Whistler British Columbia Canada

This year is a La Nina year and that has seen the first snowfalls come to Whistler-Blackcomb. Over the weekend some 30 centimeters fell on recently used Olympic ski runs and Whistler Village. La Nina has the opposite effect of last year’s El Nino weather pattern that nearly washed out the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

In Vancouver the wild weather pattern has brought massive amounts of rain and strong winds, but this is expected to die down and for the winter season to be a bit colder with more snow. This is good news for the other local ski hills around Vancouver like Grouse Mountain, Cypress and Seymour.

For winter sport enthusiasts Whistler this year may be extra busy. With the buzz of the successful Olympic games still on people’s minds, Whistler more than ever is going to be a major tourist destination this winter season. American tourists may not be so pleased with the high Canadian dollar though. Standing near par it is expected to stay there for some months to come yet.

Those looking for hotel and other lodgings at Whistler this year should book a bit earlier to ensure they get the rooms on the dates that they really want.

Popularity: 3%

If you are asking yourself what is to become of Whistler now that the Olympic Games are over you obviously haven’t been there during the summer months! Whistler British Columbia is certainly more than just a world-class ski resort for the winter months – oh no – it is rapidly becoming a choice destination for those looking for outdoor activities for the summer months as well.

From hiking and camping, to sightseeing and golf, Whistler offers visitors much to do during the summer months. A great unspoken part of summer vs winter in regards to Whistler the surrounding areas is the reduction in pricing! You can get rooms for much cheaper in the summer than you can during the winter. This may change as Whistler increasingly becomes a more popular summer destination, but for now, enjoy those lower prices!

Being in the alpine, Whistler is usually a few degrees cooler than Vancouver and suburbs, so if you are a bit heat sensitive you may enjoy being up at the mountain. Hikers will really enjoy this aspect as they traverse the many kilometers of trails around Whistler and provincial parks close by. Heck you can even go mountain climbing in nearby Squamish if that is your thing. Certainly a much easier thing to do during the summer than the colder winter months.

The Olympics have left a lasting legacy on Vancouver and Whistler, but don’t let the idea that it is only a winter destination fool you. Take a chance and visit Whistler this summer and see for yourself what it has to offer you and your family. You will be pleasantly surprised!

Popularity: 4%

The District of West Vancouver and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) announced today that West Vancouver has become a Venue City for the 2010 Winter Games.

The focus of West Vancouver’s participation in the Games is to engage residents of all ages – youth, families, seniors, and to support the values inspired by sport, recreation, arts and culture. As a Venue City, West Vancouver will receive many benefits, including use of the Vancouver 2010 Venue City logo. The District welcomes the opportunity to improve upon existing community events, in celebration of the Games, along with developing new concepts for the Cultural Olympiad and Torch Relay celebration. West Vancouver plans to reach out to community members for support with planning and hosting, encouraging volunteer participation in an array of activities that accompany Venue City status.

West Vancouver community leaders have embraced the spirit of the 2010 Winter Games and come forward with $1 million in funding that has enabled West Vancouver to participate as a Venue City. These privately raised funds will go towards staging the Games in 2010 and will also support snowboard and freestyle World Cup events scheduled to be held at the Olympic venue on Cypress Mountain in 2009.

“This contribution demonstrates solid community support for the 2010 Winter Games. Council is very pleased that West Vancouver is now officially part of VANOC’s planning effort – we look forward to being part of the team,” says Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones.

Cypress Mountain, located in West Vancouver, is the official freestyle skiing and snowboard venue for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Freestyle skiing events include aerials, moguls and ski cross, while snowboard events include half-pipe, parallel giant slalom and snowboard cross. Linda Swain, General Manager of Cypress Mountain, was pleased with West Vancouver’s new status, saying, “We are excited that West Vancouver will be joining us as a full partner in the 2010 Winter Games and look forward to working together to create a memorable experience for everyone on our local ski mountain.”

West Vancouver’s new Community Centre at the Civic Site will be a key feature and venue for events. The site recently received $500,000 from the Provincial Government towards the construction of a 325-square-metre Spirit Square atrium, providing a covered outdoor celebration space for special events and serving as a natural community meeting place for residents using recreation facilities. The Spirit Square will showcase West Vancouver’s heritage through public art. “Positioned between the mountains and the water, our Spirit Square captures the essence of West Vancouver’s spirit,” says Josie Chuback, Deputy Director of Parks and Community Services.

