Media Releases

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Subaru IRONMAN Canada in Whistler; the ultimate racecation destination

Suggested Tweet: #Whistler is the ultimate racecation destination www.whistler.com

Whistler, B.C. – Racecations are changing the landscape of how people choose to travel; taking guests to places they would otherwise never explore. Hitting the pavement at a new locale can be the most gratifying way to prepare for a race, as well as discover the hidden gems of the destination. This notion is especially proven true in Whistler – with boundless trails and terrain just waiting to be explored.

Due to the ever-growing calendar of races and sporting events, such as the up-coming Subaru IRONMAN Canada (July 26), RBC GranFondo (September 12), and Mudderella (September 26), Whistler is on the radar for race enthusiasts across the globe. It is not uncommon, and highly recommended, for competitors to extend their stay, taking full advantage of the unparalleled offerings within the resort, as well as allowing time for optimal race day preparations.

I came, I saw, I conquered – Whistler’s racecation recipe for success: Dedicate a few days to adapt to the altitude, familiarize yourself with the terrain, and take in the picturesque landscape. Post-race day, allow time to enjoy your surroundings and celebrate. You are on vacation after all.

Whistler’s post-race offerings are diverse – relax in the mountains at Scandinave Spa, take in a round of golf at our world-class courses, enjoy a picnic on the beach, or take a hike along some of the most spectacular alpine sightseeing trails. Spend some time in the Village dining and unwinding - refuel at one of the resort’s many eateries and follow up with some well-earned retail therapy. Once you’ve regained your energy, why not take a zip-line through the treetops, bungee jump over glacier-fed water or speed down the bobsleigh track at the Whistler Sliding Centre?

Whistler’s UPRISE performance camps offer a holistic approach to developing your athletic performance; fine-tuning mechanics and formulating the ultimate race strategy. From triathlon coaching programs to IRONMAN Canada course preview camps, Whistler ensures you put your best foot forward to reaching that elusive finish line.

In preparation of the approaching race season, here are a few tips to ensure a successful race-cation in Whistler:

1) Pack your running shoes and critical clothing in your carry on – in the off chance your baggage is lost you can ensure your training remains untarnished while your luggage makes its anticipated return.

2) Pre-select your nourishment needs – Whistler hosts a plethora of eateries, from salad and juice bars, to protein and carbohydrate rich pasta, steak and seafood options – reserve your seat to ensure you fuel your body with the nutrients it needs.

3) Choose a route – look into the endless training options within Whistler, from mountain hikes, cross-country biking to swimming (outside or inside) and everything in between.

4) Talk to the locals – chances are, they’ll be competing right alongside you. Don’t shy away from local knowledge and insight into the best places to walk, run, swim, climb and bike.

5) Bring a camera – with breath taking scenery at every turn, you will not want to miss the surplus of photo opportunities while you train.

6) Soak in the post-race celebrations – you are on vacation after all.

Upcoming events:

Subaru IRONMAN Canada (July 26)
A 2.4-mile (3.8 kilometre) swim, followed by a 112-mile (180 kilometre) bike ride and finishing with a 26.2-mile (42.2 kilometre) run – the Subaru IRONMAN Canada takes tremendous effort. This is as grueling as Whistler gets this summer, with lifetime bragging rights awarded those who cross the finish line. IRONMAN Canada is the apex of spectator sports, with cheering squads set up around the colossal course, bearing witness to the massive feat that is athletes accomplishing IRONMAN status. For more event information CLICK HERE.

RBC GranFondo (September 12)
Join fellow road cycling enthusiasts in the RBC GranFondo Whistler as they cycle the route from Vancouver to Whistler along the Sea to Sky Highway – crossing more than 122 kilometres of winding mountain road with stunning views across Howe Sound and the Coastal Mountain Range. Recreational, advanced and elite level cyclists are all welcome. For more information CLICK HERE.

Mudderella (September 26)
Mudderella, the little sister of Tough Mudder, is a brand new event to Whistler, featuring 12-15 obstacles over an 8-11 kilometre course, designed by women. It’s not your tradition race, Mudderella is about bringing people together to have fun and step outside of their comfort zone. Get out of the gym, conquer a world-class obstacle course and hang out with your friends in the coastal mountains of Whistler. For more information CLICK HERE.

For more information on these events, as well as a complete list of all upcoming Whistler events, visit www.whistler.com/events. Also, check out what the Whistler Insider has to say about racecations in Whistler.

Pause your training regimen for just a few minutes and book your racecation on whistler.com to save on a variety of accommodation options. To connect with a Whistler-based travel consultant who can customize a unique vacation package visit whistler.com or call 1.800.944.7853.

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Whistler is Canada's premier year-round leisure and meeting destination located in the Coast Mountains 120 kilometres (75 miles) north of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Consistently rated the top ski resort in North America, Whistler was the Host Mountain Resort of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The resort offers an extensive range of accommodations totaling 10,000 bedrooms among 24 hotels as well as townhomes, condos, B&Bs and chalets. Whistler also boasts more than 100 restaurants and bars, 200 retail shops, 25 spas and countless activity options from world-renowned skiing and snowboarding, mountain biking and golf, to hiking, rock climbing, and watersports. The Resort Municipality of Whistler is home to a diverse community of more than 10,000 permanent residents.

Tourism Whistler is the member-based marketing and sales organization representing Whistler, operating the Whistler Conference Centre, Whistler Golf Club, Whistler Visitor Centre, as well as 1.800.944.7853 and whistler.com - Whistler's official source for visitor bookings and information. As the convention and visitors bureau for the Resort Municipality of Whistler, Tourism Whistler represents more than 7,000 members who own, manage and operate properties or businesses on resort lands including hotels, restaurants, activity operators and retail shops.

Media can visit whistler.com/media for Whistler facts, media releases, story starters, local personality profiles and access to images and B-roll.

Broadcasters: Whistler now has the capability to take you live with our enhanced fibre network. The significantly expanded network of more than 200 kilometres of fibre optic cabling throughout the resort allows instant transmission of HD signals to any location at any time. Details on how to access, and book the fibre are available on our media site.

Media Contacts

Patricia Westerholm
Manager, Communications
T: 604.938.2748
E: pwesterholm@tourismwhistler.com

Katie Brockett
Coordinator, Communications
T: 604.938.2726
E: kbrockett@tourismwhistler.com

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