Whistler Olympic Aversion

Whistler Blackcomb saw the most snow since records began in November but will this record-breaking start to the season save Whistler from the phenomenon known as “Olympic Aversion”?

With headlines like “Olympic Aversion grounds Vancouver-bound flights” and some properties still not booked for the Olympics, there is no wonder why tourism officials and property owners in Whistler are bracing themselves.

Olympic aversion is caused by the fear that the Olympics will mean that there are large crowds and no or little accommodation available with extortionate prices. Over the Olympics (February 11 to 28, 2010) this is partially true. However, during the Olympic events, Whistler Blackcomb is still open and so while the crowds are watching the events, you have the rest of the 8,171 acres/3,307 hectares spread out over two mountains to ski and ride.

Olympic venues such as Turin, Salt Lake City and Beijing have all seen this aversion and so Whistler Blackcomb are doing everything they can from stopping this from happening by extending discounts to their ski tour agents and operators.

Here are some things you can take advantage of as a result of the “Olympic aversion”:

1. Early-bird ski passes can be bought up to January 15 2010 saving you up to 50% (in previous years this date was November 15). Rates can be viewed here.
2. Incredible deals on Whistler accommodation before and after the Olympics (February 11 to 28, 2010) as property owners and managers scramble to get their places filled.
3. The mountains will be quieter than normal away from the events and around the events.

We have seen that this Olympic aversion has affected the whole of the 2009-2010 winter season in Whistler with guests opting for other ski resorts in Western Canada all together even around the Olympic dates and so great deals are to be had throughout the season.

To make things even harder to attract more guests to Whistler this season, other ski locations such as Banff (Banff Norquay, Sunshine Village, Lake Louise) are offering the lowest rates we have ever seen on accommodation, lift passes and airport transfers making it all more tempting for the budget-conscious traveller to choose an alternative to Whistler this year which in this economy, who can blame them?

At this stage it seems the "Olympic Aversion" is happening in Whistler as predicted but the true extent will not be known until after this 2009-2010 winter ski season. For consumers, it means low accommodation rates and lift passes around the Olympic dates.

For more information on ski holidays in western Canada, try Ski Holidays Canada, a small independently owner company based in Canmore, Alberta, Canada.

Kimberley Ski Holiday Package 2010

The perfect family ski property in Kimberley Ski Resort, the Timberstone. The Timberstone is a brand new ski-in/ski-out accommodation, located at the top top of the T-Bar at Kimberley Ski Resort with a private hot tub, hardwood floors, granite countertops, heated floors etc. This is a very nice ski property and we have provided some photos below. It is a condo (or apartment) style 2-bedroom unit with 2-bathrooms.

Details:

Arrive: Thu 11-Feb-2010

Depart: Sun, 21-Feb-2010

Nights: 10 nights

Pax: 2 Adults / 2 Children

Your ski package includes:

- 9 or 10 nights accommodation in the 2-bedroom Timberstone unit (generic pictures below)

- Two 8, 9 or 10-day adult lift passes (can be used at Fernie for the day - approx 1 hour, 20 mins away)

- Two 8, 9 or 10-day child lift passes (can be used at Fernie for the day)

- Two 10 days mid-performance ski rentals (skis/boots/poles) - Adult

- Two 10 days ski rentals (skis/boots/poles) - Child

Total Discounted Package Price including EARLY-BIRD Discounts, promotions and all taxes: CDN$4,497 (approx ~£2,518) No further discounts permitted.

Payable on location:

- 10-day car rental (Jeep Liberty or similar). 1400 Kilometers free / $0.25 / extra Kilometer. Note: Calgary Airport to Kimberley BC is just over 400 km each way. Car seats available for rental at $12.00 per day each.

Estimated Grand Total CDN$1,203 (~£674)

Total for car rental and ski package = CDN$5,700 (~£3,192)

Rates are subject to change and confirmed at time of booking.

For more information on this ski package, or to book, contact Ski Holidays Canada.

Perfect Ski Conditions!

Now the snow storm has passed through, all that is left is PERFECT SKI CONDITIONS at the ski resorts in Western Canada.

The above shots were taken from the Sunshine Village Live Webcam at 9:15am today (THU FEB 26).  What are you waiting for?!!

Panorama 49 Hour Sale - FEB 8 to FEB 10

Panorama Mountain Resort is having the best sale ever for just 49 hours from 8 pm February 8 to 9 pm February 10 2009. Please note these times are Mountain Standard time (GMT-7 hours)

What is on offer??! Any condo, any day $49 per person per night! Some restrictions apply (but not many!).

Contact rocky-peak Ski Holidays to book.