“We are tremendously grateful to the citizens of West Vancouver who have joined together and made an unparalleled personal commitment to the Games and their community,” says John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “From Cypress Mountain’s snowy peaks, to the Spirit Square’s unique display of art and culture, West Vancouver will help us welcome the world in 2010. The entire community will benefit from the resulting legacies.”

About VANOC
VANOC’s government partners provide funding, infrastructure, essential service support and management services to the 2010 Winter Games, which will contribute to the lasting economic, sport, cultural and social legacies for citizens and communities throughout British Columbia and Canada. VANOC’s government partners include the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the City of Vancouver and the Resort Municipality of Whistler. To date, members of VANOC’s Contributing Province/Territory Program include Manitoba and Ontario. VANOC’s Venue Cities are Richmond, Surrey and West Vancouver. VANOC has also signed an MOU with each Canadian province and territory.

VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. The Vancouver 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. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

About West Vancouver
West Vancouver is a seaside community of 44,000 residents, nestled on the lush south-facing slopes of the Coast Mountains on the North Shore of Burrard Inlet, in British Columbia. The community is known for its beaches, mountains, recreation facilities, and cultural activities. West Vancouver combines small-town charm with cosmopolitan amenities in several unique village business areas. The natural setting and proximity to downtown Vancouver completes the desirable setting.

Popularity: 76%

The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) filed a Statement of Defence this morning in response to the Statement of Claim issued by several female ski jumpers on Wednesday, May 21, 2008.

VANOC’s Statement of Defence is available for review from the Supreme Court of British Columbia Vancouver Registry.

VANOC respects the Court and its process and has confidence that its ruling on this case will be fair and proper. Meanwhile, VANOC looks forward to hosting both male and female ski jumpers at Whistler Olympic Park for training in the 2008-2009 season.

As this is now a matter before the Court, the Statement of Defence filed this morning represents VANOC’s position at this time and understandably, no additional comment can be provided.

About VANOC
VANOC is responsible for the planning, organizing, financing and staging of the XXI Olympic Winter Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. 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. Visit www.vancouver2010.com.

Popularity: 65%

The City of Surrey and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) announced today that Surrey, BC has become the newest Venue City for the 2010 Winter Games.

Surrey will be home to the Games Preparation Centre from February 2009 until the end of the Games; it will then become a multi-purpose recreational facility for Surrey residents. Leading up to the Games, the Centre will service a variety of Vancouver 2010 workforce needs including:

• the recruitment and casting of Ceremonies participants
• general recruitment and training for volunteers from the Fraser Valley and potentially other targeted regions within British Columbia
• the processing and recruitment of short-term temporary Games staff
• functioning as a Volunteer Drop-In Centre providing information and resources

The Games Preparation Centre will be a new facility, built and outfitted by Surrey. In addition Surrey is making a $2 million contribution towards the successful staging of the 2010 Winter Games.

As a Venue City, Surrey will receive a host of benefits including use of the Vancouver 2010 Venue City logo. BC’s second-largest city will also play a key role in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relay celebrations, in addition to hosting several significant cultural events through the Cultural Olympiad with a specific focus on engaging youth and reflecting Surrey’s diversity and creativity.

“By becoming a Venue City, the 2010 Winter Games will leave a lasting legacy in Surrey,” said Mayor Dianne Watts. “To be a part of the Games in such a significant manner is very exciting for our city. I am sure our residents will be amongst the volunteer leaders in helping make this event a great success.”

“Surrey has eagerly anticipated the Olympic Games since they were announced,” said Councillor Linda Hepner, Chair of the Surrey Spirit of BC Committee. “Through efforts like our ‘Ahead of the Game’ strategy, we have been doing everything we can to be ready for the Games’ arrival. Becoming a Venue City will provide us with new opportunities for us to be even more involved than we already are.”

“A true community of communities, Surrey is a tremendously valuable addition to the Vancouver 2010 family and will help us welcome the world in 2010,” said John Furlong, VANOC Chief Executive Officer. “As host of the Games Preparation Centre, Surrey will play a key role in recruiting many Games volunteers. Beyond the Games, Surrey residents will benefit enormously as the centre is transformed into a recreational facility.”

The Games Preparation Centre will be strategically located at the corner of West Whalley Ring Road and 107 Avenue, just one block from the Gateway SkyTrain station. Surrey, BC is located in close proximity to Vancouver, BC and other 2010 Winter Games venues.

Popularity: 48%