Whistler opens early!! Today is the last date to get the best of the Early Bird specials

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB TO OPEN SIX DAYS EARLY; FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18




The return of La Nina and an incredible snowmaking infrastructure deliver another early opening to Whistler Blackcomb.

WHISTLER, BC, Monday, November 14, 2011 – Whistler Blackcomb is thrilled to announce Whistler Mountain will open six days early on Friday, November 18. The return of La Nina, forecasted to bring greater than average snowfall, has skiers and snowboarders excited about the start of the ski/ride season. Blackcomb Mountain will open on Thursday, November 24, Whistler Blackcomb’s official opening day.

“Cold temperatures, early season snow fall and the relentless work of our mountain operations teams is what allows us to open early,” says Doug MacFarlane, Mountain Manager at Whistler Blackcomb. “Early season conditions apply but we are very happy with the current conditions. Enjoying the first turns of the season is always an amazing feeling and we are very excited to announce Whistler Mountain will open six days early.”

The alpine forecast is calling for up to 35 centimeters of snow in the alpine before opening on Friday, adding to the current snow base of 55 centimeters at Pig Alley. Additionally, the Whistler Blackcomb snowmaking team has turned over 50 million gallons of water into snow so far this season, the equivalent of covering 250 football fields with up to one foot of snow.

Whistler Mountain will open for the season on Friday, November 18, from 8:30am to 3:00pm. Skiing and riding will be open on the Emerald Express, Big Red Express, and Franz’s Chair with upload access from the Creekside Gondola and the Whistler Village Gondola.

Last day for special offers:

http://frontier-ski.co.uk/resortWhistler%20&%20Blackcomb.php?resorts_id=1

Panorama Mountain Village, Canada

Panorama Mountain Village will officially open for the winter season on Friday, December 9. The resort will welcome this winter with a host of on-mountain enhancements that will keep families and advanced skiers and riders smiling all season long.

A new Snow Tube Park has been added to Panorama’s family amenities so sliding fun can continue on into the night. The Snow Tube Park, located at the base of the mountain, is steps away from Panorama’s slopeside accommodations, and features multiple lanes and conveyor lift access via the Red Carpet.

Four themed festivals will give Panorama Mountain Village reason to celebrate all season long and skiers and riders are invited to join in the revelry. First up is Panorama’s Mountain Snowflake Festival – Jan 21-22, 2012; Panorama’s Mountain Mardi Gras – Feb 25-26, 2012; the Western themed Panorama’s Mountain Stampede – Mar 17-18, 2012; and finally, to wrap up the season, Panorama’s Mountain Spring Carnival – Apr 7-8, 2012. Themed dining experiences, family activities and nightlife will keep the party going each weekend, on and off the snow.

Skiers and riders venturing into Taynton Bowl’s expansive big mountain terrain, famed for holding untracked powder for days after a storm, will be able to take advantage of even more fresh tracks with added glading and pruning.

Freestyle riders will find bigger berms and rowdier whoops in the Rockstar Terrain Park’s permanent Skier and Boarder Cross track. The newly extended banked track runs from the top of the park and leads skiers and snowboarders to the medium and large features in the lower half of the park.

Other enhancements to the mountain include trail widening on Stumbock’s, a fall line thrill ride where skiers and riders can let their boards run on the steep. The Pine Inn has also been redecorated and refurbished with new carpets, beds and updated bathrooms making this value-oriented slopeside hotel the best deal in Western Canada to ski and stay.
To visit Panorama village

Jasper opens tomorrow

Putting the final touches to the grooming on Tranquillity at Marmot Basin - then being checked out by the CEO of Marmot Basin, Jasper's wonderful ski mountain in the Canadian Rocky Mountains!

News from Jasper

A new high speed quad chair, aptly named the Paradise Express will replace the existing Paradise Triple Chair in the upper part of the mountain. This new high speed quad chair will be 42% longer than the existing triple chair yet the ride time will be 35% shorter providing even more slope time while reducing time spent riding ski lifts. The existing Paradise Triple Chair will be relocated to the lower mountain and will replace the School House T-Bar. -

It is all good - opening day tomorrow:)

Check out the deals

New lift at Fernie Alpine Resort

NEW Polar Peak lift takes skiing in Fernie to new heights! This season ‘Ski the Peak’ on the new Polar Peak lift - Fernie will now boast the most vertical and most ski runs in the Canadian Rockies.

