Bring on the Night – Whistler Nightlife at a Glance

Written by Iris Dineen for the Whistler The Magazine Winter 2006 / Spring 2007 edition. Published solely to promote tourism to Whistler’s nightlife, music and pub scene throughout the year.

Whistler in the winter is best known for its great skiing and snowboarding, but its after-hours scene is fast approaching the same level of recognition among repeat visitors. Let’s face it: Whistler’s vibrant nightlife makes it an extremely popular place to party.

Part of the equation with Whistler’s nightlife is an abundance of great local talent: brilliant resident DJs and local bands keep everyone hyped and the nightlife scene fresh. Clubs in Whistler still regularly mix up the entertainment scnee by booking big-name bands and world-famous DJs.

While finding social activities is easy it’s sometimes hard to decide where to go, because Whistler has so much to offer, especially in nightlife. There is enough going on to satisfy all your social desires. If you’re a “social butterfly”, the eye candy, dancing, socializing, good times and laughs are just a few of the wonderful joys you will encounter in Whistler Village nightlife. Here’s the inside scoop on the pubs and clubs from a locals’ perspective.

It starts with Whistler Buffalo Bill’s, also known as, the cougar bar, which always draws a large crowd. Whether you’re twenty something or fifty something, you will have the time of your life with a gread dance floor, pool table, and video games. Buffalo Bill’s is a fabulous choice and a great place to meet new friends in Whistler. Across the way is Moe Joe’s, where you can always find a great DJ or live show during nightlife. This underground Whistler club is always packed and has the juiciest floor filling entertainment in town.

As you wander down and around the corner in Whistler Village to the jungles of Tommy Africa’s, prepare yourself for a great mix of music and fabulous staff. The vibe here is electrifying and it’s a frenzy of fun every night of the week from’80s night to special events, and the best part is the funky jungle atmosphere. Right in the Whistler Village Square you can venture down into Maxx Fish, which features theme nights, and costume parties; this palce is always full of late-night energy. Just a few doors down is the Savage Beagle, the perfect all-purpose destination in Whistler nightlife with a classy lounge atmosphere upstairs and a wild dance floor downstairs. Last but certainly not least on the Village Stroll in Whistler is Garfinkel’s Night Club, one of the locals’ favourite clubs with Whistler’s hottest dance floor. Some of the best DJs spin at this Whistler club and celebrity sightings are part of the Garfinkel’s legend.

The pubs in Whistler have a cozy yet buzzing atmosphere and are something you will definitely want to explore. You can often catch live entertainment in the late afternoon and early evenings. Check out Merlin’s The Dubh Linn Gate, Tapley’s, Black’s Pub, Brandy’s at The Keg and the Brewhouse in the Whistler Village or Dusty’s Bar and Grill in Creekside. The Whistler pubs are where it’s at if you’re looking for great food, entertainment and friendly service.

Another great place to socialize is on the heated patios in Whistler. These are great places to have a cold drink while you thaw out after a full day of skiing or riding. The patios are the best place to people watch and are a premium pre-party place in Whistler. The Longhorn Saloon, the Garibaldi Lift Company (GLC), Citta’, The Amsterdam Pub and The Mix are frequented by both visitors and locals. Join the crowd.

If you’re in the mood for comfy seating and warm atmosphere in Whistler, we can heartily recommend the Crystal Lounge, Cinnamon Bear Lounge & Grill, the Firerock Lounge, Monk’s Grill, the Bearfoot Bistro’s Champagne Bar, the Araxi Lounge, Elements, the Fifty Two 80 Bistro Bar, three below, Mallard Lounge or 21 Steps “Attic.” Lounging in Whistler is a great place to catch up with friends and rest up for your next big day ahead.

Every night is an adventure in Whistler whether you’re looking for a relaxing lounge, a friendly pub, or bumping club, we can almost guarantee that no visitor will leave unfulfilled.

More information about Whistler Resort, nightlife, pubs, entertainment, recreation and Whistler-Blackcomb is located here.

Plan your next travels to Keystone Colorado

Keystone, CO. Any time of year, Keystone is the ideal family resort. In fact, the twon was envisioned and built expressly for skiers and summertime pleasure-seekers. River Run Village is the heart of the ski area, a quaint, European-style village that offers all the best of the resort within one central area. The Keystone Colorado Village is alive year-round with Keystone concerts, festivals, local parades and more. Enjoy world-class shopping, dining, and lively après ski events in a cozy, visitor centric community at Keystone CO today. You can contact ResortQuest today at 970.453.4000 or visit them online at www.resortquest.com for more information about booking and travel packages.

Keystone CO is the only resort in the area to offer night skiing and boasts the largest outdoor Zamboni-maintained ice-skating rink in North America – it’s a five-acre man-made pond! Depending on the season, young and old alike can enjoy inner-tubing, sleigh rides, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Tucked away high up in the alpine environment is the Alpenglow Stube of Keystone Park, an elegant and very unusual restaurant requiring two lifts and a short walk to reach. The reward is definitely worth the ascent. You’ll be dining on top of the world, literally and gastronomically speaking at Keystone CO. Now, let’s not forget about the skiing! Keystone has some of the most enviable terrain in the area with three distinct mountain peaks: Dercum Mountain, North Peak and the legendary Outback. From intermediate groomers to the most extreme bumps and backcountry, you’re sure to find the right match for any ski level at Keystone. Be sure to check out the new A51 Terrain Park and Pipe, the hottest new place to ride and the only night terrain park in Colorado at the moment.

