Renting a home for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver or Whistler?
The Winter olympic games like the Summer Olympics are held once every four years. The last Winter Olympics were held Torino in Italy in 2006. On July third 2003, the Canadian city of Vancouver was awarded the Winter Olympics and subsequently the mayor of Vancouver, Sam Sullivan received the Olympic flag in the closing ceremony of the Torino games. This flag is currently on display at the Vancouver city Hall where it will remain till the Opening rite of the 2010 Winter olympic games.
Vancouver Rentals -an ideal location
Vancouver which is often ranked as one of the top towns in the world to live in is famous for its attractive natural views, temperate climate, cleanliness and vibrant multi-cultural society. This makes getting to Vancouver comparatively simple for players and spectators.
It is determined that 5500 sportsmen and officers from more than 80 participating nations will be attending the Winter Olympics while 1350 sportsmen and officials from over 40 nations will attend the Paralympics Games. As well as these sportsmen and officials, more than 10,000 media personnel from various countrywide and global agencies will also come to Vancouver to cover the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Countries need to qualify at least one sportsman or team to be a participant in the games. The list of participating counties includes nations possessing a long tradition of winter sports like Austria, Norway, Denmark, USA and Great Britain and also several others nations like Kenya and Thailand who aren't typically known for their winter sports exploits. In fact, the games will feature many firsts like the first time participation of the Western African nation of Ghana.
Sporting Events
The 2010 Winter Olympic Games will feature 80 six medal events in 15 sporting disciplines. These sports include Skiing ( alpine skiing, cross country skiing, ski jumping, Nordic mixed, freestyle skiing, and snowboard ), Skating ( speed skating, figure skating, and short track speed skating ), Bobsleigh ( bobsleigh and skeleton ), Luge, Biathlon, Ice Hockey, and Curling. Roughly 1.6 million tickets have been issued for the varied events of the 2010 Winter Games.
many of the 2010 Winter Games venues are found in central Vancouver and include the Canada Hockey Place ( Ice hockey ), Vancouver Olympic Center, ( Curling and Wheel chair Curling ) the Pacific Coliseum ( Figure Skating ) and the UBC Thunderbird Arena ( Ice Hockey and ice sledge hockey ). Venues in Whistler include the Whistler Sliding Centre, Whistler Creekside and the Whistler Olympic Park.
Gongs won in Whistler will be awarded nightly at the Whistler Olympic party plaza with about 8000 people attending.
The hosting of the ceremonies in an indoor locale will also help the organizers in conceptualizing, creating and hosting an impressive show which is rumoured to feature state of the art lighting, projection, sound and CGI effects as well as all sorts of performers, dancers and athletes who will showcase the vibrant history and culture of Canada.
Excellent Public Transport system
The Canada Line, a new fast rail service linking the Vancouver waterfront to Richmond and Vancouver global airfield will also become functional in mid- 2009 well in time for the games. Additionally the Olympic Bus Network will provide access to the games venues found in Whistler. VANOC wants the Games to be environmentally sustainable and are inspiring spectators to only make use of Vancouver's glorious public transport to get access to the numerous events of the Games.
As a consequence of which there's currently a room block in place for many Vancouver hostels and hotel inventory will only become available nearer to the Games.
These rates further change according the scale of the home being offered and the vicinity of the home to the Games.
This damage deposit can range between $1000 to an astronomic $3000 per week. Though this deposit is refundable it significantly adds to the price of your accommodation at the 2010 Winter Games.
If however you need to avoid those steep charges and want to book your vacation rental from a well established trusted source you might want to have a look at the rental houses being offered for the 2010 Winter Games by regarded, highly ranked and TRUSTED vacation rental websites.
vacation home rental internet sites also offers a wide variety of holiday rentals but there are internet sites where the owners and the renters are authenticated unlike the other channels who offer houses which aren't attested or confirmed. This increases the transparency of the rental process as both the owner and the renter are warranted that they are entering a genuine agreement. There are a couple TRUSTED SITES for 2010 Winter game rentals that take the inquiry to the next level by employing a Vancouver law office to help the rental contract for you and confirm the home and true owner exist.
The rental fees are then held in this account to be dispersed to the owner only after the renter has left the premises. This process guarantees that you aren't sending your rental money to an unknown unverified entity that will misuse the funds and trick you out of your money. This rental process instituted by protects the interests of both the renters and the householders.
Owners should look for websites that are actively spending money advertising their homes to renters.
The base line here is if you are only one of tons of houses on a domain for 2010Rentals and the site in not being promoted with Facebook, Google, Yahoo, AdWords etc... In countries beyond BC look elsewhere!
About the Author
Buford Jones in active in the Indianapolis real estate market and foucuses on Fishers Indiana homes and Fishers IN real estate.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Security Costs at the 2010 Olympics by Mike Ward
The city of Vancouver is bustling with preparations for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Intensive construction efforts directed to improve transportation, provide housing for athletes and venues for competitions have been underway for several years. Major projects such as the Sea to Sky Highway, and the Canada Line skytrain addition are just a few examples. The immense activity during a mega event such as an Olympic Games is mind boggling. For 17 days between February 12th and 18th the streets, buses, and skytrain will be congested constantly with people moving every which direction all day and night. Crowded stadiums filled with high profile VIP’s and athletes would be a tantalizing target for terrorist attacks. The logistics and costs to setup city wide surveillance and security are massive and several multi-million dollar studies are underway to strategize how best accomplish this goal.
The Vancouver Olympic Committee is expecting to spend somewhere around $177 million dollars on security for the games, however the number is likely to increase. Olympic watchdog’s “2010 Watch†spokesman Chris Shaw questions the validity of this claim. In 2002 the US spent over $500 million in Salt Lake, while the Athens Olympics ran a bill of $1.5 billion US dollars. How could a number like $177 million be realistic when other cities have spent so much more? Most of the money, approximately two thirds, will be spent on providing additional police and security personnel during the games. The next biggest expense will be surveillance equipment, voice stress analyzers, security cameras, and explosives sensing equipment. CCTV networks utilizing highly advanced hardware and software will give security officers an astounding amount of information. These networks will be able to recognize people’s faces and be able to rapidly cross check their identity with government records or hotel registrations. Rapid access to this information could give the police the edge they need to prevent a major terrorist disaster.
One concern is that the cameras will remain in place after the games, as they have in recent venues such as Salt Lake City and Sydney, and that they would infringe upon individual privacy. Indoor and outdoor cameras numbering in the thousands will be installed everywhere from Downtown Vancouver to Whistler. Others question whether or not the cameras will actually do anything to prevent even a small scale terrorist attack. Even if the presence of security cameras does not actually prevent a crime they would certainly help the Vancouver Police Department identify and apprehend perpetrators and this can help reduce crime in the long run.
About the Author
About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of security cameras and surveillance cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.
The Vancouver Olympic Committee is expecting to spend somewhere around $177 million dollars on security for the games, however the number is likely to increase. Olympic watchdog’s “2010 Watch†spokesman Chris Shaw questions the validity of this claim. In 2002 the US spent over $500 million in Salt Lake, while the Athens Olympics ran a bill of $1.5 billion US dollars. How could a number like $177 million be realistic when other cities have spent so much more? Most of the money, approximately two thirds, will be spent on providing additional police and security personnel during the games. The next biggest expense will be surveillance equipment, voice stress analyzers, security cameras, and explosives sensing equipment. CCTV networks utilizing highly advanced hardware and software will give security officers an astounding amount of information. These networks will be able to recognize people’s faces and be able to rapidly cross check their identity with government records or hotel registrations. Rapid access to this information could give the police the edge they need to prevent a major terrorist disaster.
One concern is that the cameras will remain in place after the games, as they have in recent venues such as Salt Lake City and Sydney, and that they would infringe upon individual privacy. Indoor and outdoor cameras numbering in the thousands will be installed everywhere from Downtown Vancouver to Whistler. Others question whether or not the cameras will actually do anything to prevent even a small scale terrorist attack. Even if the presence of security cameras does not actually prevent a crime they would certainly help the Vancouver Police Department identify and apprehend perpetrators and this can help reduce crime in the long run.
About the Author
About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of security cameras and surveillance cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Vancouver 2010 Mascots Review by A Nutt
The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games is Canada's time to showcase its exceptional athletic achievements. The spectacular cultural performances show the world that Canada is a community of immense diversity filled with talented people.
Mascots have become important and popular representatives of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. They bring warmth, fun, and excitement to the games. Tourists from all over the world delight in the antics of these lovable mascots.
Each host Country and region designs their mascots to represent the culture and ideals of that country. The mascots are often the storytellers of the games and symbolize the values of the athletes. The host province of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games is British Columbia but contributing provinces and territories include Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, and the Yukon. The four host First Nations include: Lil'wat First Nation, Musqueam First Nation, Squamish First Nation, and the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation.
The role of the mascot has made significant advancements. Imagination and creativity are poured into mascot designs resulting in a tremendous line of collectables, toys, and other mascot paraphernalia. Canada and the province of British Columbia have carried on the tradition of creating mascots that emanate pride, celebration, diversity, inspiration, and the Olympic spirit.
Vancouver 2010 Mascots
1. Miga is a snowboarding sea-bear inspired by the First Nations' legends of the Pacific Northwest. Miga is part sea-bear and part orca whale and has been described as mischievous and outgoing. Snowboarding is Miga's favorite winter sport. She is a young sea bear who lives in the ocean with her family pod, beyond Vancouver Island, near Tofino, British Columbia. Miga is part Kermode bear, a rare white bear that only lives in British Columbia. The Kermode bear is a rare white or cream-colored sub-species of the black bear located along the central West Coast of British Columbia. According to First Nations' legend, Kermode bears were turned white by Raven to remind people of the Ice Age. Orcas are revered by West Coast First Nations as travelers and guardians of the sea.
