Students Of Success

Whistler BC Canada is an exceptional winter destination ski resort, but you do not have to pay exceptionally high prices to enjoy its breathtaking beauty and unbeatable terrain diversity.

Whistler is affordable once you know the local money-saving secrets.

Here are 9 local tips for getting maximum Whistler value, while enriching your vacation experience to create beautiful lifetime memories.

Tip #1- Be Date-Flexible

Most ski vacation destinations have holiday date-driven pricing grids. Some vacation dates will cost you more (like New Year’s), while, others will cost you a lot less.

Fortunately, most seasonal price fluctuations have little to do with snow conditions, and more to do with consumer demand!

Whistler is no different.

What does this mean for you?

You will pay a lot less, get great snow conditions and avoid crowds by planning your vacation around non-peak holiday dates.

Here are some of Whistler Blackcomb’s best kept secret vacation dates, when you can expect to get the hill to yourself and get better accommodation value:

• Nov. 24-Dec.23 2005
• Jan. 3-Feb. 18 2006
• Mar. 1-March 15 2006
• Apr. 1-10 2006br

Tip #2- Reduce Your Whistler Accommodation Costs by Arriving and Departing a Few Days Earlier or Later During Peak Holiday Periods

If you are planning on visiting Whistler during peak holiday dates like Christmas, New Years, Spring Break or Easter, try to
arrive and leave day or two earlier or later.

This will not affect the total number of days that you enjoy Whistler, but could limit the number of nights for which you are paying top accommodations dollar in peak holiday season, which can often translate into many hundreds of dollars in accommodation savings.

Limit the number of nights that you stay in the most expensive seasons by adjusting your arrival and departure dates to include cheaper seasonal rates.

Tip#3-Plan Vacation Dates Around Lift Ticket Seasonal Pricing Dates

Like accommodations, Whistler lift ticket seasonal price ranges also reflect peak holiday dates. Lift tickets cost more during peak holiday periods.

In cases where your lift ticket may overlap date-driven price ranges, the total price you pay for a Whistler Blackcomb lift pass is determined by the date-driven price scale in which your first skiing/riding day falls.

Plan your vacation around starting to ski/ride within a date-driven price range with the lowest lift ticket prices, even if you start on the last day of that date-driven ticket season price. As long as your first day falls in the best price range, your entire ticket price will fall within he cheaper range.

For example, the 2005/2006 ticket window price for 5 of 6 day tickets that start November 24-December 23 inclusive, is $335.00 CAD + 7% GST. The same 5 of 6 day ticket that starts December 24-January 1, 2006 will cost you $360.00 CAD + 7% GST.

In this example, if you start skiing/riding on December 23, 2005, your entire lift ticket will cost $335.00, even though most of your skiing/riding days will be in the more expensive seasons.

Tip #4-Take Advantage of Pre-Booking Incentives

Whistler Blackcomb heavily rewards customers who pre-book their lift tickets online.

Pre-purchasing your 5 or more day discount Whistler lift tickets for your 2005/2006 ski vacation by October 31, 2005 will save you 18-35% on your passes, without any date exceptions. In addition to great savings, you also get a free adult ski/snowboard group lesson on your first day of skiing/riding with every 5 or more day ticket purchased by October 31, 2005.

For example, purchasing a 6 of 7-day lift ticket starting on December 23, 2005, will reward you with a savings of $128 CAD and a free adult ski or snowboard lesson, providing that you purchase it by October 31, 2005.

What if you can’t book your vacation by October 31, 2005?

You still save 5-20% on tickets pre-purchased within 72 hours of picking them in the resort.

Tip #5-Be Aware of Date-Driven Promotions & Plan Accordingly

In addition to early booking incentives, Whistler Blackcomb also offers Whistler Discount Discovery Weeks, when the resort’s most popular ski and snowboard programs are 50% off.

There are no booking deadlines to qualify, and the promotion takes place during 11 different Whistler ski season weeks.

If you book your vacation to fall within these date ranges, you would save $260 on a 5-day kids ski or snowboard Adventure Camp, or $50/day per adult group lesson.

Tip #6-Don’t Just Focus on Ski-In/Out Accommodation

Staying in a Whistler ski-in/out location will cost you a lot more per night, but often does not result in a better ski vacation experience.

Why?

Slope side properties tend to be smaller, more expensive, and less accessible to Whistler Village.

Thanks to a fantastic free Whistler shuttle system, getting to and from the slopes and Whistler Village from most resort locations is easy, fast and free. You don’t have to pay more for the location convenience of slope side accommodation to enjoy the benefits of being close to everything, including the slopes.

Take the time to look at ALL accommodation options within a 10-minute walk to the lifts. You will often get more square
footage, amenities and accessibility to Whistler Village conveniences for the same, or less, money.

