What's On Whistler - November 2006 It's opening month! November is the month of fresh fall temperatures and teasing snow lines that creep closer to the valley with each passing day. As locals and visitors patiently await that first upload November 23, the days leading up to the season opening are spent enjoying some of the season's best events and festivals.
The party starts with Cornucopia's 10th annual four-day Wine and Food Festival, featuring over 75 wineries and parties like ARTragous with it's unique village shuttle the Arty Farty Bus. Dine & Unwind kicks off another season of resort restaurant and spa specials. NBC's Korbel Elite Curling Challenge brings Olympian's Pete Fenson and Debbie McCormick to town and on November 30 the Whistler Film Festival commences featuring over 80 films from around the world.
Here are some of the many highlights to look for throughout Whistler this November... Whistler host's the mobile guitar festival; International Guitar Night
November 1 International Guitar Night (IGN) comes to Whistler this November as the launch event for the Whistler Arts Council's Performance Series. This is the second show of a 22-concert tour across North America, presenting original guitar players/composers with performances highlighting a diversity of styles and techniques. The ultimate goal: to introduce audiences to the possibilities of the guitar and foster a sustainable culture for original acoustic guitar music.
Reel Alternatives Fall Indie Film Series rolls out the `Half Nelson'
November 8 Reel Alternatives is a monthly independent film series offered by the Whistler Film Festival Society. They provide access to independent and international films that would otherwise screen only in larger centres, and previously could not be accessed within the community. This month will feature `Half Nelson', a film about an inner-city teacher with a secret drug habit who is befriended by one of his students.
10th anniversary of Cornucopia; Whistler's Celebration of Wine and Food November 9-12 Put your party has on! As Cornucopia celebrates it's 10th anniversary, the resort of Whistler comes together once again to showcase famous wines and food. As always the festival highlights the resort's incredible selection of world class eateries in partnership with renowned wineries, sommeliers, talented chefs and industry insiders. From the new DiVine Soul After Party to intimate wine seminars and trips to farms with a celebrity chefs, Cornucopia has something for both the refined gourmet palate and beginner culinary enthusiasts.
Get outrageous at ARTrageous! November 10 Whistler's 11th annual art bash is presented in partnership with Cornucopia - Whistler's Food and Wine Festival. This unique gathering of local talent will have live glass blowing, body airbrushing, galleries, painting, dancers and artisan displays to satisfy the visual taste, while Vinyl Ritchie and Five Alarm Funk, the 12-piece Afro-Funk Juggernaut, will keep you dancing. While local restaurants provide finger foods and Cornucopia's influence provides the free flow of wine the colorful `Arty Farty Bus' will shuttle guests from the Village to Creekside throughout the evening.
Live Webcast with Valentino Castellani, President of the Torino Organizing Committee November 23 The RBC 2010 Legacies Now Speaker Series is proud to announce Valentino Castellani, President of the Torino Organizing Committee. Hosted by Pamela Martin, Castellani will speak live from CTV studios sharing his expertise and knowledge on hosting the 2006 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The RBC 2010 Legacies Now Speaker Series provides communities and businesses throughout British Columbia an opportunity to learn from experts in the Olympic and Paralympic Games industry. Webcast Date: November 23 at 12:00 PM PST.
Dine & Unwind November 23 - December 10 Tourism Whistler and Visa are pleased to present "Dine & Unwind", a tantalizing kick-off to Whistler's winter season. Once again this fall, locals and visitors to Whistler get to experience a selection of price-fixed multi-course menus at popular restaurants, unwind with spa specials and then finish off each day the hospitality of Whistler's top accommodation providers. Dine & Unwind is a promotion supported by several Whistler businesses that occurs every spring and fall.
