Do you know that the German and Swedish teams that trained at Silver Star Ski resort in British Columbia won 12 medals during the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics? Many Olympic teams in the hopes of getting the same results are using the Okanagan  again to do their final pre-Games tune-ups on local cross-country ski trails.

Some of the participating athletes are from the nordic event teams of Norway, the Czech Republic, Russia and Switzerland. In all, eight Olympic teams totalling 100 competitors are training locally, injecting money into the economy and Olympic buzz into the region. One of the most popular venues is the Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre in the North Okanagan. The Norwegian biathlon team has been training there and at nearby Silver Star Mountain Resort for the past two weeks.

The region has been a popular training ground for nordic competitors for years. Most teams are staying at Silver Star for 10 to 16 days, resulting in $125,000 in total revenue for the resort. So, next time you ski in BC consider yourself lucky because you might be using the same trails which helped train Olympic athletes.

Other Vancouver 2010 Posts:

Transportation During Olympics 2010

Opening Ceremony Olympics 2010

Meet Vancouver Olympics 2010 Athletes

I always wondered if there is a way visitors and BC residents can meet Canadian Vancouver 2010 and was excited to come across the news about 2010 Canada Pavilion which will showcase Canadian Athletes, Culture and Unique innovations. This will be a great platform through which common man will be able to meet award winning athletes and show their support.

See some of my favourite excerpts from the press release below:

The Canada Pavilion will be a focal point for Canadian fans and international visitors attending the 2010 Winter Games. It will tell Canada’s story to the world, by helping visitors learn more about Canada’s unique culture, heritage and innovations.

This Pavilion will help to leverage the economic opportunities that come with hosting a major international event and it will promote Canada as an ideal business, investment and tourism destination. This Pavilion will give Canadian fans a place to meet our athletes, show their support and have a chance to get some autographs.

Fans will also have an opportunity to learn more about the Own the Podium program and the support our Government is giving to help our athletes succeed in 2010.

Centrally located at Vancouver’s LiveCity Downtown Celebration Site, the Pavilion will demonstrate Canada’s commitment to creative excellence, sustainable development and fostering diversity with informative and innovative content that is sure to make Canadian’s proud. The 2010 Games will inspire Canada’s young people to get active in sports and live a healthy lifestyle. The Pavilion will provide an opportunity to learn more about Olympic and Paralympic sports and help them to choose the activity that’s right for them.

The Government of Canada is investing $10 million to build a world class Canada Pavilion which will help market Canada to the world. A formal process to obtain proposals from companies interested in designing, building and operating the Canada Pavilion will be initiated by the Department of Canadian Heritage.

To see the whole story, go to:  2010 Canadian Pavilion

 The 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be staged in Vancouver and Whistler from February 12 to 28, 2010. Vancouver and Whistler will host the Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 to 21, 2010.

On March 12, 2010, a thousand of the world’s top winter sport Paralympic athletes  from more than 40 countries will gather in BC Place in downtown Vancouver for the indoor Opening Ceremony. Nine days later, the Games will draw to its official end in the Host Mountain Resort of Whistler in a unique outdoor amphitheatre designed especially for the two-hour Closing Ceremony. 

Did you hear that Vanoc has announced that a very special talented team of 15 Canadians with expertise in costumes, lighting, music, and stage direction will join the creative team tasked with orchestrating the magical and awe-inspiring moments celebrating the dramatic achievements of Paralympians at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. 

The Vancouver organizing committee spent 6 months in searching for these talented Canadian artisans and many of these artists are from British Columbia itself. This team includes:

Associate Director and Head Choreographer: Jocelyn Peden, Music Director: Paul Airey, Art Director: Daniel Planko, Production Director: Nik Von Schulmann, Headline Director: Shaw Saltzberg, Segment Director: Luca (Lazylegz) Patuelli, Visuals Director: Sean Nieuwenhuis, Costume Designer: Sheila White, Production and Lighting Designer: Robert Sondergaard, Interactive Visual Designer: Roger Parent, Interactive Visual Designer: Louis-Pierre Morin, Stage Designer: Mark Patterson, Host Broadcast Liaison: Tim Lewis, Associate Producer: Anna Bond, The Abilities Arts Festival, a Toronto based disability arts organization and forum for creative and artistic excellence.

These Canadians were chosen by ceremonies producer Patrick Roberge Productions. I am excited to see how the cermonies unfold. The search for volunteers for cermonies is still going on so if you have talent then get in touch with the authorities today.

