book by 15 november 2014 - ski independence · transfer time to whistler is around 2 hours 15...

Whistler & Vancouver 2014/15

Book by 15 November 2014�

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Inside Track Whistler is an exceptional ski resort.

A mile of vertical, two massive mountains, stunning terrain,

huge snow, an Olympic pedigree, a long season and a village

with a vibe to rival anything on the planet - the superlatives

just go on and on. It ticks all the boxes – and most of the

boxes more than once! Michael • Managing Director

Whistler & Vancouver BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA Call our reservations team on 0131 243 8097 for a tailor-made quote

BLACKCOMBMOUNTAIN

WHISTLERMOUNTAIN CREEKSIDE

WHISTLERVILLAGE

VILLAGENORTH

UPPERVILLAGE

Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler & Vancouver BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADACheck our agent-friendly website www.ski-i.com for more pictures and information

2 Whistler & Vancouver BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA Call our reservations team on 0131 243 8097 for a tailor-made quote

Welcome to Whistler

Inside Track We’re here to advise and guide you through the

process from enquiry to booking. Our knowledgeable reservations team

have first-hand experience of Whistler and Vancouver, and will be able

to answer any questions. In addition our annual brochure

provides a reassuring marketing piece to hand to your

clients, whilst our website www.ski-i.com provides even

more detailed information, pictures and video on Whistler

and Vancouver. It’s all designed to provide you with the

marketing back-up to sell Whistler to your clients

with confidence! Nick • Product Manager

Whistler & Vancouver BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA 3Check our agent-friendly website www.ski-i.com for more pictures and information

Why your clients will love Whistler...Whistler has become synonymous with towering peaks, deep snow,innovative ideas and the passionate people who are drawn to it all.

Pacific storms collide with the Coast Mountain Range, reliably depositing over 38 feet of snow each winter. Vast alpine bowls and ancient glaciers stretch down tomeet a seemingly endless variety of glades, groomers and learning areas that makeup the most terrain in North America. The world record-breaking Peak 2 PeakGondola stretches 4.4 kilometres between the tops of the two mountains to providean unparalleled experience - a true engineering marvel. And finally, legendary bigmountain athletes, Olympians and Paralympians mingle with the snow industry’spre-eminent photographers and filmmakers, creating a cultural mecca that has madeWhistler the #1 ski resort in North America.

Whistler offers the most reliable snow in North America, with a 10 year average of 38.4 feet per winter!

� 2 Massive Mountains � 1 Vibrant Mountain Community

� 5280 feet Vertical � 16 Alpine Bowls & 3 Glaciers

� 8171 acres � Daily Heli-ski Trips

� 37 Lifts � Opens: late November 2014

� 200+ Marked Trails � Closes: mid May 2015

For tailor-made quotations and in-depth advice speak to Ski Independence, the Whistler and Vancouver experts, on 0131 243 8097, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.ski-i.com/whistler

Our team - Experience is everythingWe believe we have the best team in the business.

� 75 years combined working for Ski Independence

� 250 years of combined ski and board experience

� Multi-lingual - French, German, Japanese spoken

� All 68 resorts featured have been skied or visited by a member of our team


MichaelManaging Director

GarethSales Manager

KarenSenior Reservations Consultant

GordonReservations Consultant

NickProduct ManagerNorth America & Japan

ClaireProduct Manager Europe

DavidReservations Consultant

NikkiReservations Consultant

PeteOverseas OperationsManager

VickyMarketing Manager

NicoleReservations Consultant

JulieSki Product Support

Our experienceIf you have a client interested in a ski trip to Whistler andVancouver, simply contact us on 0131 243 8097 and we’ll puttogether a competitively priced itinerary, which we’ll individuallytailor to their needs.

Our reservations team offers a wealth of first-hand knowledge on all things Whistler,allowing you to confidently discuss all aspects of the holiday with your client. In theever-changing holiday market, Ski Independence is committed to supporting the UKTravel Agent network.

� We are the UK’s leading ski specialist to Whistler

� Formed 20 years ago #20YearsSki

� Part of Osprey Holidays, a company with 60 years travel heritage

� Fully licensed and bonded with ATOL and ABTA

� Based in central Edinburgh

� 87% of clients are located in England with a strong focus on London and the South East

� Agent business is hugely important to us and represents around 40% of overall sales

� We work with all the major UK consortia, as well asindependent agents, and our commission structure is available on request


Fly to Vancouver…Ski Independence offer a choice of two airlines flying direct fromLondon Heathrow to Vancouver.

