Stunning dusk shot taken at 41 Fitzsimmons Walk last night!

Bold contemporary design, clean lines and a sleek neutral palette shape this rare offering. Built in open concept, rich teak and walnut woods alongside travertine stone and wood carpeting create a sophisticated space. Vaulted ceilings and expansive windows provide a spacious alpine feel. The gourmet kitchen, with Wolf and Sub Zero appliances, walk-in pantry, and oversized granite topped island is perfect for entertaining, while 5 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms promise plenty of room for family and friends. You will also appreciate secure underground parking in a private double garage with direct access to your home. Fitzsimmons Walk offers mountain views in a pedestrian oriented setting located 1 block from the Village.

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB ANNOUNCES MAJOR $18 MILLION CAPITAL EXPANSION FOR 2013.2014 Lift Expansion Includes New Whistler Mountain Harmony High-Speed Six-Pack Chairlift And New High-Speed Quad Chairlift In Blackcomb Mountain’s Crystal Zone WHISTLER, BC, January 18, 2013 – Whistler Blackcomb has unveiled capital plans for a major lift expansion. Whistler Mountain’s Harmony high-speed, quad chairlift will be replaced with a new Doppelmayr high-speed, detachable, six-pack chairlift capable of transporting six people on each chair. Blackcomb Mountain will see a lift enhancement with a high-speed quad chairlift going into a new area in the Crystal Zone, currently accessed by a fixed-grip triple chair.

“This lift expansion clearly demonstrates our commitment to continuously enhance the skiing and riding experience on both mountains,” says Dave Brownlie, President and Chief Executive Officer, Whistler Blackcomb. “Each zone the new lifts will service is unique and much-loved by Whistler locals and destination guests alike. The capital we are investing to enhance our already amazing experiences will make Whistler Blackcomb even better.”

The new high-speed quad chairlift in the Crystal Zone will be 1,708 metres (5,604ft) in length, with a vertical rise of 535 metres (1,755ft). Skier carrying capacity will increase by 65 per cent over the current lift to 2,400 skiers per hour. The new quad will deliver skiers and riders to the same location as the current triple chair next to the Crystal Hut. However, the aspect of the new lift line is dramatically different, and will originate 158 metres (518ft) lower than the old Crystal lift. The bottom elevation will be 1,292 metres (4,239ft) and the top elevation of the lift will be 1,827 metres (5,994ft).

This bottom terminal location along the Blackcomb Glacier Road ski-out eliminates the need to utilize the Excelerator Chair to access many Crystal Zone trails including Ridge Runner, Rock ‘N’ Roll, and gladed trails like Outer Limits. It will be even quicker to return to the Glacier Express chair to access Horstman Glacier, Blackcomb Glacier and Spanky’s. The increased length of the chair’s line will give skiers and riders the opportunity to lap the entire Crystal Zone – from undulating cruisers to gladed zones riddled with natural terrain features and snow-caked trees straight out of a Dr. Seuss book. The name of this exciting new quad chairlift will be determined through a competition to be announced by Whistler Blackcomb later this winter.

The Harmony Six high-speed chairlift will replace one of Whistler Blackcomb’s most popular lifts and will dramatically improve the uphill capacity by 50 per cent; going from 2,400 skiers per hour to 3,600. The Harmony Six will service terrain spanning from the edge of the Symphony Amphitheatre all the way over to Glacier Bowl, adjacent to the Peak Express. This area, known as the Harmony Zone, makes up over 485 hectares (1,200 acres) of Whistler Blackcomb’s 3,306 hectares (8,171 acres) of total terrain. With a wide variety of beginner to expert terrain options, the Harmony Six will ensure skiers and riders are able to spend more time on the mountain exploring the spectacular, powder-covered alpine that Whistler Blackcomb is celebrated for.

The Harmony Six has the same alignment as the current Harmony quad; spanning 1,729 metres (5,672ft) in length, with a vertical rise of 525 metres (1,722ft). The top elevation of the lift is 2,107 metres (6,912ft); the bottom elevation is 1,582 metres (5,190ft).
Construction on the lifts will begin this spring and will continue through the summer and fall with an expected opening at the beginning of the 2013.2014 winter season.

For more information visit http://ww1.whistlerblackcomb.com/media

We are very pleased to let you know we have just sold 3167 Lakecrest Lane for Whistler’s Highest Sale price in three years www.lakecrestluxury.com

In the last 60 days there has been 10 sales over $2million with 19 sales in the first eight months of the year. Overall the market appears to picking up as buyers scramble to have a home for this ski-season.

