Long Term Squamish Accommodations for Construction

Long Term Squamish Accommodations for Construction

Squamish has been enjoying a construction boom over the past decade, as it has grown to become a thriving suburb of Vancouver. But it’s more than just a beautiful commute, winding past ocean views and waterfalls. Squamish offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including hiking and biking trails, rock climbing parks, kiteboarding and windsurfing, and wildlife. Only twenty years ago, the population was a little over 14,000, and it’s grown to about 20,000 today.

New housing subdivisions have sprung up to accommodate the growth, but the most noticeable development has been in medium-rise condos of 4 to 6 floors that line the streets in Squamish’s downtown core. And new commercial, shopping and dining complexes have been added to meet the growing needs.

As the Oceanfront Development at Newport Beach kicks into gear, there will be another 1,000 residential units, 400,000 square feet of commercial space and an Artisan village. Squamish has been scrambling to accommodate the labour force for all the construction.

August Jack Motor Inn offers excellent long term rental packages for construction contractors and development companies. Located right on main street Cleveland Avenue. The motel is bordered on three sides by municipal parks, and it’s a 5-minute walk to the waterfront. Shopping, restaurants and pubs are all within easy walking distance.

 

Budget Hotels in Squamish for Construction Workers
 

 

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Travellers’ Guide to Dog Walks & Hikes in Squamish

Travellers’ Guide to Dog Walks & Hikes in Squamish

Squamish strives to be dog-friendly. You’ll find dog bowls of fresh water outside the Squamish Visitor Centre as well as many of the town’s business establishments. If you’re visiting Squamish, you’ll discover a great selection of local walks and trails to hike. Some of the trails do have partial on-leash restrictions, but some are also off-leash.

Quick Walks

 

Newport Beach (formerly Nexen Beach)

 
Nexen has been a favourite off-leash trail for dog walkers for many years, with outstanding views of the Stawamus Chief and Howe Sound. Dogs will enjoy forest trails and romps on the beach with their buddies. With the Oceanfront development of the area, it’s uncertain just what the future holds for this very special trail. The beach has been renamed Newport, and a new gravel road provides access the familiar parking lot on the tip of the waterfront.

The Nexen Beach Trail is flat, and is an easy 2.4km walk around the southern tip of the peninsula that juts into Howe Sound. It can be accessed from the parking lot. The eastern portion of the trail is the Oceanfront Interpretive Trail. The trailhead is at the south end of Galbraith Street. Doggie bag dispensers are provided, and dog owners are expected to clean up after their pets.

Squamish Dyke Trails

 
Dykes run beside the Squamish, Mamquam and Stawamus Rivers. Squamish dykes provide flat, scenic riverside walks, with wildlife viewing opportunities. Depending on the dyke selected, and trail entry point, dyke trails can provide up to 3 hours of enjoyable time with your dog.

The Squamish Dyke Trails begin in North Yards, and travel on or along the dyke that follows the Squamish River, all the way to The Spit. Most hikers park in the treed area opposite the railway yards, and begin their walk towards the jetty. A network of trails branch out from the Squamish Dyke Walk, providing many more opportunities for exploration. From The Spit you can watch the kiteboarders and wind surfers. It’s also a good place to view climbers on The Chief with binoculars.

The Mamquam Dyke Trail is 3.6km in length, flat, and has a well-maintained gravel surface. It follows the south shore of the Mamquam River, leading to Brennan Park Recreation Centre. The trailhead is the south end of the railway bridge over the Mamquam River, near Government Road.

The Stawamus Dyke Trail can be accessed from Valley Drive, in Valleycliffe. It follows the Stawamus Dyke to the Mac-Blo Logging Road.

Ray Peters Trail

 
The trail can be accessed by parking alongside Government Road, north of Depot Road in Brackendale, or from the lower parking lot at Don Ross Secondary School. It circumnavigates the Dump Trail area, and is considered the easiest of the trail loops in the area. The Ray Peters Trails is popular with mountain bikers and trail runners, so make sure your off-leash dog responds well to voice commands.

Set in tall, mature evergreen trees, the trail provides great views of the surrounding mountains. There are 16 other trails crisscrossing the area inside the Ray Peters loop.