We provide complete flexibility to choose the day of departure, holiday duration,choice of airline and cabin type. We have the freedom to build you the perfectholiday itinerary around the best flight options that suit your clients, and not arounda product we’re committed to sell.

Airline: Air Canada

Route: Heathrow Terminal 2 to Vancouver International (YVR)

Frequency: Daily

Baggage allowance: 1 x 23kg (Economy)

Cabin types available: Economy, Premium Economy & Business Class

UK domestic add-ons: FREE with British Airways to/from Heathrow Terminal 5

UK domestic add-ons: Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds-Bradford,

Manchester, Newcastle

Airline: British Airways

Route: Heathrow Terminal 5 to Vancouver International (YVR)

Frequency: Daily

Baggage allowance: 1 x 23kg (Economy)

Cabin types available: Economy, World Traveller Plus & Club World

UK domestic add-ons: FREE with British Airways to/from Heathrow Terminal 5

UK domestic add-ons: Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds-Bradford,

Manchester, Newcastle

We can also sell other carriers, including KLM, Lufthansa, United and Air Transat.


Inside Track Our experienced reservations team have sampled the

product! They can give you a personal viewpoint on all aspects of flying

to Vancouver, and will be able to answer all of your queries, whether it’s

about check-in procedure, baggage allowances, lounge access, on-board

service, seat pitch or arrival at Vancouver. Gareth • Sales Manager

…then transfer to Whistler!The route to the slopes couldn’t be easier!

Once your clients arrive into Vancouver International Airport we aim to get them toWhistler as quickly and comfortably as possible. We’ll recommend the best transferoption for their needs to ensure they relax into their holiday from the start.

For all clients staying in one of our Vancouver city hotels, we include acomplimentary Skytrain ticket for a quick and easy transfer to/from the airportterminal right into the heart of downtown!

We offer three types of transfer:

Shared Scheduled Transfer We principally use vans or minibuses for this transfer,BUT during heavier demand periods this may be a larger coach. On arrival inWhistler there may be multi-drops at other hotels for other passengers before clientsare dropped at their hotel. Sometimes they will be transferred to a smaller vehicle onarrival in Whistler before being taken to their hotel. This is a door-to-door sharedscheduled transfer service which will leave within 1 hour of being met. This servicemeets all flights.

Shared Van Transfer Vehicle types used for this transfer are principally vans. This is a door-to-door shared transfer service, which only meets British Airwaysand Air Canada direct flights and departs immediately.

Private Transfer We offer a large choice of private transfer options includingsedan, SUV, van, stretch limousine, stretch SUV, super-stretch limousine and minibus- carrying from 2 to 22 passengers! This is a door-to-door private transfer service,which includes all driver gratuities. This service meets all flights and can be just ascost-effective for families or larger groups.

Transfer time to Whistler is around 2 hours 15 minutes.


Inside Track Our Whistler holidays include the services of a local

resort representative, there to ensure the smooth running of your client’s

holiday. Whether it’s advising on local events, recommending restaurants

or assisting with discounted resort activities, our reps are there

to help. Pete • Overseas Operations Manager

Fairmont Chateau Whistler *****Prime location, first class facilities and unrivalled service are thehallmarks of this magnificent ski hotel. The Fairmont ChateauWhistler has a wonderfully relaxed feel for such an amazing 5-starproperty. Clients will love the outstanding quality, attention to detailand amazing spa, plus the instant access to world-class skiing andsnowboarding.

Book by 15 November 2014

� Up to 55% off lodging prices

� Complimentary double room category upgrade

7 nights from £1179 per person*


“Everything you could want from a luxury ski hotel”• Value for money, slopeside location • Casual ambience

• Great bar and restaurants • Choice of room types


Inside Track Whistler gets exceptional snow! The resort

has a 10 year average of over 11 metres / 38 feet of snow

every winter. Our resort staff and local contacts start

sending us regular snow updates, pictures and blogs

from late November onwards - we post these on our

website to give you a real insight into current ski

resort conditions: www.ski-i.com

Nikki • Reservations Consultant

Westin Resort & Spa *****The luxurious Westin Resort & Spa has one of the very bestlocations in Whistler Village right next to the WhistlerGondola and the children’s ski school check-in. Guests willlove the choice of accommodation here – the deluxe twobedroom suites are especially popular with families as theygive lots of room and flexible bedding options.


