Ridebooker.com

Shameless Promotion of Biking and Shared Transportation

Jack Crompton — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 18:05:54 +0000

If you value bikes as a viable mode of transportation sign the petition at People for Bikes. We are lucky to have our offices in Whistler, BC as our bicycling network is phenomenal… not all cities have the same bike benefits. One of the key measurements of which transport is environmental advantageous is the distance traveled. Cycling and walking are only realistic options on a broad scale in places that have spent on infrastructure and design that make those choices available.

This week Patrick Condon spoke the the SLRD Energy Resiliency Task Force about the advantages gained by communities that design with the “street car city” in mind. His estimates of green house gas emission reductions due to urban design were impressive to say the least. Sustainable urban design, cycling corridors and increased walkability are clearly pieces of a puzzle that is slowly but surely coming together. Our encouragement is that you lobby your local government and local business to commit resources in this direction.

At Transportation Whistler and Ridebooker.com we are focused on making sure that your transportation makes sense for your wallet and for our community. If you are traveling to and from Whistler in a small group… get on the bus to Whistler. If you are in a larger group consider a charter van or another shared option. Large sweeping changes happen because of lots of small intentional movements in the same direction. Your support of shared transportation alternatives and bike corridors are a couple those small steps.

Permalink: Shameless Promotion of Biking and Shared Transportation
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Post 2010 Olympic Transportation Review

Jack Crompton — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 17:08:33 +0000

In the end all the fear and consternation was in vain. VANOC pulled it off and did so by reducing “background” traffic by much more than 30% (some estimates say 60%). The truth is very few people who were on the roads during the Games DIDN’T say “that was the easiest driving experience of my life, there was no one on the roads”.

The messaging worked so well that the actual contingency planning and transportation infrastructure didn’t have to. Knowing what they know now I would expect if you were to get a senior manager at the VANOC transportation team alone and honest they’d tell you that they could have pulled this off for far less money. Keep in mind that comment comes with the caveat of “knowing what they know now” in front of it.

All this to say that the congratulations for transportation success is owed to the communications staff at VANOC, Jan Jansen and his team at the RMOW and the community as a whole for buying into the process. The lack of snow cannot be underestimated as snow clearing contingencies were never put to the test but after all is said and done the Vancouver Olympic transportation experience was a glowing success.

Last night at Whistler’s municipal council meeting former Whistler CAO and Games-time manager Jim Godfrey presented the Olympic lessons learned to the community. The list of thank-yous was long and I was happy to see that the transportation team was top of his list.

The whole event was a real community effort and success. For our part Transportation Whistler and Ridebooker.com carried 12,000 people in those two weeks. We all worked hard during the last couple years to make this work. Being a part of Whistler’s Olympic transportation effort was a joy due mainly to the efforts of Whistler local leadership. Jan Jansen, Bill Murray and others did a phenomenal job making sure that the community transportation effort was pulling in the same direction.

Lesson learned: If you are having a big event… close public parking lots, gate your highway, massively upgrade transit and tell everyone and everyones mom that they can’t drive their cars. It may sound crass and maybe it is… but it works!

Permalink: Post 2010 Olympic Transportation Review
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Bus Service to Seattle from River Rock Casino and South Surrey

Jack Crompton — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:55:21 +0000

It is fairly widely known that the Quick Shuttle bus service connects Vancouver and Seattle. What is becoming obvious, however, is that we have not gotten the word out well enough that you can be picked up along the way. The primary rule for the Vancouver to Seattle service is that when using the service you must cross an international border (ie you cannot travel from Seattle to Bellingham).

This bus service can however take you from River Rock Casino to Seattle and from the Campbell River Store in South Surrey to Seattle. To book the service book a YVR to Seattle transfer and choose River Rock or Campbell River Store as your pickup location as you book. The River Rock Casino is in Richmond very close to the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The Campbell River Store is conveniently placed 5 minutes north of the US/Canada border – easier and more accessible than driving from White Rock to Vancouver to meet your bus. If you have questions about our services email us at info@ridebooker.com.

