our step-by-step guide to selling Whistler and

Transcription

our step-by-step guide to selling Whistler and
Whistler & Vancouver 2014/15
Book by 15 November 2014
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Whistler & Vancouver
Call our reservations team on 0131 243 8097 for a tailor-made quote
BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA
Whistler Blackcomb
BLACKCOMB
MOUNTAIN
UPPER
VILLAGE
VILLAGE WHISTLER
NORTH
VILLAGE
WHISTLER
MOUNTAIN
Inside Track
Whistler is an exceptional ski resort.
A mile of vertical, two massive mountains, stunning terrain,
huge snow, an Olympic pedigree, a long season and a village
with a vibe to rival anything on the planet - the superlatives
just go on and on. It ticks all the boxes – and most of the
boxes more than once! Michael • Managing Director
CREEKSIDE
Check our agent-friendly website www.ski-i.com for more pictures and information
Whistler & Vancouver
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Whistler & Vancouver
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Welcome to Whistler
Inside Track
We’re here to advise and guide you through the
process from enquiry to booking. Our knowledgeable reservations team
have first-hand experience of Whistler and Vancouver, and will be able
to answer any questions. In addition our annual brochure
provides a reassuring marketing piece to hand to your
clients, whilst our website www.ski-i.com provides even
more detailed information, pictures and video on Whistler
and Vancouver. It’s all designed to provide you with the
marketing back-up to sell Whistler to your clients
with confidence! Nick • Product Manager
Call our reservations team on 0131 243 8097 for a tailor-made quote
Check our agent-friendly website www.ski-i.com for more pictures and information
Why your clients will love Whistler...
Whistler has become synonymous with towering peaks, deep snow,
innovative ideas and the passionate people who are drawn to it all.
Pacific storms collide with the Coast Mountain Range, reliably depositing over
38 feet of snow each winter. Vast alpine bowls and ancient glaciers stretch down to
meet a seemingly endless variety of glades, groomers and learning areas that make
up the most terrain in North America. The world record-breaking Peak 2 Peak
Gondola stretches 4.4 kilometres between the tops of the two mountains to provide
an unparalleled experience - a true engineering marvel. And finally, legendary big
mountain athletes, Olympians and Paralympians mingle with the snow industry’s
pre-eminent photographers and filmmakers, creating a cultural mecca that has made
Whistler the #1 ski resort in North America.
Whistler offers the most reliable snow in North America,
with a 10 year average of 38.4 feet per winter!
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2 Massive Mountains
5280 feet Vertical
8171 acres
37 Lifts
200+ Marked Trails
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1 Vibrant Mountain Community
16 Alpine Bowls & 3 Glaciers
Daily Heli-ski Trips
Opens: late November 2014
Closes: mid May 2015
For tailor-made quotations and in-depth advice speak to
Ski Independence, the Whistler and Vancouver experts,
on 0131 243 8097, e-mail [email protected] or visit
www.ski-i.com/whistler
Whistler & Vancouver
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Whistler & Vancouver
Call our reservations team on 0131 243 8097 for a tailor-made quote
BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA
Our team - Experience is everything
We believe we have the best team in the business.
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75 years combined working for Ski Independence
250 years of combined ski and board experience
Multi-lingual - French, German, Japanese spoken
All 68 resorts featured have been skied or visited by a member of our team
Michael
Nick
Pete
Managing Director
Product Manager
North America & Japan
Overseas Operations
Manager
Gareth
Claire
Vicky
Sales Manager
Product Manager
Europe
Marketing Manager
Karen
David
Nicole
Senior Reservations
Consultant
Reservations Consultant
Reservations Consultant
Gordon
Nikki
Julie
Reservations Consultant
Reservations Consultant
Ski Product Support
Check our agent-friendly website www.ski-i.com for more pictures and information
Our experience
If you have a client interested in a ski trip to Whistler and
Vancouver, simply contact us on 0131 243 8097 and we’ll put
together a competitively priced itinerary, which we’ll individually
tailor to their needs.