� Save up to 40% on lodging prices



“Fabulous, 5-star, family friendly hotel”• Family-friendly • Village location • Units with kitchens • Nice pool

Four Seasons Resort Whistler & Residences *****The Four Seasons is all about 5-star service and fabulousfacilities – it’s the most luxurious hotel in Whistler, bar none.The rooms and suites are simply stunning, with space anddesign very much the order of the day. Use theircomplimentary ski valet to enhance the start of each ski day.Everyone will love the spa and the restaurant here!


� Up to 45% off lodging prices

� Complimentary double room category upgrade



“A wonderfully relaxed mountain retreat”• Great spa complex • Amazing food • Spectacular service • Quality product


Book by 15 November for ourbest prices on Whistler ‘extras’ Lift tickets, tuition and equipment rentals


Inside Track At Ski Independence we strive to get the fine

details correct for each and every client, every time. We proactively

sell a huge range of discounted lift tickets, lessons and

equipment rentals to our clients, and we’ll always advise

you of what the best solution is for your guests. Our goal

is to ensure our clients get the best offers, best service and

the very best pricing, backed up with a seamless in-resort

service. Karen • Senior Reservations Consultant

Add value to each client’s booking with this 5 step plan:

Step 1 We’ll e-mail you full information and pricing for all of our discounted Whistler ‘extras’

Step 2 Call us for expert advice to ensure we match the right product to suit your client’s requirements

Step 3 Add Whistler ‘extras’ to your client’s booking by 15 Novemberto take advantage of our great early booking prices.

Step 4 Payment for all Whistler ‘extras’ is due with the holiday balance, 10 weeks prior to departure

Step 5 Everything will be ready in advance of your client’s arrival in Whistler

� Lift tickets - Book by 15 November

Adult lift ticket offers Up to 68% off resort prices

Child lift ticket offers Kids (up to 12 years) ski FREE! 1 free child per paying adult (excludes 20 December - 4 January)

� Ski & snowboard rentals - Book by 15 NovemberWe guarantee great equipment and the best value in Whistler. Equipment can bepicked up from over 20 rental shops – convenient for every accommodationchoice. Free overnight storage at Whistler or Blackcomb base is also included.

Adult rentals offers Up to 33% off resort prices

Child rentals offers Kids (up to 12 years) rent FREE! 1 free child per paying adult (excludes 20 December - 4 January)

� Snow School lessons - Book by 15 NovemberWe offer a full range of discounted Snow School lessons including:

AdultPrivate lessons: half, full and multi-day

Ski with an Olympian: full and multi-day

Group lessons: Daily (maximum 4), 4 Day ‘The Camp’, 2 Day ExtremelyCanadian Ski Clinic, 2 Day Women’s Arcteryx Snow Camp

Teens (13-18), Kids (5-12), Tots (3-4)Group lessons: 1, 2 and 5 day programmes including lunch.


Delta Whistler Village Suites **** PLUS

This excellent 4-star property is located right in the heart ofWhistler’s pedestrianised Village North. It has recently completed a$7m renovation. It offers a large selection of lovely hotel rooms andspacious family-friendly suites. If you want to be in the centre of it all,this is the place to stay. You’ll love the large outdoor pool, hot-tubsand leisure facilities.



� Up to $50 breakfast voucher for BrickWorks restaurant



“Set in the vibrant heart of Whistler Village North”• Value for money • Family-friendly facilities

• Fully-equipped kitchens • Great location


Inside Track I visited Whistler in March 2014 for my

honeymoon and we had the time of our lives! We really

could not have asked for a better resort, with its easy

access to two huge mountains full of varied terrain,

great snow and a top class ski school to boot.

We loved the friendly village atmosphere and the

amazing selection of places to eat and drink.

We’ll be back! Gordon • Reservations Consultant

Crystal Lodge ****With an unbeatable location right at the base of both theBlackcomb and Whistler gondolas, this well run 4-starproperty has a huge variety of room types that canaccommodate families, groups of friends and single travellers.With its central position close to a huge range of restaurants,bars and shops, you can’t get much more convenient than this.





