‘Near capacity’ opening weekend for Sea to Sky train
Whistler Mountaineer chugs into town under new name
Under the banner of a new name, the Whistler Mountaineer steamed its way to a near capacity opening weekend as it launched its summer season on May 14.
That “near capacity” weekend could be a sign of good things to come this summer for the re-branded “Rocky Mountaineer Whistler Sea to Sky Climb.” Read the full story
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Some are calling the Rocky Mountaineer Alberta Train to Whistler during the Olympics a ‘marketing opportunity of a lifetime.’
Sandy Best with the The Lake Louise Ski Area says the our provincial government turned down an offer to run a train like this because of the costs. “At the end of the day, all of the world’s media and decision makers for travel are getting on an Albertan train to ride to a B.C. venue. And after they have enjoyed Whistler don’t get me wrong, its a killer mountain – awesome – can’t take away what they are doing, but the first thing they see in the morning and the last thing they see at night is Alberta.”
He also has been promoting tourism every step of the way. “The president of Mexicana Airlines is onboard. I would have to cut my right leg off, sell my children, do something insane, just to get 15 minutes with him. Here he is on the train, he is enjoying the scenery, Alberta food, Alberta hospitality; I get a chance to get to know him.”
Despite this, Best says the government of Alberta was criticized for spending the money to run this $7 million luxury train. For more information, take a look here.
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Railway Map Guide:British Columbia & Canadian Rockies
This year, skip the Christmas sweater and give them a unique gift they’ll really remember – a stunning rail journey between Vancouver and Whistler.
Until January 5, 2010, BC and Washington Residents pay only $109 per adult round trip when booking four or more guests. Read the full story
WHISTLER, British Columbia — As I ride to the top of Whistler Mountain in a gondola, I see mountain bikers stirring up dust clouds beneath me. To my left, a zip-liner streaks past me between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.
Not far away — though out of my sight range — I know skiers are plying their summer sport on Blackcomb’s glacier, and below me, golfers are enjoying what many, including Golf Digest, say are the best courses in Canada. (The bears think so, too; they often show up on the fairways).
This little mountain town is a perpetual motion machine. But the most popular sport, by the numbers, is the one I’m practicing: rubber-necking. Whatever brings you to Whistler, you’ll wind up gaping at the mountains, trees and rivers.
That’s what makes the Whistler Mountaineer the perfect way to get to the village. The train trip takes three hours, when you can drive it in about two, but who wants to be concentrating on curves instead of the landscape? So my husband and I booked the Mountaineer for the trip up and, a day later, back.
As the trip starts, one of our car’s two guides pours mimosas so we can toast our trip. We’re then served breakfast: fresh fruit, a cheese omelet, Canadian bacon, potatoes, coffee and juice. Thus stoked, we stare out the window.
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By Helen Anders, statesman.com, >>> continue reading
WHISTLER MOUNTAINEER GIVES CANADA’S HOTTEST MUSIC STARS A ROCKIN’ RIDE ON THE RAILS
~ 2009 JUNO Awards Gift Bag includes Whistler Mountaineer ticket between Vancouver and Whistler, BC ~
Vancouver, British Columbia (February 26, 2009) – Canadian music fans could find themselves seated next to the likes of Sarah McLachlan, Simple Plan and Nickelback onboard the Whistler Mountaineer this season. The three-hour train trip between Vancouver and Whistler is one of a few BC items to be included in this year’s coveted JUNO Awards Gift Bag, given exclusively to the show’s host, presenters and performers. The 2009 JUNO Awards event is held in Vancouver, BC on Sunday, March 29, 2009 and the “swag” bag contains a return train trip for two onboard the Whistler Mountaineer Glacier Dome, valued at $600.
It is rock star treatment all the way with the Whistler Mountaineer, which travels along BC’s famous Sea to Sky Corridor between Vancouver and Whistler. The journey begins on the red carpet and continues with a morning mimosa and the ultimate in personalized service in the exclusive Glacier Dome. For an up close view of the stunning waterfalls, sparkling Pacific waters and snow-capped mountain peaks, musicians and fans alike can visit the train’s open air Heritage Observation Car. Canadian music stars also hear fascinating commentary of the region and are served a hot gourmet breakfast and scrumptious afternoon tea.
The 2009 JUNO Awards, Canada’s preeminent music awards show will air on CTV on Sunday, March 29, 2009 from General Motors Place in Vancouver, BC. The show will be hosted by Russell Peters and will feature a star-studded line up of artists who will perform, including Sarah McLachlan, City and Colour, Nickelback and Simple Plan.
The Whistler Mountaineer is owned and operated by Rocky Mountaineer Vacations and has been in service since 2006. In addition to the four spectacular rail routes that travel through British Columbia and Alberta, Rocky Mountaineer Vacations also offers unique Canadian vacation packages. Since its inception in 1990, the company has grown to become the largest privately owned passenger rail service in North America and has hosted over one million guests onboard. In 2007, the Rocky Mountaineer train was honoured with a World Travel Award as “World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train” for the third consecutive and named by National Geographic as one of the “World’s Greatest Trip.”
Contact:
Nancy Dery
Media Relations & Communications Specialist
Rocky Mountaineer Vacations
(604) 606-8419
ndery@rockymountaineer.com
www.rockymountaineer.com
For more information, images and story ideas visit: www.whistlermountaineer.com
Source Link: News Bureau/media