As the higher-end hotels are tracking well ahead of last years ski-season numbers we are optimistic for a great 2013.

Exceptional waterfront estate designed by Brent Murdoch and built by Glen Lynskey of Alta Lake Lumber Company. Take in panoramic views of Alta Lake while you entertain in the gourmet kitchen or step outside to a 1500 square foot deck of flamed basalt stone tile with seamless glass railings. An integrated AV system brings surround sound to the space; alongside a 50″ Samsung LED TV’s. Stairs leading up seem suspended, as you head to the master suite and additional bedrooms. Walk down or step into the elevator to go to the lowest level where the media room and pool table are accented by a stunning 500-bottle wine cellar. Enjoy geothermal heating with in-floor radiant, forced air and air conditioning. Remote access to the heating and Lutron lighting controls is perfect for part-time residents. Lying along Alta Lake and among cedars and stately Douglas Firs, this property offers perfect sunset views of both Sproat and Rainbow mountains. Relax in the covered hot tub, or enjoy direct lake access from your private 60-foot dock.

Sellers Represented by John Ryan and our Licensed Sales Team

Still waters reflect magnificent peaks as you gaze out over the shores of Alta Lake and up towards Blackcomb, Rainbow and Sprout Mountains. This lot is the finest that the exclusive Lakecrest community has to offer, allowing for a 6,500 square foot home with exceptional sun exposure and available plans. An architectural boathouse, featuring a kitchen, full bath, barbeque and boat launch dock, anchors the Lakecrest development and is a perfect place for enjoying the outdoors with friends and neighbours. Surrounding natural trails lead to a stunning lookout along the water’s edge, or wander the Whistler Valley Trail, which leads to all of the mountain’s amenities. The Village, Creekside, ski runs and the Whistler Golf Club are all within minutes.

SOLD October 2012 - $2,250,000 - Represented Buyer and Seller

Who’s still ready for summer?

This kitchen illustrated one of the 10 ‘most popular new designs of 2010’ in a news release from the American National Kitchen & Bath Association. The designer is Earl Lawson of V6B Design Group, in Vancouver, and the design is called soft geometry. ‘Rounded organic shapes can be seen in the edge of a counter or island top, an arch over an entryway or cooking hearth, the curved lines of a light fixture, and well-placed, space-defining soffits,’ the release observes.

When the American National Kitchen & Bath Association told its 40,000 members of trends they might want to capitalize on, one of them was illustrated by a Whistler kitchen designed by a Vancouver company.

The company is V6B Design Group and the trend its work illustrates is called “soft geometry” (at the NKBA, at any rate). In both contemporary and traditional kitchens, a news release from the trade association says, “rounded organic shapes can be seen in the edges of counters or island tops, arches over entryways or cooking hearths, the curved lines of a light fixture, and well-placed, space-defining soffits.

“The introduction of rounded islands and countertops carves a smooth-flowing traffic pattern throughout the room, while an appropriately placed arch will bring an overall softening to the more angular fixed features that are typical in kitchens and baths.”

The kitchen chosen by the NKBA to exemplify soft geometry was designed by V6B president Earl Lawson and senior designer Igor Selskiy.

In an 8,000-square-foot Whistler residence, the original kitchen was harsh, with straight lines and angles, says Lawson. The owners, who rented out the house for the Olympics, wanted to be able to entertain 100 people on the main floor and provide an inviting, functional space for their family of five.

After opening up the space to improve flow, Selskiy began sketching plans for a new triangle-shaped island. He then softened the lines of the eating bar, which evolved into a gentle S shape. Softly bowed stained-birch cabinets below the sink and coffee centre and an arch over the range hood create additional visual interest.
The key is to be subtle, says Lawson. The room should be comfortable and easy on the eyes.

In the ’80s and early ’90s, as manufacturing technologies improved, curves became more common, with standard curved doors used to round the ends of cabinets.

Some European cabinet manufacturers introduced kitchen models with multiple curved lines, everything round, with dramatic curves. It looked like a space shuttle had landed in your kitchen, says Lawson. “It’s cool they can do that, but it’s not comfortable. The kitchen should be a place you want to spend time in.”

At the same time, the basic linear kitchen with the classic work triangle of sink, fridge and stove is no longer relevant. It was important when the kitchen was a separate room where moms worked by themselves, but kitchens are now too big or too small for a traditional work triangle.

Today’s kitchens need four main areas — cleaning; preparation and cooking; storage and entertaining; and seating — designed for multiple cooks, entertaining and families.

V6B also designs many kitchens for people who don’t cook because they eat out, just use the kitchen for socializing or are too busy to cook every day.