“One of Whistler’s originals and one of its best”Great location • Lively bar • Three restaurants on site • Choice of room types

Hilton Whistler Resort **** PLUS

The Hilton Whistler Resort is a firm favourite with SkiIndependence clients. It has the perfect ski location at thebase of Whistler mountain, just steps from the skiing, kids skischool and après-ski. Clients will love the super facilities andbig, spacious rooms (many of them interconnect), togetherwith its convenient setting.


� Get up to 4 FREE nights



“Amazing location just steps from the gondolas”Spacious rooms • Cinnamon Bear Bar • Interconnecting accommodation



Much more than just skiing

Whistler’s world-class après-ski!Wherever you stay in Whistler, there’s a huge range of fun activitiesthroughout the day and into the evening that don’t involve skis orsnowboards. With top retail therapy options, an outstanding choiceof bars and restaurants and legendary après-ski, Whistler will keepeveryone entertained.

Here are our top five fun activities:

The Coca-Cola Tube Park is a super family-friendly venue, offering gravity-fedtubing fun for young and old alike. Located on Blackcomb Mountain, there's no skillor equipment required – just a sense of adventure and a desire for excitement!

Ziptrek lets you experience the exhilaration of flying as you glide across thenetwork of ziplines suspended high above the Fitzsimmons Creek, which dividesWhistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

Skating is a Whistler winter tradition. The Olympic Plaza in the heart of WhistlerVillage is transformed into a stunning outdoor family-friendly skating rink. Imagineskating outdoors surrounded by breathtaking scenery, the twinkle of festive lightsand the Olympic rings…awesome!

Peak-2-Peak, the iconic, record-breaking gondola, celebrates its 5th birthday thisyear. Skiers and non-skiers can experience its breathtaking 360˚ views and thenenjoy lunch in Steeps’ Grill and Wine Bar in Whistler mountain’s Roundhouse.

Whistler Sliding Centre, one of only 15 international competition sliding tracks inthe world, offers clients the chance to try skeleton and bobsleigh! No, really…

Whistler has so much to offer:

� Huge range of shops from ski retail to art galleries

� Legendary après-ski bars and nightlife

� Restaurants to suit every taste and budget

� Compact pedestrianised family-friendly village

� Regular fun events throughout the winter

…and that’s just for starters!


Coast Blackcomb Suites *** PLUS

This lovely property has the most amazing slopeside location inBlackcomb’s exclusive Upper Village. It’s a quick slide down to thebase of Blackcomb or across to the base of Whistler for easy access toboth mountains. Guest will love the complimentary daily breakfast,and the slopeside outdoor pool and hot tubs.





“Slopeside condos with ski access to both mountains”• Slopeside location • Breakfast included

• Choice of lodging • Great pool


Inside Track Whistler is North America’s biggest and

best ski destination. It suits all clients from beginner

to expert, and suits all budgets. It’s a great match for

the requirements of the UK holiday skier or boarder,

and offers great value for money. It’s our most

popular resort. Sell Whistler with confidence -

your clients will love it!

Nicole • Reservations Consultant

Tantalus Resort Lodge *** PLUS

Tucked in behind the Westin in a lovely secluded spot, theTantalus offers great value for money for such a centrallocation. It’s a short 250m walk to the gondolas and all theWhistler Village amenities. All the units feature two bedroomsand two bathrooms, with the second bedroom always havingtwo beds – it’s a firm family favourite.


� Get up to 4 FREE nights

� Up to $100 grocery voucher



“Family-friendly condos at a great price!”• Amazing value for money • Quiet location • Fantastic family focus • Great pool

The Aspens *** PLUS

These fantastic ski-in/ski-out condos have a prime slopesidelocation in the exclusive Upper Village just above theFairmont Chateau Whistler. It’s an easy and quick slide downto the base of Blackcomb and the Wizard Express lift for easyaccess to the mountain. Your clients will love the large, well-equipped condos with their private balconies, plus the lovelyoutdoor pool and hot-tubs.





“Ski from the door of your condo”• Slopeside location • Great facilities • Spacious units • Great price


Welcome to VancouverThe wonderful cosmopolitan city of Vancouver is the perfect winterstopover location, offering a rich diversity of things to see and do,either before or after a Whistler ski holiday.