Squamish Estuary

 
The Squamish estuary trails explore marshes, wetlands and tidal mudflats. The Squamish River freshwater mixes twice daily with tidal Howe Sound saltwater, creating a rich ecosystem for fish and birds. There are 7 popular trails in this Wildlife Management Area.

The 1.2km Catermole Creek Trail travels south from Bailey Street, in Downtown Squamish, along the Catermole Creek tidal stream.

Off Spit Road, the Chelem Trail forms a 1.1km loop through the forest and eel grass. The trail can be accessed from the The Spit parking lot. From The Spit, you can watch the kiteboarders and windsurfers, and enjoy views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains, the Stawamus Chief, Shannon Falls and Howe Sound.

Swan Trail travels north 1.8km out of the central portion of the Squamish Estuary. It follows the east side of Crescent Slough, an old channel of the Squamish River. Swan North Trail follows the river dyke 3.2km from Government Road, opposite McNamee Road, past the Railway Heritage Park, to the mouth of the Mamquam River. Trumpeter swans winter in the estuary from December to April, and interference needs to be kept at a minimum especially during the nesting and rearing cycle.

Connecting the Catermole Slough, at end of Cleveland Avenue, with Vancouver Street, 6th Avenue and Bailey Street, the Town Dyke Trail is a flat, easy walk that follows the west edge of Downtown Squamish.

The trailhead for the Waterfront Trail begins at the end of Cleveland Avenue, and the 1.0km walk follows Catermole Slough until it joins up with the Newport Beach loop trail. The Waterfront Trail and Nexen/Newport Beach Loop Trail are generally considered off-leash trails in Squamish.

Another short 1.4km walk is the Old North Dyke Trail. The trail can also be accessed from the west end of Vancouver Street. The flat trail connects with Swan South Trail, and is also known as the North Loop or Blue Heron Trail. Blue heron and other waterfowl sightings are common on the trail, and your dog should be kept under control, so the wildlife isn’t disturbed.

Another popular loop is the 1.4km Woodpecker Trail. It’s located off Spit Road, just west of Dentville. Woodpecker sightings are common on this less traveled forest trail.

Short Hikes

 

Smoke Bluffs Trail

 
While Smoke Bluffs Park is best known as a rock climbing area, but it also has a scenic network of well-maintained hiking trails. The trail begins in the parking lot, just off Loggers Lane. The trail passes the Smoke Bluff Wall on the left, continuing towards the Neat and Cool climbing area. As the trail levels off you’ll come to a playground and picnic area. You’ll find a sign for the Loop Trail. The trail ranges from easy to intermediate, and it’s a good workout for you and your dog. There are 3 great viewpoints on the loop, and you’ll be able to take in Howe Sound, the town of Squamish, and The Chief. There are also several junctions that branch out to more secluded climbing areas, providing additional opportunities for exploration.

Murrin Park Loop Trail

 
Murrin Provincial Park is located 9km south of Squamish, on Highway 99. Murrin is an enjoyable place to spend the day, with a lake, picnic area, rock climbing walls and two primary trails. Most people will hike the main trails between 1 and 2 hours, but there are some additional branches of the trail network that can take more time to explore.

The original Browning Lake Trail winds its way around Browning Lake, through the forest and over the crags closest to the lake. It’s an easy walk. The more recent Murrin Park Loop Trail − also known as Quercus Trail − is a 1.8km loop, of intermediate difficulty. It meanders throught the heart of Murrin Lake Provincial Park, providing access to the more popular rock climbs in the park. Quercus Viewpoint offers a spectacular view of Howe Sound, and a second viewpoint allows you t rest a moment on a bench, as you look out over Howe Sound. Dogs should be kept on a leash in Murrin Park.

Brohm Lake

 
Brohm Lake Interpretive Forest is a 400 hectare network of trails about 7km north of Squamish, just off the Sea to Sky Highway. 10km of trails circle and branch out from the lake, and taking in all of them can become a 5 hour adventure. The Brohm Lake Trail, with optional High Trail and Cheakamus Loop Trail, take you around Brohm Lake, counter-clockwise, returning to the wooden bridge. The Brohm Lake Trail is an intermediate hike, with a few steeper sections along some of the rock bluffs around the lake. It’s 3.5km in length, and usually takes between 1 and 2 hours to complete. Brohm Lake is an ideal place for a doggie swim. Most of the trails are off-leash, but it’s important that your dog is kept under control.

