Skiers & riders have been out enjoying the epic conditions at Whistler Blackcomb with over 77cm/30″ of new snow falling in the last 3 days. This morning we were treated to blue skies and lots of sunshine. With perfect snow conditions, it is a great day to be in the mountains.

Blue bird day in Whistler

Whistler Real Estate Purchases in 2008

Real Estate sales in 2008 were valued in excess of 420 million dollars. Although below activity levels experienced in 2007 (which should be considered a watershed year) it was consistent with the yearly activity levels experienced since 2000. Overall sales activity slowed dramatically in the last quarter of 2008 as the realities of the world economic situation began to be felt. We expect the first half of 2009 to experience below average levels of activity and market conditions which will be in the buyers favour. However as pre-Olympic media exposure builds and a new value paradigm is created we expect to see increasing interest from investors both regionally and worldwide. The Greater Vancouver region continues to be the largest source of buyers, followed by Whistlerites, and then buyers from the U.S. Although, we expect increased levels of interest from the rest of the world, Whistler will continue to be primarily of interest to investors within four to five hours of travel time of the resort.

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Last Thursday marked the official countdown to the 2010 Winter Olympic & Paralympic Games. In true Whistler style the resort celebrated with live music, parties and Canada’s top athletes.

2010 Facts & Figures

Olympic Games: Feb 12 - 28, 2010
- 85 countries competing
- 5,500 athletes and team officials (2,750 in Whistler)
- 86 medal events in 17 days (46 in Whistler)

Paralympic Games: March 12 - 21, 2010
- 45 countries competing
- 1,350 athletes and officials (1,015 in Whistler)
- 64 medal events in 9 days (62 in Whistler)

Overall
10,000 accredited media
55,000 workforce staff
25,000 volunteers
3 billion television views worldwide

Three competition venues in Whistler
- Whistler Creek / Alpine Skiing: Downhill, Super G, Giant slalom, Slalom, Combined
- Whistler Sliding Centre: Bobsleigh, Skeleton & Luge
- Whistler Olympic/Paralympic Park: Cross-Country skiing, Nordic combined, Biathlon & Ski Jumping

The First Time…
- in Winter Games history the competition venues have been completed two years before competition dates
- in Winter Games history a community other than the host city has achieved an official designation
- the Closing Ceremony for the Paralympic Games will be held outside of the host city

Don’t miss your opportunity this weekend to see the world’s best complete in the FIS Luge World Cup! Tickets are just $5 and with Saturday already sold out, make sure you pick up your tickets for Friday.

Two weeks ago Whistler’s Sliding Centre was put to the test with FIS Skeleton & Bobsleigh World Cup events. With sell out crowds for each event, excitement is building with just one year until the 2010 Olympic Games.

Another stunning day in Whistler! 

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Recent price reductions offering incredible value on Whistler Real Estate investments

319 Pan Pacific Mountainside - New Price $595,000
One of the best revenue producing properties in Whistler and located at the base of Whistler & Blackcomb gondolas, just steps from skiing, shops and restaurants. A prime location for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

319 - 4320 Sundial Crescent, Whistler, BC, Canada

5229 Jordan Lane - New Price $2,950,000
Luxurious 3100 square foot residence, modern design and incredible ski run views of Whistler Mountain. Set on over an acre of land, in a private treed setting overlooking pristine Nita Lake. Owners have the convenience of all the hotel facilities of the new Nita Lake Lodge at their fingertips and be in a unique position to either decide to rent their new property through the hotel or maintain it for their own personal use. Significant recent price reduction offering incredible value to purchasers.

Talon Pointe, Nita Lake Residences, Whistler, BC, Canada

January 2009

13 sales under $1,000,000
2 sales between $1,000,000 - $2,000,000
3 sales over $2,000,000

Highest Sale of the month $7,100,000

2 Chalet/Single Family home
3 Condominium
6 Townhouse
7 Shared Owner

February & March 2009 – Whistler, B.C.
A celebration of Arts and culture in the Sea to Sky corridor.

The Whistler Winter Arts Festival is a dynamic two-month program of live music, aerial dance, snow sculpting, film screenings, art and photography exhibitions, and literary soirees, under the sun or under the stars. This year features free outdoor performances by world renowned Canadian musicians including Buck 65, Wide Mouth Mason and Joel Plaskett; storytelling events featuring 2008 Giller prize winner Joseph Boyden – “literally” between the sheets; original short films from BC filmmakers; an exhibition of regional art; and the return of the Canadian Snow Sculpture Team along with three other teams from across the country! We are very pleased to announce our sponsorship of the Whistler Winter Arts Festival by CTV British Columbia - BC’s home for news.

This event showcases Canadian talent and intends to build excitement leading up to full participation in The Olympic and Paralympic Art festivals. For more information please visitwww.whistlerartscouncil.com