Permalink: Bus Service to Seattle from River Rock Casino and South Surrey
Post tags: Quick Coach, Quick Shuttle, Scheduled bus, Seatac, Seattle, Vancouver Airport, Vancouver International Airport, YVR

Ridebooker Ready to Open in Toronto and Ottawa this Summer!

Jack Crompton — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 18:07:11 +0000

In April we told you the exciting news that Ridebooker was getting set to open our transportation services in and around Toronto and other destinations in Eastern Canada (view previous blog). Well, we’ve been busy and we’re proud to announce that we have found some great new providers firmly committed to offering top-notch service in Southern Ontario. And now we’ve got our sight on Ottawa and the National Capital Region!

What does this mean to our Ridebooker clients?

Ridebooker has proved to be a one-stop-shop for on-line transportation booking. Clients who traveled with us in Western Canada, can now travel with that same comfort and ease in Eastern Canada! Let us help you book your transportation needs, from coast to coast!

Whether you’re looking for transportation from the Toronto-Pearson Airport to downtown Toronto for that must-see conference, or you’re taking your family to Muskoka for some good, country-living, we can get you there in comfort and style. Visit us on-line to book today.

How to Book Your Eastern Canadian Routes?

It’s simple! When you visit us on-line, you will be taken to our home page. Notice that you are given a return or one-way option. Make your choice, then proceed to choosing your date(s) of travel. You will see that there are empty boxes for your To and From locations. Just begin to type in your travel destination, for example Toronto, and notice that the computer will automatically retrieve the locations you can travel to and from that match what you have typed in the box. Once your destinations have been selected, click the green “BOOK NOW!” button on the bottom of the page and continue to purchase your transportation booking through credit card payment.

It’s that easy! And should you have any difficulty at all, contact us through Live Chat, email us or call us. In Vancouver 604-966-2209 | Toll Free: 1-866-943-0516 | International: 1-403-536-5977.

What does Eastern Canada have to offer this summer?

Many places to visit; many festivals and events to see. Here are but a few…

In Toronto visit:

Toronto Jazz Festival (June 25-July 4)
Gay Pride (June 25-July 4)
Caribana Festival (July15-August 2)
Roger’s Cup (August 13 – 22)
Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) (August 20-September 6)
Toronto’s International Film Festival (September 9-19)

In Ottawa visit:

The Ottawa International Jazz Festival (June 24-July 4)
July 1st – In the Capital
Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest (July 7-18)

In other Ontario locations:

The Stratford Shakespeare Festival (ongoing)
Kingston Buskers Rendezvous (July 8-11)
Great Canadian Rendezvous at Fort William Historical Park (July 9-18)
Grand River Champion of Champions Pow Wow (July 24-25)
Parry Sound Festival of the Sound (July 16-August 8 )
The Elora Festival (July 9-August 1)
Wikwemikong Pow Wow (July 31-August 2)
Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games (August 13-15)

Have we missed any important events you think should be on this list? Contact us and let us know! We’re happy to add them in.

We are a small company that performs online booking for ground and air transportation between major Western – and now Eastern Canadian resorts, airports and cities. If you have any further questions feel free to contact us. We look forward to assisting you in your next travel adventure!

Permalink: Ridebooker Ready to Open in Toronto and Ottawa this Summer!
Post tags: Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), Caribana Festival, Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest, Eastern Canada, Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games, Gay Pride, Grand River Champion of Champions Pow Wow, Great Canadian Rendezvous at Fort William Historical Park, July 1st - In the Capital, Kingston Buskers Rendezvous, National Capital Region, Ottawa, Parry Sound Festival of the Sound, Roger’s Cup, Southern Ontario, The Elora Festival, The Ottawa International Jazz Festival, The Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Toronto, Toronto Jazz Festival, Toronto’s International Film Festival, transportation, Wikwemikong Pow Wow