Another popular trail option is the Thompson Trail down to Paradise Valley and the hatchery. Extending the hike to Paradise Valley adds about 1.5 to 2 hours, and it’s a steep climb.

Four Lakes Trail at Alice Lake

 
Four Lakes Trail is an easy, scenic hike in the forest. Dogs are not allowed in playgrounds or on the beach at Alice Lake, and they must remain on the leash on all trails. That being said, this is still one of the most popular hikes for dog owners.

For most hikers, this is an simple 2 hour walk, covering roughly 6km, through a loop of lush scenic trails. In the summer, the canopy of cedar, Douglas fir and hemlock trees provides welcome relief from summer heat. The trail winds its way past creeks, lakes, and the Cheekye River.

Most hikers begin by walking towards the beech of Alice Lake, and then follow the path counter-clockwise around the lake. There’s another parking lot there and a sign marking the head of the Four Lakes Trail.

Longer Hikes

 

The Stawamus Chief

 
‘The Chief’ is one of the classic hikes in Squamish, features North America’s second tallest granite monolith, which towers 702 metres above Squamish. Hikes to all three peaks begin with a short walk through a campsite. Your dog will have to be on the leash in the Stawamus Chief Provincial Park Campground area, but once the ascent begins, just outside the campsite, you can remove the leash. The Chief isn’t a technical hike, but it is challenging; primarily because the grade is continuous. Graded as intermediate, it’s a good workout for both you and your canine companion. One of the most demanding parts can be the ‘cardio stairs’ near the bottom.

There are cliffs to watch out for, so if your dog will be off leash, you must be able to keep it close with voice commands. When it’s wet, the rocks, roots and logs can become slippery. You’ll want to bring plenty of water and some snacks. The trail is well marked with sign posts and diamond trail blazes.

The first peak offers the best views of Howe Sound and the town of Squamish, and is the closest to the parking lot. It’s the most popular peak, and you’ll usually come across many other hikers. The round trip is 4km, and the hiking time varies between 90 minutes and 2 – 3 hours for most parties. There is a steel ladder, and some chains to provide assistance in some of the steeper sections. Your may have to help your dog navigate a few tricky areas.

The second peak is the largest of the summits, offering views of Howe Sound, the town of Squamish and the peaks of Garibaldi Provincial Park. The first and third peaks can both be seen from second peak. Even on busy days, there’s plenty of room at the top. The round trip is 5km, and most parties complete the hike in between 4 and 5 hours. Your dog should be able to manage this hike without any assistance.

The third peak can be accessed from either the Chief Trail or by passing over the North Gully from Second Peak. Third Peak offers an extraordinary view of Mt. Garibaldi and the town of Squamish, from the North Gully. The round trip is 7km, and you’ll want to allow 6 – 7 hours to complete the hike. Your dog should also be able to manage this hike without any assistance.

Sea to Summit Trail at Sea to Sky Gondola

 
This trail is an offshoot of The Chief trail. You can take a trail from the Sea to Sky Gondola parking lot over to The Chief trail, joining it just under the stairs. You’ll hike another 15 – 20 minutes, and be on the lookout for the main junction. There are sign posts and a big rock, and this is where The Chief hikers choose the route they’ll take to the peak of choice. You’re going to turn a hard right after the big rock. About halfway up to the Sea to Sky Gondola lodge, you’ll cross Upper Shannon Falls. It’s a great place to cool off.

This is a challenging hike, with a 900 metre gain, but the views at the top are worth it. As you near the summit, you’ll have to put your dog back on the leash. Dogs are not allowed in the lodge or on the observation decks. There are shaded areas where you can tie up your pooch while you grab or bite to eat or drink, or visit the restrooms. If you’re up for it, you’re welcome to hike all the way back to your car. But there’s an exciting alternative. For $15.00, you can buy a ride-down-only ‘Buster the Dog’ pass, and your dog can take the Gondola back to the bottom with you. The hike is 7.5km to the top and takes 3 – 5 hours.

