Winter Olympic Games » Whistler

Whistler Blackcomb, a Fabulous Winter Holiday Getaway Holiday

admin — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:58:46 +0000

Winter sports and the fantastic mountainous landscape made the small Canadian town Whistler British Columbia, famous. In case you haven?t heard of it yet, you certainly will, as it will be home to Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. The Whistler Olympic Village, also known as the Athlete?s village, will be the host of around 2,400 athletes, coaches, trainers and officials. If you are a fan of winter games, you must not miss this event. The town is situated near Whistler blackcomb mountain, in the Rocky Mountains along the west coast. Travelers from all over the world come here to enjoy the natural scenery and a wide range of winter sports: skiing, snowboarding, glacier skiing and many more. During the summer the tourists can relax here and try mountain bike riding, river rafting or horseback riding. The town is only 2 hours away from Vancouver and six hours away from Seattle (USA).

Winter sports like ice skating, snowboarding and skiing are good for your health. In addition, you get to spend more time outdoors and enjoy the snow and the fresh air. You probably spend a lot of time indoors at work and at home, so a change would be more than welcome. The superb natural landscapes will surely charm you. Can you remember the days of your childhood, the magic of the holidays and the first snow? Even if you are not a child anymore, you can still enjoy the beauty of winter. In Whistler you can spend a pleasant and relaxing vacation, in the middle of the nature. What can be more agreeable than having a hot drink next to the fire place, after a busy skiing day? Away from the crowd and traffic in the big cities, away from the stress at work, you will find peace and relaxation and leave Whistler blackcomb with unforgettable memories.

Unlike other places where the development of tourism destroyed the natural environment, in Whistler the urban landscape was specifically designed to accommodate the environmental conditions. Here you will find black bears, which sometimes happen to adventure in the town looking for food. Don?t worry, they are completely docile and harmless. If you are passionate about skiing, you must know that Whistler blackcomb has been rated as the very number one ski resort in the world by ?Ski Magazine?, due to the combination of extensive terrain, good snow and famous nightlife. The ski season has already started, so what are you waiting for? The snow is waiting for you.

Accommodation is not a problem in Whistler blackcomb as you will find here several large hotels, restaurants, bars and vacation homes. During the 2010 Olympic Winter Games , the resort will host the alpine skiing, biathlon, cross country skiing, ski jumping, bobsleigh, luge and skeleton competitions. The Olympic village or Athlete?s village will be located in downtown Vancouver and will host more than 2,000 athletes, trainers, coaches and officials. After the event it will be converted into a residential neighborhood. If you want to be sure that you won?t miss the Whistler 2010 Winter Olympics, it would be a good idea to book your accommodations now. Even if there is still plenty of time left, you can imagine how crowded the place will be, so searching for accommodation a couple of years earlier is actually a wise decision.

Renting a residential property for the Canadian Olympics in Vancouver or Whistler?

