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 A A A 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 BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA 2 Whistler & Vancouver BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA 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! A A A A A 2 Massive Mountains 5280 feet Vertical 8171 acres 37 Lifts 200+ Marked Trails A A A A A 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 BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA 3 4 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. A A A A 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 Whistler & Vancouver BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA 5 6 Whistler & Vancouver BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA 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 Whistler & Vancouver BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA 7 8 Whistler & Vancouver BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA 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* Whistler & Vancouver BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA 9 10 Whistler & Vancouver 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 BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA 11 12 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 13 14 Whistler & Vancouver BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA 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: A A A A A 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! Whistler & Vancouver BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA 15 16 Whistler & Vancouver BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA 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 17 18 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 A A A A 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 BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA 19 “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.