2. Quatchi is a young Sasquatch who comes from the deep Canadian forests. The Sasquatch is a well known character in local native legends of the Pacific West Coast. Quatchi enjoys exploring new places and making new friends. Quatchi is a bashful and kind Sasquatch. He has a long brown beard and blue earmuffs. His large size makes him a bit uncoordinated. Quatchi's favorite sport is hockey and his dream is to become a famous goalie. He is eager and understands that working hard is a key component of realizing your dreams.
3. Sumi is an animal spirit who lives in the mountains of British Columbia. Sumi's name comes from the Salish word Sumesh which means guardian spirit. He has wings of a Thunderbird that allow him to fly and the furry legs of a bear. The bear often represents strength and friendship. Sumi is a leader dedicated to protecting and conserving our water, land, and the critters that make it their home. Sumi loves every sport of the Paralympic games.
4. Mukmuk is a small and sociable Vancouver Island marmot. Mukmuk gets his name from the word 'muckamuck,' which is Chinook dialect for 'food.' Mukmuk loves to eat and cheer for the athletes during races and games. His favorite foods are berries and mountain flowers. He is an honorary member of the mascot team.
These sweet and cuddly mystical creatures symbolize the strength and transformation of the athletes while showcasing First Nation culture. Audiences will find the mascots of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games entertaining, educational, and memorable.
About the Author
Manufacturer of the World's Most lovable mascot, mascots, Costumes and Characters. We are also specialists in Custom Mascots if you've got an unparalleled love for your team to match your sports passion.
Mascots have become important and popular representatives of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. They bring warmth, fun, and excitement to the games. Tourists from all over the world delight in the antics of these lovable mascots.
Each host Country and region designs their mascots to represent the culture and ideals of that country. The mascots are often the storytellers of the games and symbolize the values of the athletes. The host province of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games is British Columbia but contributing provinces and territories include Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, and the Yukon. The four host First Nations include: Lil'wat First Nation, Musqueam First Nation, Squamish First Nation, and the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation.
The role of the mascot has made significant advancements. Imagination and creativity are poured into mascot designs resulting in a tremendous line of collectables, toys, and other mascot paraphernalia. Canada and the province of British Columbia have carried on the tradition of creating mascots that emanate pride, celebration, diversity, inspiration, and the Olympic spirit.
Vancouver 2010 Mascots
1. Miga is a snowboarding sea-bear inspired by the First Nations' legends of the Pacific Northwest. Miga is part sea-bear and part orca whale and has been described as mischievous and outgoing. Snowboarding is Miga's favorite winter sport. She is a young sea bear who lives in the ocean with her family pod, beyond Vancouver Island, near Tofino, British Columbia. Miga is part Kermode bear, a rare white bear that only lives in British Columbia. The Kermode bear is a rare white or cream-colored sub-species of the black bear located along the central West Coast of British Columbia. According to First Nations' legend, Kermode bears were turned white by Raven to remind people of the Ice Age. Orcas are revered by West Coast First Nations as travelers and guardians of the sea.
2. Quatchi is a young Sasquatch who comes from the deep Canadian forests. The Sasquatch is a well known character in local native legends of the Pacific West Coast. Quatchi enjoys exploring new places and making new friends. Quatchi is a bashful and kind Sasquatch. He has a long brown beard and blue earmuffs. His large size makes him a bit uncoordinated. Quatchi's favorite sport is hockey and his dream is to become a famous goalie. He is eager and understands that working hard is a key component of realizing your dreams.
3. Sumi is an animal spirit who lives in the mountains of British Columbia. Sumi's name comes from the Salish word Sumesh which means guardian spirit. He has wings of a Thunderbird that allow him to fly and the furry legs of a bear. The bear often represents strength and friendship. Sumi is a leader dedicated to protecting and conserving our water, land, and the critters that make it their home. Sumi loves every sport of the Paralympic games.
4. Mukmuk is a small and sociable Vancouver Island marmot. Mukmuk gets his name from the word 'muckamuck,' which is Chinook dialect for 'food.' Mukmuk loves to eat and cheer for the athletes during races and games. His favorite foods are berries and mountain flowers. He is an honorary member of the mascot team.
These sweet and cuddly mystical creatures symbolize the strength and transformation of the athletes while showcasing First Nation culture. Audiences will find the mascots of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games entertaining, educational, and memorable.
About the Author
Manufacturer of the World's Most lovable mascot, mascots, Costumes and Characters. We are also specialists in Custom Mascots if you've got an unparalleled love for your team to match your sports passion.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Experience the Romance of Whistler by J. D. Arca
Located a two hour drive from Vancouver, British Columbia (five hours from Seattle) Whistler has long been known as a world famous winter wonderland popular with skiers. It's now starting to become a more popular destination with tourists, but it's still one of the world's destinations where you can experience a romantic vacation away from it all with your partner. If you are considering a city based vacation, Whistler also offers you the chance to spend a few days getting away from it all if you are holidaying in one of the nearby cities of Vancouver or Seattle.
Accommodation is still quite limited in Whistler but as host to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games there will be an increasing amount of hotels available. There are currently no large resorts in the area but a number of hotels are available. The weather in Whistler is cold in the winter which usually lasts from November to April but it's always warm in many spa facilities to be found in the pedestrian village and which offer everything from a massage to relax tired muscles to botox injections.
Whistler is a dream vacation for those who love the snow and want to find some winter romance. It's also a fabulous place for a honeymoon (you could even consider getting married there if the idea appeals to you!) - and celebrities are also starting to appreciate the seclusion of this unspoiled part of Canada. There are plenty of ski runs to cater for all abilities of course, but the fun doesn't end there. If it can be done on snow, it's probably going on in Whistler! There's ice climbing and snow mobiling for the more energetic, whilst the more leisurely tourist can enjoy such gentle activities as glacier tours - and what could be more romantic than snuggling up with your partner on a sleigh ride? Wildlife in British Columbia is abundant so if photography is a passion of you and your partner, then there are plenty of opportunities in Whistler - with the wild animals and flowers - and not to mention the breath-taking mountain views.
No longer just a winter resort that closes once the snow thaws, there are now many activities you can enjoy during the summer - making it perfect for couples who are looking for a vacation that offers them a variety of outdoor activities. Aside from the usual horseback riding, and kayaking that you will find at many other destinations, Whistler also offers you the unforgettable experience of bungee jumping or how about the romance of following a wagon trail? If you and your partner enjoy a round or two of golf, Whistler also has its own golfing facilities.
As the 2010 Olympic Games draw nearer, and even more so once they are finished, Whistler will be firmly on the map as a tourist destination, but for the moment it is one of the most romantic vacation areas for couples, especially during the more unpopulated off-season summer months. Whether you choose to take part in some of the many outdoor activities together, or just relax in the beautiful surroundings, the mountains of Whistler offer a chance for a romantic break at any time of year.
Plan a perfect romantic getaway to top romantic vacation destinations by shortlisting an itinerary ahead to prevent hassles.
Article by J. D. Arca.
About the Author
The author is a freelance writer based in Canada.
Accommodation is still quite limited in Whistler but as host to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games there will be an increasing amount of hotels available. There are currently no large resorts in the area but a number of hotels are available. The weather in Whistler is cold in the winter which usually lasts from November to April but it's always warm in many spa facilities to be found in the pedestrian village and which offer everything from a massage to relax tired muscles to botox injections.
Whistler is a dream vacation for those who love the snow and want to find some winter romance. It's also a fabulous place for a honeymoon (you could even consider getting married there if the idea appeals to you!) - and celebrities are also starting to appreciate the seclusion of this unspoiled part of Canada. There are plenty of ski runs to cater for all abilities of course, but the fun doesn't end there. If it can be done on snow, it's probably going on in Whistler! There's ice climbing and snow mobiling for the more energetic, whilst the more leisurely tourist can enjoy such gentle activities as glacier tours - and what could be more romantic than snuggling up with your partner on a sleigh ride? Wildlife in British Columbia is abundant so if photography is a passion of you and your partner, then there are plenty of opportunities in Whistler - with the wild animals and flowers - and not to mention the breath-taking mountain views.
No longer just a winter resort that closes once the snow thaws, there are now many activities you can enjoy during the summer - making it perfect for couples who are looking for a vacation that offers them a variety of outdoor activities. Aside from the usual horseback riding, and kayaking that you will find at many other destinations, Whistler also offers you the unforgettable experience of bungee jumping or how about the romance of following a wagon trail? If you and your partner enjoy a round or two of golf, Whistler also has its own golfing facilities.
As the 2010 Olympic Games draw nearer, and even more so once they are finished, Whistler will be firmly on the map as a tourist destination, but for the moment it is one of the most romantic vacation areas for couples, especially during the more unpopulated off-season summer months. Whether you choose to take part in some of the many outdoor activities together, or just relax in the beautiful surroundings, the mountains of Whistler offer a chance for a romantic break at any time of year.
Plan a perfect romantic getaway to top romantic vacation destinations by shortlisting an itinerary ahead to prevent hassles.
Article by J. D. Arca.
About the Author
The author is a freelance writer based in Canada.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
2010 Winter Olympics by Doug King
I live here in Vancouver the site of the 2010 winter Olympics. I am totally excited about this fabulous sporting event. Providing the world stage for this amateur event is a huge accomplishment for the organizing committee. I just wish more people felt the same way.