Fernie Alpine Resort provides visitors legendary powder, uncrowded trails, mild climate, the best in Après ski fun and much more!  receives up to 37 feet of snow in a season, and attracts a wide range of skiers and riders from around the globe. Delivering over 2500 acres of skiable terrain, 142 named runs, 5 alpine bowls, state of the art snowmaking and grooming equipment, and an exceptional beginner’s area, Fernie is a true winter playground for skiers and riders for all levels.  Also now featuring the most snow, most ski runs and biggest vertical in the Rockies!  What are you waiting for; this is THE winter to ski Fernie - all the usual natural snow plus the extra inches associated with La Nina.
Snow is already falling - opening date December 2nd.
Visit the Frontier Ski site to organise your ski holiday in Fernie 

Whistler Embedded

This November, pro skier Mike Douglas will kiss his family goodbye, shoulder his skis and camera bag and embark on a never-before assignment – to stand watch on the Peak of Whistler Mountain waiting for winter to arrive. Armed only with his computer, his camera and a sleeping bag, the "Godfather of Freeskiing" will document the Inside Story of a mountain moving into winter. Find out if he has what it takes to make it up there on his own.

Follow the story here.....

The picture was taken on Blackcomb Mountain on October 6th.

The snow is still falling

La Nina in Whistler!

Winter 2011.12 is forecast to be another massive snow season for Whistler, following the 2nd snowiest on record with more than 51 feet of accumulated powder. Meteorologists are predicting a La Niña weather pattern – which means cooler than normal temperatures and consistent heavy precipitation during winter months. The Farmers‘ Almanac is also calling for above average precipitation which, in Whistler, translates into lots of snow. And the new snow will have something to build upon as some of last year‘s massive accumulation still remains in the alpine. Powder hounds are rejoicing at the forecast for Whistler‘s ski and snowboard season, officially opening November 24, 2011.

Whistler Ski Esprit

I just heard today that if you book one of the brilliant 3-day ski Esprit programmes at Whistler for 2012, our good friends at Whistler will add two free days. So, 5 days for the price of 3! Quite the deal - costs £269 per person.

Ski Esprit is a brilliant programme of guiding and tuition - suitable for all standards of skiers and boarders except complete beginners. There is no better way to learn your way around both mountains and get some superb tuition along the way.

PS: It has to be booked by the 15th November 2011.

Beaver Creek

Construction on a new high speed Doppelmayr detachable quad chairlift in Rose Bowl at Beaver Creek will take place this summer. The new lift will transport 2,400 people per hour and the new ride time will be nearly cut in half at five-and-a-half minutes. Planned as side-load chair, it will transport skiers and riders to the top of today’s existing Rose Bowl Lift. The lift upgrade also will improve the guest experience by spreading skiers and snowboarders across the main mountain more, and reducing density impacts on the Cinch Express Lift (Chair 8) and Centennial Express Lift (Chair 6).

The resort also plans to increase its grooming operations in Rose Bowl including on some of its black diamond runs, providing skiers and riders a wider variety of terrain options accessed from the new lift. Investments such as this lift demonstrate Beaver Creek’s ongoing commitment to continually deliver top-notch guest experiences on and off the slopes.

Have a look at Beaver Creek by Frontier Ski to see the accommodation in Beaver Creek that we recommend.

news from Charles at the Wickaninnish

A Note from CharlesPeople often ask me about the most romantic time of year in Tofino. My thought is that the singular beauty and remote nature of this place is a timeless inspiration for making -or rekindling- personal connections. However, February is only two weeks away, and the extremes of this dramatic season, from sunny moments at low tide to giant, rolling, wind-pummelled surf, will always hold a special place in my heart... Some of our guests talk about pausing in the midst of towering old-growth trees on the Rainforest Beach Loop Trail or on a long beach walk, equipped head to toe in our bright raingear. Other guests, well, don't venture much out of the haven of their accommodations. With picture windows bringing the outside right inn to every room and suite, custom furnishings, local art and the warmth of a gas fireplace, not to mention the availability of room service, I have to admit that even after almost fifteen years at the Inn, just sitting down in one of our comfortable armchairs looking out at the view is always a palpable temptation.

