The Winter Olympic Games are only 2 Days Away

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

The energy level in Whistler continues to rise. Walking through the village you can't help but notice there are lots of athletes, volunteers, security, police and media. Tonight is the dress rehersal for the opening ceremonies in Vancouver. There are two staff members from the hotel that are fortunate enough to go see this.

This morning NBC Today Show did their show just outside the Sundial Boutique Hotel at the base of Whistler Mountain. The web cam will be a great way to have a peak atwhat is going on in Skiers Plaza during the Olympics.

Outside our hotel we have a podium and we have had lots of people getting their pictures taken, but this was one proud puppy on the podium.

The Winter Olympic Games are only 4 Days Away

Monday, February 8, 2010

At the end of this week the biggest event to ever hit Whistler will begin. Watch the below video for information about Whistler and the Whistler Venues for the Winter Olympics. The 'poutine' in this video is from Zogs - one of the 5 restaurants associated with the Sundial Boutique Hotel. When visiting Whistler give this French Canadian delicacy a try.

Lots of Snow in Whistler

Friday, January 29, 2010

WITH RECORD 9.9 M (32 FT) OF SNOWFALL, WHISTLER BLACKCOMB IS GAMES-READY AND SET TO WELCOME THE WORLD (from Whistler Blackcomb)

As the finishing touches are being applied to the Olympic venues, Whistler Blackcomb is celebrating a record 9.9 metres or 32.5 feet of snowfall to date this season. As the snow base hovers around the 3-metre or 10-feet mark, the resort is Games-ready and set to welcome the world in just two weeks.

Deep snow at Whistler Blackcomb is nothing new, but getting so close to the average annual snowfall of 10.13 metres or 33 feet so early in the season is very unique. In fact, this is the first time that Whistler Blackcomb has received this amount of snow by the end of January, dating back to when snow reporting began in 1979/80. The prior record was set in the 2006/07 season when 9.45 metres or 31 feet of snow fell by January 31. View snow and weather stats.

"There is a very strong sense of anticipation and excitement throughout the resort right now as we prepare to open our doors to the world," says Dave Brownlie, President and Chief Operating Officer of Whistler Blackcomb. "The resort is looking its best and the snow conditions on the mountains are incredible. We received great feedback from course inspectors last week, and the men's and women's courses are now fully in the hands of Olympic Organizing Committee."

Whistler Blackcomb remains 90% open throughout the Games with base access via the Whistler Village Gondola, Fitzsimmons Express, Excalibur Gondola and Wizard Express. Although the Creekside Gondola will be closed February 1 to March 1, a ski-out will remain available via Peak to Creek. For those who don't have tickets to Creekside events, mountain guests can watch some of the Alpine Skiing action via course-side viewing pods, free with a lift ticket. Full information is available online at www.whistlerblackcomb.com/Olympics.

To check out everything there is to know about Whistler Blackcomb, including highlights throughout the Games from the resort's snowy slopes, check out www.whistlerblackcomb.com.

22 Days Away...

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Wow has time passed quickly. For me it was 2002 when I got involved in supporting the initial bid to help bring the games to Whistler / Vancouver. At that time, it was exciting to 'dream' that someday the Winter Olympic Games could be in my town. Now in less than 40 days Whistler will have finished hosting the Winter Olympic games and our amazing resort will be a past host Mountain Resort. Olympics or not, this has been a great season with nearly 30 feet of snow already this year. Once the Olympics are over there will be plenty of season left to enjoy Whistler.

The skiing in March and April this year is going to be fantastic and the energy of the Olympic games will carry on. In fact. with the Paralympic Games in Whistler in March, the fun and entertainment will simply continue on.

Glenn Iles - Marketing Manager

Interesting Guest

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

We are seeing a lot of changes around Whistler these days as final prepartions are being put in place for the Winter Olympic Games - weare now only 24 days away from the opening ceremonies. Olympic fever has hit us at the Sundial and we have decided to spruce up our lobby a little bit and we welcome the traveling Inukshuk who will be staying with us at the Sundial.

The snow conditions are fantastic and all of the runs on the mountain are open so if you are heading up for some skiing pre-Olympics you are in for a treat.

Outside of the Norm

Tuesday, December 7, 2009

If you find yourself in Whistler on a vacation, have skied or snowboarded for a few days, and are looking for an alternative activity, try fishing our local rivers. It may get cold in December, but if you dress appropriately, you can experience some of the best fishing around.

There are a number of river systems nearby such as the Squamish River, Cheakamus River, Mamquam River, and the Birkenhead River that produce fantastic fishing for Rainbow trout, Bull trout, and Dolly Varden.  There are also some world-class Steelhead waters just a couple of hours away like the Thompson River.

Most rivers are within a 45-minute drive of Whistler and the Sundial Boutique Hotel.  They can be navigated independently, with the help of a map, or there are several guiding companies in town such as Whistler Fly Fishing and Trout Country Fishing Guides that offer top-notch guides, gear and transportation. 

I highly recommend taking advantage of this unique Whistler experience.

Opening Day on Whistler Mountain

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

On opening day before the crack of dawn I was up and getting suited for what ended up being a better day than expected.  The day started off slow with the short walk to the gondola from the bus loop and since the gondola line meandered past the Carleton Lodge, through the ticket booth, and back towards the bus loop that's where we parked in line, right next to the Excalibur Gondola at a mere 7:15am.  By 8:30am the opening day line was past the Sundial Boutique Hotel and almost dominating the Mountain Square.  Although it was super early, the line was massive, and it was cold out there was a distinctive vibe in the air on the morning of opening day.

Once we rode up the gondola and reached the Roundhouse it was astonishing as to how much snow there actually was.  In comparison to the last season it is like heaven up there and it's only going to get better!  We were able to get about two hours of riding powder until it was all gone and my leg muscles were on their way out too.

Everyday the conditions are improving and the snow keeps falling.  Considering the amount of snow in addition to this weeks forecast I think we are in for an unbelievable and unforgettable season.  I can hardly wait!

Mountain Opens Early!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Whistler Blackcomb has announced that the mountain is opening this Saturday November 14th! 

Whistler Mountain will be open from 8:30am to 3pm daily.  Blackcomb Mountain and the Peak 2 Peak Gondola will be opening on Thursday November 26th in time for American Thanksgiving.  There's already a great snow base with another 10 - 15 cm of snow forecasted during the next 24 hours. 

If you're planning to come to Whistler this weekend feel free to make your Sundial Hotel reservation  now!