In the summer at Keystone CO, experience a different side of the mountain. Take the lifts to the summit for spectacular views, mountaintop hiking and the ultimate downhill mountain biking experience. Conquer the white water on a rafting trip, learn to sail on the placid waters of Lake Dillon or go exploring on horseback in Keystone Colorado today.

Summertime events and festivals start pre-Memorial Day and extend into the brilliantly colourful fall season. River Run’s Park Lane Pavilion hosts Keystone’s celebrated Summer Concert Series and other popular events like the XTERRA triathlon, Celtic Festival, the Wine, Jazz & Art Festival, Bluegrass & Beer Festival and Taste of Keystone.

If you are looking to book your next travel vacation to Keystone, Colorado, please contact ResortQuest today.

Keystone CO Facts and Figures

Elevation – Base 9,280 ft / 2,829 m
Elevation – Summit 12,408 ft / 3,782 m
Vertical Rise 3,128 ft / 953 m
Permitted Area 2,870 acres
# of Trails 116
# of Lifts 19
Green % Beginners 19%
Blue % Intermediate 32%
Black % Expert 49%
Parks and Pipes A51 Terrain Park and Pipe – with night riding

For more information, contact ResortQuest.

Whistler Blackcomb’s Must Attend Events for 2007

Whether you’re in the mood for sampling superb BC wines and delectable fare in the fall, or being immersed in the world’s biggest ski and snowboard, music and arts festival in the spring, Whistler Blackcomb’s calendar has got you covered with entertainment, contests and celebrations all year long.

Whistler Blackcomb Foundation Telus Winter Classic

January 26 – 27, 2007
The 15th anniversary of this event will be an action-packed weekend featuring the famous Whistler-Blackcomb Winetastic! Evening of international wines and cheese, the Triple Crown Race Classic and the grand finale gala event at the top of Whistler Mountain with scrumptious food, live and silent auctions and spectacular entertainment.

WinterPride Gay Whistler Ski Week

February 4 – 11, 2007
Whistler welcomes the rainbow stripe and plays host to one of the largest gay and lesbian ski events every February. Gay Whistler Ski Week is recognized as one of Whistler’s most eciting festivals with dance parties, après, contests, fashion, village entertainment, renowned skiing and snowboarding, as well as a legendary ski guiding program.

10th Annual Showcase Showdown

February 23 – 24, 2007
Running for a solid decade, the Showcase Showdown at Whistler Blackcomb has evolved over the years from a quarter pipe contest to jib jam, to last year’s “pipestyle”. Snowboarders battle it out for the $10,000 prize in a pipe outfitted with hips and boxes ending in a rail and gap section at the bottom.

Women’s Week at Whistler-Blackcomb

March 2 – 11, 2007
For nine fabulous days, Whistler turns into a resort-wide haven for women including the Roxy Snowboard and Ski Camps. Follow this with fabulous après events and women’s shopping nights that allow you to unwind after a tough day on the hill. And did someone say “wine”? Wine tastings, charity events and much more take place at the Women’s Week in Whistler BC.

Pontiac GMC Cup

March 19 – 27, 2007
This is part of a series of showcase events for current and future alpine racing stars to compete for junior and senior level national titles in downhill, Super G, giant slalom and slalom ski events. The participants race, not only against their peers but also against members of the Canadian alpine team.

Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival

April 13 – 22, 2007
The annual TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival is unquestionably the biggest snowsport, music, and art celebration in the world. Now in its 12th year, the Festival morphs the resort at Whistler-Blackcomb into an action-packed 10-day, 10-night event that includes major pro ski and snowboard competitions complemented by endless nightlife, and amazing spring conditions. Join us for the 12th Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival in 2007!

Whistler Mountain Bike Park Opens

May 2007

Blackcomb Mountain Winter Operations End

June 3, 2007

Blackcomb Summer Glacier Skiing and riding Opens

June 4, 2007

Kokanee Crankworx

July 21 – 29, 2007
One of the world’s premier mountain bike festivals, Kokanee Crankworx is a fusion of next-level freeride mountain bike competitions: downhill racing, stunt sessions, and slopestyle jams. The Kokanee Crankworx event also showcases films, music, and parties in the village.

Harvest Huckfest

October 2007
Thanksgiving weekend marks the end of the riding season at the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. The park is a mecca for freeride bike enthusiasts throughout the summer, so you can count on a major celebration with races, contests, and films to cap it off.

Cornucopia Whistler-Blackcomb

November 2007
Cornucopia is celebrating 11 years of culinary distinction in Whistler by bringing fine wine, gourmet food, celebrity chefs, and visitors from all around the world to the Whistler Blackcomb. Mingle an dlearn from acclaimed chefs, sommeliers, and restaurateurs at gala tastings, dinners and seminars.

Whistler Blackcomb Official Opening Day

Sometime in late November

Whistler Film Festival

Late November to early December
Now in its seventh year, the Whistler Film Festival showcases over 80 films, including premieres from some of North America’s top directors, and awards over $40,000 in prizes. Rub shoulders with industry types and filmmakers, and spot celebrities who drop into whistler for this event.

For more information about Whistler and other events, click here. For Whistler real estate, you can visit this link.