You've heard me talk about our commitment to continuous improvement throughout the Inn, and its technical aspects were carried out during this particularly productive early January closure period.

Canadian Arctic Holidays-Arctic Watch - Nunavut

Arctic Watch is Canada's most northerly wilderness lodge located on Somerset Island, Nunavut.


A visit to Arctic Watch is an all- emcompassing arctic safari. Visitors see thousands of beluga whales, musk-ox, polar bear, arctic foxes, birds, and archeaological sites. They can travel the land and water by foot, sea kayak, raft, mountain bike, and ATV (All Terrain Vehicle). Guests can climb the mountains, fish the lakes, hike through the canyons, across the tundra, and around the waterfalls. The vistas are immense and sun shines 24 hours per day.

The accommodations are the most comfortable remote facilities in the High Arctic. The food is stupendous. Menus include local food like musk ox and arctic char. Everyday starts with fresh hot muffins and ends with a hot shower and a glass of wine! Access is by private charter plane from Yellowknife.

WinterPride - January 30 - February 6, 2011

Don’t miss one of the biggest and best gay ski weeks in the world!

2011 marks the 19th anniversary of Whistler’s WinterPRIDE. The celebration features a full slate of events from dog sledding and snowmobiling adventures to wine tasting, a pool party, snowball dance, fantastic skiing and snowboarding and everything in-between.

Whistler wins again

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB TOPS ANNUAL RESORT RANKINGS
Whistler Blackcomb claims top spot in Condé Nast Traveler, FREESKIER Magazine, and Outside Magazine



WHISTLER, BC, December 10, 2010 – Consistently ranked as No. 1, Whistler Blackcomb tops mountain resort rankings once again this season. Whistler Blackcomb placed in the top three in six “overall” award categories including:



No. 1 “Best Place to Ski & Stay in North America” - Condé Nast Traveler’s annual readers’ poll (fourth consecutive)
No. 1 “Top Resort in North America” - FREESKIER Magazine (third consecutive)
No. 1 “Top Ski Resort in North America” - Outside Magazine.
No. 1 “Favorite Overall” – Onthesnow.com
No. 1 “Ski runs & Lodges” – National Geographic - “10 Best Book”
No. 3 “Top Resort in North America” - Transworld Snowboard Magazine
No. 3 “Top Ski Resort in North America - Ski Magazine

Whistler Blackcomb has also been recognized as the No. 1 resort in the world for Facebook fans with over 56,000 fans, the largest and most interactive of any ski resort.


See some of the great deals we have for you to visit Whislter

news from Canada - a round up

What was originally a whistle stop tour around several resorts has been somewhat extended by the Volcanic Ash Cloud preventing flights back to the U.K. This cloud does, however, have a silver lining in that it has allowing me to see a few more of our properties and also to sneek in a bit more time on the slopes.

My visit started in Jasper,

more of which later, after a pleasant flight to Edmonton. The second stop on my visit was to Sun Peaks, enjoying some good ski conditions and virtually deserted slopes. The Delta offers a great base right on the slopes, but much of the accommodation is within a few steps of the piste or the village's ski through pathway. Top tips - try breakfast at Memories in the Cahilty Lodge or grab a superb coffee at Bolacco's. Looking around the Hearthstone and the various town home and condos. we have available, such as the delightful Stone's Throw, showed me that the resort offers plenty of scope for all budgets and requirements in terms of accommodation.

On the slopes, you can find whatever you are looking for - glorious tree-lined groomers on Mount Morrisey and Sundance, some challenging blues below the Sunburst Express and some tougher terrain too - Headwalls, Spillway and Sting of particular note for Black Diamond enthusiasts and a few steeps and glades too. My favourite run however has to be the winding blue run through the trees on The Other Way.

Departing the snows of Sun Peaks, I found myself in the sunshine of the valley, before heading to Kamloops, only 45 minutes from the resort.

