British Columbia Canada Blog

Silver Star and Big White Ski resorts are a great place to spend holidays with family and friends. They have accommodations ranging from hotel rooms to big chalets which can accommodate everyone’s needs and budgets.

 Also, gift cards for these resorts can be a wonderful holiday gift. Cliff Chair opened at Big White this year on Dec 21st and Falcon Chair is scheduled for Dec 23rd.  The grooming crew have been spreading some Christmas cheer opening the Snowcross course in TELUS Park as they continue to work on other features.

Up at Silver Star the 3 gladed runs on Silver Woods are now open bringing the total run count to 100. For those that just can’t get enough, night Skiing is in full swing at both mountains. At Silver Star night skiing operates every Friday and Saturday evening (except Dec 25th) from 3:30pm – 8:30pm on the Summit and Silver Queen. At Big White night skiing runs straight through until 8:00pm on the Bullet, Plaza Chairs and from 5:00pm to 8:00pm in TELUS Park every night over Christmas (except Christmas Eve and New Years Eve).

Christmas celebrations at Big White will include: Family Photos with Santa, an indoor Church service at the Village Centre Mall, Christmas carolling, the torchlight parade followed by a fireworks show with hot chestnuts roasting on an open fire and hot chocolate. Elves permitting, even Santa Claus himself will be there. This is a must attend event and it is all free. Photos will take place all day and the festivities kick off with the church service at 4:30 pm.

Christmas Eve at Silver Star is always a night to remember. The first delight is the Torchlight Parade and the spectacular Fireworks display getting underway shortly after 4pm. As the last sparkle dims in the evening sky, Santa will lead the kids to the NATC for Santa’s Gift Giving and Photos.

Plan your holiday trip today with BC travel Guide.

This weekend is perfect for visiting Whistler, British Columbia because Whistler ski resort  has already exceeded its record for snowfall in November.  Recently, Tourism British Columbia revealed that more than 430cm of snow has fallen so far, beating the previous record of 416cm set in November 2006.

Accommodations are reasonably priced and ski conditions are excellent so what could be the better time to visit Whistler. The guests will also benefit from a major upgrade to the Sea-to-Sky Highway, a transport link between Vancouver and Whistler.

Tourism Whistler’s vice-president of marketing, Arlene Schieven, said:

Whistler is currently offering some of the best value for accommodation and lift ticket packages in its history and the atmosphere here is more inviting and exciting than ever.
With all the early snow, we are off to a great start this winter season.

So, are you ready to ski?

New ski season is almost here which means we know you are considering buying new ski and snowboarding equipment. Well, Ski & Sport Swap might be able to help. Whether you need some new gear or just want to get rid of those old skis and boots or any other sports gear taking up room in your garage, Big White ski swap can help? The Big White Racers are hosting their Annual Ski and Sport Swap on November 6th and 7th at New Life Church on Harvey. Check out the schedule below:

Nov.6th 2009: Consignments 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Nov.7th 2009: Sale 8:00 am to 3:00 pm

Nov.7th 2009: Pay out and pick up 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Wishing you happy skiing.

To plan your this year’s Ski trip, visit: BC Travel Guide

Whenever I book my ski trip, my focus is on least amount of travel time (who likes getting stuck on icy roads in winter or wait for connecting flights) and maximum time on the slopes. I am sure there are a lots of BC tourists out there who think and plan the same way. I have some good news for such BC Travellers planning their BC ski trips.

Delta Airlines will again this ski season (2009-2010) offer non-stop flights from selected US cities ( like Salt Lake City, Utah) to the Kootenay Rockies Region of British Columbia. 

For instance the short, two hour flight from Salt Lake City to Cranbrook (starting Dec, 19th) will provide easy access to a pair of southeastern B.C. ski and snowboard resorts, and will be available weekly on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Mar. 28, 2010.

(Information below courtesy: Delta Airlines)

How it Works (The Rules)
Origins and Destinations	Between Cranbrook (Canadian Rockies Intl.), BC and select U.S. cities
Purchase by	March 13, 2009
Advance Purchase and Minimum Stay	14 days; none
Other Rules	Tickets may be purchased at delta.com.

A few days ago Molly Mcnulty (a reporter for Terrace standard) informed readers that Terrace will now be joining Catskiing program. Isn’t that a great news for ski lovers? 

According to HeliCat Canada 95 per cent of the world’s heli-skiing and snowcat operations run out of B.C. due to its deep snow pack and abundant snow falls. No doubt, BC tour operators and other winter based BC tourism businesses are super busy. (If you are a BC Tourism business, then connect with us at BC Travel Guide)  

Key points from her article that British Columbia tours would like to share with its readers are:

- Skiiers will be able to enjoy Catskiing in the Terrace area starting 2011. (We are not there yet!) 

- Northern Escape Heli-skiing is expanding its business to incorporate catskiing into the mix, which will give skiers and boarders the opportunity to hit backcountry slopes even if the weather is clouded over.

-Northern Escape plans on utilizing the mountain directly to the west of Kalum River Lake.

- Runs will be offered from 1,500 to 3,500 feet with about eight to 10 runs a day for an average of 16,000 vertical feet.

-Passengers will have a relaxed, comfortable and social ride up the mountain in the snowcat which will last roughly 10 to 15 minutes.

Plan your BC ski trip today with BC Travel Guide

Related Posts:

Big White Ski resort 

Top 5 ski resorts in British Columbia

Other Useful Links:

Ski British Columbia

BC Skiing- Snowboarding

Good News Skiiers and BC tourists!