Whistler – A Walkable Resort Community

Jack Crompton — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 23:17:03 +0000

I am really not a fan of the 24 hour news cycle so when I caught a “good news” story about a walkable community in the southern USA I was pleasantly surprised. Between shots of Anderson Cooper in strange and unusual places and situations; CNN had a 3 minute look at a southern US community designed strictly around walking and bicycling. I searched the net for this piece without success so if you know where it is please send a link to info@ridebooker.com. These walkable communities that they highlighted are quickly getting more and more attention which is great. The fact is, this is an idea that Whistler has been working on in the resort community context for a long time and with great success.

Whistler’s vision for a walkable center of town was first and foremost an economic one. The original vision being that a holiday in a place that you can walk to shop is much cozier then getting in a car and driving…. lessons learned from European ski resorts. The proof (as is said) is in the pudding. Whistler’s walkable resort village is now a template that all ski resorts, from Sun Peaks to Sochi follow.

Whistler’s walkability makes positive transportation purchasing decisions easier. When asked what our most environmentally friendly transportation option to access Whistler the answer is easy… scheduled bus service. When emissions are shared they are reduced across the board. Although limiting carbon emissions are nowhere near the top of the list when it comes to the factors driving our client purchasing decisions the fact that Whistler is walkable is one more reason to forgo a rental car for a shared transportation option.

In our recent guest surveys many people go with a rental car because “they always have”. Our goal is to make sure you know that the friendlier option for the environment is also the most safe, convenient and affordable. Have a look at preferred transportation options to Whistler; it just makes sense.

Permalink: Whistler – A Walkable Resort Community
Post tags: Transport Vancouver to Whistler, Whistler, Whistler Bus

Touring Vancouver and Seattle with Kids

Jack Crompton — Fri, 28 May 2010 21:00:29 +0000

My wife, 4 kids and I recently toured Vancouver, Seattle and Portland for a “stay close to home holiday”. I know that Vancouver is always ranked among the most livable cities in the world but spending time in these cities as a tourist really proved why… the Pacific Northwest is a wonderful place.

We traveled Whistler/Bellingham/Seattle/Portland/Bend and back over 2 weeks. The Quick Shuttle (Quick Coach) bus service from Vancouver to Bellingham and Vancouver to Seattle is something that we know well as it is one of our number one selling routes. With our Vancouver/Seattle transportation taken care of it was the activities, restaurants and vibe that pleasantly caught us off guard. Living in a little mountain town (Whistler, BC) we have always had an aversion to big cities, but we both agreed that Vancouver, Seattle and Portland are now officially the big cities that we would choose to live in if forced to.

In Seattle we toured the city by “riding the ducks“, which will blow your kids minds. We decided to pretend it was just a regular old bus tour and when the bus drove into the water our 5 yr old and our 7 yr old almost lost their minds. In Portland we stopped for coffee and Stumptown Coffee, donuts at Voodoo Donuts,wandered the city and decided that when we return (which we will) that we’ll stay at Ace Hotel.

Other things to do in Seattle:

Experience Music Project (Rock’n'Roll Museum) at Seattle Center.
Science Fiction Museum at Seattle Center.
Space Needle. dominates Seattle’s skyline and although we didn’t go up I expect the view is outstanding.
Pike Place Market which is a great place to shop and just to be.
Starbucks the original home of the coffee giant.

Other things to do in Portland:

Any McMenamin’s location. These pub/restaurant/movie theaters/tonnes of other things are a wonderful break from chain shopping and the predictable.
Old Wive’s Tales is a great restaurant for kids and wonderful organic and vegetarian eating.
Powell’s Bookstore is a must if you like shopping for used books or catching an author talking about their book. This has quickly become one of our favorite spots.

In the end I think our greatest discovery was that these cities are wonderfully entertaining on their own. We really didn’t have to spend a lot of money to thoroughly enjoy ourselves. Kid friendly and wonderful to just wander.