More to follow!

It is still snowing - 18 cms yesterday

Vast dumps in Whistler this weekend - there is still time for some excellent spring skiing. The Mountain is open until May 24th.

This has been the 3rd snowiest season on record - a fantastic 42 Feet!!

Vancouver 2010

Back at my desk after a fantastic two weeks in Canada - although the sun is shining and much as I love my job, I cannot say I am pleased to be back:)


It was the most amazing trip on all levels. I have not skied for 36 years (due to a fractured back) but my friends at Big White persuaded me that I could. So with much trepidation, I took to the nursery slopes; much to my amazement, I found that I had not forgotten all I knew and with the "new" skis, I was soon on the main chair lift under sunny skies with a grin from ear to ear!. After an excellent lunch I returned to my apartment at the Stonebridge Lodge, sank gratefully into the hot tub and then went for a massage - what a fabulous day!!

From Big White, I flew to Vancouver and after a couple of days relaxing with friends went down town to sample the Olympic fever that swept the city. It was absolutely amazing; the weather - the warmest for 100 years, the crowds - all good humoured and mostly dressed in Olympic or Canada logo wear - there were just seas of red! There was such a feeling of joie de vivre and excitement; free concerts and all sort of entertainment around the city. I was lucky enough to get tickets for the men's figure skating and the ice dance. Both events were full but the queues to get in were minimal and everything was brilliantly organised.

After 3 days in the city, I headed up the newly completed Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler - just as beautiful as the old road but a lot faster and safer. The village was looking stunning - decorations everywhere - the trees lit with bronze, silver and gold lights; the sun was shining and full of people enjoying themselves!! Again free concerts everynight and an amazing sense of energy. I was staying at the Evolution in Creekside and was struck how much this part of Whistler has changed; lots of restaurants, a good supermarket and so easy to get into Whistler village - just $2 and a 5 minute bus ride and you are there - during the day of course, you can take the lift up Whistler amd ski down into the village

The next day, I took a private instructor (so worth while) and surprised myself by being able to ski off both the Peak Chair and Harmony, not elegantly to be sure, but at least I was on the mountain! There was not a cloud in the sky, the snow was phenomenal, beautifully groomed and I had one of the best days of my life!

The next day it was time to don snowshoes for a walk in the forest before heading off to the Callaghan Valley for the cross country relay race - those athletes are just so fit it is scary. We had great seats and could see most of the course; the place was crowded and the atmosphere was amazing; cow bells, shouts, whistles - the lot! My only complaint was that I did not have enough sun screen and got sunburnt! Off to the Celebration Plaza to see Amy Williams collect her Gold Medal; I felt amazingly proud watching the Union Jack slowly rise up the flag pole. The day ended with a good dinner and lots of excellent Canadian wine with friends and colleagues from Whistler.

The following day, it was snowing, so conditions for the athletes on the Men's Grand Slalom were not quite so easy; but it was a great race and really exciting watching the speed that these men reached. They seemed so much faster than when you see them on Ski Sunday:)

The day and unfortunately, the stay, finished with a sleigh ride and a wonderful fondue dinner at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. A memorable 2 weeks.

Vancouver 2010

I am off to Big White tomorrow and then to Vancouver and Whistler - woo hoo
Should be awesome - will send over some updates.

Revelstoke

Revelstoke Mountain Resort - British Columbia

For decades, helicopter and cat skiers from around the world have flocked to Revelstoke, BC, attracted by its perfect powder, varied alpine terrain and quaint mountain community. Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing was the company of choice for guests who wanted the ultimate heli ski vacation, with over 50 feet of annual snow, 200,000 hectares (500,000 acres) of exclusive terrain and a long family history of guiding excellence.

Now, in addition to Selkirk Tangier Heli Skiing, there is another way to ski or snowboard Revelstoke's epic terrain - at Revelstoke Mountain Resort

Heading into the third season of operations, RMR boasts North America's highest lift-serviced vertical at 1,713 metres (5620 ft), 3031 acres of fall line skiing, high alpine bowls, 13 areas of gladed terrain and phenomenal groomed terrain. Revelstoke Mountain Resort is also the only resort world-wide to offer lift, cat, heli and backcountry skiing from one village base. Across our group of companies, that include RMR, Revelstoke Cat Skiing and Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing, skiers and snowboarders have access to a total of 515,000 acres of terrain.

