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ASC Whistler 2014

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Trip Date:  Feb 22nd - Mar 1st 2014
Trip With:  Atlanta Ski Club






Mountain Information

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Whistler Blackcomb mountains have a lot to offer – 17 alpine bowls, 4 wide-open glaciers, 200+ trails, 8,171 acres of skiable terrain, glade tree runs and perfectly-groomed cruisers. With record breaking snowfall and 8,171 acres of terrain, you can indulge to your heart’s content. And it doesn’t end on the mountain. Joined at the base by a vibrant pedestrian village filled with restaurants, patios, cafes, shops, galleries and spas, and surrounded by breathtaking scenery

New PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola now open -- Whistler and Blackcomb mountains are now officially united with the opening of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Skiing, riding and sightseeing on the mountains has forever changed at Whistler Blackcomb.

Mountain Stats: 
http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/the-mountain/weather-and-mountain-stats.aspx

Trail Map: http://media.intrawest.com/whistler/trailmap/index.html

PEAK 2 PEAK Facts
  • Longest lift of its kind in the world 
  • Total distance of 4.4km (2.73mi) 
  • Ride will take approximately 11 minutes (7.5 m/sec) 
  • Highest point above the ground is 436m/1400ft over Fitzsimmons Creek 

28 cabins holding 28 people each (2 with glass bottom floors) for a capacity of 2050 people/hr each way.


Lodging Information

The Delta Whistler Village Inn & Suites sits in Whistler Village North. Surrounded by Whistler's trendiest shopping, best restaurants and fun-filled activities, this all-suite hotel provides luxurious surroundings and all the comforts of home. Beautifully appointed 1- and 2-bedroom suites with full kitchens, in-suite washer/dryer, balcony, fireplace and complimentary high-speed Internet. Studio rooms are also available. Amenities include heated outdoor pool, hot tubs and a newly renovated fitness center. Guests can enjoy complimentary ski shuttle, ski and snowboard storage and rentals on-site.

Contact Information

Below is the contact information for our lodging. They will not have rooming assignments or information pertaining to the group in particular. Please contact your Trip Leader for that information.


Delta Whistler Village Inn & Suites 

4308 Main Street 
Whistler, British Columbia V0N 1B4 Canada

Phone: 604-905-3987
Fax: 604-938-6500
Reservations: 888-890-3222
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Internet Access

They are reported to have complimentary high-speed internet but contact the hotel for any specific details regarding your internet needs.

Travel Information

Airline Information

Our flight schedule is below and is SUBJECT TO CHANGE by the airline at any time. Anyone joining us ground only is welcome to join us on the ground transportation but you MUST LAND in the airport BEFORE or AT the time we land AND you must let me know at least two weeks in advance you will be joining us at the shuttle. The ASC is not responsible of flight or shuttle time changes due to flight schedule changes as it is out of our control.

Traveling To:
 UA518 22FEB SA ATLORD HK7:45A 8:49A 
 UA287 22FEB SA ORDYVR HK9:53A 12:24P 

Traveling From:
 UA246 01MAR SA YVRORD HK 12:40P 6:34P 
 UA253 01MAR SA ORDATL HK7:30P 10:27P

Some important notes for airline travel:

While the required information you need to provide below is somewhat intrusive they are required by the TSA programs for all ticked passengers. We will be providing all the information to the travel agent that will in turn provide it to the airline and the airline will run it against the government flight status lists. Without this information the airline will not issue the ticket to us for you.

  • AIRLINE: The Office MUST have an accurate Name, Sex, and Birthdate and your airline ticket full name must EXACTLY match your government issued ID to issue you a ticket and for you to board. For domestic trips this would be your driver license and international trips this would be your passport. If your ticket information doesn’t match your government issued ID please contact the ASC office or your Trip Leader ASAP.
  • AIRLINE (International): The Office MUST have your Passport Number if traveling internationally to issue you a ticket. If you didn’t provide this information on your membership signup or didn’t provide one that matches your government documents please contact the office or your Trip Leader ASAP.
  • BAGGAGE: Baggage restrictions or costs surprise at least a few people each year. Majority of airlines now charge at least some money for checked baggage. Most checked bags cost $15-$25 per bag and ski/boot bags can count as one checked item. A 50 pound limit is strictly enforced. I highly suggest you review the up to date baggage rules from the airline at their website.
  • BAGGAGE: Ski bags "officially" per written Delta policy should only contain skis along with boot bags should only contain boots. Then together should not exceed 50 pounds. While generally agents don't enforce these tight restrictions and you get away using your ski bag as extra general luggage a few agents do with a vengeance and will nail you with a oversize/overweight fees (Has cost members $100 before to get their stuffed ski/snowboard bag on the plane). 
  • TSA: The TSA and the security checkpoints has their own rules and regulations. If you don’t travel often you should review them at: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/
  • TSA (International): For international flights (this now includes Mexico and Canada) passport is required and that passport should have at least 10 months remaining before expiration. Make sure to keep your passport on you and not to pack it in you luggage!
It is HIGHLY recommended that you arrive at the airport AT LEAST 2.5 hours before your flight for domestic and 3 hours before your flight for international flights. Failure to do such depending on many airport factors may cause you to miss your flight or prevent you from checking bags. Extreme airport delays, especially at the baggage counter or security gates, can push these times where you may want to be there even earlier. Luggage check-in for a flight normally closes out 1 hours before the flight leaves and if your bag is not there then it doesn't make the flight.

