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When we think of winter sports, one place immediately comes to mind and that is Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia. Not only is it a world renowned destination it is also the home of the Winter Olympic Games to be held in 2010. Muchmor Canada Magazine takes a look at what Whistler can offer.

Whistler has been voted #1 for 12 years running by U.S. based SKIING Magazine. It also has one of the longest ski seasons in the world (November to July). Located just two very scenic hours north of Vancouver this resort is a Canadian tourism icon with over two million visitors every year.

The resort is within the Coast Mountain Range of British Columbia with two mountains to enjoy: Whistler and Blackcomb, each with its own unique features. Because of the coastal position of the resort, temperatures remain moderate throughout the winter season, rarely dropping below -10? in the valley and -15? in the alpine.

Whistler Village is the centre of the resort and has a strong sense of community. There is a town hall, police station, fire station, medical clinic, museum, library and over 200 shops and 90 restaurants. There are also plenty of public washrooms, telephones and visitors centres.

The village is pedestrian only, so no need for a car to explore the area. A free shuttle bus is on hand to help you get around if you feel the need.

The resort also offers a public transit system called the Whistler and Valley Express, also known as WAVE. The service offers convenient routes throughout the Village and its various neighbourhoods.

The nightlife in Whistler is excellent with bars, restaurants, clubs and plenty of live music to enjoy. Everyone is sure to find something that meets their needs. The list of places to stay whilst in Whistler is almost as endless as the snow. Everything from luxury hotels to reasonably priced chalets and B&B’s are available. If you are in the market for luxury then you might want to consider the Fairmont Chateau Whistler or the Four Seasons Resort. There is also the Hilton Resort, the Westin Resort and the two Pan Pacific Resorts at Mountainside and Village. You will also find luxury condos, homes and chalets available. Of course if you don’t want to spend that much money on a hotel room then there are many more reasonably priced hotels available. You might prefer a private chalet which again range from luxury five-star to more modest, though no-less beautiful three-star.

If you want to bring your cat or dog with you, Whistler offers some excellent pet-friendly accommodation as well as doggie daycare facilities. There are lots of trails and parks where you can walk your dog, although all dogs must be on a leash in the village.

The 2008/09 winter season will see the opening of the brand new PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Opening on December 12th 2008, the world record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola will stretch from the top of Whistler Mountain to the top of Blackcomb Mountain traveling a distance of 4.4 kilometres (2.73 miles) in just 11 minutes. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola will be the longest, highest gondola of its type in the world and will provide a breathtaking journey for visitors – winter and summer. The $52 million Gondola will make it easier than ever to enjoy the largest lift-serviced ski terrain in North America. Every lift ticket purchased automatically includes access to the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, so everyone can try it out.

There is so much to do in Whistler such as skiiing, heli skiing, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, dog sledding, snowshoeing, ziplining, tours and spas.

Whistler prides itself on being an international resort with accessibility to all people, including disabled travellers.

There are several accessible transportation options for getting to Whistler. If you're driving to the resort, there are designated disabled parking spaces in the parking lots in and around Whistler. The community's public bus service and local taxi company both have designed wheelchair accessible options.

Many hotels are accessible by wheelchair and have special facilities. You should ask about any required facilities before you book to be sure you will get the services you require.

Whistler Village is accessible with pedestrian-only streets, paved access to the Valley Trail, close proximity to transportation, and wheelchair access to the Whistler Mountain gondola for skiing and sight-seeing.

Whistler is considered "the largest gay-friendly mountain resort in North America." Many hotels are TAG Approved® which means they offer non-discriminatory policies including sexual orientation and treat heterosexual and domestic partners equally in personnel policies; they provide diversity and sensitivity training for employees and employ staff that reflects the diversity of the community, including gay and lesbian employees in all levels of employment.

The best time to fully enjoy Gay Whistler is during WinterPRIDE week. This is Canada’s biggest gay ski week and next year will take place between February 1st and 8th 2009. This will be the 17th year the event has taken place and it gets bigger and better every time.

Mr. Gay World will be crowned during WinterPRIDE. Twenty-four men will compete for the title and the winner will work with the international delegation to lead them in a coordinated effort to fight for equality for all humans, specifically the LGBT community.

The Mr. Gay World Competition in Whistler will have various challenges that will test each of the delegates strength in leadership, charisma, intelligence and being a positive role model and ambassador / spokesperson for the global cause of equality, respect and understanding.

Read about all things Canada with Muchmor Canada Magazine

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