Our reservations team offers a wealth of first-hand knowledge on all things Whistler,
allowing you to confidently discuss all aspects of the holiday with your client. In the
ever-changing holiday market, Ski Independence is committed to supporting the UK
Travel Agent network.
A We are the UK’s leading ski specialist to Whistler
A Formed 20 years ago #20YearsSki
A Part of Osprey Holidays, a company with
60 years travel heritage
A Fully licensed and bonded with ATOL and ABTA
A Based in central Edinburgh
A 87% of clients are located in England with a
strong focus on London and the South East
A Agent business is hugely important to us
and represents around 40% of overall sales
A We work with all the major UK consortia, as well as
independent agents, and our commission structure is
available on request
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Call our reservations team on 0131 243 8097 for a tailor-made quote
Fly to Vancouver…
Ski Independence offer a choice of two airlines flying direct from
London Heathrow to Vancouver.
We provide complete flexibility to choose the day of departure, holiday duration,
choice of airline and cabin type. We have the freedom to build you the perfect
holiday itinerary around the best flight options that suit your clients, and not around
a product we’re committed to sell.
Airline:
Route:
Frequency:
Baggage allowance:
Cabin types available:
UK domestic add-ons:
UK domestic add-ons:
Air Canada
Heathrow Terminal 2 to Vancouver International (YVR)
Daily
1 x 23kg (Economy)
Economy, Premium Economy & Business Class
FREE with British Airways to/from Heathrow Terminal 5
Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds-Bradford,
Manchester, Newcastle
Airline:
Route:
Frequency:
Baggage allowance:
Cabin types available:
UK domestic add-ons:
UK domestic add-ons:
British Airways
Heathrow Terminal 5 to Vancouver International (YVR)
Daily
1 x 23kg (Economy)
Economy, World Traveller Plus & Club World
FREE with British Airways to/from Heathrow Terminal 5
Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds-Bradford,
Manchester, Newcastle
We can also sell other carriers, including KLM, Lufthansa, United and Air Transat.
Inside Track Our experienced reservations team have sampled the
product! They can give you a personal viewpoint on all aspects of flying
to Vancouver, and will be able to answer all of your queries, whether it’s
about check-in procedure, baggage allowances, lounge access, on-board
service, seat pitch or arrival at Vancouver. Gareth • Sales Manager
Check our agent-friendly website www.ski-i.com for more pictures and information
…then transfer to Whistler!
The route to the slopes couldn’t be easier!
Once your clients arrive into Vancouver International Airport we aim to get them to
Whistler as quickly and comfortably as possible. We’ll recommend the best transfer
option for their needs to ensure they relax into their holiday from the start.
For all clients staying in one of our Vancouver city hotels, we include a
complimentary Skytrain ticket for a quick and easy transfer to/from the airport
terminal right into the heart of downtown!
We offer three types of transfer:
Shared Scheduled Transfer We principally use vans or minibuses for this transfer,
BUT during heavier demand periods this may be a larger coach. On arrival in
Whistler there may be multi-drops at other hotels for other passengers before clients
are dropped at their hotel. Sometimes they will be transferred to a smaller vehicle on
arrival in Whistler before being taken to their hotel. This is a door-to-door shared
scheduled transfer service which will leave within 1 hour of being met. This service
meets all flights.
Shared Van Transfer Vehicle types used for this transfer are principally vans.
This is a door-to-door shared transfer service, which only meets British Airways
and Air Canada direct flights and departs immediately.
Private Transfer We offer a large choice of private transfer options including
sedan, SUV, van, stretch limousine, stretch SUV, super-stretch limousine and minibus
- carrying from 2 to 22 passengers! This is a door-to-door private transfer service,
which includes all driver gratuities. This service meets all flights and can be just as
cost-effective for families or larger groups.
Transfer time to Whistler is around 2 hours 15 minutes.
