Year Round in Whistler
June, 2008

Travelling the world is amazing, but with so many desirable destinations nearby, isn't it sometimes nice to just drive to your vacation?

With a nearby - yet still amazing - holiday in mind, we're featuring Whistler, BC this month. During any season, this resort community is inspiring.

Held as a brilliant example of sustainable planning and design, Whistler is sought after by travellers from around the world.


History

Beginning with the Rainbow Lodge established in 1914, Whistler was a resort community right from the start.

The ski resort community as we know it today began in 1962 when four Vancouver businessmen formed the Garibaldi Lift Company. In 1966, the mountain was opened to the public.


Summer twilight at the Montebello

Montebello II, Whistler, BC

As Whistler's reputation continued to grow, development has kept pace over the last few decades. On July 2, 2003, the International Olympic Committee announced that Vancouver was selected as the host city for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Part of Vancouver's bid for the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler is slated to host alpine technical and speed events, plus the sliding events. Whistler is also the host for all Paralympic events except the opening ceremonies, sledge hockey and wheelchair curling.

 

Activities

Winter sports, specifically skiing (cross-country and downhill), snowboarding and ice skating are all enjoyed seasonally in Whistler. Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, dog sledding and much more are available too.

Mountain biking, alpine hiking, horseback riding, golfing, and a selection of lake sports comprise most of the summer activities.

 

Weather

Cultivated around outdoor and winter sports, Whistler's alpine climate sees long, snowy winters and brief, mild summers.

At an elevation of 670 metres or 2,198 feet, Whistler's ski season typically runs from November to April, depending on snowfall.

 

Off-season at the Whiski Jack

Raintree's Whiski Jack at The Westin

RCI in Whistler

The Whistler area houses 29 RCI resorts, many of which are operated by major names in the shared-ownership industry. The Gold Crown properties are:

 

Club Intrawest-Whistler (#6414)
4580 Chateau Blvd.
Whistler, BC  V0N 1B4
Phone: 604.938.3030

Crystal Lodge (#1712)
4154 Village Green
Whistler, BC  V0N 1B0
Phone: 604/932-2221

Montebello II (#5757)
4800 Blackcomb Way
Whistler, BC  V0N 1B4
Phone: 604.905.5294

Mountainside Lodge (#A323)
4417 Sundial Place
Whistler, BC  V0N 1B4
Phone: 604.932.4511

Raintree's Whiski Jack at
The Westin Resort and Spa
Whistler (#5758)

4090 Whistler Way
Whistler, BC  V0N 1B4
Phone: 604.932.6500

 

Shell Vacations Club at Mountainside Lodge (#7818)
4417 Sundial Place
Whistler, BC  V0N 1B4
Phone: 604.932.4511

WorldMark Whistler Sundance (#3001)
409-2221 Gondola Way
Whistler, BC  V0N 1B2
Phone:604.938.0338


Culture

High real estate prices and sustainable design come together in Whistler resulting in residents that are both affluent and conservationist. While some residents live in Whistler year-round, the community is geared towards the transient tourist lifestyle, with resorts and condominiums dominating the market.

Shopping, dining, and nightlife cater to all ages and lifestyles from young snowboarders in front-line jobs to semi-retired ski and culinary aficionados. The booming spa and wellness industry is also thriving in Whistler.

Community infrastructure includes municipal government, a chamber of commerce, local print newspaper, medical and dental services, as well as various arts organizations and galleries.

 

Travel

Getting to Whistler is half the fun, whether you take the Sea-to-Sky Highway (99), the Whistler Mountaineer train, a flight or a bus. Once in town, the village is a pedestrian area, so be prepared to use your walking shoes.

 

Experiencing a luxurious, yet relatively close by, world-class resort community is a must for any British Columbian who enjoys seasonal and/or outdoor sports. So why not visit Whistler with your vacation ownership? It's a great combination of quality and ease of use.

 

*Information on Whistler at en.wikipedia.org, tourismwhistler.com, whistler.com, and resort details at rci.com.

If you'd like more information, your Owner Liaison Team is happy to provide you with that service. Call 1.866.769.6377 to chat with our friendly, knowledgeable staff.

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