Permalink: Touring Vancouver and Seattle with Kids
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Book Your British Columbia Charter Bus Online. Too Easy!

Jack Crompton — Wed, 26 May 2010 18:23:36 +0000

Having spent lots of time, money and effort developing www.ridebooker.com online booking capabilities for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics; Transportation Whistler is now equipped to provide our clients with easy online booking for Highway Coach Buses. Not only do our prices beat the market but you can book and pay without having to submit a quote and fight through endless emails back and forth. Hundreds of thousands of people have found our service useful and cost-effective. Our online booking service has been available for single seats on our bus service to Whistler, BC and to Victoria, BC now you can book group charters the same way. Give us a shot at taking care of your group… you will not be disappointed.

Following are some prices for your information:

Highway Coach Charter Bus transportation from Vancouver International Airport to Whistler: $900.00 plus $30.00 Vancouver Airport pickup fee. Book Now!

Highway Coach Charter Bus Vancouver International Airport to Vancouver Downtown: $390.00 plus $30.00 Vancouver Airport pickup fee. Book Now!

Highway Coach Charter Bus transportation from Vancouver International Airport to Whistler: $1800.00 plus $30.00 Vancouver Airport pickup fee. Book Now!

If you have questions about our service please email our charter department at info@ridebooker.com. We look forward to showing you Whistler, Vancouver, Victoria and all of beautiful British Columbia!

Permalink: Book Your British Columbia Charter Bus Online. Too Easy!
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Transportation to the Test of Metal

Jack Crompton — Tue, 04 May 2010 19:07:13 +0000

The Test of Metal hosted in the beautiful Squamish is an event like no other!!

1,000 Riders from all over the world in a mass Start, 1200 meters of elevation, 67 km course, over 300 Volunteers and hundreds of spectators cheering on the cyclists!

Unique to this years race is a pipe bands parade featuring approximately 12 pipe bands totaling about 200 members from throughout B.C. sending off the riders in full force!

This event has a full concession, beer garden and awards banquet. Don’t miss out on this world renowned race hosted in the beautiful Squamish Valley.

Ridebooker offers both public and private transportation to Squamish from Vancouver, Vancouver Island and Whistler. For more information visit Ridebooker.com

Permalink: Transportation to the Test of Metal
Post tags: Cycling Race, Ridebooker, squamish, Squamish pipe band, Test of Metal, transportation, Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler

It Pays to Purchase Cancellation Insurance! Ridebooker Travelers Affected by Icelandic Volcanic Ash.

Jack Crompton — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 23:44:48 +0000

After many days of being stranded in airports, causing havoc for travelers worldwide, including those making connections in Vancouver and Whistler, finally weary travelers are making their way home.

And while Iceland’s main international airport is reopening today, after a three-day closure caused by easterly winds that began blowing ash from the Eyjafjallajokull (ay-yah-FYAH-lah-yer-kuhl) volcano toward the capital, Reykjavik, travelers are still feeling the repercussions of this major event.

More than 100,000 flights have been canceled since April 14, when the eruption first began, causing an estimated loss for airlines of more than $2 billion. For more information on damage done to the European economy and other threats, visit the the CTV news.

How did this affect our riders?

Many were not able to leave London for Vancouver’s International Airport (YVR), and missed best friend’s weddings in Whistler, while others weren’t able to go home on their scheduled flights and had to stay longer in Whistler or Vancouver, causing them increased costs in accommodation, losses due to cancellations on various connecting trips, and many other inconveniences!

For those that purchased cancellation insurance with us, we were able to reschedule or refund their full ticket amounts (less the original insurance purchase amount). Fortunately, many of our travelers had purchased this insurance coverage and were very relieved to refunded. For those hoping to reschedule, this also was not a problem, as most were able to give us the obligatory 24hr notice with insurance.

