Get ready to pop the cork, pour the bubbly and kiss that cutie, its nearly New Years Eve. Whistler puts on quite a show with many events selling out well in advance. Avoid the last minute rush and the taxi line crush with our detailed pre-party plan.
Lets start by the golden rule of behaving yourself. Dont drink and drive. Police are warning you will get caught. Road checks will be in effect. Local buses will be free from 8 p.m. Consider it an opportunity to meet some prospective party partners along the way.
Now to the events. Almost every bar, pub, restaurant, café and club in Whistler has something on. This list is limited to events with live music or DJs. They are in alphabetical order, by no means exhaustive and prices are subject to change. Phone numbers have been included for more information. Lets go shopping shall we
AMSTERDAM PUB
Its a Masquerade Ball so wear a mask. This party includes a picollo of champagne, party favours and a midnight buffet of canapes and hors doeuvre. Tickets are $75. Ph: 604-932-8334.
BEARFOOT BISTRO
An adults-only glamorous gathering offering guests Beluga Caviar and sabering of Vintage Dom Perignon on arrival. A five course "gastronomique" menu devised by head chef Brock Windsor. A four piece jazz band and dancing all night long. There is only one seating for the evening and guests may book from 7 p.m. onwards.
Tickets are $375 per person, required in advance to confirm. Ph: 604-932-3433.
BLACKS PUB
Gutair Doug takes over Blacks. Hell be upstairs from 10 till 2 p.m. putting his unique stamp on this special night. Tickets are $50 including midnight snacks, party favours and champagne. Downstairs Doug will be in the restaurant from 9 to 10 p.m. There will be two dinner seatings. At 6 p.m. itll be $34.95 or $19.95 for kids. At 8:30 p.m. a six course serving for just $69.95. Ph: 604-932-6945.
BOOT PUB
Voted the best live venue in Whistler yet again and easily one of the cheapest nights out around. For a rockin good time, join Sweaty Cheddar who ssshh, dont tell anyone, are most of the members of She Stole My Beer. Funk and groove with champagne at midnight. Doors open 8 p.m. Tickets are $40. Ph: 604-932-3338.
BREW HOUSE
With a backdrop of boutique beer vats, a big log fire and a belter of a band, this gig is going to go off. Frost Heave, are well known as the Led Zeppelin tribute band Whole Lotta Led, but tonight theyre playing more than that. From the 60s to now, youll sample it all. DJ Miguel Sanchez will keep the crowd busy between sets. Tickets to the show are $35 but dinner and the show is just $45 for a set menu. A-la-carte is also available. Two seatings only at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Ph: 604-905-2739.
BUFFALO BILLS.
Toast the new year with your own bottle of champagne and yes, Cristal and Dom Perignon are available. You will be treated to a gourmet collection of delicious appies and munchies all night. Doors open at 8 p.m. A fine collection of mainstream music will keep you dancing until 3 a.m. Tickets are $195. Ph: 604-932-6613.
CRAB SHACK
Celebrate New Years Eve with the West Coasts crowned guitar king, Will Mimnaugh. Hes an incredible talent and with a sumptuous menu on offer, itll be a night to remember. Tickets are $25 for the show or $99.95 including dinner. Seatings at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m for the restaurant or 8:30 p.m. for the lounge buffet. Ph: 604-932-4451.
CRYSTAL LOUNGE
Contemporary rock and pop covers and a few originals from local legend Suzanne Wilson. Spend the night with good people in a cosy cottage setting by a roaring log fire. Champagne, nibblies and party favours as well. Ph: 604-932-2221.
DUBH LINN GATE PUB
Whistler's only Irish pub have the Bowen Boys Trio, featuring Moritz Behm on Celtic fiddle & mandolin plus Rob Thompson on vocals. A spectacular buffet dinner, midnight snacks and party favours included. Tickets are $125. Ph; 604-905-4047.
DUSTYS
Creekside cranks it up with the WDC, a.k.a. Whole Damn County. Pique readers voted these guys the band of the Millennium in 2000. With three CDs under their belt and a national tour out of the way, theyre ready to rock in the new year with their contemporary cover set. This event will suit the whole spectrum of ages from 19 to 65. Tickets are $75. For that youll get an authentic slow, wood smoked BBQ, party favours and champagne at midnight for the adults. Doors open at 8 p.m. Ph: 604-905-2171.