Inside Track
Our Whistler holidays include the services of a local
resort representative, there to ensure the smooth running of your client’s
holiday. Whether it’s advising on local events, recommending restaurants
or assisting with discounted resort activities, our reps are there
to help. Pete • Overseas Operations Manager
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Whistler & Vancouver
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Call our reservations team on 0131 243 8097 for a tailor-made quote
Fairmont Chateau Whistler *****
Prime location, first class facilities and unrivalled service are the
hallmarks of this magnificent ski hotel. The Fairmont Chateau
Whistler has a wonderfully relaxed feel for such an amazing 5-star
property. Clients will love the outstanding quality, attention to detail
and amazing spa, plus the instant access to world-class skiing and
snowboarding.
Book by 15 November 2014
A Up to 55% off lodging prices
A Complimentary double room category upgrade
7 nights from £1179 per person*
10 nights from £1309 per person*
“Everything you could want from a luxury ski hotel”
• Value for money, slopeside location • Casual ambience
• Great bar and restaurants • Choice of room types
Inside Track
Whistler gets exceptional snow! The resort
has a 10 year average of over 11 metres / 38 feet of snow
every winter. Our resort staff and local contacts start
sending us regular snow updates, pictures and blogs
from late November onwards - we post these on our
website to give you a real insight into current ski
resort conditions: www.ski-i.com
Nikki • Reservations Consultant
Check our agent-friendly website www.ski-i.com for more pictures and information
“Fabulous, 5-star, family friendly hotel”
• Family-friendly • Village location • Units with kitchens • Nice pool
Westin Resort & Spa *****
The luxurious Westin Resort & Spa has one of the very best
locations in Whistler Village right next to the Whistler
Gondola and the children’s ski school check-in. Guests will
love the choice of accommodation here – the deluxe two
bedroom suites are especially popular with families as they
give lots of room and flexible bedding options.
Book by 15 November 2014
A Save up to 40% on lodging prices
7 nights from £1249 per person*
10 nights from £1329 per person*
“A wonderfully relaxed mountain retreat”
• Great spa complex • Amazing food • Spectacular service • Quality product
Four Seasons Resort Whistler
& Residences *****
The Four Seasons is all about 5-star service and fabulous
facilities – it’s the most luxurious hotel in Whistler, bar none.
The rooms and suites are simply stunning, with space and
design very much the order of the day. Use their
complimentary ski valet to enhance the start of each ski day.
Everyone will love the spa and the restaurant here!
Book by 15 November 2014
A Up to 45% off lodging prices
A Complimentary double room category upgrade
7 nights from £1379 per person*
10 nights from £1579 per person*
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BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA
Call our reservations team on 0131 243 8097 for a tailor-made quote
Book by 15 November for our
best prices on Whistler ‘extras’
Lift tickets, tuition and equipment rentals
Inside Track
At Ski Independence we strive to get the fine
details correct for each and every client, every time. We proactively
sell a huge range of discounted lift tickets, lessons and
equipment rentals to our clients, and we’ll always advise
you of what the best solution is for your guests. Our goal
is to ensure our clients get the best offers, best service and
the very best pricing, backed up with a seamless in-resort
service. Karen • Senior Reservations Consultant
Check our agent-friendly website www.ski-i.com for more pictures and information
Add value to each client’s booking with this 5 step plan:
Step 1 We’ll e-mail you full information and pricing
for all of our discounted Whistler ‘extras’
Step 2 Call us for expert advice to ensure we match the
right product to suit your client’s requirements
Step 3 Add Whistler ‘extras’ to your client’s booking by 15 November
to take advantage of our great early booking prices.
Step 4 Payment for all Whistler ‘extras’ is due with
the holiday balance, 10 weeks prior to departure
Step 5 Everything will be ready in advance of your client’s
arrival in Whistler
A Lift tickets - Book by 15 November
Adult lift ticket offers Up to 68% off resort prices
Child lift ticket offers Kids (up to 12 years) ski FREE!
1 free child per paying adult (excludes 20 December - 4 January)
A Ski & snowboard rentals - Book by 15 November
We guarantee great equipment and the best value in Whistler. Equipment can be
picked up from over 20 rental shops – convenient for every accommodation
choice. Free overnight storage at Whistler or Blackcomb base is also included.