It was a different story for those who didn’t bother with the low cost to purchase insurance. While for some we were happy to reschedule their transfers, others found themselves out of pocket if they wanted to cancel the transfer altogether and had not purchased the insurance.

Consider this! …

A round trip transfer purchased through Ridebooker, from Vancouver’s YVR to Whistler with the SkyLynx Shuttle is:

$98 ($49 each way)
+ $7.84 (Cancellation Insurance)
+ $5.29 (Tax)
= $111.13 Grand Total

Yes, you can save yourself just under $8 dollars on this transfer if you don’t purchase the insurance, but what happens if your flight is canceled, due to unforeseen events such as the erupting volcano that affected over 100,000 passengers? An unexpected injury or family illness? Without this low payment (8% of the original price), we’re unable to refund your cost on the transfer. You’re loss in this instance, without coverage, would have been $102.90. In this economy, who can can afford that?!

So you choose: out of pocket $7.84, or $102.90? The risk is yours!

I’d take the smaller amount any day. Especially in this ever-changing world. You never know what’s around the corner. Protect your wallet!

We like to see you happy!

To book with Ridebooker, visit us at www.ridebooker.com. When you find the trip you want to book, click the orange “BOOK NOW!” button on the right hand side of the page and go through the online booking process.

We look forward to showing you Whistler and the beautiful Sea to Sky Corridor!

Permalink: It Pays to Purchase Cancellation Insurance! Ridebooker Travelers Affected by Icelandic Volcanic Ash.
Post tags: airlines, cancellations, economy, Europe, Eyjafjallajokull, insurance, policy, Reykjavik, Sea-to-Sky Corridor, Vancouver, Vancouver International Airport, volcanic ash, Weddings, Whistler, YVR

Ridebooker, your best choice for wedding transportation!

Jack Crompton — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 21:49:27 +0000

Planning a Wedding in Whistler or Vancouver and need transportation?

Ridebooker has the answers for you!

We are a local efficient transportation agency well equipped with luxury stretch limousines, private luxury sedan’s, luxury SUVs, shuttles, mini buses and vans for your wedding. Whether you are trying to transport a small or large party we will have you taken care of. It’s too big a day to leave it to chance, put it in our hands and you won’t have to think about it again! We will even assign a staff member to your wedding at no extra charge. We will work with you to plot your route, organize times and make sure that all of your wedding transportation needs are met and handled smoothly.

Book today and let this be one more check on your list of things to do!

Permalink: Ridebooker, your best choice for wedding transportation!
Post tags: Ridebooker, transportation, Vancouver, Wedding, Whistler

Getting to Hockey Games and Concerts at GM Place/BC Place from Victoria!

Jack Crompton — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:53:49 +0000

Finally an easy way to travel from Victoria to GM place/BC Place for hockey games and concerts! Whether you are looking for coach service or private transportation we have you covered. Ridebooker offers excellent coach service from Downtown Victoria to the Vancouver bus depot, which is only a 15 minute walk, short sky train or taxi ride away from the front door of GM place and BC Place where your hockey games and concerts await!

Ridebooker also offers a “Walk on van” service for those interested in private transportation. Our professional staff will pick you up at your door step in Victoria and drop you at the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal where you will check your bags and board the ferry as foot passengers. Our staff will be waiting for you on the other side ready with your transport to Vancouver, BC. This is the least expensive way using private transportation to travel between Vancouver and Victoria with more than 6 people. WalkOn Vancouver/Victoria transfer rates follow (prices do not include 5% GST or Ferry fare):

1. Luxury Car Service (3ppl): $250.00

2. Stretch Limousine (6ppl): $299.00

3. Luxury SUV (6ppl): $299.00

4. Charter Van (10ppl): $335.00

5. Stretch SUV Limousine (13ppl): $445.00

From private transportation to a seat on the Victoria bus we will be sure to provide you with transportation between Victoria and Vancouver so you can relax and enjoy the show!