Did you hear about new flights to Sun Peaks, British Columbia?  WestJet is introducing new flights to Sun Peaks, BC.  Starting Nov. 1, WestJet Airlines will expand its service to nearby Kamloops and Sun Peaks with a Vancouver flight connection. The new service will have WestJet departing Kamloops at 10:45 a.m. each morning, arriving at Vancouver International Airport at 11:41 a.m. For skiers heading to Sun Peaks, the flight leaves Vancouver at 12:30 p.m., arriving in Kamloops at 1:19 p.m.

I am excited about these new flights because it means more time for skiing and less time stuck on the road (in the winter traffic.) The new WestJet schedule also changes the times of the Calgary-Kamloops flight to allow an easy connection for passengers departing from Toronto at 7:15 a.m. The aircraft connects through Calgary at 10:05 a.m. and arrives in Kamloops at 10:12 a.m., allowing skiers and snowboarders to be on the slopes of Sun Peaks that afternoon. The return flight departs at 2:00 p.m. daily, and will arrive in Calgary at 3:57 p.m.

Oh and we all have had our share of facing chaos and bad service at Kamloops airport. This winter, the Kamloops Airport terminal expansion will take place to better handle the increased volume which comes with the additional WestJet flights into the region.

If you haven’t planned your winter Ski trip yet then do it today. Visit: BC Travel Guide

Other Related Links:

Accommodations British Columbia

Top 5 ski resorts in BC

West Jet Flights to Sun Peaks
 

Yesterday, I came across a very interesting article on Yahoo, called “ Canada’s Top 10 Hotels” by Bob Harris- a Forbes traveller but what was more interesting was the fact that five of British Columbia’s Hotels were featured in this list (List was compiled by the Forbes Traveler 400 board of experts, who had gathered to determine Canada’s finest luxury hotels and resorts.) Curious to know, which BC hotels made it to the list? Check it out below:

Four Seasons Whistler and Fairmont Chateau Whistler : These resorts offer high-end accommodation with amenities like quality spa, excellent location, multiple whirlpools and finest dining facilities.

On Vancouver Island, the Sooke Harbour House was the clear choice in the British Columbia capital of Victoria along with Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino  .

Finally, in the city of Vancouver, the Opus Hotel (a youthful 96-unit boutique property) located in Yaletown district, made it to the list.

If you get a chance do travel to these outstanding BC hotels and if you have a favourite Hotel in British Columbia, do share it with us. 

Related Links:

British Columbia Accommodations

British Columbia Bed and Breakfasts

British Columbia is a perfect getaway for adventure seekers but your trip to BC will be incomplete without trying these exciting activities:

1. Go downhill Skiing in Whistler, Kicking Horse or Sun Peaks

2. Experience Whale Watching in Port Hardy 

3. Take a wine tour in the Okanagan Valley

4.  Discover back country trails of beautiful British Columbia through Horse Back Riding

5. Go Fishing in Northern BC around Peace River or Skeena river region

6. If you enjoy camping then British Columbia will not disappoint you. Camping is a great way to travel through BC and to save on accommodation.

7. Throughout British Columbia, tourists will find world class golf courses and it’s hard not to go Golfing on a beautiful summer day.

8. Visit Glacier National Park to experience steep rugged majestic mountains, wide variety of plant and animal life, and to get glimpse of wildlife like mountain caribou, mountain goat, elk etc. 

9. Enjoy a ride on BC ferries which operates 25 routes among the islands of British Columbia. 

10. Try White Water Rafting on one of the inland rivers like Thompson or Fraser River.

Related Links:

Explore British Columbia here

When it comes to nightlife, Whistler is quite happening for a resort village. No doubt, people from all over the world love coming down to Whister which is British Columbia’s most popular resort town. Check out our favourite Top 5 pubs in Whistler for Vancouver 2010.

1. Amesterdam Cafe and Pub: One thing I love about Amesterdam Pub is that they have a very popular patio overlooking the village square. Amesterdam Cafe and Pub is open from 11.00 am to 1.00 am everyday. There veggie villain burger priced at $11 will certainly appeal vegetarian option seekers. Call: 604-932-8334 for more information.

2. Dubh linn Gate Pub : Visit PanPacific Mountainside Resort to experience this Irish style pub which is open from 7.00 am to noon for breakfast and for full service until 1.00 am. For more information, call: 1-800-387-3311

3. Buffalo Bill’s Bar and Grill: Buffalo Bills Bar & Grill is the premier nightspot for partying in Whistler. Conveniently located next to the Conference Center, in the heart of Whistler Village Buffalo Bill’s is your place if you want to love dancing. For more information, call: 1-604-932-6613

4. Longhorn Saloon and Grill: You can let your hair down and totally relax at Longhorn Saloon, located right at the village lift base in the Carleton Lodge. Call: 604-932-5999 for more information.

5. Garfinkels Nightclub: Garfinkel’s Nightclub is one of Whistler’s largest pub known for its longest running parties. It can get really busy in here so call: (604) 932-2323 for more information. 

Get ready to celebrate the 12th annual Neil Edgeworth Banked Slalom Event at one of BC’s most sought after resort- Big White on Saturday, March 21st 2009. Neil Edgeworth was a pioneer in the snowboarding industry but he passed away a few years ago and this event commemorates his memory. The entry fee for this event is $50 and there are over $10,000 in cash and prizes to be won.

There will be a huge 12th Annual celebration party at the Loose Moose Lounge at the Happy Valley Day Lodge on Saturday night after the dinner banquet. Call or e-mail ahead to reserve your spot this year and show off your snowboarding skills.

For more information, email jdenyar@bigwhite.com or fseddon@bigwhite.com 

12 NEIL