North America’s No.1 ski resort
Whistler, BC has been named North America’s No.1 ski resort
by Condé Nast Traveler magazine readers in the December 2008 issue.
At the Luxury Travel Awards, earlier this month, Whistler won the Gold List 2009 Award for Best Overseas Ski Resort and a Platinum Award for winning the award for five consecutive years. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler was named Best International Ski Hotel.
“These awards are great news for us as we move into a period of incredible energy and anticipation here at Whistler, the last full season before the 2010 Winter Games arrive,” says Arlene Schieven, spokesperson for Tourism Whistler.
“We have a unique set of tourism products and experiences, and it’s gratifying when our visitors recognize the quality of the experiences we offer. And this year, along with the new PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, our visitors can take in World Cup events showcasing our 2010 Winter Games venues.”
So what’s green about Whistler as a ski destination? Whistler Blackcomb won last year’s Environmentally Responsible Tourism Award at the BC Tourism Awards for its high levels of environmental and social stewardship programs.
For eco-travelers, they can carbon offset their Whistler holiday with the Whistler EcoPath. The online calculator will determine the greenhouse gas emissions of their trips and give them the option to purchase carbon offsets from Offsetters Climate Neutral Society.
Here are a few of Whistler’s environmental initiatives:
- Whistler2020 is the community’s shared vision and plan for continued success to the year 2020 and a step on the journey to a sustainable future.
- Biodiesel Bus Fleet – In summer 2007, Whistler’s transit bus fleet switched over to B5 biodiesel fuel.
- Whistler Green – A ‘green’ building standard and associated checklist has been developed in Whistler, with energy efficiency standing as a cornerstone.
- Partners For Climate Protection Program – Whistler was recognized as an environmental leader in the country, as the first community in Canada to have completed the final milestone in the Partners for Climate Protection Program (PCP) developed by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives.
If you’re heading to Whistler this winter, Whistler.com recommends these green travel tips:
- “When you leave your hotel room, turn off the AC/heat, lights, TV and radio. Close the drapes.”
- “Participate in hotel linen programs, or let the hotel know that it’s not necessary to change your sheets and towels every day.”
- “Use public transportation when available. Whistler is a pedestrian-only village, so once you get here, there is no need for your car. Everything is within walking distance, or you can choose to take a short bus ride.”
- “Take only the brochures or maps necessary. Return others to the brochure stand.”
- “Participate in hotel recycling programs by placing recyclables in appropriate bins.”
For more info about Whistler, check out the resort online.
Happy New Year!
Images courtesy of Tourism Whistler
1 Comment
Whistler is such a beautiful place, and it’s great to see that they have adopted a green approach to keeping it that way. Vacation destinations are often the first to understand that they must practice sustainability, as it protects the resource that draws people there in the first place.