Schedule of events coming to GM Place including concerts and hockey games: http://www.generalmotorsplace.com/coming-attractions/event-calendar

Schedule of events coming to BC Place including Boat show and the Home and Garden Show: http://www.bcplacestadium.com/calendar/index.html

Permalink: Getting to Hockey Games and Concerts at GM Place/BC Place from Victoria!
Post tags: BC Place, Concerts, GM Place, Hockey, private, transportation, Vancouver, Victoria

Ridebooker Set to Open in Southern Ontario

Jack Crompton — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 20:57:44 +0000

With the great success of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler, BC firmly behind us, Ridebooker.com can now focus its attention to other parts of Canada! With great thanks to the thousands of people needing transportation during the Winter Olympics, Ridebooker was able to dramatically increase its ridership! Yes, the staff at Ridebooker was busy booking transportation day and night!

Our clients were thoroughly pleased with the smooth sailing service from Vancouver’s International Airport (YVR) to Vancouver and Whistler and beyond. From the bustling streets of Vancouver to the snowy excitement of Whistler and Blackcomb’s slopes, people were able to transfer from one exciting event to another with comfort and ease. And now they’re asking for this same, great service in other places!

Ridebooker has proved to be a one-stop-shop for transportation and people are so happy with our services they are asking for more! That’s why we’re pleased to announce that Ridebooker will now be focusing our attention in Toronto and its surrounding area so that the clients who traveled with us in Western Canada, can now travel with that same comfort and ease in Eastern Canada!

Whether you’re there to check out Toronto’s exciting night-life, or to take in some of Toronto’s renown film, theatre, or dance performances, this place is bound to excite!

While we haven’t officially opened up our services in Ontario, soon we will be able to help you book your transportation from coast to coast! We’ll keep you posted!

And hey – if you know of an exciting event you think our fellow travel bloggers would like to know about, let us know. We’re always keen to know what’s hot and happenin in Canada! Visit our recent blog about the TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival to learn what’s up and coming at Whistler!

Permalink: Ridebooker Set to Open in Southern Ontario
Post tags: 2010 Winter Games, Blackcomb, Ontario, Telus World Ski and Snoboard Festival, Toronoto, tourism Toronoto, transportation, travel blog, Vancouver Airport (YVR), Whistler

Getting to Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival

Jack Crompton — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 20:51:29 +0000

Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival (April 16th to 25th)!!

Join us for the 10 Day Winter Wrap Up Party celebrating all the core components of Whistler and Blackcomb culture of Action, Arts and Music!!

This festival includes: 10 days of free concerts, world invitational ski and snowboard events, lifestyle fashion, dog shows, Whistler chef Challenge, photography, film, great spring snow conditions, Whistler’s famous night life and much more!

Click here to view the schedule of events!

For transportation to the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival try Ridebooker. We offer offer public transportation including shuttle services and coach services providing transportation between Victoria, Downtown Vancouver, the Vancouver airport and Whistler Village where the ski and snowboard festival takes place!

We also offer private door to door transportation including limousine service, private sedan’s, luxury SUVs, private vans and mini buses! Whether you are a small or large group we can accommodate and provide you with a scenic and comfortable ride to Whistler/Blackcombs’s annual Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival! See you there!

Permalink: Getting to Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival
Post tags: Blackcomb, free concerts, private transfer, Telus World Ski and Snoboard Festival, transportation, Whistler, winter wrap up party

Getting to Whistler: The Definitive Whistler Olympic Transportation Guide

Casey Woods — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 22:47:53 +0000

Here Is What You Need To Know

This is a concise guide that is designed to help you figure out the best way to get where you need to go during the 2010 Olympic Games.