Shuttle Information

Missed flight? Planning your own shuttle independent from the Group? No problem. Just make it to the destination airport and there are multiple companies that run shuttle up to or back from the resorts at least once if not multiple times during the day.

Whistler Shuttle: http://www.whistler.com/shuttle/

Grayhound: http://www.greyhound.ca/

Canada Admission Information

Entry between the US and Canada has become increasingly difficult since new passport restrictions were put in place and criminal data is being shared between the governments. While we don’t think of it as such commonly Canada is international travel now. You are required to have a passport. If you don’t have one already start immediately on getting one issued. While no visa or special papers are required for travel to canada for vacation trips if you have an arrest record or criminal history you may want to further research Canada’s restrictions. We have had people turned away for DUI and other arrest charges that has been expunged in the US but still shows up in Canadian shared law enforcement databases.

US Passport Information:

http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

Canada Admission Restrictions:


ASC Group Trip Information

Pre-Trip Party

Mark Tuesday, February 11th on your Calendar at 6:30pm. Location below.

Taco Mac Perimeter, 1211 Ashford Crossing, Atlanta, GA 30338

What happen's if you can't make the Pre-Trip Party? The group would love to meet you but no problem. All the information discussed will be updated here and/or sent our by email.

Lift Tickets

A lift ticket form will be sent out by the office 30-45 days before the trip. Please complete the form and mail/fox it back in as quickly as possible. 

This form is due into the office by December 18th. If you have not completed the form by the due date or have not received the from please contract your Trip Leader.

Lift Tickets are handed out during the Welcome Reception after we arrive. The Trip Leader receives then upon checking in the group at the accommodations.

Rooming Assignments

We have done our best to assign rooms based on the information you provided during your sign up form. The rooming assignment list will be provided during the pre-trip party. While we do our best to not widely distribute the list but the list IS NOT considered private information and WILL BE distributed to the group and put on this trip site. In the internet age its very simple for this list to make it to a larger group outside the trip by a single member. If you are concerned about your name being listed on the rooming list distributed please contact your Trip Leader and discuss the matter.

Your rooming assignments are in the the Pre-Trip packet. If you don't make the Pre-Trip meeting then they will be emailed to you.

Group Airline Travel

All airlines and travel agents have moved to an E-Ticket system. This basically is a alpha-numeric ID that along with your name identifies your ticket for online, kiosk, or agent checkin. Our airline tickets will be coming from a group batch of tickets that occasionally don't allow online checkin depending on airline and group ticket type.

Your E-Ticket numbers are in the Pre-Trip packet. If you don't make it to the Pre-Trip meeting then they will be emailed to you.

I have verified that the tickets do exist in United's system but they do not show up in the itinerary search on their website due to it being part of a group ticket batch. It does show up if you attempt to check in online but tells you properly that you can't check in online until 24 hours in advance. I have been told by the airline you "should" be able to check in online once we get to 24 hours before the flight BUT from previous experience that may or may not be correct. If you can't check in online then just plan time to checkin at the airport.

It is YOUR responsibility to be on time to the airport, make the flight, and make your movements from flight to flight if there is a layover. If you are unsure about the airport layout or would like some assistance either find a buddy in the group that knows the airport or routiene to stick with or feel free to use your Trip Leader as a guide, especially during airport transfers. If you are traveling internationally make sure you have your passport with you at all times (not in any luggage, including your carry on).

You will find your Trip Leader at the departure gate of the Atlanta airport 1 hour before the flight leaves. Please come by and check in with him so he at least knows you made your first flight. If you have any problems feel free to contact your Trip Leader any time by phone to his cell. 

Group Shuttle Transfers

It is YOUR responsibility to make it to the group shuttle transfers. If you are unsure about making it to baggage claim or making it to the shuttle find a buddy in the group that knows the airport or routine to stick with or feel free to use your Trip Leader as a guide.

Our meeting spot is right beyond clearing customs after getting our luggage between the "large totem poles". Please meet and stay right there until the Trip Leader says otherwise.

We will do our best to make sure everyone is with us and wait as long as possible before the shuttle leaves the destination but if you are held up by being a ground only passenger or on a customs hold the group may have to go on without you. If that happens then the shuttle options listed above "Shuttle Information" will be your best bet.

Group Weekly Activities

Here is a list of our events for the trip:
  • Welcome Reception*
  • Mountain "Picnic" Lunch*
  • Après-ski Locations
  • Hot Tub Time*
  • Group Lunch & Dinners Locations
  • Farewell / Pizza Party*
* The asterisked events are either free or costs covered by your Trip Leader.