The local media is of course all over this event and all the preparations that are going on to make it all come together. What I can't seem to get my head around is all the negativity that seems to be surrounding the coverage. Granted lots of money have to be spent to ramp up the facilities required to put the Olympics on. But the naysayers seem to be forgetting that not only is all this money being spent in the local economy stimulating many local businesses but we will also have all these venues left for future generations to enjoy. They won't go away after the two-week event. These facilities will be enjoyed by many generations to come.
I know that some of the previous Olympics have not been a smashing financial success. But I bet that very few of those host nations in the end regret having done all that they had to do to put on the show. The boost to the local economy and the dollars that follow no doubt made up for any front-end investment in the event. And let's not forget the Olympics are about the athletes not the opportunity to profit from the event.
Of course there are financial risks. Especially in these tough economic times. Isn't stimulus spending the order of the day though? It seems to me that the Olympics are the perfect place to stimulate our local economy. The Olympic village being built to house the athletes is an example of this. Due to the global credit crunch the city is being forced to underwrite the cost of construction. The media seems to think this a complete outrage. What they miss reporting on is these condo units are going to be for sale on the open market once the Olympics are done. In that neighborhood condos sell for an outrageously high amount of money. The city can't help but not only just make their money back but make a tidy profit as well.
I am confident that when the opening ceremonies start the detractors will be largely silenced. Pride in our hosting the Olympics will be overwhelming. I suspect even the media will be jumping on the bandwagon and be reporting on the amazing job that Vancouver and Whistler is doing putting on the games. Olympic fever will trump even cost concerns at least until the events are over.
No doubt on the day following the closing ceremonies the headlines will return to cost overruns and financial mismanagement. Even without any real possibility so soon of an accounting of all that happened. The true cost and revenue generated can't possibly be known for at least a few years following the event. Tourist numbers and dollars will likely grow for several years after.
Security is obviously a huge issue around these types of events and the cost is very high. I admit this might be turn out to be an outrageously high expense. It is a sad testament to the times we live in. But even with these added costs I am confident the games will be a success both financial and as an event that will put Vancouver on the map.
Having said all this I would still like to see the Olympic games brought back down to reality. Do we really need those opening and closing ceremonies that have become larger events then the athletic events themselves? The money and efforts they consume has risen to the point of being absurd. The Olympics is supposed to be an amateur sporting event not the commercial spectacle that it has become. I am certain the athletes would welcome the focus returning to the games and away from the circus it has become.
About the Author
I recently produced the feature film The Harvest Project, the tag line is " What would you do to save the life of someone you love". You can see more at http://wwwtheharvestprojectmovie.com
The local media is of course all over this event and all the preparations that are going on to make it all come together. What I can't seem to get my head around is all the negativity that seems to be surrounding the coverage. Granted lots of money have to be spent to ramp up the facilities required to put the Olympics on. But the naysayers seem to be forgetting that not only is all this money being spent in the local economy stimulating many local businesses but we will also have all these venues left for future generations to enjoy. They won't go away after the two-week event. These facilities will be enjoyed by many generations to come.
I know that some of the previous Olympics have not been a smashing financial success. But I bet that very few of those host nations in the end regret having done all that they had to do to put on the show. The boost to the local economy and the dollars that follow no doubt made up for any front-end investment in the event. And let's not forget the Olympics are about the athletes not the opportunity to profit from the event.
Of course there are financial risks. Especially in these tough economic times. Isn't stimulus spending the order of the day though? It seems to me that the Olympics are the perfect place to stimulate our local economy. The Olympic village being built to house the athletes is an example of this. Due to the global credit crunch the city is being forced to underwrite the cost of construction. The media seems to think this a complete outrage. What they miss reporting on is these condo units are going to be for sale on the open market once the Olympics are done. In that neighborhood condos sell for an outrageously high amount of money. The city can't help but not only just make their money back but make a tidy profit as well.
I am confident that when the opening ceremonies start the detractors will be largely silenced. Pride in our hosting the Olympics will be overwhelming. I suspect even the media will be jumping on the bandwagon and be reporting on the amazing job that Vancouver and Whistler is doing putting on the games. Olympic fever will trump even cost concerns at least until the events are over.
No doubt on the day following the closing ceremonies the headlines will return to cost overruns and financial mismanagement. Even without any real possibility so soon of an accounting of all that happened. The true cost and revenue generated can't possibly be known for at least a few years following the event. Tourist numbers and dollars will likely grow for several years after.
Security is obviously a huge issue around these types of events and the cost is very high. I admit this might be turn out to be an outrageously high expense. It is a sad testament to the times we live in. But even with these added costs I am confident the games will be a success both financial and as an event that will put Vancouver on the map.
Having said all this I would still like to see the Olympic games brought back down to reality. Do we really need those opening and closing ceremonies that have become larger events then the athletic events themselves? The money and efforts they consume has risen to the point of being absurd. The Olympics is supposed to be an amateur sporting event not the commercial spectacle that it has become. I am certain the athletes would welcome the focus returning to the games and away from the circus it has become.
About the Author
I recently produced the feature film The Harvest Project, the tag line is " What would you do to save the life of someone you love". You can see more at http://wwwtheharvestprojectmovie.com
Monday, October 5, 2009
Whistler Canada Turns The Snow Green by Paul Ashton
As autumn passes to winter it only takes a flurry of snow for skiers to drwam of days filled with downhill runs through ideal powder conditions followed by evenings in front of roaring fires with family and friends.
What could be better? How about a resort that takes environmental issues seriously without compromising what skiers love about their sport. In North America, dozens of resorts, including Whistler Blackcomb, have already initiated major changes that will put the resorts on a renewable energy plan.
In the United States the Sustainable Slopes Annual Report notes that 68 resorts are now purchasing renewable energy. Among the resorts purchasing renewable energy are Killington Resort in Vermont, Oregon's Mt.Bachelor Resort and the Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort. Each of these resorts has set as their goals 100 percent renewable energy. In other words, they replace the energy used by their operations. Breckinridge in Colorado is purchasing wind energy, while Jiminy Peak in Western Massachusetts is the first North American resort to build its own wind turbines in order to supply their own energy.
Whistler Blackcomb in the Canadian Alps has been particularly aggressive in moving to 100 percent renewable energy. It is especially notable because Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America. Vail is half the size of Whistler in area.
Since 1997 Whistler ski resort and Blackcomb resort have gradually integrated their facilities. While the two mountains are connected at ground level, by the time this is published skiers will be able to traverse the mountains at the 6000 foot level. These and other improvements made by Intrawest, which owns Whistler Blackcomb, have made the ski resort one of the largest premier ski holiday destinations in North America.
Largely for this reason the Winter Olympics in 2010 will be held at Whistler Blackcomb. Whistler Mountain will host alpine skiing events as well as bobsled, luge, biathlon, cross country and ski jumping events. To facilitate the Olympic games Intrawest has invested over $600 million to improve the Sea to Sky highway drive from Vancouver to Whistler so that visitors will be able to reach the ski area in two hours. For Whistler Blackcomb enthusiasts the best news is that 90 percent of the area will remain open to skiers during the Olympics.
While all of these developments are good news for skiers, the decision to take Whistler Blackcomb green is like icing on the cake. Whistler committed to the Fitzsimmons Creek Hydro Project, and construction has already begun to bring it to fruition. The Hydro Project is a renewable energy project that will offset entirely the total annual energy consumption of the whole resort. With an anticipated production of 33.5 gigawatt hours of hydroelectricity each year, the Hydro Project will be able to power both the winter ski holiday and summer operations. That includes all 38 lifts as well as 269 snowguns, 17 restaurants and all the surrounding buildings and the services each provides.
Whistler Blackcomb has been vetting and planning this project for six years. The commitment of the operating management and the thorough and careful project assessment and planning helped to move things along quickly. But Whistler also has conditions conducive to a small hydroelectric plant. Fitzsimmons Creek has all the water necessary and its vertical drop is crucial. Fortunately, the creek is not a fish-bearing stream, nor is it used recreationally. The ski area has been using Fitzsimmons Creek for years as part of their snow-making operation. All of this helps to make the area ideal for the project development and for the greening of the entire ski area.
With its Hydro Project, Whistler Blackcomb joins other ski holiday resorts worldwide that have made the commitment to go green and reduce their carbon footprints. In the last year the number of ski resorts that have earned environmental management certification has increased by 75 percent.
Getting a certificate requires an extremely high standard of environmental management. Patrick Thorne, the author of the Green Resort Guide notes that he has been awarding more and more 5 star ratings to ski resorts committed to reducing the environmental impact of their operations.
Thorne also notes that just a few years ago any discussion about going green was met with a great deal of skepticism from ski resort owners and management. That attitude has almost entirely disappeared. Resorts are much more interested in knowing what they can do to preserve the ski resort environment. Global warming is encroaching upon all aspects of life, and ski resort managers are as aware of the rapid changes as anyone else.
Skiers have a lot of good reasons to look to Whistler Blackcomb and other green resorts for their ski holiday. Just as ski resort managers are paying attention to preserving the environment, so too are the skiers who visit those resorts. It is a good guess that besides assessing the usual enticements in deciding where to ski, asking how green the resort is will become more and more a routine consideration in that selection for the 2010 ski holiday season in Canada, the US, Europe and anywhere there's skiing.
About the Author
More details about ski holidays in Whistler and other ski holidays Canada information can be found at yourandorra.com/ski_canada
They also have for Europe Swiss ski details.
What could be better? How about a resort that takes environmental issues seriously without compromising what skiers love about their sport. In North America, dozens of resorts, including Whistler Blackcomb, have already initiated major changes that will put the resorts on a renewable energy plan.