Upon completion, the Resort will offer more than 20 lifts and over 100 ski and snowboard runs, transforming the area into a world-class destination. The four-season resort will include over 5,000 new housing units (1,500 resort condominiums, 2,000 hotel suites, 850 townhomes and 550 single-family lots), as well as more than 500,000 square feet of commercial and retail space, plus the signature Nick Faldo-designed resort-style golf course.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort is already moving into its next phase with the launch of summer operations, beginning in July 2010.

Our Operations Director's Adventure to America

Our Operations Director is currently in America visiting some of the Ski Resorts and reporting back with a daily diary of what they have to offer and what kind of mischief he is getting up to. After all we can’t expect him to work 24 hrs a day!

Day 1
So off on a 10 day tour of the the Colorado Ski resorts - Flight was with BA from the brand new swish terminal 5. Check in was smooth - and although i did have to sit in the middle of the row as the flight was full the 9hour and 50 minute flight passed quite quickly thanks to the infront screen - ended up watching four films! Arrived into a very sunny Denver.

First stop Aspen/Snowmass -
Transfer with Grayline Bus Service was pleasant although 4 hours long.
Arrived at my hotel at 21:45 local time - straight off to bed to get all of 4 hours sleep! You could fly into Aspen from Denver which would have been quicker.


Day 2
St Regis Aspen hotel is lovely, top quality yet cosy feel. Upgraded to a suite which is very spacious. Feeling more awake than i should and had a good breakfast (included in the room price) - i have yet to utilise the complimentary Butler service - don't really want to bother him! But i could and i can request anything really (within reason) from a coffee to something down the local shops or unpacking my bag!

Spent the day exploring Snowmass mountain and then Aspen town. Snowmass is great for families, its a quieter town in the evenings though it does have over 20 restaurants. It has a great kids center called The Tree house - where there is child care and the ski school. Snowmass has loads of terrain and the hotels/condos i saw had ski in access and will be going on our website when i am back in the office. The Hotel Viceroy espcially- just opened yesterday - and very stylish - will be THE place to be in Snowmass.

Aspen Ski resort is a town not a resort. Its totally different to other ski resorts. All accommodation (of which there isn't a huge amount compared to Whistler for example) is within a short walking distance to the gondola. It used to be a mining town and has lots of history. There are plenty of boutique and indivdual shops, cafes, bars & restaurants, a cinema, theatre and library. Only one chain is in site (McDonalds). Its obviously known as being popular with the rich and famous but that shouldn't stop anyone from staying and skiing here as there is accommodation to suit all budgets. I think its one of my favourite ski areas now. One option is to stay add ski in Snowmass which is cheaper and use the free shuttle service to Aspen to ski or just apres ski (last bus back at 2:15am) - takes about 20 minutes.

Day 3
Last night had dinner at the trendy Sky Hotel in the bar with the hotel manager and 2 travel agent ladies from germany. Now unbelievably these two ladies happened to be sitting next to me on the flight over from Heathrow!
We had no idea that either of us was going to Aspen nevermind sitting at the same dinner table! Crazy!
Went up the gondola today - I don't ski - so came back down again!! Then transferred through to Breckenridge - 2 1/2 hours.

Day 4 - Breckenridge
Similar to Aspen but larger and more spread out. Met up with the other 75 people on the international Vail Resorts fam! Sharing a condo with two UK guys - both from London - one from Bromley! Not much happening today as Vail resorts wanted people to aclimatise to the altitude and recover from jet lag. These resorts are all well over 8000 feet - in fact Breckenridge is over 9000 feet - so you do need to get used to it - drink plenty of water and take things easier. Afternoon was spent at the Oulets at Silvethorne - a factory outlet place about 20 minutes from Breckenridge.
If you want cheap ski gear or jeans or Nike trainers or Timberland boots - this is the place to go - amazingly cheap prices! Went on a pub crawl around Breckenridge town (probably not the most sensible thing to do at altitude - one drink has the effect of 2!) - with 75 people its quite a feat - unsurprisingly this number dropped from bar to bar. Didn't have the best night sleep after this - i don't know why.