Tip #7-Book Accommodation Directly with Owners

Booking your accommodation directly with owners offers you the benefits of wholesale accommodation prices, a personal home, and a personal, locally knowledgeable resource person when you need it.

Renting directly from owners enables you to bypass all unnecessary middle agent fees and commissions.

There are over 470 Whistler homeowners who now rent their condos privately and directly to Whistler visitors. Booking online
directly with owners is easy, secure and guaranteed.

If you have never rented directly from an owner before, we recommend that you review these Whistler condo booking tips.

Tip #8-Book Other Vacation Services Direct with Local Businesses to Avoid Middle Agent Fees

Booking activities such as heliskiing, snowmobiling and ground transportation directly with local businesses is another way to save money.

Some Whistler BC accommodation companies work directly with local partners and pass on all referral commissions to their
guests as savings. These Whistler BC discount consumer-direct programs help you save money, but more importantly, you get expert, friendly service directly from knowledgeable local residents who are eager to help you discover Whistler’s beauty and secrets!

Tip #9-Take the Time to Research Flights

With gas prices expected to climb even further, it is worth it to take the time to research flights.

Using consolidator services like Expedia.com, Travelocity.com and CheapTickets.com offer the benefits of rapid price comparison and easy online bookings, however, you should also check prices for booking direct with airlines. You will sometimes get better deals and seats. Most airlines now offer easy online bookings and seat selection. Even if there is no price difference, but you can get better seats, it is worth your effort.

Conclusion

Although these tips are Whistler BC-specific, they can also be generally applied to any other ski resort destination. They each have their own promotions and incentives.

Reward yourself with maximum value by taking the time to research pricing and resort promotional programs and try to plan your dates accordingly. Book directly with owners and local businesses for friendly service, local expertise and consumer-direct value.

Above all, remember that in the end, vacations are not about how much money you saved, but about whether or not you created a brilliant lifetime memory with your friends and family. Whistler is an unforgettable place where you can rest, rejoice and renew with your loved ones. Saving money is just the icing on the cake!

Sue Chappel owns and manages AlluraDirect.com, Whistler Blackcomb’s largest directory of over 470 owner-direct Whistler BC chalets and condo rentals and Whistler condo booking tips. AlluraDirect.com also enables Whistler visitors to save hundreds of dollars by self-creating consumer-direct Whistler ski packages and accessing Whistler deals such as those described, that bypass typical middle agent fees and commissions. Enjoy consumer direct savings on accommodations, discount lift tickets, heliskiing and more by visiting her web site.

@copyright Sue Chappel and AlluraDirect.com Vacation Rentals by Owner Ltd.

This article may only be re-printed from this web site providing that all content remains intact and in its original form, the author is named and all links are preserved and remain live.

For offline magazine reprint permission, please contact Sue Chappel directly.

Ford Explorer is a mid-size Sport Utility Vehicle launched by Ford in 1991. Since its debut, Ford Explorer never relinquished its post as the best-selling SUV in its class and today, with the introduction of the 2006 Ford Explorer, marketed by Ford as the “Best Explorer Ever,” it is foreseen to generate higher sales and thus, continue to dominate one of the hottest segments of the auto industry.

The 2006 Ford Explorer comes with a new interior highlighted by the new power-folding 3rd row seats, redesigned suspension, and a new and stronger platform made by Magna International. With this upgrade, Ford Explorer promises improved handling, ride quality, riding comfort and safety.

Also new to the 2006 Ford Explorer is the optional three-valve 4.6 L SOHC V-8 engine that shares the same variable cam timing and three-valve cylinder heads with the venerated Ford Mustang GT and Ford 5.4L F-150 engine. Coupled by the available six-speed automatic transmission, improved exhaust system parts like the Ford catalytic converter and Ford exhaust manifold, this engine offers more powerful performance, improved fuel economy and lower fuel emissions.

You can expect a more comfortable and quieter ride with the new Ford Explorer. The engine’s performance is enhanced by the new exhaust resonators and intake manifold that also reduce induction and exhaust sounds. The Climate control system or the A/C system is likewise improved, making it 30 percent quieter than before.

If you are going to look into the details of this SUV, you would see some changes as well. A new Ford door handle is integrated into the forward end of the armrest, which makes it easier for the passenger to open the door. Explorer’s rugged look is enhanced by the new 18-inch chrome Ford wheels wrapped in all-season tires. With all these new exciting features, there’s no doubt the 2006 Ford Explorer is the Best Explorer Ever.

Ford Parts Discount - the country’s top dealer of OEM-quality Ford parts, proudly features the best Ford Explorer parts and millions of other Ford aftermarket and replacement auto parts at very low discount prices. This auto parts store adheres to Ford’s high quality standards so you can be confident to buy here Ford Explorer a/c condensers that are at par with the industry’s best.