In the United States the Sustainable Slopes Annual Report notes that 68 resorts are now purchasing renewable energy. Among the resorts purchasing renewable energy are Killington Resort in Vermont, Oregon's Mt.Bachelor Resort and the Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort. Each of these resorts has set as their goals 100 percent renewable energy. In other words, they replace the energy used by their operations. Breckinridge in Colorado is purchasing wind energy, while Jiminy Peak in Western Massachusetts is the first North American resort to build its own wind turbines in order to supply their own energy.
Whistler Blackcomb in the Canadian Alps has been particularly aggressive in moving to 100 percent renewable energy. It is especially notable because Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America. Vail is half the size of Whistler in area.
Since 1997 Whistler ski resort and Blackcomb resort have gradually integrated their facilities. While the two mountains are connected at ground level, by the time this is published skiers will be able to traverse the mountains at the 6000 foot level. These and other improvements made by Intrawest, which owns Whistler Blackcomb, have made the ski resort one of the largest premier ski holiday destinations in North America.
Largely for this reason the Winter Olympics in 2010 will be held at Whistler Blackcomb. Whistler Mountain will host alpine skiing events as well as bobsled, luge, biathlon, cross country and ski jumping events. To facilitate the Olympic games Intrawest has invested over $600 million to improve the Sea to Sky highway drive from Vancouver to Whistler so that visitors will be able to reach the ski area in two hours. For Whistler Blackcomb enthusiasts the best news is that 90 percent of the area will remain open to skiers during the Olympics.
While all of these developments are good news for skiers, the decision to take Whistler Blackcomb green is like icing on the cake. Whistler committed to the Fitzsimmons Creek Hydro Project, and construction has already begun to bring it to fruition. The Hydro Project is a renewable energy project that will offset entirely the total annual energy consumption of the whole resort. With an anticipated production of 33.5 gigawatt hours of hydroelectricity each year, the Hydro Project will be able to power both the winter ski holiday and summer operations. That includes all 38 lifts as well as 269 snowguns, 17 restaurants and all the surrounding buildings and the services each provides.
Whistler Blackcomb has been vetting and planning this project for six years. The commitment of the operating management and the thorough and careful project assessment and planning helped to move things along quickly. But Whistler also has conditions conducive to a small hydroelectric plant. Fitzsimmons Creek has all the water necessary and its vertical drop is crucial. Fortunately, the creek is not a fish-bearing stream, nor is it used recreationally. The ski area has been using Fitzsimmons Creek for years as part of their snow-making operation. All of this helps to make the area ideal for the project development and for the greening of the entire ski area.
With its Hydro Project, Whistler Blackcomb joins other ski holiday resorts worldwide that have made the commitment to go green and reduce their carbon footprints. In the last year the number of ski resorts that have earned environmental management certification has increased by 75 percent.
Getting a certificate requires an extremely high standard of environmental management. Patrick Thorne, the author of the Green Resort Guide notes that he has been awarding more and more 5 star ratings to ski resorts committed to reducing the environmental impact of their operations.
Thorne also notes that just a few years ago any discussion about going green was met with a great deal of skepticism from ski resort owners and management. That attitude has almost entirely disappeared. Resorts are much more interested in knowing what they can do to preserve the ski resort environment. Global warming is encroaching upon all aspects of life, and ski resort managers are as aware of the rapid changes as anyone else.
Skiers have a lot of good reasons to look to Whistler Blackcomb and other green resorts for their ski holiday. Just as ski resort managers are paying attention to preserving the environment, so too are the skiers who visit those resorts. It is a good guess that besides assessing the usual enticements in deciding where to ski, asking how green the resort is will become more and more a routine consideration in that selection for the 2010 ski holiday season in Canada, the US, Europe and anywhere there's skiing.
About the Author
More details about ski holidays in Whistler and other ski holidays Canada information can be found at yourandorra.com/ski_canada
They also have for Europe Swiss ski details.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Paralympics Games. Special Sports for Very Special People by Joe and Irma Mac Millan
Paralympics games follow the Olympic Games by twelve days. After the 2010 Vancouver Olympics athletes are finished doing what they do best, Paralympics from all over the globe will converge on Vancouver and Whistler British Columbia to compete.
So just what are the games about?
What qualifies as a disability?
What sports may we expect?
Where will each sport venue be located?
Now take a look at these titles one by one to enable us to be better informed.
So just what are the games about?
The second world war had a profound effect on people of the world who lived through that terrible conflict. Millions of brave soldiers, sailors and airmen lost their lives in the quest to win freedom for the rest of us.
For every death, many more were wounded and a great number were disabled for life. Thousands were in wheelchairs. Countless numbers of these brave souls had lost limbs.
Sir Ludwig Guttmann was born in Poland in 1899. By 1939 he was a leading neurologist working at a Jewish hospital in the beautiful city of Breslau on the Oder river. He was forced to flee to England when the Germans invaded Poland.
He strongly believed that sport was a wonderful therapy for building physical strength and the well being of those who were severely injured. The British government founded the National Spinal Injuries Center in a city near London and asked him to be the director of the center.
He organized different games the disabled could play. Each year a few more athletes would enter the games by 1953 approximately 145 were entered.
The Olympics directors were beginning to take notice of these games and beginning in Rome in 1960 the Paralympics Games were held after the Olympic Games and it has been that way ever since. Guttmann was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and the Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for his outstanding leadership. The Paralympics Winter Games were first held in Sweden in 1976 and have been a regular feature of the Olympic games format since the 1992 games in Albertville.
What qualifies as a disability?
There are six basic groups within the Paralympics qualification movement. Those are spinal cord injuries, visual impairment, amputee, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability and another group with disabilities that are outside the box and do not fit into any other category.
Each sport has its own classification rules. Athletes are governed by officials know as classifiers who will observe the athletes both in and out of their sport. If an athlete improves, he/she may be reclassified up or down. The system continues to evolve and is always open to review.
What sports may we expect?
There are four sports competitions for the 2010 Vancouver winter Paralympics.
Alpine Skiing.
With the invention of the Mono Ski the sport has gained popularity very quickly. Now disabled skiers who cannot stand are able to sit and with the special short crutches with skis attached they are able to steer and keep their balance.
Cross Country
With the Paralympics Games held at Ornskoldsvik Sweden in 1976 the sport of cross country skiing got its start. At first only the classic form was permitted. Now some 30 years later many changes have taken place opening the door to a great number of skiers with a variety of disabilities. Wheelchair Curling
The sport had its beginning at the Paralympics Winter Games in Torino Italy. Played very similar to regular curling except the athletes sit in wheelchairs, either propel the stones with only arm action or use a pusher called a cue, down the ice to the concentric rings. The task of pushing the stone is more demanding than regular curling because the athletes must play while the chair is stationary.
Ice Sledge Hockey
The exciting sport of Ice Sledge Hockey had its introduction at the 1994 Paralympics Games in the beautiful town of Lillehammer, Norway. The sledge is usually made of aluminum with two steel blades. The players carry two double ended sticks. These have a pick on one end and a curved blade which they use to shoot the puck. The pick allows the player to gain traction to propel their sledge along the ice.
Biathlon Skiing and Shooting
The main difference between Olympic Biathlon and Paralympics Biathlon is the shooting position. It's always from the prone position in the latter sport. The categories are the same as in Cross Country Skiing. The equipment for those skiers who have no use of their legs use an apparatus called a Sit-ski. This is a very demanding sport.
The 2010 Vancouver Paralympics Games promise to provide thrills to all of those who chose to attend. Will you be one of the lucky ones who do?
About the Author
Joe and Irma Mac Millan have enjoyed the Whistler Mountain and valley area of British Columbia for many years. They have camped, hiked and skied the mountains and fished and kayaked the rivers and lakes. Their website One couples guide to the exciting Whistler-outdoors is a must for anyone considering a trip to Whistler as well as the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. They invite one and all to take a look.
So just what are the games about?
What qualifies as a disability?
What sports may we expect?
Where will each sport venue be located?
Now take a look at these titles one by one to enable us to be better informed.
So just what are the games about?
The second world war had a profound effect on people of the world who lived through that terrible conflict. Millions of brave soldiers, sailors and airmen lost their lives in the quest to win freedom for the rest of us.
For every death, many more were wounded and a great number were disabled for life. Thousands were in wheelchairs. Countless numbers of these brave souls had lost limbs.
Sir Ludwig Guttmann was born in Poland in 1899. By 1939 he was a leading neurologist working at a Jewish hospital in the beautiful city of Breslau on the Oder river. He was forced to flee to England when the Germans invaded Poland.
He strongly believed that sport was a wonderful therapy for building physical strength and the well being of those who were severely injured. The British government founded the National Spinal Injuries Center in a city near London and asked him to be the director of the center.
He organized different games the disabled could play. Each year a few more athletes would enter the games by 1953 approximately 145 were entered.
The Olympics directors were beginning to take notice of these games and beginning in Rome in 1960 the Paralympics Games were held after the Olympic Games and it has been that way ever since. Guttmann was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and the Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for his outstanding leadership. The Paralympics Winter Games were first held in Sweden in 1976 and have been a regular feature of the Olympic games format since the 1992 games in Albertville.
What qualifies as a disability?
There are six basic groups within the Paralympics qualification movement. Those are spinal cord injuries, visual impairment, amputee, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability and another group with disabilities that are outside the box and do not fit into any other category.
Each sport has its own classification rules. Athletes are governed by officials know as classifiers who will observe the athletes both in and out of their sport. If an athlete improves, he/she may be reclassified up or down. The system continues to evolve and is always open to review.
What sports may we expect?
There are four sports competitions for the 2010 Vancouver winter Paralympics.
Alpine Skiing.