For more information, visit: Vancouver 2010
 

August Long Weekend (This year from August 1st-3rd 2009) is probably one of the busiest weekends in British Columbia. If you are a tourist, visiting British Columbia, we highly recommend making reservations in advance.

The reason it’s so busy because it’s summer, it’s beautiful here in BC and everyone loves to hang out with their friends and family, secondly students all over the world have holidays and ofcourse it’s the tourist season as well. During August Long Weekend, BC residents indulge in variety of activities. They love going for camping, hiking, white water rafting, Kayaking, mountain biking, fishing, boating, playing summer sports like beach volleyball, wake boarding etc. There are tons of festivals happening that weekend as well.

Check out what’s going on this August Long weekend (August 1st-3rd 2009) across British columbia

Bonfire Music Festival (from July 31st to August 2nd 2009) at Lions Park Fairgrounds -Kleindale, BC on the Sunshine Coast. Bonfire is a uniquely British Columbian festival experience. Music fans from all over Western Canada and the United States  converge during Bonfire Music Festival to experience a magical getaway of music, camping, fine food, art, fresh water swimming & celebration on BC’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. There are variety of musicians which appeal to a broad range of the Roots, Groove, Jazz, Funk & Folk audience who are known to appreciate the outdoor festival experience.

Kaslo Jazz Festival: Imagine Beautiful mountains, small village and a floating Stage- Welcome to Kaslo Jazz Festival. This year during August Long weekend, BC residents will celebrate 18th annual Kaslo Jazz summer music festival. The tickets can be bought by calling : 250-353-7548. Check out: KasloJazzfest.com for more information.

5th annual Wild BC Day long weekend family fun campout will also happen this August 1st, 2nd and 3rd. This year, the campout will be at Whitecap Campground in Seton Portage - one hour northeast of Pemberton, BC. The Wilderness Committee is inviting all of their friends to come camping in an endangered wilderness area which is spotted owl forest habitat located Northeast of Pemberton, BC in part of the St’át’imc traditional territory. You can join wilderness committee for a long weekend with a guided nature hike, swimming in Seton Lake, and learning about our campaigns to save Canada’s endangered spotted owls, to protect old-growth forests and help support healthy communities.

Please call Andrew or Stephanie at 604-683-8220 or email andrew@wildernesscommittee.org

Salmon Arm, British columbia is hosting Shushwap Adult Soccer Long weekend tournament. Although the registration is closed now but you can go and watch some great soccer.  For more information, visit: BC soccer website.

Hope you will enjoy your August Long weekend 2009.

 Hope you are enjoying your summer as much as I am. British Columbia offers tons of activities to adventure seekers during summer. Mountain Biking being on of my favourite. If you are mountain biking enthusiast then you don’t want to  miss Mountain Biking experience in Whistler. 2009 Mountain Biking season is off to a great start at The Whistler Mountain Bike Park.

Many new features have been added to the park this season like rebuild on Crank it Up and Angry Pirate in the Fitzsimmons Zone, exciting additions to No Joke (now called New Joke), Freight Train and Blue Velvet in the Garbanzo Zone.

 Oh and if you are a woman, you definitely want to check out Women’s nights specials. Every Monday and Wednesday women can take advantage of awesome deals in the Bike Park. And the prizes & Garibaldi Lift Company après are always the best way to finish a great night in the Bike Park. Also, Phat Wednesdays, an ever-popular race series is back giving riders and opportunity to step up their game.

For complete information, visit: Whistler Mountain Bike Park

Other Related Links:

Whistler Accommodations

Mountain Biking trends have gradually changed over the last few years in British Columbia. Originally Mountain Biking was considered a macho sport but off late more and more chicks are finding it exciting. We, in British Columbia recognize this trend and therefore we offer mountain biking camps for ladies. Join today Chick’s on Bikes Camp with Claudia Sorensen at Silver star Mountain Resort. You can now enjoy mountain biking with other ladies to get a confidence boost, learn new biking skills in a fun environment, and work on taking on new challenges and trails each run.

Claudia has been coaching mountain biking for 9 years and her clinics have been offered throughout the Okanagan Valley. We recommend Arms/leg armor, a hydration pack and riding gear for all weather for this camp. The schedule for the camp is 9.30 am to 5.00 pm and rate for day camp is $90 which includes coaching, lift pass & lunch at 1.00 pm. So say good bye to your boy friend and have a fun filled day with other chicks at Silver Star Mountain Resort. To book or for more information, call 1-800-663-4431

Related Links:
Thompson Okanagan Activities 

Although Whistler has 4-5 Golf Clubs but Whistler Golf Club is my all time favourite. This beautiful Golf Course will take your breath away and will exceed your expectations. Whistler Golf Club was chosen by Arnold Palmer as the site for his first Canadian design and using the natural contours of the region, the creation of intimidating lakes and the redirection of meandering Crabapple creek, Arnold Palmer has created a unique course which is challenging yet enjoyable.

