Whistler og Blackcomb

[wardkaew]

Hello!
Im looking for advice on getting an affordable place to stay in Whistler BC during the ski season. From some time around the beginning of december to aprox 1th of june

We are in the very early stages of planing this trip and neither of us have ever been to Whistler before. So far from searching alot online we have not been able to find anything at all, at a reasonable price. Is Whistler really that expensive?

We dont need super luxury or right in the center of the city. All though somewhat of walking distance to the lifts and nightlife would be preferable.

Right now we are two guys (pokerplayers) but hoping to get a few more people to come along (pm if interested). Our budget is not set but we were hoping that 1000 CAD per person monthly would be enough?

So any advice, links etc is very welcome.. ty

[Cancuk]

Yes, Whistler is that expensive.

[wardkaew]

Hmm okay..
Can anyone recommend a good alternative destination in north america ? Ive only been skiing in the alpes so I really dont know the good places.

Important things are:
Large ski area/slopes,
City with good nightlife, Restaurants etc,
Affordable and easier to come by accomodation.

[swede554]

Whistler can be expensive, but if you look for good deals it doesn't have to be. I didn't make any of the arrangments, but I went with a group of friends in January and we stayed in a house right next to the base of Blackcomb. I think it was $1,400 for 4 nights but we split that 8 ways or something like that.

My friends also got some "buy one, get one free" lift ticket coupons from some travelbook they bought on EBay. Just search for whistler lift tickets and you should be able to find something, just make sure it's legit.

I've worked as a parttime instructor at Squaw Valley (in Lake Tahoe) last two seasons, so I was able to get 1/2 on lift tickets using my employee pass from there.

If your looking for alternatives to Whistler, the Lake Tahoe area is really nice and has a lot of differnt resorts, but some of them (Squaw, Heavenly, Northstar, etc.) are kind of pricey. Others (Alpine Meadows, Mount Rose, etc.) are more reasonable. South Lake Tahoe (which is by Heavenly) is a cool town, there's are a number of casinos there if you want to play poker at night. North Lake Tahoe doesn't have much, but Stateline by Incline Village has some small local casinos. Reno is also about 45 min away.

[Cancuk]

There is also a huge population of young people at Whistler, all looking for cheap accomodation. Just try googling some stuff and i'm sure you can find somewhere where there are postings, etc.

Some other mountains to look into:

Big White, Kelowna, BC
Sun Peaks, Kamloops, BC
Fernie, Fernie, BC
Banff area, Alberta

[DaExMan]

[ QUOTE ]
There is also a huge population of young people at Whistler, all looking for cheap accomodation. Just try googling some stuff and i'm sure you can find somewhere where there are postings, etc.

Some other mountains to look into:

Big White, Kelowna, BC
Sun Peaks, Kamloops, BC
Fernie, Fernie, BC
Banff area, Alberta

[/ QUOTE ]
I worked at Sun Peaks for a season 2 years ago, nice place, big mountain, but the night life can be lacking if you don't know the locals, cause their are lots of house parties

Edit: but it is alot cheaper than whistler

[housenuts]

[ QUOTE ]

Banff area, Alberta

[/ QUOTE ]

i was here 6 years ago. worked at a hotel. i was 19 at the time so i lived in staff accomodations. cost $120 a month, and was basically like living in dorms.
renting a room in the town you're looking at about $400 a month. get some buddies and you could get a house.
Sunshine Village (awesome mountain) is about 15 minutes away. Lake Louise (super awesome mountain) is about 45 minutes.
I could give you more info if need be. Basically Banff is a big party town. A couple night clubs, but they are always packed. Especially friday, saturday, sunday, but every night of the week there's stuff going on.

It's also about an hour from Calgary if you get the itch to go into a big city.

I could give you any more info if you need it.

[Gunnarr]

I lived for a couple of years in Banff and I echo that completely.

Also Kelowna is a great town has a bit of everything , Big White is a nice ski hill. Summers are awesome in Kelowna too as its on a lake.