With the invention of the Mono Ski the sport has gained popularity very quickly. Now disabled skiers who cannot stand are able to sit and with the special short crutches with skis attached they are able to steer and keep their balance.
Cross Country
With the Paralympics Games held at Ornskoldsvik Sweden in 1976 the sport of cross country skiing got its start. At first only the classic form was permitted. Now some 30 years later many changes have taken place opening the door to a great number of skiers with a variety of disabilities. Wheelchair Curling
The sport had its beginning at the Paralympics Winter Games in Torino Italy. Played very similar to regular curling except the athletes sit in wheelchairs, either propel the stones with only arm action or use a pusher called a cue, down the ice to the concentric rings. The task of pushing the stone is more demanding than regular curling because the athletes must play while the chair is stationary.
Ice Sledge Hockey
The exciting sport of Ice Sledge Hockey had its introduction at the 1994 Paralympics Games in the beautiful town of Lillehammer, Norway. The sledge is usually made of aluminum with two steel blades. The players carry two double ended sticks. These have a pick on one end and a curved blade which they use to shoot the puck. The pick allows the player to gain traction to propel their sledge along the ice.
Biathlon Skiing and Shooting
The main difference between Olympic Biathlon and Paralympics Biathlon is the shooting position. It's always from the prone position in the latter sport. The categories are the same as in Cross Country Skiing. The equipment for those skiers who have no use of their legs use an apparatus called a Sit-ski. This is a very demanding sport.
The 2010 Vancouver Paralympics Games promise to provide thrills to all of those who chose to attend. Will you be one of the lucky ones who do?
About the Author
Joe and Irma Mac Millan have enjoyed the Whistler Mountain and valley area of British Columbia for many years. They have camped, hiked and skied the mountains and fished and kayaked the rivers and lakes. Their website One couples guide to the exciting Whistler-outdoors is a must for anyone considering a trip to Whistler as well as the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. They invite one and all to take a look.
Monday, September 28, 2009
2010 Winter Olympics - On A Budget by Paul la Vella
Coming up fast are the 2010 Winter Olympics - this time scheduled for Vancouver in Canada.
Vancouver, British Columbia is located on the Canada/U.S. border. It's a prime location for both Americans and Canadians to catch what may be a once-in-a-lifetime event opportunity.
Those who don't want to miss the rare opportunity to see the Olympic Games needn't let cost deter them. It's possible to take in the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics even on a budget. Here are eight ways for travelers to make the most of their dollars while taking part in history:
1) Drive instead of fly. Travelers from within the western half of North America can save money by driving to Vancouver. Driving is still less expensive than flying, even with the rising price of gasoline. Opting to drive can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in travel costs.
2) Take public transportation. Taking a bus, train or the Skytrain during the games can save money in gas. Plus, Vancouver parking fees (which are usually expensive) can be avoided when you opt for public transportation. Additionally, direct shuttles will be running between many of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic event locations and other important Canada ski destinations within the area.
3) Stay in the suburbs. Hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts get less expensive the further from the heart of Vancouver that you travel. The city is surrounded by smaller cities and towns. Areas such as Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Langley, Port Coquitlam and others are still an hour's drive or less from many winter Olympics venues. They feature many places to stay at considerably cheaper prices.
4) Choose economical accommodations. Avoiding hotels in favor of less expensive accommodations can often save travelers a significant amount of money. Bed and breakfasts and campsites are scattered throughout the greater Vancouver area. They tend to run five to fifty percent less in price than hotels.
5) Look for private accommodations. Internet-savvy travel bargain hunters may be able to find economical deals for accommodations online. Many greater Vancouver locals are offering rooms, condos, apartments and homes for rent during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. These deals can be significantly cheaper than staying in hotels or motels.
These kinds of accommodations often come with access to a kitchen/cooking facilities. This means that travelers can save even more money by cooking their own meals instead of eating out in restaurants.
6) Attend less popular sporting events. The official Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games website boasts over 100,000 events tickets at a cost of just $25. Half of all events tickets that are available are less than one hundred dollars each. Many of the more popular events (including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies) have already sold out.
However, many Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics tickets are still available for less popular sports. Some of these events include biathlon, luge, curling, freestyle skiing and skeleton.
7) Opt for cheaper seats. It's possible to see even some of the more popular sports for under one hundred dollars. Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics events tickets are priced categorically according to seat location in each venue.
Category "A" tickets are for the best seats and tend to run over one hundred dollars each (or more) for every event. Choosing seats from categories B, C and D can mean significant savings. A vast number of tickets in these categories are under one hundred dollars each. It may be well worth it to be a part of history, even if you have to bring your binoculars.
8) Stick around for the Paralympic Games. The 2010 Paralympic Games take place immediately after the Winter Olympic games. Tickets for these events are considerably less expensive, and feature as much excitement as the Winter Olympic games.
It isn't often that the Olympics come to North America. The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games offer the rare chance for North Americans to see some of the world's best athletes. Americans and Canadians need not even leave the continent to enjoy this great sporting event.
About the Author
Information for skiing in Europe including an Andorra snow report are at yourandorra.com/canada_ski
Ski holiday companies include Crystal ski
Vancouver, British Columbia is located on the Canada/U.S. border. It's a prime location for both Americans and Canadians to catch what may be a once-in-a-lifetime event opportunity.
Those who don't want to miss the rare opportunity to see the Olympic Games needn't let cost deter them. It's possible to take in the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics even on a budget. Here are eight ways for travelers to make the most of their dollars while taking part in history:
1) Drive instead of fly. Travelers from within the western half of North America can save money by driving to Vancouver. Driving is still less expensive than flying, even with the rising price of gasoline. Opting to drive can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in travel costs.
2) Take public transportation. Taking a bus, train or the Skytrain during the games can save money in gas. Plus, Vancouver parking fees (which are usually expensive) can be avoided when you opt for public transportation. Additionally, direct shuttles will be running between many of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic event locations and other important Canada ski destinations within the area.
3) Stay in the suburbs. Hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts get less expensive the further from the heart of Vancouver that you travel. The city is surrounded by smaller cities and towns. Areas such as Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Langley, Port Coquitlam and others are still an hour's drive or less from many winter Olympics venues. They feature many places to stay at considerably cheaper prices.
4) Choose economical accommodations. Avoiding hotels in favor of less expensive accommodations can often save travelers a significant amount of money. Bed and breakfasts and campsites are scattered throughout the greater Vancouver area. They tend to run five to fifty percent less in price than hotels.
5) Look for private accommodations. Internet-savvy travel bargain hunters may be able to find economical deals for accommodations online. Many greater Vancouver locals are offering rooms, condos, apartments and homes for rent during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. These deals can be significantly cheaper than staying in hotels or motels.
These kinds of accommodations often come with access to a kitchen/cooking facilities. This means that travelers can save even more money by cooking their own meals instead of eating out in restaurants.
6) Attend less popular sporting events. The official Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games website boasts over 100,000 events tickets at a cost of just $25. Half of all events tickets that are available are less than one hundred dollars each. Many of the more popular events (including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies) have already sold out.
However, many Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics tickets are still available for less popular sports. Some of these events include biathlon, luge, curling, freestyle skiing and skeleton.
7) Opt for cheaper seats. It's possible to see even some of the more popular sports for under one hundred dollars. Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics events tickets are priced categorically according to seat location in each venue.
Category "A" tickets are for the best seats and tend to run over one hundred dollars each (or more) for every event. Choosing seats from categories B, C and D can mean significant savings. A vast number of tickets in these categories are under one hundred dollars each. It may be well worth it to be a part of history, even if you have to bring your binoculars.
8) Stick around for the Paralympic Games. The 2010 Paralympic Games take place immediately after the Winter Olympic games. Tickets for these events are considerably less expensive, and feature as much excitement as the Winter Olympic games.
It isn't often that the Olympics come to North America. The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games offer the rare chance for North Americans to see some of the world's best athletes. Americans and Canadians need not even leave the continent to enjoy this great sporting event.