admin — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:37:00 +0000

Renting a home for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver or Whistler?The Winter olympic games like the Summer olympic games are held once every 4 years. The last Winter olympic games were held Torino in Italy in 2006. This flag is now on display at the Vancouver town Hall where it will remain until the Opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter olympic games. These Winter olympic games that may be known as the XXI Olympic Winter Games or the 21st Winter Olympics will be held in Vancouver and its nearby resort city of Whistler, UK Columbia between February 12th and 28th 2010. Vancouver’s International airport which is found in Metro Vancouver has direct air links with various major cities around the globe as well as several Canadian towns. Preparing for the Games Both the host towns of Vancouver and Whistler have been undergoing intense preparations for the games in the shape of creation of new sporting, transport and infrastructural facilities to welcome the numerous participators, officers, members of the world media and spectators who will be traveling to Vancouver for the games. Participating Countries The list of participating counties includes nations having a long practice of winter sports like Austria, Norway, Denmark, USA and Great Britain and also several others nations like Kenya and Thailand who are not typically renowned for their winter sports exploits. In fact, the games will feature many firsts like the 1st time participation of the Western African nation of Ghana. The debutant Ghanaian team will feature 34 year old Ghanian skier Kwame Nkrumah – Acheampong who is sometimes known as ‘Snow Leopard’ and who will be competing in the slalom and giant slalom skiing events. In a similar way the team of the Islamic Republic of Iran will for the 1st time field a girls skier at the 2010 Winter Games. Sporting Events The 2010 Winter Olympic Games will feature eighty six medal events in fifteen sporting disciplines. The Paralympic Winter Games will include 5 sports Alpine Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Biathlon, Ice Sledge Hockey, and Wheelchair Curling. . many of the 2010 Winter Games venues are located in central Vancouver and include the Canada Hockey Place ( Ice hockey ), Vancouver Olympic Center, ( Curling and Wheel chair Curling ) the Pacific Coliseum ( Figure Skating ) and the UBC Thunderbird Arena ( Ice Hockey and ice sledge hockey ). Venues in Whistler include the Whistler Sliding Centre, Whistler Creekside and the Whistler Olympic Park. except for these sporting venues, the games will also feature several non competition venues like the BC Place Stadium located in downtown Vancouver that may be the location for the Opening and Closing rites for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and the Opening ceremony for the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. The hosting of the rites in an indoor locale will also help the organizers in conceptualizing, creating and hosting a spectacular show which is rumoured to feature state of the art lighting, projection, sound and CGI effects as well as all types of performers, dancers and athletes who will showcase the colourful history and culture of Canada. The Games venues can be simply accessed by Vancouver’s wonderful public transport system which consists of public buses, Sky Train ( light train ), Sea Bus ( passenger ferry ) and the West Coast Express ( rail service ). The Canada Line, a new rapid rail service linking the Vancouver waterfront to Richmond and Vancouver global airport will also become functional in mid- 2009 well in time for the games. VANOC wants the Games to be environmentally sustainable and are encouraging spectators to only employ Vancouver’s wonderful public transport to gain access to the numerous events of the Games. 2010 : Vancouver Rental houses for the Olympic games together with the diverse sports and infrastructural facilities, VANOC is also involved in creating accommodation facilities for the numerous athletes, officers and accredited media personnel for the 2010 Winter Games. These rates further vary according the dimensions of the home being offered and the proximity of the home to the Games. One bedroom homes in Vancouver now have an asking rate that range between approximately $464 upwards per night while houses with more than 4 bedrooms have an asking rate of roughly $1,500 upwards per night. In Whistler, the asking rates for rental houses is higher as in certain areas there is a deficit of supply and here rates are as high as $484 per bedroom night. Though this deposit is refundable it noticeably adds to the price of your accommodation at the 2010 Winter Games. Bill Board Websites jammed and over crammed full of houses will lead to a ton of disappointment for 2010 Vancouver Whistler accommodations. vacation home rental internet sites also offers a wide variety of vacation rentals but there are internet sites where the owners and the renters are real unlike any other channels who offer houses which are not attested or confirmed. This increases the transparency of the rental process as both the owner and the renter are assured that they’re entering a real agreement. – For first time travelers spending tons of money on accommodations this is something to seriously consider. How does the rental process at one of the better Vacation Home sites work? Having decided on a rental, the renter then pays the rental fees into a trust account that is maintained by a law office kept by the company. The rental fees are then held in this account to be dispersed to the owner only after the renter has vacated the premises. This process ensures that you are not sending your rental cash to an unknown unverified entity that will misuse the funds and trick you out of your cash. The rental process also doesn’t need you to plunk down a big damage deposit for your rental ; instead all renters have to purchase a $39 insurance plan which covers home owners up to $3000. This rental process instituted by guarantees the interests of both the renters and the homeowners. The method is transparent, trusted and comparatively cheap as well . The base line here is that if you are just one of hundreds of houses on a domain for 2010Rentals and the site in not being promoted with Facebook, Google, Yahoo, AdWords etc. . . In countries beyond BC look elsewhere!