Why Choose the RideBooker Olympic Shuttle?
Getting to Whistler Events From Vancouver
Getting to Vancouver Events From Whistler & Squamish
Getting From Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Whistler
Getting to Whistler Events from Vancouver Island & Sunshine Coast
Need More Information?(...)
Read the rest of Getting to Whistler: The Definitive Whistler Olympic Transportation Guide

Permalink: Getting to Whistler: The Definitive Whistler Olympic Transportation Guide
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Whistler Shuttle and a Ski Ticket for $134.00 during the Olympics!!

Jack Crompton — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 08:08:31 +0000

Because so much of the energy and attention of February 2010 visitors will be focused on Olympic events Whistler-Blackcomb Mountains promise to be empty. With that in mind, to get skiers on the hill we are offering some of the best deals that we have ever offered. Our goal is to get you to experience Whistler-Blackcomb at its very best and very emptiest. The Whistler Shuttle is the way to get to ski during the Olympics! Come and see why Whistler-Blackcomb is regularly rated one of the best ski resorts in the world.

Ski during the Olympics by driving your car to the Horseshoe Bay Park-and-Ride location and step on a bus to the lifts. The price is right. The time is right. Book Now!

THE SNOW IS DEEP IN WHISTLER

Permalink: Whistler Shuttle and a Ski Ticket for $134.00 during the Olympics!!
Post tags: 2010 Winter Games, Vancouver 2010, Whistler Bus, Winter Olympics

Revelstoke Connection provides transportation from Kelowna Airport to Revelstoke Mountain Resort

Jack Crompton — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:08:36 +0000

Ridebooker is pleased to introduce the Revelstoke Connection. This service will offer 2 daily departures via bus from Kelowna Airport to Revelstoke Mounatain Resort. You can book our service now online so why not book now! This service will provide access to some of the best snow around direct to and from the Kelowna International Airport (YLW).

Lifts are moving at Revelstoke Mountain Resort

If you have questions about the service email us at info@ridebooker.com. We are excited about getting on some Revelstoke champagne powder this season… join us!

Permalink: Revelstoke Connection provides transportation from Kelowna Airport to Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Post tags: Kelowna Airport, Revelstoke, Revelstoke Connection, Ski, snow

Marketing the Snow

Jack Crompton — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:14:37 +0000

The ski and snowboard industry is the reigning monarch of Whistler’s economy. There really is no way to avoid getting excited when the snow flies like it has this month. Businesses in Whistler turn on the machine and all you hear is snow, snow, snow. No complaints here… In fact snow has become as much a rite of passage for many Whistler families as Thanksgiving or New Years.

Marketing 17 feet of snow in November can’t be super difficult. If they wished, Whistler-Blackcomb and their cohort could send the message far and wide that enough snow has fallen to bury a 5400kg male African elephant. Maybe I am a little presumptive, but it seems to me that the smashing of 100 year old snowfall records really markets itself.

Social media connections have led me to a local company that has done some work that has really impressed. Origin Design truly markets the snow to the world and they are great at what they do. What struck me the most about their work is how hey capture the business they represent and uniquely connect that company to the snow. Snow is snow is snow but somehow Origin has made snow uniquely Whistler-Blackcomb and uniquely Fernie.

It seems to me that marketing transportation is a little like marketing the snow… a bus is a bus is a bus. Transportation companies are traditionally late adopters of technology and very poor at marketing their service. At Transportation Whistler we haven’t spent a lot of time focused on official marketing efforts. Our focus has instead been on making our transportation company easy to work with: simple booking and simple transportation. Where does this all come together? Origin has challenged me to differentiate our marketing based on what makes us different. Transportation Whistler and Ridebooker are easy to work with and we should start getting that message out.

We are no marketing experts but I think we have learned something today. By the way, I have been laughing all day at the video below. This is ad is definitely a differentiator:

The EPIC Pass

Permalink: Marketing the Snow
Post tags: Downtown Vancouver, Whistler, Whistler Bus

Silly Season in Whistler

Jack Crompton — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:25:14 +0000

The snow starts falling and everyone gets a little nuts up here. Smiles on faces and people running in big boots replace the business walk. Yesterday was November 15/2009 and the snow was deep and the coverage was great. If everything carries on like this it will be a phenomenal year and the Games will really be the time to ski.