About the Author
Information for skiing in Europe including an Andorra snow report are at yourandorra.com/canada_ski
Ski holiday companies include Crystal ski
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
2010 Winter Games by Sara j
The scenic and bustling city Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada is the proud host of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The International Winter Olympics Committee chooses Vancouver as host of the games in 2010 on April 23, 2005. Greater Vancouver, with a population of 2.1 million, is Canada's third largest urban area. Located in British Columbia, Canada's western-most province, the region covers nearly 2,900 square kilometres, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, the U.S. border to the south, the valley of the Fraser River to the east and the Coastal Mountains to the north. Seattle, Washington is 226 km to the south, while Calgary, Alberta is 975 km to the east. Vancouver's ocean-side location gives it a mild climate year round. The Economist Intelligence Unit ranked Vancouver as the world's most liveable city in 2006. The Mercer Group's 2007 Quality of Living Survey ranked Vancouver third of 215 cities worldwide, and first in North America. The games will officially commence in February 12-28, 2010. The organizers of top-notch sporting events expect 80 countries and 5,500 athletes and coaches and sport officials to joint the highly anticipated event. Some 86 events comprising seven sports are also expected to be shown during the almost month long games. The Canadian Olympic Association chose Vancouver as the Canadian candidate city over Calgary, which sought to re-host the games and Quebec City, which had lost the 2002 Olympic bid in 1995. On the first round of voting on November 21, 1998, Vancouver-Whistler had 26 votes, Quebec City with 25 and Calgary 21. On December 3, 1998, the second and final round of voting occurred between the two leading contenders, which saw Vancouver win with 40 votes compared to Quebec City's 32. The win allowed Vancouver to prepare its bid and begin lobbying efforts internationally. Here are quick facts regarding the prestigious event: • Number of Olympic athletes and officials: 5,500 • Number of Paralympics athletes and officials: 1,350 • Countries participating in Olympic Winter Games: 80+ • Countries participating in Paralympics and Winter Games: 40+ • 2010 Olympic Winter Games events tickets available: 1.6 million • 2010 Paralympics Winter Games events tickets available: 250,000 • Estimated number of media representatives: 10,000 • Estimated number of Games volunteers: 25,000 To make the 2010 Winter Olympic exciting SEGA Corporation recently announced an exclusive partnership with International Sports Multimedia (ISM), the official licensee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to develop Vancouver 2010 - the Official Video Game of the Olympic Winter Games. Eurocom Entertainment Software is developing the game for PC, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, and the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. Vancouver 2010 is an authentic simulation of a host of events from the upcoming Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, focusing on the adrenalin rush that comes from the extreme speed of winter sports. Including the all-new challenge mode, it will allow players to immerse themselves in the world's greatest sporting event like never before. In addition to the new challenge mode, Vancouver 2010 also offers revamped online game play and brand new control schemes new to an official video game of the Olympic Games. With this, Vancouver 2010 will be the new benchmark for the Olympic-themed videogames genre and truly allow gamers to experience the "Olympic Spirit". Vancouver 2010 for PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 is set for release in the winter of 2010. The opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympic Games will be held at BC Place. BC Place is an amazing inflated white dome stadium that can hold just over 59,000 people, and it is located in the downtown core. As the Host City for the 2010 Winter Games, Vancouver has been given an extraordinary opportunity to welcome the world to our city, and share with all that our city has to offer, including: spectacular, natural beauty, excellent sports and entertainment, innovative leadership in business, the environment and social issues, extraordinary community, cultural diversity, and commitment to excellence in accessibility. More information on 2010 Winter Olympics Tickets
About the Author
Sara is a creative writer and love to write on musical play, concerts and sports games. She is currently working for TicketLoot ( http://www.ticketloot.com ).
About the Author
Sara is a creative writer and love to write on musical play, concerts and sports games. She is currently working for TicketLoot ( http://www.ticketloot.com ).
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Whisler Ski Resorts by Dnair
Whistler, in British Columbia, with the most desirable and breathtaking locations in Canada ,has been voted one of the favourite ski destinations in North America.It is a skier's and snowboarder's heaven in winter and for this reason the Winter Olympics in 2010 will be held at Whistler Blackcomb.
Whistler Blackcomb offers skiing and snowboarding for all ability levels. Featuring more than 200 trails, Whistler skiing includes everything from tree skiing to wide-open cruising runs. Cross-country skiers can also find miles of trails to satisfy.The Ski season for the Canadian resorts starts in early November and extends through to June and summer offers all sorts of additional outdoor sports.
One of newest and hottest ski resort in Whistler Blackcomb is the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre Hotel located in the heart of Whistler Village, moments from the base of the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.The resort also provides access to over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain stretching over eight miles, including North America's steepest mile vertical drop, and to four award-winning golf courses.One can also revitalize at the boutique spa or relax poolside at the year-round outdoor heated salt water lap pool all with spectacular views of the idyllic mountains.
Another Ski resort worth checking out is the Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside Resort Hotel consistently rated one of the best in North America. It is also the co-host venue of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic games.Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside resort hotel offers unforgettable team building opportunities in summer and winter playground of mountains, lakes and golf courses.And for family gatherings it offers boutique, all-suite accommodations that are comfortable for grandparents, stylish for the younger crowd and fantastically fun for the kids.
Both the destinations provide luxury accommodation and stylish venues that combine with Whistler's spectacular scenery to provide the perfect setting for weddings or business meetings.
One can also enjoy the Whistler's classic hike along Piccolo and Flute summits Travel from Vancouver to Whistler via Helijet or Paddle down the River of Golden Dreams through the wetlands of the Whistler Valley.Regardless of what you opt to do, the choices are as varied as the splendid terrain ,Whistler offers tons of activities that will remain unique lifetime experience. Take your family, or go with friends. Whatever you do you will have a memorable experience to look back on for years to come - ski holidays can be great fun!
About the Author
For Accomodation Booking details to Whistler Resorts vist Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre Hotel or Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside Resort Hotel
Whistler Blackcomb offers skiing and snowboarding for all ability levels. Featuring more than 200 trails, Whistler skiing includes everything from tree skiing to wide-open cruising runs. Cross-country skiers can also find miles of trails to satisfy.The Ski season for the Canadian resorts starts in early November and extends through to June and summer offers all sorts of additional outdoor sports.
One of newest and hottest ski resort in Whistler Blackcomb is the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre Hotel located in the heart of Whistler Village, moments from the base of the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.The resort also provides access to over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain stretching over eight miles, including North America's steepest mile vertical drop, and to four award-winning golf courses.One can also revitalize at the boutique spa or relax poolside at the year-round outdoor heated salt water lap pool all with spectacular views of the idyllic mountains.
Another Ski resort worth checking out is the Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside Resort Hotel consistently rated one of the best in North America. It is also the co-host venue of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic games.Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside resort hotel offers unforgettable team building opportunities in summer and winter playground of mountains, lakes and golf courses.And for family gatherings it offers boutique, all-suite accommodations that are comfortable for grandparents, stylish for the younger crowd and fantastically fun for the kids.
Both the destinations provide luxury accommodation and stylish venues that combine with Whistler's spectacular scenery to provide the perfect setting for weddings or business meetings.
One can also enjoy the Whistler's classic hike along Piccolo and Flute summits Travel from Vancouver to Whistler via Helijet or Paddle down the River of Golden Dreams through the wetlands of the Whistler Valley.Regardless of what you opt to do, the choices are as varied as the splendid terrain ,Whistler offers tons of activities that will remain unique lifetime experience. Take your family, or go with friends. Whatever you do you will have a memorable experience to look back on for years to come - ski holidays can be great fun!
About the Author
For Accomodation Booking details to Whistler Resorts vist Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre Hotel or Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside Resort Hotel
My 2010 Olympic Hockey Predictions by Greg LaForge
The 2010 Olympics in Vancouver are coming up. They are only a few months away. When they get here, the entire world will support their athletes.
Every hockey fan will also be supporting their country. Some are looking forward to the 2010 Olympics as an opportunity for a gold. Other countries can't wait until they're done.
Anyway, here are my predictions for who is going to win the medals.
There are a lot of good teams that are going to be competing in the tournament this winter. The biggest ones are Russia, Canada, Sweden, Finland and the Czech Republic. These are the teams that are probably going to win the top 5 spots.
You may notice that the United States is not on this list. They have a young team and will probably place in the lower half of the pack.
Of the 5 teams that I mentioned above I've got Canada winning the gold. Canada has a lot of all stars and is extremely prepared for the Olympics. They are going to take some of the hard lessons that they learned in the last tournament and use them this winter.
The silver medal will go to Russia. This year, Russia will be trying to win it's first gold since its days as the Soviet Union. However, I don't think that they have to defense to match up with Team Canada.
The bronze medal is going to be interesting. They're are a lot of good teams that are still in the tournament. Sweden, Finland, and the Czech Republic all have a good chance of winning the bronze medal.
However, my bet is going with Sweden. They have a lot of good players. In fact, they are pulling most of their talent from the Detroit Red Wings. Definitely not a bad team to pull a good portion of your Olympic team from.
Anyway, those are my predictions for the 2010 Olympic Hockey Tournament. Once again, there are a lot of teams that could place well, but the two teams that you will want to watch are Russia and Canada. Even though I have Canada winning the gold, there's a good chance that Russia will beat them.
About the Author
I am the owner of the blog tipsforhockey.com. You are invited to check out some of my articles. Aside from the blog I have articles that give hockey tips, help buying merchandise, and help finding autographs. Feel free to check it out.
Every hockey fan will also be supporting their country. Some are looking forward to the 2010 Olympics as an opportunity for a gold. Other countries can't wait until they're done.
Anyway, here are my predictions for who is going to win the medals.
There are a lot of good teams that are going to be competing in the tournament this winter. The biggest ones are Russia, Canada, Sweden, Finland and the Czech Republic. These are the teams that are probably going to win the top 5 spots.
You may notice that the United States is not on this list. They have a young team and will probably place in the lower half of the pack.
Of the 5 teams that I mentioned above I've got Canada winning the gold. Canada has a lot of all stars and is extremely prepared for the Olympics. They are going to take some of the hard lessons that they learned in the last tournament and use them this winter.
The silver medal will go to Russia. This year, Russia will be trying to win it's first gold since its days as the Soviet Union. However, I don't think that they have to defense to match up with Team Canada.
The bronze medal is going to be interesting. They're are a lot of good teams that are still in the tournament. Sweden, Finland, and the Czech Republic all have a good chance of winning the bronze medal.
However, my bet is going with Sweden. They have a lot of good players. In fact, they are pulling most of their talent from the Detroit Red Wings. Definitely not a bad team to pull a good portion of your Olympic team from.
Anyway, those are my predictions for the 2010 Olympic Hockey Tournament. Once again, there are a lot of teams that could place well, but the two teams that you will want to watch are Russia and Canada. Even though I have Canada winning the gold, there's a good chance that Russia will beat them.
About the Author
I am the owner of the blog tipsforhockey.com. You are invited to check out some of my articles. Aside from the blog I have articles that give hockey tips, help buying merchandise, and help finding autographs. Feel free to check it out.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Renting out your Home for the 2010 Olympic Games by Mike Andruff
As soon as it was announced that Vancouver, British Columbia was selected to host the 2010 Winter Games, property managers and private homeowners salivated at the prospect of renting out their properties at a premium to the thousands of people expected to descend on the city in February. Now the Olympic Games are fast approaching, and it's time for you to decide whether you're going to get in on the action and rent your own place out.