Squamish: BC’s Outstanding Motorcycle Destination

Squamish: BC’s Outstanding Motorcycle Destination

Sea to Sky is the name of a very special stretch of the Highway #99, and it absolutely deserves the grand title… This route, just a 45 minute ride from both Vancouver, and Whistler includes the town of Squamish, the ultimate biking destination. Squamish is surrounded by mountains on three sides, and Howe Sound (the Pacific Ocean) on the fourth. If you’re looking for a picturesque ride through winding views of waterfalls, mountains, snatches of vast ocean, and BC rain forest, you absolutely can’t beat this route! In fact, if you’ve done Chucanut Drive in Washington, you need to chalk this one off your list as well! Since it includes the glaciers of the Tantalus Range, and Whistler Village.

Tantalus view, SquamishAugust Jack Motor Inn is an ideal place to stay, should you choose to organize a ride that passes through Squamish. August Jack is bordered by three parks, with motorcycle parking fully visible at all times. Quite a few of the ground floor units allow guests to sleep within a few meters of their babies (read: motorcycles,) making it very convenient to watch over them. Large sliding doors permit visibility and direct walk-out access to motorcycles and luggage. August Jack is located right on Cleveland Avenue, the main street in Squamish, and within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and shopping centers. The motel is also a few minutes’ walk from 2 lovely forested trails and Nexen Beach which includes the yacht harbour. August Jack is at the end of a quiet street, yet 2 – 3 minutes from the Highway. Rooms facing Cleveland Avenue provide outstanding views of the yacht harbour, The Chief (a towering granite mountain) and Shannon Falls.

The Sea to Sky Gondola is a breathtaking attraction that allows visitors to experience a birds-eye-view of the harbor, ocean, and magnificent mountainous surroundings. For the more dexterous visitors, there are hiking trails that lead up to the summit, where the Sea to Sky Gondola restaurant can be found. Season tickets can be bought online in advance, or arranged in person, and there are a number of Christmas, and winter programs, including sports and entertainment activities.

A short ride from August Jack Motor Inn, you will find Westcoast Railway Heritage Park. It is home to the largest collection of railway rolling stock in Western Canada, and the famous Royal Hudson steam locomotive. The park hosts regular seasonal events, and sports a 3 Km Miniature Railway.

There is also the award-winning Britannia Beach Mining Museum Heritage site. Less than a century ago, it served as the largest copper mining operation in the British empire. And today, the museum offers underground tours (including and underground train), mineral and geological tours, and gold panning activities.

Squamish is particularly active in the winter, when local businesses collaborate on seasonal events, fairs and festivals. The beauty of the region, and the genuine friendly, old-world-charm of the town cannot be matched. August Jack Motor Inn provides information and maps for visitors who want to experience all the sites. For bikers who want to plan their itinerary around a few breakfast runs, the local restaurants offer everything from buffet’s, to Full-English breakfast fair.

The Sea to Sky route was a main artery between Vancouver and Whistler during the 2010 Olympics, and for this reason, cell-phone, data, and Wi-Fi reception in the area are excellent… a rare treat in mountain and coast destinations.

Long Term Squamish Accommodations for Road Construction

Long Term Squamish Accommodations for Road Construction

Running along a steep cliff overlooking the majestic Howe Sound, the Sea to Sky Highway is the section of highway 99 running between horseshoe bay and Pemberton. Following the original upgrades prior to the 2010 winter Olympics, the government of British Columbia again pledged around $5.4 million to additional upgrades to this highway as part of the B.C. on the Move programme.

The upgrades, which will take place between Lions Bay and Pemberton, are intended to improve not only road conditions for drivers, but also to improve both safety and mobility for pedestrians and cyclists along one of the busiest stretches of the Sea to Sky Highway.

Of course, these are not the first upgrades that will affect the town of Squamish. In 2014, upgrades to the road, as well as the opening of the Sea to Sky Gondola, ushered in a boost in tourism to the area. With such increased traffic, of course, comes ever-more need for adequate and safe roads to travel on, especially on this route that was once known as Killer Highway.

Among the improvements that travellers on this road will see are significant resurfacing, improvements in access, sixteen variable speed signs – active as of June 2016, an overhead digital message sign and cyclist warning systems. These upgrades are intended to enhance year-round safety for all users of the highway.