Whistler Olympics – Events

admin — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 04:24:52 +0000

BobsleighBobsleigh is a sport where two to four bobsledders race down a contained track in a sled for the best time. The track built for the Whistler Olympics is said to be the fastest and scariest track in the world as it pushes racers past the 140km/h mark. SkeletonSkeleton racers share the same track as Bobsleigh and Luge. In the sport of Skeleton, athletes race head first for the best time. Skeleton sleds are much smaller than bobsleds as they are only meant to accommodate one person. These sleds are also not permitted steering mechanisms or brakes. LugeLuge is a sport where contestants race down the same track as Bobsleigh & Skeleton for the best time. However, opposite to Skeleton, contestants race down feet first and can have up to two team-mates racing on the same sled. Alpine SkiingAlpine skiing, also known as downhill skiing, originated from cross country skiing and became its own sport when the chairlift was introduced. Although there are many different variations of Alpine skiing, they all require a combination of speed and technique to be won. Cross Country SkiingCross Country Skiing is a sport where competitors race across snow covered terrain using skis and poles. This sport distinguishes itself from Alpine Skiing as the terrain shifts from uphill, to flat, to downhill. BiathlonAlthough the true meaning of Biathlon is any sporting event made up of two disciplines; when used in reference to the Winter Olympics, Biathlon refers to the combination of cross country skiing, and rifle shooting. Ski JumpingSki jumping is a sport where contestants propel themselves off of a giant ramp. The goal of this sport is to travel as far as possible prior to landing. Aside from distance, judges also award points for style. Nordic CombinedNordic Combined is a sport where contestants must compete in both cross country skiing, and ski jumping.

2010 Whistler Olympics: Alpine Sport Competition Sites

admin — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:53:09 +0000

As co-host of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler provides excellent conditions to host the alpine sport portion of the games. With a typical yearly snowfall of 10. 22 metres, a total of 8,171 acres in terrain and a flourishing pedestrian village, Whistler is certainly up to the challenge of hosting the world?s best. This article examines the competition venues at the Whistler 2010 Olympics and explores the different alpine sports each venue will host. Whistler Olympic ParkThe beautiful Callaghan Valley is renowned as a first-class cross country ski area. With a total groomed ski area of almost 100 kilometres and stunning mountain views, it is an ideal site for the Whistler Olympic Park. The park itself consists of 55 kilometres of professionally groomed cross-country ski trails, biathlon range, stadium and extraordinary ski jumps. The park will be the site of the biathlon, cross-country skiing, ski jumping and Nordic combined events at the 2010 Olympics. Whistler CreeksideAs an experienced host to the International Ski Federation World Cup competitions, Whistler mountain is familiar ground to world-class athletes and an excellent site for the alpine skiing competition at the 2010 Whistler Olympics. Whistler Creekside was the initial ski entryway to the mountain when it first opened in 1966. It is located just a short drive from the main village and is expected to host both Olympic and Paralympics downhill, super G, giant slalom, slalom and super combined skiing events. Whistler Sliding CentreSituated in the gorgeous Fitzsimmons Valley on Blackcomb Mountain, the Whistler Sliding Centre is the site for high performance sliding events at the 2010 Olympics. With a 1,450 metre long competition track believed to be one of the fastest in the world, the Sliding Centre is ideal for hosting the bobsleigh, luge and skeleton events. After the 2010 Olympics, the legacy of the Whistler Sliding Centre track will continue as a major site for the enhancement of high performance sliding sports in Canada. These competition venues will also host 63 Olympic medal presentations and remain as memorable monuments for participants and viewers once the 2010 Olympics have ended.