FIRST NIGHT
The jewel of Whistlers New Years Eve carnival crown is this alcohol-free, family celebration. More than 50 performing and visual artists will perform in a variety of venues simultaneously throughout the village. Concerts with Whistlers best bands, circus acts, plus loads of hands-on hijinks from hat, flag and lantern making to face-painting and psychic readings. Tickets are $15 or $4 for kids under 12. Minors must accompany an adult. Ph: 604-935-PLAY.
GARFINKELS
Walk into a winter wonderland. A silver and white theme is the order of the day, as Garfs goes snowy. Dress accordingly. Each guest will receive a mini bottle of champagne on arrival. Hors doeuvre will be served for most of the night. Tickets are $100 pre-sold, more at the door.
GARIBALDI LIFT COMPANY
Two talents for the price of one. Taylor James plays contemporary covers with his bluesy, rock edge and in between DJ PC will lay down his funky, lounge lizard muzak. A free bevvie greets you on arrival. Tickets are $88. Ph: 604-905-2220.
FAIRMONT CHATEAU WHISTLER
Bal du Moulin Rouge, an unforgettable evening of elegance and fantasy. The décor will conjure up the joie de vivre and beauty of a bygone era. With extravagant lighting, artfully decorated buffet, thrilling music, dancers, actors and interactive entertainment, this truly is a gala experience not to be missed. As the great bells of Paris strike midnight the evening reaches its climax in true bohemian style. The escapade begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $325 for adults, $150 for children over 10-years-old. Younger children are welcome until 11 p.m.
LA BRASSERIE
Its Carnival Night, complete with masquerade style masks, Latino fare, Piper Heidsick champagne and the soulful sounds of DJ Ghetto Boy. Located right in front of Village Square, this place is awesome for viewing the village festivities. Tickets are $60. Ph: 604-932-3569.
MAXX FISH
A super-sized sexy dance party hosted by internationally acclaimed DJ Keph, who will fill the room with his soulful funk, R&B and hip hop. A midnight buffet and champagne should keep you going all night. Tickets are $100. Ph: 604-932-1904.
MERLINS
Get back to your rock n roll roots with the hard driving Dave Crowley Band. Goth, metal, long hair, tight pants, black T-shirts all are welcome. Expect AC/DC, Guns n Roses, Black Sabbath and everything in between. Tickets are $60 and include party hats, appies and champagne at midnight. Doors open at 9 p.m. Ph: 604-905-2220.
MOE JOES
Celebrate First Night with resident DJ Tone Ballone, with his unique take on contemporary dance, house, R&B and disco classics. Tickets are $75 including champagne at midnight, party favours and light snacks. Ph: 604-935-1152.
PEMBERTON HOTEL
Dress to impress for this local tradition. The 10c Heads will play contemporary rock covers all night long. Champagne, party favours and food included. Tickets $20. Ph: 604-894-6313
ROUNDHOUSE ON WHISTLER MOUNTAIN
Heavenly White Out. What better way to begin 2003 than atop a snowy mountain? Dust off your formal attire and take the Whistler gondola all the way up to a sumptuous setting of fine gourmet food, champagne and dancing among friends. A fireworks display will light up the valley below. A live DJ will keep guests dancing, who must be 14 years or older to attend. Tickets are $190. Ph: 604-932-3434.
ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION
Another Pemberton party featuring the classic rock cover band Still Smokin. Theres no cover charge and doors open at 9 p.m.
TAPLEYS NEIGHBOURHOOD PUB
This is a locals hangout so sure to be a relaxed but real good time. Its the quintessential drop by place for the night. Champagne at midnight with party favours and lots of familiar faces. Free entry before 9 p.m., $10 after. Leafs vs Canucks at 7 p.m. Ph: 604-932-4011
TEX CORLEONES
New Years becomes a hot August night as the amazing Nearly Neil Diamond struts his stuff on the stage. The voice, the side burns, the glittery shirt youll think youre in Vegas, baby. The show is $40 or $99.95 with a three course dinner. Ph: 604-938-8009.
TOMMY AFRICAS
Music through the Ages. Dress in style from the 80s to now. Go Retro with DJ Ryder to start, then DJ Milton heats things up a notch with house and dance till the end. Therell be festive decor, go-go dancers, champagne at midnight plus plenty of hors d'oeuvre. Tickets are $89 in advance or $125 on the day. Ph: 604-932-6090.