Ski Trip Tips

Trip Packing List

A big part of the trip is just getting ready for it before you leave! [Attached Here] is a handy checklist to help you plan everything for packing. 

Ski & Snowboard Slope Tips

  • Workout your legs (Quadriceps, Calfs & Tibialis Anterior) and core (Abs & balancing exercises) to prepare for your time on the hill. Low weight, high reps will build that "all day" endurance that you are looking for.
  • Pack ski clothes in your carry-on. This way if your luggage gets lost, you can still enjoy the mountain.
  • Eat a good breakfast. Supplement with Vitamin C and all kinds of Vitamin B for energy.
  • To avoid losing your gloves or mitts, utilize either the built-in glove leashes in your jacket or the leashes that come with your gloves or mitts.
  • Put energy bars in your jacket pocket or backpack and eat them as a mid morning snack. This will allow you to avoid the lunchtime crowds.
  • Remember to always drink alot of water when at high altitudes.
  • Never wipe the inside of your goggles; this will scratch the anti fog film. The best way to avoid goggle fog is to put them on and leave them on.
  • Keep a trail map with you on the slopes, preferably in an easily accessible pocket.
  • Check your snowboard and ski bindings to make sure that they remain tight throughout the day.
  • Use the buddy system while skiing or snowboarding and have someone you check in with outside who you are skiing with that expects you to check in just in case you don't make it back from skiing. Especially if you are skiing on the less marked or less traveled trails.

How to Stay Warm & Dry

The best way to stay warn on the slopes is proper layering! I tell people there is no such thing as bad weather but bad clothing. Below is some hints on how to layer up to beat the cold.
  • LAYER ONE: The layer closest to the body provides insulating qualities and pulls moisture away from the skin.
  • MID LAYERS: Multiple layers of clothing. With proper high performance components, it traps your own body heat between the layers to keep you warm while skiing/snowboarding.
  • PROTECTIVE LAYER: The outermost shell fabric is the last layer which protects you from wind, rain or snow. Wicking.
The purpose of wicking is to draw the moisture away from the skin to the next layers, which makes you feel warmer and more comfortable. Being wet makes you feel cold. When moisture has moved from the skin into (nonabsorbent) clothing, it will evaporate faster. Synthetic materials such as polyester and microfiber fabrics are good choices as they do not absorb moisture. Stay away from all cotton as they will retain moisture.

Altitude Sickness

Many of you are going to be making a large altitude adjustment over the course of the trip. This altitude difference puts a strain on your body and on average about 20% of the group if not more will feel one or more symptoms of altitude sickness.

Some of the symptoms are: Dizziness, Light Headed, Nausia, Weakness, Headache, and Stomach Ache

So the question is what do you do about it?
  1. Drink water and tons of it! Dehydration really drives up the effects of altitude sickness. With the effects of both the higher altitude plus the dryer climate you heavily dehydrate just by sitting and breathing. If you are not having to... uhh.. "dehydrate" ... ever one to two hours during the day you likely are not drinking enough.
  2. Take it easy, especially your first day! Let your body adjust to the change in climate. It take generally at least a day for your body to start to adapt to the change.
  3. Avoid Alcohol, Coffee, or Tea. At least until you know how you are feeling from the change while making sure you keep hydrated. These are diuretics and help dehydrate you not helping the situation any.
  4. Know your limits. If you start feeling bad then take a break, get some water, and chill until you feel better. The worst thing you can do is force it and make yourself worse.
If you have the above symptoms and they continue to get worse after a good period of rest and hydration then you may want to seek outside medical guidance.

International Travel

Currency Exchange

Generally you will get the best exchange rates not at a currency exchange at the airport but in the local country destination. Using an ATM at your destination is a great idea. Credit cards work great as well. Some destinations such as Whistler, Canada will take dollars directly.


Cell Phone Service

GSM (Such as ATT) cell networks generally cover most international destinations. If you are planning on needing your cell service while out of the country follow these helpful hints.
  1. Check with your cell service provider for coverage at your destination.
  2. If you are planning on using some talk time ask about adding an "International Voice Plan" to your account. Normally runs about 10 dollars a moth (cancel it right after your trip) and gives you discounted talk time in international destinations.
  3. Disable data roaming if you have a smart phone such as an iphone or blackberry (pretty much any phone you can get email or surf the web on). While you are not using those features they still constantly use data and some people have received multi-thousand dollar phone bills due to international data. If you must check your email, etc while traveling internationally on your phone either use wifi hot spots if you can or ask about an "International Data Plan" from your phone carrier. Similar to the voice plan will give you discounted rates for your data usage.


Travel Insurance

So, you have spent all of this money to go skiing and then something happens to where you can’t enjoy the experience. That’s where trip insurance comes in. I have not personally used these companies. Atlanta Ski Club and I are not endorsing the below companies in any way. I provide them below for you to research.

http://travelprotectors.com/sports.shtm

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SkiTripPackingList.pdf
(71k)
Matthew Crawford,
Dec 25, 2009, 10:01 PM
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