Whistler hot year-round as proven by Sports Illustrated's coveted Swimsuit Issue

VANCOUVER, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ - Readers of the 2010 Sports Illustrated (SI) Swimsuit Issue (www.si.com/swimsuit) will be forgiven for paying less attention to the location featured in the photo spread ...but it certainly proves one thing for sure: Whistler, British Columbia is a gorgeous and exotic travel destination.

Showcasing members of the U.S. Women's Ski Team, this year's issue features the athletes heating up the slopes in Whistler - Host Mountain Resort for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

SI Swimsuit is the most successful franchise in publishing history. Last year the combined print and digital audience reached more than 67 million people, offering unbeatable exposure to showcase Canada to potential travellers. A sports angle, paired with stunning settings, a huge audience, and a particular appeal to Americans, means the reach of this issue for British Columbia and Canada is, well, immense.

"Shooting the Lindsey, Hannah, Gretchen and Claire feature in Canada was a dream as the beauty of Whistler was a perfect backdrop and made every shot spectacular. The majesty of the mountains, the glacier lakes and the clearest blue sky in the world made Whistler one of the best locations I have ever experienced," Diane Smith, SI Swimsuit Senior Editor.

Whistler's role in hosting the 2010 Winter Games ignited the idea for the photo shoot which was supported by Tourism Whistler, Tourism British Columbia, Whistler Blackcomb and The Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

Americans and SI readers from around the globe inspired by the photos and wishing to book a trip to experience Whistler first hand in 2010 can enjoy a two-day, three-night getaway in March starting from only $345 CDN per person. More details at www.whistler.com or call 1.800.WHISTLER.

Special thanks goes to Whistler activity operators: Ziptrek Ecotours, Blackcomb Aviation, Whistler Air, Bearfoot Bistro and LaRua restaurant who were invaluable in the execution of the photo shoots.

About Tourism Whistler

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.WHISTLER and www.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.

About Tourism British Columbia

As part of the Ministry of Tourism Culture and the Arts, Tourism British Columbia promotes the Super, Natural British Columbia brand to the world. For more information on Tourism BC's programs, visit www.tourismbc.com.

About Whistler Blackcomb

Consistently ranked as North America's top ski and snowboard resort, Whistler Blackcomb offers uninterrupted skiing, riding and sightseeing available throughout the winter, season two of the highly acclaimed PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, and one vertical mile of incredible skiing and riding. With over 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers, 200 trails, and 8,171 acres of skiable terrain, the choices of where and what to ski/ride at Whistler Blackcomb from beginner to advanced terrain are staggering. For more information, visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com.

About The Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Nestled at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, you'll discover a chateau-style hotel with luxurious rooms, a wide array of dining options, a full-service spa, and the award-winning Chateau Whistler Golf Club. Wonderful experiences await you at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Golf and hotel reservations can be made by calling The Fairmont Chateau Whistler at 1-800-606-8244 or booking online at www.fairmont.com/whistler.

SOURCE TOURISM WHISTLER