In deciding what to do, the first thing to consider is whether or not there will be much demand for accommodations outside of traditional hotels and motels.
There are approximately 23,000 hotel rooms located in the city of Vancouver, though 21,000 of which have already been reserved by the Vancouver Olympic Committee (VANOC).
To give you an idea of how many people are expected to attend the Games, there are 1.6 million tickets available for events at the Olympics, with another 250,000 tickets available for the Paralympic Games. Estimates suggest that there will be about 25,000 volunteers and 10,000 media representatives in addition to more than 6500 athletes and officials.
This means that there is a huge gap between the number of readily available rooms, and the number of people who need a place to stay.
Many private homeowners have already began advertising their properties online through sites like Craigslist, asking for around $300 per bedroom, per night. Rates are better among properties that have several bedrooms available, as are homes that are located away from hotspots like Whistler, Squamish, Downtown Vancouver, and Richmond.
While some people are offering weekly rentals, monthly accommodations are also being advertised-some charging as much as $10,000 for the month. In fact, one downtown luxury condo owner is asking for $11,000 for a two-week stay in February, or $20,000 for the whole month. Clearly, many homeowners are expecting Olympic visitors to be willing to pay big bucks for nice accommodations set in a convenient location.
Homeowners wishing to rent out their homes are allowed to under certain provisions made by the 2010 Winter Games Temporary Accommodation By-law. Homeowners are allowed to rent to "visitors for periods of less than 30 days if their home is not occupied by tenants or boarders and lodgers after June 1, 2009," and until March 31, 2009. The City said, "The goal of the by-law is to prevent the conversion of long-term rental accommodation to temporary Games time accommodation." If you'd like to rent your home for more than 30 days, you will need a license to do so. Condo owners must check with their strata to see if they're allowed to rent out their space.
About the Author
At VancouverPropertyFinder.com, the Vancouver MLS listings are at your fingertips. You can perform a customized search for properties throughout the Greater Vancouver area, including the Oakridge real estate market.
In deciding what to do, the first thing to consider is whether or not there will be much demand for accommodations outside of traditional hotels and motels.
There are approximately 23,000 hotel rooms located in the city of Vancouver, though 21,000 of which have already been reserved by the Vancouver Olympic Committee (VANOC).
To give you an idea of how many people are expected to attend the Games, there are 1.6 million tickets available for events at the Olympics, with another 250,000 tickets available for the Paralympic Games. Estimates suggest that there will be about 25,000 volunteers and 10,000 media representatives in addition to more than 6500 athletes and officials.
This means that there is a huge gap between the number of readily available rooms, and the number of people who need a place to stay.
Many private homeowners have already began advertising their properties online through sites like Craigslist, asking for around $300 per bedroom, per night. Rates are better among properties that have several bedrooms available, as are homes that are located away from hotspots like Whistler, Squamish, Downtown Vancouver, and Richmond.
While some people are offering weekly rentals, monthly accommodations are also being advertised-some charging as much as $10,000 for the month. In fact, one downtown luxury condo owner is asking for $11,000 for a two-week stay in February, or $20,000 for the whole month. Clearly, many homeowners are expecting Olympic visitors to be willing to pay big bucks for nice accommodations set in a convenient location.
Homeowners wishing to rent out their homes are allowed to under certain provisions made by the 2010 Winter Games Temporary Accommodation By-law. Homeowners are allowed to rent to "visitors for periods of less than 30 days if their home is not occupied by tenants or boarders and lodgers after June 1, 2009," and until March 31, 2009. The City said, "The goal of the by-law is to prevent the conversion of long-term rental accommodation to temporary Games time accommodation." If you'd like to rent your home for more than 30 days, you will need a license to do so. Condo owners must check with their strata to see if they're allowed to rent out their space.
About the Author
At VancouverPropertyFinder.com, the Vancouver MLS listings are at your fingertips. You can perform a customized search for properties throughout the Greater Vancouver area, including the Oakridge real estate market.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Skiing Vacations For 2010 - Canada by Paul Ashton
There's plenty of great ski holidays available in Europe, so it's surprising perhaps that quite a few Europeans make the trip across the Atlantic to have a ski holiday in Canada.
Maybe it's less of a surprise perhaps when you consider that no fewer than 5 of Canada's ski resorts made Conde Nast Traveler's Top 20 Ski Destinations in the world. This fact doesn't surprise Canadians, who have always known that skiing in Canada is a cut above the rest, nor to the Europeans who make the effort to visit.
The travel poll was Conde Nast Traveler's 13th annual ranking of world class ski resorts. Whistler-Blackcomb, a regular on the list, came top.
Whistler-Blackcomb will play host to many of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games events. This fact is a testament to the resort's ability to compete with the world's best ski resorts. It is the official Alpine skiing venue for the Vancouver 2010 games.
It has already held several pre-Olympic races and events, with more to come leading up to the Games. Local tourism officials and business owners are thrilled with the attention the 2010 Olympic Games have already brought to Whistler-Blackcomb. They expect a great ski holidays season next year as the Games draw ever closer.
Sun Peaks Resort in Kamloops, British Columbia blasted onto Conde Nast's list, taking 10th place overall. It also makes it the second best in Canada. This Canadian Ski Holiday Resort is relatively new by some world standards and has Olympic ties. Former Canadian Olympic skiing champion Nancy Greene is the resort's director of skiing. Greene, a major investor and developer of the resort is pleased to see Sun Peaks getting the recognition it deserves.
Other Canadian ski resorts to make the top 20 were Mont Tremblant resort in Quebec (no. 12), Big White in Kelowna, British Columbia and Lake Louise in Alberta (tie for no. 16). This strong showing for skiing holidays in Canada will likely continue to boost winter tourism long after the Winter Olympics have come and gone.
Lake Louise, like Whistler-Blackcomb, frequently makes a strong showing on the international ski scene. Nestled deep in the Canadian Rockies, it boasts some of the world's most breathtaking scenery. This Canadian ski resort will play home to a number of pre-Olympic events and races beginning in December. Her pristine snow and quality runs make it a force to be contended with on the international ski holidays scene.
Hopefully for these as well as other popular ski in Canada holiday resorts, it will be a good year for snow. Those who were fortunate enough to obtain season passes for last year's skiing got their money's worth with good snowfall throughout the season.
The wintry weather isn't the only thing that makes a Canadian spring ski holiday appealing. The weak Canadian dollar means that visitors from other countries can get more bang for their ski buck. The Canadian dollar has been languishing at just under 80 cents U.S. for a while - that translates to an extra 20 percent for American visitors.
Many tourism experts agree that a nod from Conde Nast Traveler is a significant endorsement. Over 32,000 readers, many well-versed in travel, voted in the ski holiday poll. Thanks to their knowledge, the enthusiasm of Canadians and the impending winter Olympic Games, Canadian ski resorts are bracing for a healthy 2010 and beyond.
About the Author
For skiers 2010 ski holidays are on-line at yourandorra.com and for those considering Austria for a ski holiday they also do ski holidays Austria
Maybe it's less of a surprise perhaps when you consider that no fewer than 5 of Canada's ski resorts made Conde Nast Traveler's Top 20 Ski Destinations in the world. This fact doesn't surprise Canadians, who have always known that skiing in Canada is a cut above the rest, nor to the Europeans who make the effort to visit.
The travel poll was Conde Nast Traveler's 13th annual ranking of world class ski resorts. Whistler-Blackcomb, a regular on the list, came top.
Whistler-Blackcomb will play host to many of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games events. This fact is a testament to the resort's ability to compete with the world's best ski resorts. It is the official Alpine skiing venue for the Vancouver 2010 games.
It has already held several pre-Olympic races and events, with more to come leading up to the Games. Local tourism officials and business owners are thrilled with the attention the 2010 Olympic Games have already brought to Whistler-Blackcomb. They expect a great ski holidays season next year as the Games draw ever closer.
Sun Peaks Resort in Kamloops, British Columbia blasted onto Conde Nast's list, taking 10th place overall. It also makes it the second best in Canada. This Canadian Ski Holiday Resort is relatively new by some world standards and has Olympic ties. Former Canadian Olympic skiing champion Nancy Greene is the resort's director of skiing. Greene, a major investor and developer of the resort is pleased to see Sun Peaks getting the recognition it deserves.
Other Canadian ski resorts to make the top 20 were Mont Tremblant resort in Quebec (no. 12), Big White in Kelowna, British Columbia and Lake Louise in Alberta (tie for no. 16). This strong showing for skiing holidays in Canada will likely continue to boost winter tourism long after the Winter Olympics have come and gone.
Lake Louise, like Whistler-Blackcomb, frequently makes a strong showing on the international ski scene. Nestled deep in the Canadian Rockies, it boasts some of the world's most breathtaking scenery. This Canadian ski resort will play home to a number of pre-Olympic events and races beginning in December. Her pristine snow and quality runs make it a force to be contended with on the international ski holidays scene.
Hopefully for these as well as other popular ski in Canada holiday resorts, it will be a good year for snow. Those who were fortunate enough to obtain season passes for last year's skiing got their money's worth with good snowfall throughout the season.
The wintry weather isn't the only thing that makes a Canadian spring ski holiday appealing. The weak Canadian dollar means that visitors from other countries can get more bang for their ski buck. The Canadian dollar has been languishing at just under 80 cents U.S. for a while - that translates to an extra 20 percent for American visitors.