Adult rentals offers Up to 33% off resort prices
Child rentals offers Kids (up to 12 years) rent FREE!
1 free child per paying adult (excludes 20 December - 4 January)
A Snow School lessons - Book by 15 November
We offer a full range of discounted Snow School lessons including:
Adult
Private lessons: half, full and multi-day
Ski with an Olympian: full and multi-day
Group lessons: Daily (maximum 4), 4 Day ‘The Camp’, 2 Day Extremely
Canadian Ski Clinic, 2 Day Women’s Arcteryx Snow Camp
Teens (13-18), Kids (5-12), Tots (3-4)
Group lessons: 1, 2 and 5 day programmes including lunch.
Whistler & Vancouver
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Whistler & Vancouver
BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA
Call our reservations team on 0131 243 8097 for a tailor-made quote
Delta Whistler Village Suites **** PLUS
This excellent 4-star property is located right in the heart of
Whistler’s pedestrianised Village North. It has recently completed a
$7m renovation. It offers a large selection of lovely hotel rooms and
spacious family-friendly suites. If you want to be in the centre of it all,
this is the place to stay. You’ll love the large outdoor pool, hot-tubs
and leisure facilities.
Book by 15 November 2014
A Save up to 30% on lodging prices
A Up to $50 breakfast voucher for BrickWorks restaurant
7 nights from £1135 per person*
10 nights from £1238 per person*
“Set in the vibrant heart of Whistler Village North”
• Value for money • Family-friendly facilities
• Fully-equipped kitchens • Great location
Inside Track
I visited Whistler in March 2014 for my
honeymoon and we had the time of our lives! We really
could not have asked for a better resort, with its easy
access to two huge mountains full of varied terrain,
great snow and a top class ski school to boot.
We loved the friendly village atmosphere and the
amazing selection of places to eat and drink.
We’ll be back! Gordon • Reservations Consultant
Check our agent-friendly website www.ski-i.com for more pictures and information
“One of Whistler’s originals and one of its best”
Great location • Lively bar • Three restaurants on site • Choice of room types
Crystal Lodge ****
With an unbeatable location right at the base of both the
Blackcomb and Whistler gondolas, this well run 4-star
property has a huge variety of room types that can
accommodate families, groups of friends and single travellers.
With its central position close to a huge range of restaurants,
bars and shops, you can’t get much more convenient than this.
Book by 15 November 2014
A Save up to 40% on lodging prices
7 nights from £1119 per person*
10 nights from £1185 per person*
“Amazing location just steps from the gondolas”
Spacious rooms • Cinnamon Bear Bar • Interconnecting accommodation
Hilton Whistler Resort **** PLUS
The Hilton Whistler Resort is a firm favourite with Ski
Independence clients. It has the perfect ski location at the
base of Whistler mountain, just steps from the skiing, kids ski
school and après-ski. Clients will love the super facilities and
big, spacious rooms (many of them interconnect), together
with its convenient setting.
Book by 15 November 2014
A Get up to 4 FREE nights
7 nights from £1289 per person*
10 nights from £1459 per person*
Whistler & Vancouver
BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA
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Call our reservations team on 0131 243 8097 for a tailor-made quote
Much more than just skiing
Check our agent-friendly website www.ski-i.com for more pictures and information
Whistler’s world-class après-ski!
Wherever you stay in Whistler, there’s a huge range of fun activities
throughout the day and into the evening that don’t involve skis or
snowboards. With top retail therapy options, an outstanding choice
of bars and restaurants and legendary après-ski, Whistler will keep
everyone entertained.
Here are our top five fun activities:
The Coca-Cola Tube Park is a super family-friendly venue, offering gravity-fed
tubing fun for young and old alike. Located on Blackcomb Mountain, there's no skill
or equipment required – just a sense of adventure and a desire for excitement!
Ziptrek lets you experience the exhilaration of flying as you glide across the
network of ziplines suspended high above the Fitzsimmons Creek, which divides
Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.