Whistler Winter Wonderland

admin — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:00:00 +0000

When we think of winter sports, one place immediately comes to mind and that is Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia. Not only is it a world renowned destination it is also the home of the Winter Olympic Games to be held in 2010. Muchmor Canada Magazine takes a look at what Whistler can offer. Whistler has been voted #1 for 12 years running by U. S. based SKIING Magazine. It also has one of the longest ski seasons in the world (November to July). Located just two very scenic hours north of Vancouver this resort is a Canadian tourism icon with over two million visitors every year. The resort is within the Coast Mountain Range of British Columbia with two mountains to enjoy: Whistler and Blackcomb, each with its own unique features. Because of the coastal position of the resort, temperatures remain moderate throughout the winter season, rarely dropping below -10? in the valley and -15? in the alpine. Whistler Village is the centre of the resort and has a strong sense of community. There is a town hall, police station, fire station, medical clinic, museum, library and over 200 shops and 90 restaurants. There are also plenty of public washrooms, telephones and visitors centres. The village is pedestrian only, so no need for a car to explore the area. A free shuttle bus is on hand to help you get around if you feel the need. The resort also offers a public transit system called the Whistler and Valley Express, also known as WAVE. The service offers convenient routes throughout the Village and its various neighbourhoods. The nightlife in Whistler is excellent with bars, restaurants, clubs and plenty of live music to enjoy. Everyone is sure to find something that meets their needs. The list of places to stay whilst in Whistler is almost as endless as the snow. Everything from luxury hotels to reasonably priced chalets and B&B?s are available. If you are in the market for luxury then you might want to consider the Fairmont Chateau Whistler or the Four Seasons Resort. There is also the Hilton Resort, the Westin Resort and the two Pan Pacific Resorts at Mountainside and Village. You will also find luxury condos, homes and chalets available. Of course if you don?t want to spend that much money on a hotel room then there are many more reasonably priced hotels available. You might prefer a private chalet which again range from luxury five-star to more modest, though no-less beautiful three-star. If you want to bring your cat or dog with you, Whistler offers some excellent pet-friendly accommodation as well as doggie daycare facilities. There are lots of trails and parks where you can walk your dog, although all dogs must be on a leash in the village. The 2008/09 winter season will see the opening of the brand new PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Opening on December 12th 2008, the world record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola will stretch from the top of Whistler Mountain to the top of Blackcomb Mountain traveling a distance of 4. 4 kilometres (2. 73 miles) in just 11 minutes. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola will be the longest, highest gondola of its type in the world and will provide a breathtaking journey for visitors ? winter and summer. The $52 million Gondola will make it easier than ever to enjoy the largest lift-serviced ski terrain in North America. Every lift ticket purchased automatically includes access to the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, so everyone can try it out. There is so much to do in Whistler such as skiiing, heli skiing, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, dog sledding, snowshoeing, ziplining, tours and spas. Whistler prides itself on being an international resort with accessibility to all people, including disabled travellers. There are several accessible transportation options for getting to Whistler. If you’re driving to the resort, there are designated disabled parking spaces in the parking lots in and around Whistler. The community’s public bus service and local taxi company both have designed wheelchair accessible options. Many hotels are accessible by wheelchair and have special facilities. You should ask about any required facilities before you book to be sure you will get the services you require. Whistler Village is accessible with pedestrian-only streets, paved access to the Valley Trail, close proximity to transportation, and wheelchair access to the Whistler Mountain gondola for skiing and sight-seeing. Whistler is considered “the largest gay-friendly mountain resort in North America. ” Many hotels are TAG Approved? which means they offer non-discriminatory policies including sexual orientation and treat heterosexual and domestic partners equally in personnel policies; they provide diversity and sensitivity training for employees and employ staff that reflects the diversity of the community, including gay and lesbian employees in all levels of employment. The best time to fully enjoy Gay Whistler is during WinterPRIDE week. This is Canada?s biggest gay ski week and next year will take place between February 1st and 8th 2009. This will be the 17th year the event has taken place and it gets bigger and better every time. Mr. Gay World will be crowned during WinterPRIDE. Twenty-four men will compete for the title and the winner will work with the international delegation to lead them in a coordinated effort to fight for equality for all humans, specifically the LGBT community. The Mr. Gay World Competition in Whistler will have various challenges that will test each of the delegates strength in leadership, charisma, intelligence and being a positive role model and ambassador / spokesperson for the global cause of equality, respect and understanding. Read about all things Canada with Muchmor Canada Magazine