Many tourism experts agree that a nod from Conde Nast Traveler is a significant endorsement. Over 32,000 readers, many well-versed in travel, voted in the ski holiday poll. Thanks to their knowledge, the enthusiasm of Canadians and the impending winter Olympic Games, Canadian ski resorts are bracing for a healthy 2010 and beyond.
About the Author
For skiers 2010 ski holidays are on-line at yourandorra.com and for those considering Austria for a ski holiday they also do ski holidays Austria
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Where Can You Stay During the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics? by A. Nutt
The 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics are going to be here in no time, so it is not too soon to start thinking about where to stay while in Vancouver. If you're one of those individuals fortunate enough to acquire tickets, it is time to start thinking about your accommodations. Your goal is to stay as close as possible to the venues that will be hosting the events that you're attending. Then again, you may wish to stay elsewhere because there are other attractions in Vancouver that you want to enjoy.
Whatever your reasons for wanting to stay in a specific area in Vancouver, you have to be aware of the accommodations that are available to you. First of all, you have to know that the exact area in which the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics is being held is the village of Whistler. It is the commercial center, which means it is going to have your largest concentration of restaurants and shops.
Other attractions
Whistler is also known for its skiing. Some say the lodging in this area is unattractive if you're staying in the village because you will still find yourself quite a distance away from the ski lifts. You're looking at a walk of around 10 minutes to the skiers plaza. Basically, this is definitely not a village for those looking for peace and quiet, especially with the Olympics going on. Nevertheless, there are accommodations in the Upper Village that allows easy access to the ski lifts and also offers up spectacular views.
You'll also find legendary night clubs. Really, you need to look at all of the attractions and determine what it is that is important to you. If you intent on hitting the night clubs every night, but you're only going to be attending a couple of Olympic events, you may want to ensure you stay near the clubs. This is especially true if alcohol is going to be involved. You may want to be able to take a short cab ride back to your hotel or be within walking distance.
Where to stay
As for your exact lodging options while attending the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, there is a wide range of lodging options available in Whistler. You can visit a condo or a chalet if you don't want to stay in a hotel. These are great for the luxury traveler or those traveling in groups. You also have to take into consideration the length of your stay. Longer stays usually require a higher degree of comfort.
However, when it comes to hotels, you have many options available. This is a tourist town and it is going to be a hotspot when the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics roll around. You have your choice of 1 to 5 star hotels. Most will give you mountain views that are breathtaking. An example of a 5 star hotel that you may want to consider is the Fairmont Chateau. It is right in the heart of Whistler.
Just make sure that you check out the accommodations close to where you want to be in or outside of the village. Just keep in mind that you're going to get anything but peace and quiet during this time. This means you might as well live it up while you are there. There is going to be a lot of excitement in the air. You're going to experience excitement like you've never known. In all reality, the entire experience is not going to be like any you have ever had in your life. Actually, it's going to be much better.
About the Author
A recognized leader in sports travel and tours provides Winter Olympics packages and 2010 Winter Olympics hotels and accommodations, preferred seating and guaranteed tickets.
Whatever your reasons for wanting to stay in a specific area in Vancouver, you have to be aware of the accommodations that are available to you. First of all, you have to know that the exact area in which the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics is being held is the village of Whistler. It is the commercial center, which means it is going to have your largest concentration of restaurants and shops.
Other attractions
Whistler is also known for its skiing. Some say the lodging in this area is unattractive if you're staying in the village because you will still find yourself quite a distance away from the ski lifts. You're looking at a walk of around 10 minutes to the skiers plaza. Basically, this is definitely not a village for those looking for peace and quiet, especially with the Olympics going on. Nevertheless, there are accommodations in the Upper Village that allows easy access to the ski lifts and also offers up spectacular views.
You'll also find legendary night clubs. Really, you need to look at all of the attractions and determine what it is that is important to you. If you intent on hitting the night clubs every night, but you're only going to be attending a couple of Olympic events, you may want to ensure you stay near the clubs. This is especially true if alcohol is going to be involved. You may want to be able to take a short cab ride back to your hotel or be within walking distance.
Where to stay
As for your exact lodging options while attending the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, there is a wide range of lodging options available in Whistler. You can visit a condo or a chalet if you don't want to stay in a hotel. These are great for the luxury traveler or those traveling in groups. You also have to take into consideration the length of your stay. Longer stays usually require a higher degree of comfort.
However, when it comes to hotels, you have many options available. This is a tourist town and it is going to be a hotspot when the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics roll around. You have your choice of 1 to 5 star hotels. Most will give you mountain views that are breathtaking. An example of a 5 star hotel that you may want to consider is the Fairmont Chateau. It is right in the heart of Whistler.
Just make sure that you check out the accommodations close to where you want to be in or outside of the village. Just keep in mind that you're going to get anything but peace and quiet during this time. This means you might as well live it up while you are there. There is going to be a lot of excitement in the air. You're going to experience excitement like you've never known. In all reality, the entire experience is not going to be like any you have ever had in your life. Actually, it's going to be much better.
About the Author
A recognized leader in sports travel and tours provides Winter Olympics packages and 2010 Winter Olympics hotels and accommodations, preferred seating and guaranteed tickets.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Find a Vacation Home in Vancouver on Craigslist by Rocky Mcmahon
Located in southwestern British Columbia, the port city of Vancouver is consistently rated among the world's most livable cities. Although traditionally a port town with an economy dependent on local resources (fishing, forestry, agriculture, etc.), Vancouver has developed into more technical economic sectors. After New York and Los Angeles, Vancouver has the third largest film industry in North America and is also undergoing a major expansion in the field of video game design. This has led not only to it being a highly livable city, but also a rapidly expanding one.
Adding to the economy of the region is the nearby resort town of Whistler, where the 2010 Winter Olympics are to be held. Whistler is famous the world over for its excellent downhill skiing. In fact, for the avid skier, it is a "must visit." And, when you are planning your ski trip, you must find good accommodations. For this, one great place to look is the Vancouver section of Craigslist.
In case you are not familiar, Craigslist is a network of site for communities throughout the United States and around the globe. Initially, it was founded as a resource for the San Francisco Bay Area in 1995. By 2006, there was a Craigslist site representing each of 450 cities worldwide. With a few exceptions, advertising on Craigslist is free, and postings can be placed in myriad sections, all organized into major categories.
One such category is housing, where users can browse apartments, available real estate, temporary housing or sublets, shared housing, parking, office space, and vacation housing. One can even post a housing wanted ad or arrange a housing swap. This can be a major resource for places like Vancouver, where people visit on vacation and need resort accommodations.
A quick browse of this section reveals plenty of such accommodations for Whistler posted on Vancouver Craigslist (http://vancouver.craigslist.org). Listings can be found for condos to sleep four, six, even ten people. The rates tend to be reasonable and comparable to what one might pay for a hotel, but with additional amenities, such as kitchens, fireplaces and in-unit jacuzzi spas. Some ads are posted by condo owners looking to get some income out of their property, others are by commercial resort property managers. Some units are advertised to make them seem more homey. One, for instance, includes a stocked kitchen with espresso machine, DVDs for playing on the included DVD player, and plenty of books and games. Either way, Craigslist enables you to communicate directly with the poster and arrange your stay. This is the sort of personal touch that is common in postings on Craigslist, making it preferable to traditional newspaper ads which cost money by the word, forcing posters to cut corners.
It you ever get the chance to visit Vancouver, you will undoubtedly find a pleasant, expanding city full of history and natural beauty. If your plans include a skiing trip to nearby Whistler, be sure to check out Craigslist for vacation rentals before you go. It may just make your trip that much better.
About the Author
For tips on teddy bear hamsters, termite swarm and other information, visit the Interesting Animals website.
Adding to the economy of the region is the nearby resort town of Whistler, where the 2010 Winter Olympics are to be held. Whistler is famous the world over for its excellent downhill skiing. In fact, for the avid skier, it is a "must visit." And, when you are planning your ski trip, you must find good accommodations. For this, one great place to look is the Vancouver section of Craigslist.
In case you are not familiar, Craigslist is a network of site for communities throughout the United States and around the globe. Initially, it was founded as a resource for the San Francisco Bay Area in 1995. By 2006, there was a Craigslist site representing each of 450 cities worldwide. With a few exceptions, advertising on Craigslist is free, and postings can be placed in myriad sections, all organized into major categories.
One such category is housing, where users can browse apartments, available real estate, temporary housing or sublets, shared housing, parking, office space, and vacation housing. One can even post a housing wanted ad or arrange a housing swap. This can be a major resource for places like Vancouver, where people visit on vacation and need resort accommodations.
A quick browse of this section reveals plenty of such accommodations for Whistler posted on Vancouver Craigslist (http://vancouver.craigslist.org). Listings can be found for condos to sleep four, six, even ten people. The rates tend to be reasonable and comparable to what one might pay for a hotel, but with additional amenities, such as kitchens, fireplaces and in-unit jacuzzi spas. Some ads are posted by condo owners looking to get some income out of their property, others are by commercial resort property managers. Some units are advertised to make them seem more homey. One, for instance, includes a stocked kitchen with espresso machine, DVDs for playing on the included DVD player, and plenty of books and games. Either way, Craigslist enables you to communicate directly with the poster and arrange your stay. This is the sort of personal touch that is common in postings on Craigslist, making it preferable to traditional newspaper ads which cost money by the word, forcing posters to cut corners.
It you ever get the chance to visit Vancouver, you will undoubtedly find a pleasant, expanding city full of history and natural beauty. If your plans include a skiing trip to nearby Whistler, be sure to check out Craigslist for vacation rentals before you go. It may just make your trip that much better.
About the Author
For tips on teddy bear hamsters, termite swarm and other information, visit the Interesting Animals website.
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