Skating is a Whistler winter tradition. The Olympic Plaza in the heart of Whistler
Village is transformed into a stunning outdoor family-friendly skating rink. Imagine
skating outdoors surrounded by breathtaking scenery, the twinkle of festive lights
and the Olympic rings…awesome!
Peak-2-Peak, the iconic, record-breaking gondola, celebrates its 5th birthday this
year. Skiers and non-skiers can experience its breathtaking 360˚ views and then
enjoy lunch in Steeps’ Grill and Wine Bar in Whistler mountain’s Roundhouse.
Whistler Sliding Centre, one of only 15 international competition sliding tracks in
the world, offers clients the chance to try skeleton and bobsleigh! No, really…
Whistler has so much to offer:
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Huge range of shops from ski retail to art galleries
Legendary après-ski bars and nightlife
Restaurants to suit every taste and budget
Compact pedestrianised family-friendly village
Regular fun events throughout the winter
…and that’s just for starters!
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Call our reservations team on 0131 243 8097 for a tailor-made quote
Coast Blackcomb Suites *** PLUS
This lovely property has the most amazing slopeside location in
Blackcomb’s exclusive Upper Village. It’s a quick slide down to the
base of Blackcomb or across to the base of Whistler for easy access to
both mountains. Guest will love the complimentary daily breakfast,
and the slopeside outdoor pool and hot tubs.
Book by 15 November 2014
A Save up to 30% on lodging prices
7 nights from £1149 per person*
10 nights from £1259 per person*
“Slopeside condos with ski access to both mountains”
• Slopeside location • Breakfast included
• Choice of lodging • Great pool
Inside Track
Whistler is North America’s biggest and
best ski destination. It suits all clients from beginner
to expert, and suits all budgets. It’s a great match for
the requirements of the UK holiday skier or boarder,
and offers great value for money. It’s our most
popular resort. Sell Whistler with confidence your clients will love it!
Nicole • Reservations Consultant
Check our agent-friendly website www.ski-i.com for more pictures and information
“Family-friendly condos at a great price!”
• Amazing value for money • Quiet location • Fantastic family focus • Great pool
Tantalus Resort Lodge *** PLUS
Tucked in behind the Westin in a lovely secluded spot, the
Tantalus offers great value for money for such a central
location. It’s a short 250m walk to the gondolas and all the
Whistler Village amenities. All the units feature two bedrooms
and two bathrooms, with the second bedroom always having
two beds – it’s a firm family favourite.
Book by 15 November 2014
A Get up to 4 FREE nights
A Up to $100 grocery voucher
7 nights from £1089 per person*
10 nights from £1159 per person*
“Ski from the door of your condo”
• Slopeside location • Great facilities • Spacious units • Great price
The Aspens *** PLUS
These fantastic ski-in/ski-out condos have a prime slopeside
location in the exclusive Upper Village just above the
Fairmont Chateau Whistler. It’s an easy and quick slide down
to the base of Blackcomb and the Wizard Express lift for easy
access to the mountain. Your clients will love the large, wellequipped condos with their private balconies, plus the lovely
outdoor pool and hot-tubs.
Book by 15 November 2014
A Save up to 47% on lodging prices
7 nights from £1139 per person*
10 nights from £1249 per person*
Whistler & Vancouver
BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA
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Whistler & Vancouver
Call our reservations team on 0131 243 8097 for a tailor-made quote
BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA
Welcome to Vancouver
The wonderful cosmopolitan city of Vancouver is the perfect winter
stopover location, offering a rich diversity of things to see and do,
either before or after a Whistler ski holiday.
Culturally diverse, historic and modern, relaxing and vibrant: Vancouver is a city of
magnificent contrasts set against the stunning backdrop of British Columbia’s
coastal mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Experience world-class cuisine, from
casual restaurants to fine-dining establishments. Explore the city’s parks, forests and
beaches, and the vibrant neighbourhoods of Gastown, Chinatown and Yaletown.
Take in the sights on foot, by bike, or even riding a San Francisco-style trolley bus!
Exclusive Ski Independence Offers
A FREE ticket for the Vancouver Trolley
A hop-on/hop-off tour of the city. One free pass for every two night stay in one
of our featured downtown Vancouver hotels.
