Publisher’s note: Below are snippets gathered while LTN has been on assignment in Whistler.

By Kathryn Reed

WHISTLER, British Columbia — Guys on one of the lifts talked about businesses in the Whistler-Vancouver region having 25cm (9.84 inches) days – meaning if it snows that much, it’s a ski day, not a workday.

Most Whistler employees live 20 miles away in Pemberton because many houses in the ski town cost seven figures.

Buses are free, comfortable and easy to use in Whistler. Photo/Kathryn Reed

The ski map, aka the atlas, for Whistler-Blackcomb gives tidbits about dining options at the base of the resort, not just on-mountain choices. And it dispenses information like Skiing magazine ranked Garibaldi Lift Company the best mountain bar and Forbes Traveler ranked it in the top 10 for après ski.

Locals say Whistler will be closed to traffic during the Olympics unless you can prove you have lodging accommodations. People are going to be bused from venue to venue, but some worry they won’t make it to events in time.

Roads are already closing in Vancouver. One skier said it’s no big deal – it means having to ride his bike to work.

Bring lots of money – one U.S. dollar equals one Canadian dollar. Many places take both currencies.

The report from riders and employees is that Whistler-Blackcomb set a record for single-day passes sold during the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, which is celebrated in the States – not Canada. It was even busier than Christmas.

BC Transit, the bus system through the area, is free. It takes skiers to the base lodge of Whistler and Blackcomb. A bus symbol is on the sign, the routes are posted and the shelter is covered – probably why it’s called a shelter.

Vancouver is the most expensive housing market, according to a report published Jan. 25. The Demographia International report looked at 272 metropolitan markets in Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. The conclusion was based on comparing median housing sale values to median household incomes.