Either way, kitchens now tend to be open to the rest of the home. “We are no longer designing kitchens in isolation, but to fit into the overall space,” says Lawson. “We need to take a creative look at the functional requirements and work them into the overall space design.”

For example, in an open-plan townhouse kitchen, also located in Whistler, V6B, working with designer Susan Parker, used massive log posts as anchors for two wood countertops, creating distinct spaces for dining and entertaining, while extending the kitchen space and encouraging an efficient flow of traffic.

Echoing the organic shape of the round log posts, the wood countertops were cut with an curve.

A sinuous line of red glass pebbles in the backsplash behind the range helps soften the dark slate, granite and stainless steel finishes, while conveying a note of both whimsy and sophistication.

The kitchen won an award in the 2010 International Wolf/Sub Zero design competition.

Countertops, especially wood or granite, are the easiest way to introduce curves into the kitchen. Cabinets are a different story. The reason many designers don’t bother with curves is many cabinetmakers won’t make them, says Lawson.

The industry was previously controlled by cabinet-manufacturers who make square boxes, he explains. “We are not inspired by putting boxes into homes.”

Cabinetmakers used by V6B include Crystal Cabinet Works and Neff. Neff’s cabinets range from the almost-circular, modern Chicago-style to traditional European-style cabinets that resemble fine furniture — which is exactly what they are, as kitchens become increasingly part of the living space.

V6B designers, all of whom have at least 20 years’ experience, work function into the overall space esthetic. Their focus is to design spaces with attention to proportion, balance and detail, rather than trends. But the ultimate goal is for the homeowners to love the kitchen every time they walk in.

As for curves, V6B designers have used them where appropriate for a long time. NKBA came up with the term soft geometry, says Lawson. “We call it good design.”

Special to The Sun - By Felicity Stone
© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun

soft-geometry-article-vancouver-sun

Impressive southwest views - steps from the best of Whistler! This townhome of 1950 square feet is situated in Whistler Cay Heights, on the Valley Trail an easy stroll to Whistler Village. It features five bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms nicely spread over 3 levels. The meticulously maintained home is perfect for large families and has great storage, a single carport and many upgrades.

SOLD 18 Eagleridge $760,000 Represented Buyer

Whistler Blackcomb Ranked as No. 1 Ski Area in North America Whistler Blackcomb Tops SKI Magazine Readers Poll of Top 60 Resorts

WHISTLER, BC, October 16, 2012 – Whistler Blackcomb has been named the No. 1 overall ski resort in North America by the readers of SKI Magazine. The 26th annual readers’ poll ranks the top 60 North America ski resorts in SKI Magazine’s Resort Guide, hitting newsstands today. The survey of 20,000 SKI readers is the longest running and most comprehensive survey of its kind in the winter sports industry.

“It’s an incredible honour to be ranked the No. 1 overall mountain resort by the readers of SKI Magazine,” says Dave Brownlie, President and COO at Whistler Blackcomb. “SKI Magazine’s rankings come as very high accolades because they reflect the discerning views of skiers from across North America. Our consistent and reliable snow fall, and size and variety of our natural terrain combined with first-rate customer service make our guests’ experiences at Whistler Blackcomb one of the best in the industry. We are looking forward to delivering another award winning experience again this winter.”

Along with being named the No. 1 overall resort, Whistler Blackcomb ranked highly in many other individual categories, including ranking No. 1 overall in Terrain Variety, and No. 2 overall in Service, Lodging, Après, Off Hill Activities, and Digital Presence. Whistler Blackcomb also placed in the top five resorts for Challenge of Terrain, Lifts, On-Mountain Food, Dining, Scenery, Terrain Parks, and Overall Guest Satisfaction.

Never satisfied with the status quo, Whistler Blackcomb is constantly striving to improve, and this season guests can look forward to enhancements both on and off of the hill. With award winning terrain variety, sometimes it can be hard for guests to know where to start. New this season are the Wonder Routes, a network of tours, trails, waypoints and stops that have been compiled to help guests navigate the mountain and discover Whistler Blackcomb’s most wonder-filled places.

Whistler Blackcomb’s digital presence will also see an upgrade this season with improvements to The Whistler Blackcomb Live, Powered by TELUS app, which now features powder alerts designed to notify guests when fresh snow is in the forecast. The app also allows skiers and riders to track their runs using GPS, share their speed and vertical as well as take and share photos with friends via Twitter and Facebook.

Whistler Blackcomb has also upgraded its grooming fleet by replacing seven snow cats and adding three new park cats. The new equipment, coupled with Whistler Blackcomb’s 220-strong fleet of state-of-the-art snow guns, enables Whistler Blackcomb to offer guests a consistent and high quality ski experience from opening day in November to the last day of the season in May.

