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How to Save Money when visiting Whistler Canada

By: Dan Lupta

We all know how much more expensive life got in the last few years, but
that doesn't mean we should stop living. We just need to be a little smarter
about the choices we make and what activities take priority in our lives.

I still go skiing to Whistler, despite the rise in prices, despite highway closures, despite less than friendly customer service. I plan ahead, I check out deals and monitor the weather. What most people don't know, is that there are a lot of opportunities to save while visiting Whistler.

Prices for Lodging in Whistler

End of November to Christmas:
Right after the ski season opens and before Christmas, the deals are a plenty
for lodging. You can easily get a $99 per night deal even at the four and five star hotels. All hotels are desperate during that time, and a lot of the times they will have special events planned just to get people to visit during those times. Because these events, you might be able to get cheap accommodations and food before Christmas.

First two weeks in January
Right after New Year, Whistler has another dip in visitors. Again the Hotels
are desperate for visitors, and again you'll be able to get some awesome deals. The weather is coldest in January for Whistler, but not unbearable. This is the West Coast after all.

After School Break to the end of the Ski Season
School breaks start in February and end sometime at the end of March. By the
end of March and until the end of May, Whistler Blackcomb has the best skiing,
the best snow, the best hotel deals, the best ticket deals. You might still
get fresh snow everyday on the Mountains, but not in the Village, for two
whole months. This is the time I'm in Whistler as much as work allows.

Ski and Ride Tickets in Whistler

Before Ski Season Opens
If you plan to ski a few times in Whistler before the end of March, then your
best bet at saving money on ski tickets is to get them from 7-Eleven, or get
an Edge Card. Season Passes are also cheapest before the end of November,
you can save hundreds of dollars if you plan to live in Whistler for one winter.

First two weeks in January
A lot of hotels will offer discounts not only on the accommodations, but also
on skiing tickets. You can search for combo tickets that include accommodations, ski tickets and food even.

After School Break to the end of the Ski Season
From the end of March until the end of May, you don't have to stop at
7-Eleven to get your discounted tickets. You can come directly to the ski
ticketing booth and get much better discounts. You can save $30-$50 per
ticket per day. Just do your research in advance, but this has historically
been the way Whistler operates.

Food and Drinks

Food
You could blow your entire budget just on food in Whistler if you plan to
eat out 3 meals a day, everyday of your stay. I would plan for only one
meal out a day, and make your other 2 meals. Bring some cereal, some
sandwich items and make your breakfasts and lunches. Instead of a lunch
on top of Whistler that will cost you $20 or more, you can eat your sandwich
and maybe get a hot chocolate or hot apple cider for only $3.

For dinners try some local favorites for home made soups, stews and home
made dinners. You can find these at small coffee shops, deli's, or even in the grocery stores. You can buy a roasted chicken for $7 and can share that with 3 other friends.

Drinks
A lot of people go skiing just so that they can enjoy the apres skiing, meaning drinks and appetizers with friends and family. This can also add up fast. Buy a pitcher of beer instead of a glass, and make sure you and your friends take turns paying for it. If you're really hungry get some nachos and share the cheesy goodness and the price.

At night if you want to go out, stick to a budget or to a number of drinks. You know your limit, and remember that you still want to be able to enjoy skiing or riding the next day. I'm amazed at how many people get smashed the night before only to suffer the next day on the hill. Remember, you come to Whistler to ski/ride. You can get smashed anywhere else. Keep the mountains in your focus.

Gas and Parking

There's nothing I can do about the gas prices, but you might want to take on passengers, share the gas or take the bus. I think prices for bus fares to and from Whistler are a little pricey, but who wants to drive after all that skiing. It might be a good alternative.

Parking is still free in Whistler if you park in the Day Parking Lots. But that parking is reserved for people that drive up to Whistler for the day, only.

Article Source: http://www.articletap.com

An average day in Whistler costs $350 per person. To get more ideas on what to do while visiting Whistler, check out www.everydaywhistler.com and find out about more ideas on how to save.

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