Just want to welcome the new season and say enjoy… see you in a lift line! WOOOOOOO!!!!!

Permalink: Silly Season in Whistler
Post tags: Ski, snow, Whistler

WHISTLER SHUTTLE WILL PICKUP AT HORSESHOE BAY DURING THE OLYMPICS

Jack Crompton — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:32:02 +0000

Transportation Whistler today announced that there will be bus service between Whistler and Horseshoe Bay during the Olympic Games. The addition of Horseshoe Bay as a pickup location will allow communities on North Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast to be viable home bases for Olympic visitors. “This service is really the final piece of the puzzle for many accommodation providers on the Sunshine Coast” said Celia Robben president of the Sunshine Coast Bed & Breakfast Cottage Owners Association. “Being able to offer transportation from the ferry directly to Whistler allows our guests to access everything the Olympics has to offer”.

Transportation Whistler had previously announced that the Ridebooker.com Whistler Shuttle, would offer transportation for Olympic visitors and guests to Whistler from Vancouver, Burnaby, North Vancouver, Vancouver Cruise Accommodations and Squamish.

Horseshoe Bay will also have a park-and-ride service for Vancouver residents without confirmed parking in Whistler. The park-and-ride will be limited by space but should prove to be a good option for Vancouver day-skiers and some Olympic guests.

“This is the cost-effective and flexible way for communities like Nanaimo and the Sunshine Coast to experience the medals ceremonies, cultural events and incredible Olympic atmosphere that will be Whistler during the Games,” said Dave Clark, Tourism Whistler, Senior Manager of Visitor Services.

If booked before December 31/2009 the cost of the service will be $35.00/person one-way or $70/person roundtrip and leaves Horseshoe Bay as early as 7:10am returning as late as 11:00pm. The Ridebooker.com Whistler Shuttle offers six daily bus departures to Whistler from Horseshoe Bay. The primary manager of the service is Transportation Whistler, a locally owned and operated Whistler company. Get your seat on the Ridebooker.com Whistler Shuttle through www.ridebooker.com/shuttle.

Permalink: WHISTLER SHUTTLE WILL PICKUP AT HORSESHOE BAY DURING THE OLYMPICS
Post tags: BC Ferries, Horsehoe Bay, park-and-ride, Transport Vancouver to Whistler, Whistler, Winter Olympics

IF YOU HAVE WHISTLER OLYMPIC TICKETS STAY IN TOWN AFTER YOUR EVENT!

Jack Crompton — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:09:14 +0000

The Whistler Olympic Experience Doesn’t End When Your Event Ends. Stay in Whistler and see your event winners receive their medals. Experience the Whistler Live! Live Concerts and Cultural Olympiad. The Olympics only come once… So make the very most of your time in Whistler, BC.

We think the best way to experience all that Whistler has to offer is by making a day of it.

Get the first Whistler Shuttle from Vancouver (6am).
Enjoy breakfast in Whistler, BC.
Get on Whistler Olympic Bus Network to your event.
Get on the Olympic Bus Network back to Whistler.
Enjoy dinner, the evening ceremonies and concerts.
Get on an evening Whistler Shuttle back to Vancouver (Last Bus Home is at 11pm).

Alternatively:

Get on your Vancouver Olympic Bus Network bus to Whistler.
Enjoy your event.
Get on the Whistler Olympic Bus Network back to Whistler.
Enjoy dinner, the evening ceremonies and concerts.
Get on an evening Whistler Shuttle back to Vancouver (Last Bus Home is at 11pm).

Whistler, BC is home to an enormous walking village with great shopping, world class restaurants and will be the place to be during the 2010 Olympic Games. Make sure you experience Whistler, BC while in Canada!

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Post tags: 2010 Winter Games, Early Morning Service, Whistler