Like Ford Motor Company, Ford Parts Online stays close to the hearts of millions of Ford users by providing the best at very affordable deals. Ford Explorer, which is the world’s best-selling SUV for fifteen consecutive years now, certainly deserves the best replacement and aftermarket auto parts, too, so that’s what this experienced Ford Parts Online store exactly gives. In addition to its Ford-like quality standards, this store offers complete line of Ford auto parts, including the Ford Explorer Mirror, Ford Explorer Lights (Altezza), Ford Explorer Wheels, Ford Explorer Catalytic Converters, and Ford explorer carpets.

In case you need replacement Ford parts for your Ford Explorer or other Ford vehicles, feel free to explore their site and find the suited parts for your Ford car, truck or SUV. Meanwhile, let’s learn about the latest from Ford’s most successful SUV.

Chuck, a 38 year old freelance writer from Charleston, South Carolina, has been specializing on automotive-related articles and news. He has a degree in Automotive Techonology.

Why do I need a “safe room? I really don’t need one; I’m not that high profile”. This is typical V.I.P. client frame of reference or attitude concerning security systems and safe rooms.

What most clients don’t realize is “being high profile” has a definite impact on vulnerabilities, however, not being high profile does not mitigate the vulnerabilities and overall exposure caused by their “lifestyles” and “net worth”.

Firstly, security systems are usually designed and installed by security system companies.
The salesperson of the vending company is primarily interested in selling the highest dollar components and system. The viability of the system is usually important but not usually paramount to their operational concerns. The clients usually are persuaded to purchase the “high end” version of systems and usually get very good systems.

Secondly, what they do not realize is they would have benefited immensely from the use of the services of a quality security consultant, who would have been savvy of security system requirements and the needs specific needs of the client.

The experienced security consultant can save the client thousands of dollars in unnecessary expense on hardware and re-direct hardware expenses in the direction of need and viability. This having been said, there are other issues that are unknown to the clients. In addition, these other issues are also not first and foremost in the minds and focus of many security system vendors.

One of these issues is the concept of security system redundant layering. The most effective systems are layered with detection device systems after detection device systems, all integrated into one intrusion detection system. Not to get into too much technical detail, the idea or concept is to set up mantraps and detection device systems that will back each other up and eventually detect and catch the intruder.

The typical estate or residence burglary scenario: an intruder gains access to your residence or estate, the police typically do not respond quick enough to prevent an intruder from coming face to face with an occupant. The result is an unwanted tragic event will usually occur.

Another issue is the concept of the “safe room”. Most clients do not realize and most vendors do not stress the value of the “safe room” We are not talking about the Jodie Foster movie, the “Panic Room” We are not alluding that all estates and mega-yachts need internal, concrete and steel fortified sanctuaries. Far from that. Safe rooms do not have to be these ultra, internal fortresses. ‘Safe Rooms’ can be designed and constructed at various levels of security. They can be minimally reinforced and impregnated with ballistic materials. They can also be designed to achieve the highest levels of security, where the room is totally protected from exterior access and is constructed with steel reinforcements, ballistic materials and a door constructed by a “vault” manufacturer. This highest level of protection is routinely equipped with a separate AC system, security CCTV monitors, survival supplies, oxygen and a back up communications systems.

Essentially, the primary focus of a viable and efficient Security Intrusion Detection System (alarm system) should be to warn and provide occupants of your estate, mega-yacht or home with sufficient time to access a ‘safe room’ and avoid confrontation with an intruder. True, although many people simply regard an alarm system as a deterrent, it should be also, at the same time, a warning system, allowing you and your loved ones ample time to access your ‘safe room’. In order to facilitate a safe outcome, it is vital to ensure quick and easy access to a safe location (‘safe room’) and to remain secure until the police or security detail respond.

The bottom line - police response time and access to your ‘safe room’ play critical roles in determining a positive outcome during a break-in or intrusion.

Proper planning and the use of a highly qualified security consultant will provide clients with the optimum result and more than likely, save hem unwarranted expense. The consultant can work closely with the client’s architect or builder to review preliminary designs in order to pro-actively implement design changes and modifications before construction or renovations are initiated. This involvement routinely ensures the implementation of the appropriate technical and physical security countermeasures.

In conclusion, the client should wind up enjoying the safety and security of a viable intrusion detection system incorporated with the added feature of the safe room.

Mr. LaSorsa manages J.A. LaSorsa & Associates, a South Florida based security consultancy and investigative firm. He provides: asset and executive protection, corporate security consulting, expert testimony as it relates to premises liability & security negligence; anti-wiretapping, safe rooms & security systems consulting, event and tour security & investigations; workplace & school violence intervention, threat & vulnerability assessments.

Joe has over twenty-nine years of experience in the security field, which includes a twenty-year career as a Senior Special Agent with the United States Secret Service, Presidential Protection Division, the White House and extensive senior management private sector experience. Contact info: Telephone # 954-783-5020 or e-mail: jal@lasorsa.com or by visiting: http://www.lasorsa.com