Jaunted - Whistler

Zac Efron Bungee Jumps Like a Pro in Whistler

juliana — 2009-07-31T09:29:27-05:00

What is up with celebrities and extreme activities? Yesterday, we had Cindy Crawford doing some indoor skydiving and today, we learn that Zac Efron spent the weekend bungee jumping in Whistler, during a break from the filming of his new movie, The Life and Death of Charlie St. Cloud. People magazine has the pertinent details:

With a broad smile and no hesitation, the light-footed crooner lept off a bridge over a raging river – and he did it gracefully, of course. He even managed an acrobatic back flip as he went down. "Zac really loved his jump, he seemed to be having a really good time and was excited to make his jump, but he only jumped once," an employee of Whistler Bungee said.

Perhaps he only jumped once because it's rather expensive? Whistler Bungee charges $120CAD for the first jump and $50 for any additional jumps. Any of your friends who want to come along and watch will have to pay $10. The company does offer shuttle service from Whistler Village to the bungee site at Cheakamus Canyon and first-time jumpers get a free t-shirt.

Looking for more adventure in Whistler without having to jump off a bridge high above running water? Consider snowmobiling or ziplining. PS. We kinda hate how good Zac looks even while bungee jumping. Damn, young kids!

Related Stories:
· Whistler Bungee [Official Site]
· Zac Efron Takes Death-Defying Leap [People]
· Zefron Exclusive: Zac Efron Bungee Jumping [YouTube]

'Peak Season' To Look at the Sexy Side of the Whistler Slopes

juliana — 2009-04-01T08:46:30-05:00

Who knew that when we visited Whistler in January, that a documentary covering the lives of twentysomethings who work at the ski resort was under way?

MTV Canada, CTV and Free Form Productions have announced a new "unscripted" documentary series called Peak Season which follows the "true-life drama" of kids coming of age in the site of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. In other words, think of it as The Real World Whistler, except it's Canadian.

In the spirit of hit MTV real-life series, the production gives viewers a distinct, behind-the-scenes look into a group of real people living in a real community. This time, it's the high drama found in the unique geography of this world-renowned tourist town, where young people from across the globe congregate to work while the rich and famous come to frolic. A lot happens in this resort playground as Whistler's youth struggle to find love, friendship and themselves.

Looking Ahead To The 2010 Vancouver Olympics

juliana — 2009-01-16T15:15:50-05:00

In exactly 392 days, The 2010 Winter Olympics will return to North America, and Whistler Blackcomb is the site of many ski, snowboard and other winter events, as well as events in the Paralympics. But this isn't the Whistler Olympics. Several events will be held in Vancouver proper. After the jump is a round-up of what's going on where.

Hanging Out At Night In Whistler

juliana — 2009-01-15T16:45:49-05:00

Juliana just took a field trip to the Winter Wonderland that is Whistler in British Columbia, Canada. All this week she'll be reporting back on what to do there this ski season. Remember this place will be jammed up for the Winter Olympics in 2010, so you might want to go now or wait until 2011. Any questions? Let us know.

Now that you've arrived in Whistler, skied the mountains and achieved the ultimate wilderness rush, it's time to remove your neck warmer and let your hair out of that ski cap. Fortunately, Whistler appreciates apres ski drinks as much as we do and there are just as many bars as there are ski rental shops in the village.

The Whistler Village is actually split into two different parts--upper and lower. The upper part houses the Fairmont and Four Seasons hotels and a handful of restaurants. But the lower village is where the all the action happens.

We treated ourselves to a fancy Italian dinner the second night of our trip at Il Caminetto Di Umberto. Their pastas are the best dishes on the menu. Whether it's a weekend or a weekday, make a reservation: The place is extremely popular.

Is Snowmobiling The Ultimate Wilderness Rush?

juliana — 2009-01-14T16:30:48-05:00

There are a ton of other things to do in Whistler besides skiing and snowboarding. (And we're not talking about throwing back Molsons at one of the village bars either.) While we were a little too chicken to try the Whistler Zip Line, we did muster up the courage to go snowmobiling. That's us filming on the back of the bike.

Skiing The Whistler Blackcomb Mountains

juliana — 2009-01-13T14:35:48-05:00

Just because Whistler is in the Great White North where people are practically born on skis or skates--and the snow is seemingly endless--doesn't mean that only expert skiers need apply. Everyone can ski Whistler.

If you have your own equipment then you're good to go. If not, stand in the middle of Whistler village, close your eyes and point your finger. There's a good chance you will be pointing at a rental shop.

Getting To Whistler Before The Olympics Mania Begins

juliana — 2009-01-12T12:15:46-05:00

As is the case for most ski mountains, getting to Whistler Blackcomb is not easy. Vancouver International is the closest airport but the mountains are still about two hours away. We took a United/Sky West jet from Los Angeles which cost around $275, not including the $15 baggage fee for our first checked bag.

The flight was about three hours long and the plane was small, with two-by-two seats in each row of the CRJ700. The ride was "surprisingly smooth," according to our flight attendant who said the flight is usually much bumpier. That's not to say there wasn't any turbulence. If you forgot your Xanax, the $6 Chardonnay will also do the trick in calming your nerves.

Once we landed, we blew through customs (it was 11 pm), grabbed our bags and schlepped to the rental car area. This is the most popular way to get to Whistler, though taking the bus is much cheaper. We round up both options after the jump.