Culturally diverse, historic and modern, relaxing and vibrant: Vancouver is a city ofmagnificent contrasts set against the stunning backdrop of British Columbia’scoastal mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Experience world-class cuisine, fromcasual restaurants to fine-dining establishments. Explore the city’s parks, forests andbeaches, and the vibrant neighbourhoods of Gastown, Chinatown and Yaletown.Take in the sights on foot, by bike, or even riding a San Francisco-style trolley bus!

Exclusive Ski Independence Offers� FREE ticket for the Vancouver Trolley

A hop-on/hop-off tour of the city. One free pass for every two night stay in oneof our featured downtown Vancouver hotels.

� FREE one-way tickets for the Skytrain to or from Vancouver airportThe Skytrain is a light rail rapid transit system which whisks you fromVancouver International Airport to downtown Vancouver in around 20 minutes.Valid for all stays in our featured downtown Vancouver hotels.

For tailor-made quotations and in-depth advice speak to Ski Independence, the Vancouver experts, on 0131 243 8097, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.ski-i.com/canada/vancouver


Win an iPad Mini! Sign up for the Vancouver Specialist Program -

an online training programme designed to enhance your knowledge of

Vancouver - and complete the training programme to enter the competition.

Sign up at www.tourismvancouver.com/vsp using the code: SKIVAN

David • Reservations Consultant

Fairmont Waterfront *****The stunning Fairmont Waterfront is one of perhaps only twoor three hotels in our whole ski programme, where spendingjust a little extra money on a room with a view is a ‘must’. Theview across the inner harbour to the North Shore mountainsis the iconic Vancouver city view. Expect great service andsuperb facilities at this Vancouver classic.



� Every 3rd night FREE

� Complimentary room upgrade

� Complimentary Skytrain ticket to/from airport

3 night stay from £119 per person**


“Amazing inner harbour location in downtown Vancouver”• Amazing value for money • Spectacular location • Great views • Easy access

Fairmont Pacific Rim *****The amazing Fairmont Pacific Rim has a fantastic locationdown on the inner harbour facing the North Shore mountains.You’re right in the hub of downtown, but also just a short walkto Stanley Park. The Pacific Rim is a truly fabulous hotel withfirst class facilities. Clients will love the roof-top pool!



� Complimentary Skytrain ticket to/from airport



“One of Vancouver’s very best locations”• Unbeatable location • World-class facilities • Roof-top pool • Awesome restaurant


Book by 15 November 2014for our best offers. For tailor-made quotes, contact the Ski Independence reservationsteam on 0131 243 8097 or e-mail [email protected].

Check out our full range of Whistler and Vancouver properties and keep up-to-date throughout the winter with our latest offers,snow reports and ski blog by visiting our agent-friendly websitewww.ski-i.com/about-us/travel-agents

“Whistler Blackcomb and Ski Independence have been partners for many years and we

know they provide an excellent service for all clients interested in a Whistler vacation.

Everyone you talk to on their team has skied here and is intimately knowledgeable of

what makes Whistler great. This local knowledge combined with their excellent award-

winning service will ensure your clients enjoy the ultimate Whistler experience.”

Ian Jenkins • General Manager • Whistler Blackcomb

*Prices in this brochure, including all ski extras, are a guide only and represent a LOW season price. Packageprices shown are per person in £’s and include economy flights, shared transfers, and accommodation for 7 or10 nights as described. Prices include all relevant special offers at time of going to print and may be subjectto restrictions on date, durations and room type. **Vancouver pricing is based on a 3 or 5 night stay foraccommodation only (no flights or transfers are included).

Image credits: Cover Eric Berger; Inside cover David McColm; Trail Map Whistler Blackcomb; 2-3 Mike Crane; 6 Air Canada, Tourism

Vancouver; 7 Randy Lincks; 10 Paul Morrison; 11 Paul Morrison, Eric Berger, Paul Morrison; 14 Mike Crane; 15 Paul Morrison, Mike

Crane, Justa Jeskova, Mike Crane, Destination BC/Randy Lincks; 18 Tourism Vancouver/John Sinal; Back Cover Erik Graham.

Phone: 0131 243 8097

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.ski-i.com

#20YearsSki

book by 15 november 2014 - ski independence · transfer time to whistler is around 2 hours 15...

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