Whistler Outdoors!

Nothing is more spectacular than a day on a trail. Due to the heavy snow pack in tyhe alpine the Helm Creek- Rubble traverse was filled with flowers and still will be blossoming a few more days.

This a big but awesome through hike with a little oranization. Arrange to drop a car down at the Rubble Creek parking lot and get to the Cheakamus Lake trail head. From here it is a 25 km hike through varied landscapes to the other trail head. Visitors at the Helm Creek side are few as you climb up through the forest to the Cinder flats. Across the meadows and continue down or as we did take a side trail to Garibaldi Lake. Enjoy the view and then head down through the forest.

The beauty of Garibaldi Park is largely unappreciated by the Greater Vancouver area residents. Lakes as gorgeous as anywhere in the Rockies.

Investing in Whistler real estate will open the gateway to many family adventures in the surrounding parks. I have said it before about buying in Whistler. Don't be put off by a small investment in Whistler as you'll be outside so much it won't matter.

Every summer I make a point of trying something new in Whistler. Even after all these years I still have a good sized "to do" list. Earlier this summer I tried the Whistler Alpine guides ":Via Ferrata".

Starting off on the sign in sheet they ask if you have any phobias they should be aware of. Well heights is the one for me.  

Meeting at the ski school hut neat the light board the guides orgainize your gear quickly and efficiently taking time to explain all the bits & pieces. They can provide everything down to the hiking boots if need be. We start off across to the base of the Via ferrata in the snow that has lingered this summer.

Climbing the via ferrata we enjoy a different view of the valley as we work our way up the climb. My group included  families from Washington and Alabama.  While the boys from Alabama had ridden the peak lift to the summit the day before we all agreed the view was much better when we earned it!

Whistler Alpine Guides has a shop in Whistler Town Plaza just down from the Gap & Caramba. I have used their guides twice before and always been very happy with the experiences. There's still time to get out and make a day of it on Whistler. The BBQ at the Roundhouse would be the perfect wrap up to a Via Ferrata day!

It's been a fabulous winter in Whistler and the real estate market has picked up dramatically. Is it the Olympic afterglow? Beating HST & rising interest rates? Or a realization of what a great environment the resort is for families.

The summer is only weeks away as the Telus Ski & Snowboard Festival is under way. After a day in the alpine enjoy one of the BBQ's on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at the Roundhouse. Buy tickets in advance as they are a sure sell out.

There are some exceptional sale values in condominiums in Whistler. Prices are back to the early 2000 levels and interest rates still low. Rental management options are best organized to your benefit  when you purchase your Whistler investment property in the late spring or early summer. This allows time to personalize your home and get the marketing happening for booking winter 2010/2011. Bookings are trending earlier as a result of the worldwide exposure. Buy now and enjoy the benefits.

The solid high pressure system that hung over us for early December brought great skating on all our lakes. The snow is back now with 70 cm in the last 2 days. We are set for Christmas now although we have room for more powder.

There is incredible value right now in the Village hotels. The modern twist on the family getaway. Hotel revenue assists with the costs of ownership. Whistler real estate is an investment in the health of your family. Typically families are mcuh more active here both summer and winter. Buy now and enjoy the benefit of our low interest rates and the Olympics revenues.

Most buyers are going with a line of credit on their principal residence to get the most competitive rates. Garibaldi Mortgagae is in house and can assist with your application immediately!