A FREE one-way tickets for the Skytrain
to or from Vancouver airport
The Skytrain is a light rail rapid transit system which whisks you from
Vancouver International Airport to downtown Vancouver in around 20 minutes.
Valid for all stays in our featured downtown Vancouver hotels.
For tailor-made quotations and in-depth advice speak to
Ski Independence, the Vancouver experts, on 0131 243 8097,
e-mail [email protected] or visit www.ski-i.com/canada/vancouver
Win an iPad Mini!
Sign up for the Vancouver Specialist Program an online training programme designed to enhance your knowledge of
Vancouver - and complete the training programme to enter the competition.
Sign up at www.tourismvancouver.com/vsp using the code: SKIVAN
David • Reservations Consultant
Check our agent-friendly website www.ski-i.com for more pictures and information
“Amazing inner harbour location in downtown Vancouver”
• Amazing value for money • Spectacular location • Great views • Easy access
Fairmont Waterfront *****
The stunning Fairmont Waterfront is one of perhaps only two
or three hotels in our whole ski programme, where spending
just a little extra money on a room with a view is a ‘must’. The
view across the inner harbour to the North Shore mountains
is the iconic Vancouver city view. Expect great service and
superb facilities at this Vancouver classic.
Book by 15 November 2014
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Save up to 15% on lodging prices
Every 3rd night FREE
Complimentary room upgrade
Complimentary Skytrain ticket to/from airport
3 night stay from £119 per person**
5 night stay from £229 per person**
“One of Vancouver’s very best locations”
• Unbeatable location • World-class facilities • Roof-top pool • Awesome restaurant
Fairmont Pacific Rim *****
The amazing Fairmont Pacific Rim has a fantastic location
down on the inner harbour facing the North Shore mountains.
You’re right in the hub of downtown, but also just a short walk
to Stanley Park. The Pacific Rim is a truly fabulous hotel with
first class facilities. Clients will love the roof-top pool!
Book by 15 November 2014
A Save up to 15% on lodging prices
A Complimentary Skytrain ticket to/from airport
3 night stay from £225 per person**
5 night stay from £374 per person**
Whistler & Vancouver
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“Whistler Blackcomb and Ski Independence have been partners for many years and we
know they provide an excellent service for all clients interested in a Whistler vacation.
Everyone you talk to on their team has skied here and is intimately knowledgeable of
what makes Whistler great. This local knowledge combined with their excellent awardwinning service will ensure your clients enjoy the ultimate Whistler experience.”
Ian Jenkins • General Manager • Whistler Blackcomb
Book by 15 November 2014
for our best offers.
For tailor-made quotes, contact the Ski Independence reservations
team on 0131 243 8097 or e-mail [email protected].
Check out our full range of Whistler and Vancouver properties
and keep up-to-date throughout the winter with our latest offers,
snow reports and ski blog by visiting our agent-friendly website
www.ski-i.com/about-us/travel-agents
Phone:
Email:
Web:
0131 243 8097
[email protected]
www.ski-i.com
#20YearsSki
*Prices in this brochure, including all ski extras, are a guide only and represent a LOW season price. Package
prices shown are per person in £’s and include economy flights, shared transfers, and accommodation for 7 or
10 nights as described. Prices include all relevant special offers at time of going to print and may be subject
to restrictions on date, durations and room type. **Vancouver pricing is based on a 3 or 5 night stay for
accommodation only (no flights or transfers are included).
Image credits: Cover Eric Berger; Inside cover David McColm; Trail Map Whistler Blackcomb; 2-3 Mike Crane; 6 Air Canada, Tourism
Vancouver; 7 Randy Lincks; 10 Paul Morrison; 11 Paul Morrison, Eric Berger, Paul Morrison; 14 Mike Crane; 15 Paul Morrison, Mike
Crane, Justa Jeskova, Mike Crane, Destination BC/Randy Lincks; 18 Tourism Vancouver/John Sinal; Back Cover Erik Graham.