Starting to the south, currently scheduled improvements are as follows:

An illuminated curve warning sign and a speed reader board just north of Lions Bay, intended to reduce speeds along this curving stretch of road;
Cycling activated digital warning signs to increase driver awareness of cyclists along the Porteau Bluffs section of the highway;
A second digital message sign at Alice Lake, catering to southbound traffic, complements the northbound sign that warns Highway 99 motorists of accidents or other incidents affecting traffic flow and highway safety;
An extended right turn acceleration lane at Lorimer Road northbound;
Access improvements to and from Whistler heliport, including a new left turn lane to be added to Highway 99;
Asphalt resurfacing of 5.8 kilometres of the highway north of whistler, intended to improve the driving surface and dust control.

This project is expected to run over summer and autumn 2016, although the entire B.C. on the Move project is a ten-year plan to significantly improve the transport network in the province. Of the estimated $2.7 billion that will be spent over the next three years, around $380 is earmarked for road resurfacing on the province’s highways, including Highway 99. The current target is to resurface around 1 000 kilometres of provincial highway every year. Among the innovations being used during this project will be a made-in-B.C. technology called hot-in-place recycle paving, an environmentally friendly alternative to purely conventional asphalt.

As a fairly central location on the route that will be undergoing these upgrades, the town of Squamish is expected to experience a significant amount of activity, both in terms of upgrades and improvements, and in terms of construction crew visitors to the area. While a good deal of workers will be locally employed, there will also be a number of workers needing accommodation. These workers will also be able to enjoy the unique features of Squamish while doing vital work to help bring more tourism to the area.

August Jack Motor Inn is conveniently located on Cleveland Avenue, Squamish and provides a central and cost-effective location with access to a variety of amenities, where road upgrade crews can be comfortably housed. Located at the quieter end of Cleveland Avenue, the inn offers breath-taking views of both the Stawamus Chief Mountain and Shannon Falls, and is surrounded by three open parks. We are within walking distance of restaurants, pubs and grocery stores. Guests can also take advantage of the free Wi-Fi that is available in the lobby and in all rooms.

 

Cheap Hotels in Squamish for Road Crews
 

 

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Squamish Accommodations for the Film Industry

Squamish Accommodations for the Film Industry

Since the construction of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway gave birth to a small terminus town in the early twentieth century, Squamish has attracted people for a variety of reasons. The city is incorporated into the homeland of the Squamish people and is close to a number of Squamish nation reservations. It is also home to a large network of trails suitable for hiking, climbing and mountain biking, while the winds on Squamish Spit make this a popular destination for windsurfing and kiteboarding.

What you may not know about Squamish, however, is that it is a very popular destination for filming television series and movies. In fact, Squamish has welcomed the cast and crews of several blockbusters, including 2016’s multiple Oscar-winning the Revenant, Star Trek Beyond, The Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn, and dozens more. Some of the top series currently showing, such as Bates Motel, Green Arrow and Supernatural, as well as recent hits like Continuum have also spent time capturing scenes in the varied terrain in and around the city.

But why Squamish? What makes this area so special? Well, firstly, it’s got to do with proximity to Vancouver. Give or take one hour’s drive along Highway 99 from Vancouver, it is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the city’s booming film industry.

Besides the numerous Canadian shows that get filmed in Vancouver and surrounds, many US-based shows and movies are also filmed here, thanks in part to the favourable exchange rates, the large number of available film and production crews and also thanks to the nature of the area.

Because most large United States cities are virtually instantly recognizable, thanks to specific landmarks and buildings, it can often be difficult to shoot a story without pinning it down to a specific location. By contrast, although residents will certainly recognize their town or region, Vancouver and surrounds are seen as sufficiently “generic” to be able to film without having to identify a location.

Squamish, in particular, is blessed with fantastic scenery, including a number of mountains, inlets at Howe Sound, forests, provincial parks and the hundreds of trails we mentioned before, making it an ideal destination to capture several different types of location, all within a small radius. Highway 99 – the Sea to Sky highway – also provides long, straight stretches ideal for filming. Thanks to this landscape, Squamish is somewhat known as being a filming location for action, adventure and nature scenes.

