Canadian Mountain Holidays

Twice in as many weeks, a Whistler hotel has been awarded a prestigious ranking by the American Automobile Association!

The Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa, reopened after a $52 million make-over in 2006, has just been granted the Four Diamond award by the AAA. The property’s first-rate accommodations together with fine amenities and great service, offer the guest a real treat!

Pradeep Puri, the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa’s General Manager, is gratified at the recognition and says it rewards the hotel’s great efforts to provide its guests with exceptional quality throughout - the ultimate resort experience.

The AAA’s Four Diamond Award is affirmation of the hotel’s commitment to providing superior quality in all areas. Not only are the hotel’s physical amenities of a very high standard, but they’re complimented by excellent hospitality, service and attention to detail.

Compass Tours creates reasonably-priced custom packages for visitors to Whistler - any combination of accommodation with flights, ground transportation, lift tickets, golf, winter and summer activities, even dinner reservations!

Contact us today for your free quote!

Its official! Racing this weekend is a “GO”! For the first time in 15 years, Panorama Mountain Village will host World Cup Skiing!

After more than 20cm of snow fell on the area over the past couple of days, the FIS has given the go-ahead for the running of the women’s World Cup technical races this Saturday and Sunday!

It is estimated that more than 140 million television viewers worldwide will watch the action on the slopes of Panorama, where the course is said to be in great condition already, and will offer a fair test to the competitors!

A special event in will be held at 6pm in Invermere on Saturday, which will include the Parade of Nations and athlete bib draw, as well as a tree-lighting ceremony and fireworks!

Panorama Mountain Village is a great place for a family vacation, too, and the slopes are scheduled to open for public skiing and boarding from about December 8th!

Compass Tours specializes in reasonably-priced custom packages that include accommodation with any combination of transportation, skiing and snowboarding, and activities.

Contact us now so that we can start building your Panorama itinerary!

Whistler’s most luxurious resort, the Four Seasons Resort Whistler, was recently granted the prestigious American Automobile Association’s Five Diamond Award. The hotel is the first resort-style property in Canada to receive this honour, and only the third hotel in Canada to be so recognized.

The AAA Five Diamond Award is presented to properties that achieve superior levels of personal service for their guests, plus the ultimate in luxury and sophistication in the presentation of its physical amenities.

Less than half a percent of all hotels, restaurants, etc, in North America and the Caribbean rated by the AAA achieve this status!

Scott Taber, the resort’s manager, dedicates the Four Seasons Resort Whistler’s success to the efforts of the hotel’s staff who, he says, make it all happen.

It takes several years to attain such lofty status and Scott is no stranger to the experience! He has lead several other Four Seasons properties to Five Diamond status in the past. And considering that the Four Seasons Whistler only opened in 2004, this is quite an achievement!

If you’re thinking of visiting Whistler and considering treating yourself to a stay at this wonderful hotel, please let us help you make the arrangements!

We can put a package together that includes accommodation with any combination of transportation, skiing and snowboarding, golf, winter and summer activities, even dinner reservations!

Compass Tours specializes in creating reasonably-priced custom packages to Whistler, as well as Sun Peaks and Panorama, and is committed to making the design of your itinerary as simple and worry-free as possible!

Contact us now for more information!

Great news from Whistler resort! Whistler Mountain is scheduled to open a week early, on November 17th!

This photo, taken late on Thursday, shows that the white stuff is already reaching right down to the valley!

There’s a mid-mountain base of 108cm (about 3.5ft) which was given a great boost earlier this week with a huge 80cm/2.6ft dump! The forecast is for plenty more white stuff over the next few days, with the freezing level dropping back to the valley.

From Saturday, access to Whistler’s slopes will be via the Village and Creekside Gondolas, with mandatory downloading. Other lifts scheduled to open are the Red and Emerald Chairs. Franz’s Chair will be open on Saturday and Sunday only.

Early season pricing is still being hammered out - keep an eye on the ticket windows for cut-rate prices due to the limited terrain access!

The lifts will be running from 8.30am to 3pm daily, with last upload at 2.30pm.

Are you coming to Whistler this winter? Then let Compass Tours organize it for you! We specialize in creating reasonably priced custom packages that put accommodation together with any combination of air and/or ground transportation, lift tickets, rental equipment, lessons, activities, even dinner reservations!

Contact us today for more information!

With less than 48 hours to go until the slopes at Sun Peaks open for the winter season, mother nature is co-operating and a record early opening is anticipated!

As you can see from this photo taken late on Thursday, there’s a healthy dusting of fresh powder right down to the village already!

On Saturday, the slopes from Cahilty down to Elevation Chair will open. Access will be via Sunburst Express, with downloading if necessary.

With favourable weather forecast, its possible that Crystal Lane to Crystal Chair will also open, giving access to Upper Five Mile, Spillway and Last Chance. Return to Crystal Lane will be by the Elevation Chair.

Village ski-out via Five Mile could open by Monday, Ullr willing!

The lifts will run from 9am to 3.30pm seven days a week.

With limited terrain accessible during the early season, there are discounted ticket prices! Check at the ticket window each day as conditions change!

If you’re planning a visit to Sun Peaks this winter, let Compass Tours help you with the arrangements! We can create reasonably priced custom packages that include accommodation together with any combination of air and/or ground transportation, lift tickets, rental equipment, lessons, activities, etc.

Contact us today for more information!