Whistler, B.C. — Whistler has been added to the Ironman roster, winning the bid to host a Canadian event for five years, beginning in 2013.

The World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) announced October 11 that Whistler is the successful bid in the competition to host Ironman Canada, beating out Kelowna, B.C. and Huntsville, Ontario.

“We are thrilled with the announcement by the World Triathlon Corporation,” said Whistler Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden. “Hosting this event will build on our resort community’s reputation as a world class destination for hosting world class events, and present significant economic opportunities for the resort community.”

The bid submission was made last month by the Whistler Organizing Committee, comprised of Tourism Whistler and the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW). In early October, the WTC, owner and organizer of Ironman and Ironman 70.3 branded-events, announced that Whistler had made the shortlist, along with Kelowna, B.C. and Huntsville, Ontario. The winning bid was confirmed yesterday.

“We are delighted by the World Triathlon Corporation’s decision to award the Ironman Canada event to Whistler,” said Barrett Fisher, Tourism Whistler President & CEO. “Whistler has an international reputation for producing high-calibre, world-class events. The resort’s natural assets and our experience hosting the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will allow us to support an exceptional Ironman event.”

The memorandum of understanding sees Whistler hosting the Ironman Canada event for five years, beginning in 2013. The inaugural Whistler event would take place August 21-26 (event day August 25) in 2013, followed by July 23-28 (event day July 27) in 2014, July 22-27 (event day July 26) in 2015, July 20-25 (event day July 24) in 2016 and July 26-31 (event day July 30) in 2017.

“Whistler is recognized worldwide as a sought-after travel and outdoor recreation destination. As the new host community of Ironman Canada, Whistler will immediately earn a reputation as a triathlon destination,” said Steve Meckfessel, Managing Director of Global Race Operations for WTC, in their media release issued yesterday. “With its accessibility to major west coast markets, stunning beauty and tourism infrastructure, Whistler will resonate with our athletes, their families and fans of Ironman.”

The successful bid was the result of a collaborative effort between Tourism Whistler and the RMOW, as the Whistler Organizing Committee, along with resort partners and neighbouring communities.

“Sport tourism is becoming an increasingly important industry for the resort and by attracting such renowned events as Ironman, we are cementing Whistler’s reputation as the ultimate sport event destination,” added Fisher.

“Hosting the Ironman Canada will showcase our community’s assets and present new opportunities for our community,” said Wilhelm-Morden. “We are committed to working closely with the World Triathlon Corporation both to maximize participants’ experience in the event, and to minimize the impact on the day-to-day operation of the resort. We hope that our community will fully embrace this event to add to its success.”
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The Whistler Organizing Committee, in its submission to the WTC, outlined six significant advantages of a Whistler location including:

• unrivalled natural beauty and iconic landmarks with a unique Western Canadian route
• brand alignment, with two world-class brands (Whistler and Ironman) working together to provide an unprecedented opportunity to leverage the local, regional, national and international profiles of both
• partnership experience in delivering major sporting events
• appeal for new and returning Ironman competitors, as the number one year-round mountain resort in North America
• an enhanced athlete experience in a community renowned for its safe, friendly and welcoming atmosphere
• proximity to an international airport in a major urban setting

As the host city for Ironman Canada, Whistler stands to benefit significantly in terms of economic impact. In order to secure the event, the initial race will be held in August, moving to July, a period of greater need, from 2014-2017.

The Whistler Organizing Committee works in collaboration with resort partners including Whistler Sport Legacies, Whistler Blackcomb, Whistler Arts Council, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and the Whistler Chamber of Commerce, as well as the neighbouring stakeholders of the Village of Pemberton and the Squamish Lillooet Regional District.

Over the coming weeks and months, there will be a series of site visits from the WTC and planning meetings with the local organizing committee.

An Ironman triathlon consists of a 2.4-mile (3.86 kilometre) swim, a 112-mile (180.25 kilometre) bicycle ride and a full marathon (26.2 miles or 42.3 kilometres). WTC currently owns, operates or produces more than 90 Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events worldwide each year. Each year, more than 90,000 athletes compete in Ironman events worldwide for positions in the Ironman and 70.3 championships. Most Ironman events sell out in minutes. Ironman Canada, formerly hosted in Penticton, B.C., has been part of the Ironman global calendar for the past 30 years. Event organizers anticipate that the Ironman Canada Whistler event will draw more than 2,000 endurance athletes plus thousands of spectators for multiple days each year.