield much more than 200 runs, because some of the best cat and heli-skiing on the planet can be found here. Climb up the mountain with Powder Mountain Catskiing or take to the air aboard a Whistler Heli-Skiing chopper. After you’ve pounded 12,000 feet vert – check out the brand spanking new, 20,000 ft2 Scandinave Spa Whistler, replete with thermal waterfalls, solariums and an outdoor fireplace. Finish your perfect day at Bearfoot Bistro, an extraordinary dining room in any town. Owner-magician Andre Saint Jacques is rumored to be stirring his full cauldron of tricks for the Games. Ice Bar anyone?
http://www.powdermountaincatskiing.com
http://www.whistlerheliskiing.com
http://www.scandinave.com
http://www.bearfootbistro.com
Related Articles:
Whistler Your Way Through a Family Olympic Trip
Champagne Adventures in Whistler
Photo Courtesy of Whistler Blackcomb and Bruce Rowles
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