Whistler Blackcomb Opening day November 23 The anticipation in the air is electric as skiers and snowboarders count down the days. There seems to be an added excitement this year as everyone patiently waits for this season's opening day. This excitement might be fueled by the purchase of Whistler Heli-Skiing that significantly increased the resort's skiable terrain to over half a million acres, and the exciting addition of a new high speed quad on Whistler Mountain. The Symphony Express will run to the Piccolo Peak from the bottom of Flute Bowl providing access to more than 1,000 acres of high alpine terrain. Join everyone in Whistler for American Thanksgiving and the start of another epic ski and snowboard season.
Banff Mountain Film Festival screams in Whistler November 24-25 Whistler's popular outdoor gear shop, the Escape Route, is proud to bring two evenings of soft-seat adventure to the resort. Whether you are an experienced mountaineer or an armchair adventurer, no one should miss this hand picked selection of the Banff Film Festival World Tour.
NBC broadcast's Korbel Elite Curling Challenge in Whistler this American Thanksgiving November 26 As Whistler leads up to the 2010 Olympics, it's no surprise NBC Sports and USA Curling would choose Whistler as the location for this made for TV, head-to-head match between USA's top men's and women's teams. For the first time, Olympic medalists Pete Fenson and Debbie McCormick will meet on the ice at Whistler's Meadow Park Sports Arena, coordinated by Events Whistler. At stake will be pride, prize money, and a victorious toast with the Korbel Champagne, the bubbly that has been a part of America's greatest celebrations for more than 120 years.
Whistler Film Festival - November 30 - December 3 The 6th annual Whistler Film Festival kicks off on November 30 with 80+ inspiring films, over $40,000 in prizes and commissions, dynamic industry sessions, cool parties and invaluable networking opportunities on and off the slopes at North America's number one ski resort. Don't miss this year's action packed event which promises to be one of the most talked-about festivals on the circuit!
December Highlights... Bizarre Bazaar - December 1-2 Local Sea to Sky artisans and artists showcase their one-of-a-kind crafts, treasures and treats at the TELUS Whistler Conference Centre this December. This year marks the 18th year for the successful show, which hosts over 100 vendors.
North Pole Central - December 14 - January 2, 2007 Perfect for families, this is the real Whistler holiday experience with festive decor, gallery displays, indoor craft sessions, apres mixers and movies, as well as headline performances of music and comedy. Children will be delighted to see Santa and his workshop.
A Whistler Christmas - December 16 - January 2, 2007 Imagine a snowy village full of lights, caroling, village train rides, Christmas tree lighting ceremony, dog-sledding, kid's activities, Christmas story reading and anything else you might associate with the annual festive season, and you have a perfect Whistler Christmas.
'Days before Christmas' Artisan Market - December 16-17 This event combines over 20 local artisans that feature local art including sculpture, glass, jewelry, photography, glassblowing demos and numerous other art creations. 'Days before Christmas' Artisan Market is the perfect option to put the finishing touches on that shopping list.
First Night 2006 - December 31 This family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration promises plenty of live music, interactive arts and street entertainment to ring in the new year! First Night is Whistler's alcohol-free, family-friendly New Year's celebration of arts and entertainment.
Feature Vacation Packages Cornucopia - Two to three night packages Book a two or three-night Cornucopia package in one of Whistler convenient village properties, close to all the action, coupled with access to Cornucopia's DiVine Soul After Party. This Memphis meets Motown bash, featuring R&B sensations Mike Henry and the Soul Explosion is shaping up to be the new festival sell out.
Book Early and Save Vacation Packages Book your Whistler vacation package before November 15 and save up to 35% on accommodation and lift tickets. All Book Early and Save Vacation Packages include; accommodation, lift tickets and a free adult ski or snowboard lesson.
For more information or to book, call 1-800-WHISTLER or go to www.whistler.com. *Package prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to availability. Taxes and fees not included. U.S. rates are based on exchange rate at time of distribution. Whistler publication ready photographs and our Whistler's `What's New' can be downloaded at: http://mediaroom.tourismwhistler.com/
MEDIA CONTACTS: Vanessa Murphy Darlene Small Coordinator, Media Relations Manager, Media Relations Telephone: 604-938-2799 Telephone: 604-938-2794