And of course, it’s not just the landscape that makes it such an ideal location. With eleven different churches and temples, as well as diverse and interesting architectural styles in a city that’s over a century old, filmmakers are spoiled for choice. The city boasts areas that give both a small-town atmosphere as well as a modern city vibe

The weather also plays nice in Squamish. Although it does see more than its fair share of rain, Squamish has a decidedly low snowfall average, which means that, while it may be cold, there isn’t as much risk of needing to deal with snowed-up streets and the filming season can go for longer.

Because of its inherent suitability as a filming location, the town also goes out of its way to make things as easy as possible for film crews. Squamish falls within the Regional Tax Credit Zone, making it a cost-effective filming choice.

Filming approvals are swiftly and professionally handled, earning it a reputation as one of British Columbia’s most film-friendly municipalities. This in turn has led to Squamish attracting a growing number of resident film talent and crew, including acting professionals, special effects professionals, costume designers and more. In fact, producers are actively encouraged to hire local crews and production staff; anyone working in the film and television industry in Squamish can have their details and credentials added to a list that is provided to producers by the city specifically for the purposes of encouraging local hiring.

August Jack Motor Inn is centrally located at 37947 Cleveland Avenue, Squamish and provides a convenient , cost-effective location to house cast and crew. We are within walking distance of numerous amenities, including restaurants and grocery stores, and our location in a quiet area, surrounded by breath-taking views of the Stawamus Chief Mountain and Shannon Falls, as well as three open parks, means your production people will be able to relax in comfort and peace after a hard day’s filming. We also offer free Wi-Fi in the lobby and in all rooms, making this ideal accommodation during filming.

Squamish Accommodations are the Perfect Complement to Whistler Skiing

Squamish Accommodations are the Perfect Complement to Whistler Skiing

Every year, thrill-seekers from around the world can’t wait to visit Whistler Mountain for some of the best skiing available. The area sees millions of visitors each year, looking for the best slopes and seeking out the best accommodations available. With all of the excitement, it’s often overlooked just how full the area is in peak skiing months. Imagine arriving only to learn that everything is booked for miles around. This is certainly not a great start to the vacation most people dream about. Squamish accommodations are the perfect complement to Whistler skiing for a number of reasons.

It’s Less than an Hour Away

Squamish is only 40 minutes from Whistler by car or bus, which is something visitors don’t realize. In the time it takes to enjoy a couple of cups of coffee or have a big breakfast, they can reach Whistler and get ready for an exciting day on the slopes.

It Expands Recreation Opportunities

Those who love to ski are often the individuals who love horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking and exploring in general. Squamish has some of the most legendary trails in British Columbia, and they are accessible from virtually anywhere in the community. Those who need a break from the serious sports can enjoy phenomenal eagle watching, catching sights and pictures of these majestic, nesting birds. Gorgeous lakes are dotted all over the city, with tons of water sports, and Squamish offers up some of the best kayaking around. Those who stay in Squamish don’t limit their potential activities to just skiing!

Squamish is More Affordable and More Peaceful

While the excitement of Whistler Village can be exilerating, for many people it quickly starts to overwhelm the senses. Crowded areas, noise, congestion and traffic soon start to grate on the nerves and make what was supposed to be a fantastic vacation into an annoyance. Squamish offers beautiful accommodations without all of the hustle and bustle that makes some individuals dread the stay in Whistler Village. Plus, prices are much more affordable. Those who stay in Squamish aren’t dealing with “ski-season prices” the way they are in Whistler Village. For these reasons, savvy visitors who have been skiing in Whistler for years consider Squamish a quiet retreat from their retreat!

Close to Vancouver Shopping and the Vancouver International Airport

For those who will be arriving via the Vancouver International Airport, Squamish is much closer than Whistler, making it convenient and easy for weary travelers to rest and energize. It’s also close to downtown Vancouver shopping, so those who want to bring back fun souvenirs can easily access the most popular stores and retail services, as well as some of the more historic and quaint shops and boutiques the area is known for. With Squamish being closer to Vancouver, all-day shopping trips are more enjoyable, but quick trips to find forgotten gear or special items are possible as well.

Those who are new to skiing in Whistler and those who have been enjoying those majestic slopes for years can benefit from Squamish accommodations. From more affordable prices and a more relaxing atmosphere to a wider variety of recreational activities and a convenient location, Squamish offers many of benefits for those planning a Whistler skiing trip.