Day 5
I now ski! Put on my first pair of boots & skis today and had a lesson.
Apparantly the instructor thinks I'm a natural and has put me to level 3 tomorrow! Great time - i didn't even fall over! Breckenridge has some good beginners runs and i think is probably the best resort on this trip to learn at.
There is some good new luxury condo property just opened and one being built to open 2010 ski season - on Peak 8 - ski in ski out access. Saw the Bever Run Resort at Peak 9 - looks old fashioned on the outside but great on the inside - large condos all with wood burning firplaces, plenty of facilities and ski in/out - recommend for all people really, couples, groups & families. Will add to our website shortly. I will also be updating the other accommodation options in Breckenridge - so keep an eye out.

Day 6
Checked out and waved goodbye to my luggage as it went by itself to Vail.
We instead went to Keystone for skiing. 2nd day of skiing - not as good this time - the Green runs are steeper and we didn't have a huge time for full-on lessons so fell a few times and my calves, hips and thighs all ache now - starting to parallel turn but am now pretty exhausted.
Keystone good though as a ski resort - plenty of runs - but better for intermediates to Experts. Arrived into Vail - staying at the Lodge at Lionshead - great property with large condos and a short walk to the Lionshead gondola. Said Hello to my luggage as it was waiting for me in the room! 3rd day of skiing tomorrow if my muscles can withstand it and don't seize up over night.

This is the first six days and will post some more once we receive it mean while check out some of the Ski Resorts we have to offer at
www.frontier-ski.co.uk/

Aspen

Jeremy from the office is currently in Aspen - this is his hotel report

ASPEN
Hotel Lenado
Lovely boutique hotel - just a 5 minute walk to the gondola. Only 19
rooms all with a king bed. There are two types of rooms - the superior
Larkspur rooms and the deluxe Smuggler rooms. The only real difference is
the Smuggler rooms have a lovely wood burning fireplace. They have a Full
Gourment Breakfast every morning included in the rates. They also have an
outdoor hot tub overlooking Aspen mountain. As there are only 19 rooms
its a very personal service and the staff know all the guests names. They
get a lot of repeat business. Great for all couples and honeymooners.


Limelight Lodge -
Good value 3 star hotel. Huge spacious lobby and corridors. The rooms
are an excellent quality for the price - good for groups or couples and
families. The most room types they have are the Grand Deluxe which have
one king or 2 queen beds and a small kitchenette area. A continental
breakfast is included in the rates. They have an outdoor pool and hot
tub. The good choice for people on a budget.

St Regis Resort -
My personal favourite (probably because i have stayed there) - in a great
location just a minutes walk to the gondola. High quality hotel with use
of dark woods in the lobby area. The rooms themselves are bright and
spacious. They include king size comfy beds. You also have complimentary
access to your own butler 24 hours a day who will be willing to do
anything from unpacking your suitcase, grabbing a coffee for you or run
down to the Pharmacy or Shop for anything you might need.
They also have and outdoor heated pool and hot tub and the amazing
tranquil Remede spa, where the treatments are all customised to suit your
requirements.
Great hotel for everyone.



He also said that he is loving the resort and thinks we should send many more people there!!

Record snow in Whistler

As the calendar flips over to December, it's now official that November 2009 will go down in history as the snowiest month on record at Whistler Blackcomb, dating back to when the collection of weather data began 30 years ago.

November 2009 has seen a total accumulation of 560cm (18 feet) of snowfall, nearly four times that of November's average snowfall of 148cm (58 inches). This is an increase of more than 19 per cent over the previous record of 469cm (185 inches) set in January 2006, and a 22 per cent increase over January 1992's record of 459cm (181 inches).

And now, with the record broken, there is still an entire season of skiing and riding to look forward to. With a season that offers 192 days of skiing and riding, Whistler Blackcomb is already over half way towards the resort's average annual snowfall of just over 10 metres (33 feet).