by The Whistler Online Journal - Oct. 11, 2001
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
=================
First significant snowfall this year !!!
The Turkey Sale - Was it a sale?
Great October Accommodation Specials
What to expect this season
Pictures of the week
FIRST SIGNIFICANT SNOWFALL OF THE SEASON
=========================================
The last couple of days have seen cooling temperatures and snow !!!.
In fact, as of this morning the snow level was within a few hundred meters
of the base of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. You can see for yourself
by checking the pictures that we took this morning at:
http://www.estays.com/journal/pics_011011.asp
This is very exciting !!! When you can see the snow that close to the
bottom of the mountain at this time of the year, it has to be a good sign.
The Farmers Almanac is calling for a great snow year, so lets keep our
fingers crossed.
Fresh snow is almost like a drug around here. The mood in the village
changes, and it is all that people talk and think about. As for
myself, I realized that it was time to dig my equipment out of the
crawl space and evaluate it for the upcoming season. The arsenal for
this winter doesn't look too bad and is as follows:
1 year old Burton Fusion - My pride and joy. An all terrain carving snowboard.
Needs a little wax and P-Tex, but otherwise it is in great shape.
This is the best carving board in my collection, and when on edge it
is a Knuckle draggers dream.
4 year old Burton Factory Prime Race Board - For the hard icy days. This
board has seen a few seasons, but it is still the fastest and most stable
board that I own. Sucks in powder, but great on ice.
1 Year old Ride - mountain 163 - Delaminated after a bad landing on ice
towards the end of last season. Still under warranty though, so I should
be able to get it replaced. Keeping my fingers crossed on that one because
this is the perfect powder board. Wide, soft, and long...a real floater.
5 year old ????? rockboard - I don't even remember what make this one is, but
if I hit something hard (like gravel), I don't even care. In fact, I have
actually been trying to destroy this board for the last couple of years, but
it is easier said than done. Maybe this year.....
Brand New K2 Shape Skis - Our company won these last year from Whistler
Blackcomb for "the greatest improvement in Lift Ticket sales".
Naturally, as the company leader I comandeered them for my own personal use.
It has been many years since I was on skis but I really want to get back into
this sport. Of course, the other ski equipment that I still have is pretty much
obsolete. 15 year old KoFlach boots, Saloman 747 Equipe bindings, and a
pair of 205 Atomic HV3SL Slalom race skis. (Bring back memories anyone??)
Uggggg. It is like starting all over again.....
THE TURKEY SALE - WAS IT REALLY A SALE???
==========================================
Speaking of new equipment, I went to the Annual Whistler Blackcomb
turkey sale last weekend. There were some great deals (North Face cap: $1.99),
but all in all, I wasn't very impressed. From the looks of things, a lot of
other people weren't either. Both times that I went (Sat Morning and
Monday afternoon), the shopping crowd was really light. In fact, there
seemed to be lots of WB staff just standing around doing nothing. There was also
LOTS of stuff still for sale, which is a sign in itself. I am sure that
at times over the weekend it was crazy, but it wasn't when I was there.
This could have something to do with the fact that the bargains just don't seem
as good as they used to be. Who knows, maybe Whistler Blackcomb will wake
up and make the turkey sale a real sale rather than a "so so" sale.
Five years ago, the Turkey Sale was based on cheap prices to get rid of
old stock. The locals loved it, and we promoted the heck out it. Over the
the last couple of years however, the overwhelming success of this event made
Whistler Blackcomb greedy (I mean profit conscious). I think that Whistler
Blackcomb could be in for a big adjustment this year with the economy
and all. Should be interesting to watch, and who knows, maybe next year the
Turkey Sale will go back to its roots.
GREAT OCTOBER ACCOMMODATION SPECIALS
===========================================
Looking for a romantic getaway, or just an opportunity
to escape back to Nature? October is a
fairly slow times in Whistler and because of that,
there are great deals to be found on accommodation.
Here is a just a taste of what is available, with more
awesome deals to be found online at http://www.estays.com.
Lake Placid Lodge - One Bedroom Suite - $79 per night*:
Lake Placid Lodge is conveniently located steps from
Whistler Mountain's high-speed Creekside gondola. Units
feature full kitchen and gas fireplace. Amenities include
a common area heated outdoor pool, hottub, and sauna.
Glacier's Reach - One Bedroom Townhouse - $99 per night*:A
self contained community, this complex is located right
next to Marketplace and a short 10 minute walk to Whistler
Village.
Le Chamois - One Bedroom Suite - $139 per night*: Located
at the base of Blackcomb Mountain.
Delta Whistler Resort - Superior Room with King Bed - $125
per night*: Located in the heart of Whistler village at the
base of both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains
* taxes are extra, rates in CDN $.
All rates are based on double occupancy.
AND MUCH MUCH MORE
Check it all out at http://www.eStays.com
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SEASONAL CONDITIONS
===================
Finally, people have been writing and asking me how conditions are going
to be in Whistler in Dec, Jan, Feb, etc. The thing is, I don't know.
We have a bunch of pictures from the last couple of years posted at:
http://www.estays.com/journal/pics_011011.asp
As you can see, overall, the conditions are good in Whistler most of the time.
The beginning of the season can be a little sketchy, but hey, that's nature
for you. Regardless, no matter when you go, if your heart and mind are in
the right place, you will always have a great time. I know that everytime
I ski (snowboard), I love it. It is a very rare day when I can't say that
I have had an awesome day on the mountain (As many of you whom have been
reading my rants and raves for the last few years already know).
PICTURES OF THE WEEK
====================
Here are a few pictures that we have taken over the last
couple of days. Lots of snow shots.
For viewing, goto http://www.estays.com/journal/pics_011011.asp
Well, that's all for now. I will, however, continue to bring you
updated conditions are we get closer to opening day. Until then...
Frank
Editor and Publisher - The Whistler Online Journal
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