Nestled among towering peaks of Whistler, this Golf Course is a perfect escape from busy corporate life. You can relax here at the patio with your clients or improve your game at the learning and performance centre. Check out some features of Whistler Golf Club below:

• Driving range and practice putting green

• Custom club fitting and repair centre

• Learning & Performance Centre

• 150-seat licensed, indoor/patio dining facility

• On-course licensed, refreshment cart and halfway house

Other Related Links:

BC Golfing

Whistler Resorts and Lodges

Aah! The summer has finally arrived and it’s time to enjoy the season with friends and family while engaging in fun filled activities. If you are thinking about an interesting group activity then do consider Paintballing at Silver Star Mountain Resort.

Silver Star, located in the heart of Thompson-Okanagan region of British Columbia will open for paintball season from June 6th 2009. Silver Star paintball will be open every weekend until Sept. 6th 2009 for drop-in play and you can also book your own group game any day of the week or better still plan a group getaway and stay in one of BC’s beautiful cottages.

Silver Star Paintball is located in parking Lot E, which is situated west of Silver Star’s village, opposite the entrance to the Ridge sub-division. There are three challenging courses here i.e. The Bone Yard, Wild Woods and The Old West.

Drop-in is available on WEEKENDS ONLY and to book your play time, please call (250) 558-6010 to check availability. Planning a group party, call: 250-558-6069. Note that all group bookings require 10 players or more and you must book for atleast 2 hours. You must book 72 hours prior to play and $150 deposit is reuired at the time of booking.

Paintballing could be a fun way to enjoy a birthday party, have an employee appreciation outing, stag party or corporate get-together. Interested? For group bookings call, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m (Pacific Standard Time) at 1-800-663-4431.

For more information, visit: Silver Star Mountain Resort.

Check out other cool BC activities here:  BC Activities

The majority of people around the world have been talking about the vibrant city of Vancouver, the host for Vancouver 2010 Winter Olymoics paying a little less attention to the other venue cities like Richmond, Whistler and Cypress Mountain. 

Many other BC cities neighboring Vancouver like Squamish, Pemberton, Surrey, Delta, New Westminster, Port Coquitlam, Burnaby and Port Moody etc have also been preparing for Vancouver 2010 Winter olympics in their own special way. Learn more about these towns below:

Richmond: The city of Richmond is located only 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver and is a thriving multi cultural community which has developed rapidly over the last few years and this growth will continue until Vancouver 2010.

Whistler Mountain Resort: This friendly ski- resort is located about 115 kms from Vancouver in the coastal mountains of BC. It has about 8000 acres of skiable terrain making it an excellent choic for Vancouver 2010 winter olympics.

Squamish: This lovely little town is often called ‘The outdoor recreation capital of Canada’ is known for sports like windsurfing, mountain biking and rock climbing.

Surrey: The city of Surrey is about 40 minutes from Vancouver and the second largest city in British Columbia.

Port Coquitlam: The city of the Coquitlam has more than more than 68 parks and trails to offer visitors.There are plenty of bike paths, sports fields, picnic areas, playgrounds etc here. 

Duncan: Duncan is popularly known as the city of totems and is located in the heart of Cowichan region. There are about 80 totem poles erected throughout the city which lend it a unique historic charm.

West Vancouver: If you want to enjoy sandy beaches, seaside walks, hiking trails, marinas and hiking trails then visit the waterfront community of West Vancouver which stretches about 89 kilometers.

Wildplay element parks located on Vancouver Island, 75 minutes north of Victoria, and approximately 15 minutes south of Nanaimo is one of my favourite spots in British Columbia because there is always something exciting happening here. Whether you crave aerial adventure like tree Course or want to take a big jump, they have it all.

Did you hear about the recent Naked Bungee Jumping event that took place at Wildplay Element parks on February 21st and 22nd 2009. Some brave souls bared it all, not just for fun but a great cause.

This year about 146 jumpers shook off their clothes, had a great time and raised 5020.28 dollars for BC Schizophrenia society. Check out the details and some really enticing pictures at Wild Play Parks, British Columbia and if you are planning to visit Vancouver Island, do take out some time and embark on a new adventure at Wildplay Element Parks.