Backpacker Buzz

Hostelling International has a lot to look forward to this year - from the Winter Olympics in Vancouver to a brand new hostel opening in Whistler, not to mention improved hostels across the region and exciting events. Get a sneak peek at what's coming up in 2010 at HI. But rest assured, there's plenty more where this came from.

1. More Cheap Beds Coming to Whistler
The new HI-Whistler opening this summer is a very big deal. It's been many years in the making and once the Olympic and Paralympic parties wrap up, the hostel will open its doors. We don't know the exact open date yet but we'll let you know as soon as we know. If you've ever been to Whistler on a budget, you know accommodation options are slim, so this 180-bed hostel will be a very welcome addition to the neighbourhood.

2. Inside the 2010 Games
The 2010 Winter Olympics can't be underestimated. Ski-fan Dan Habershon-Butcher was recently selected as HI's Blog the Games contest winner and he'll be heading to Vancouver next month to show Buzz readers what's happening in the world's most popular city in February. We don't know what he's got in store for us yet but we're thinking you can't go wrong with a helmet cam and a pub crawl on Granville Street.

3. HI-Vancouver Jericho Beach: Not Just For Summer Anymore
Vancouver's first hostel, HI-Vancouver Jericho Beach, has undergone extensive renovations and will finally be open year-round for groups as of this fall. If you're after affordable accommodation for a group of 10 or more, HI-VJB is your best bet, with tons of space, a huge kitchen, an on-site cafe and, thanks to renovations, this heritage building has a toasty new heating system.

4. HI Races Run On, This Time with HI Feet
The HI fundraising race season will gear up for another year. The biggest race, the Kananaskis 100-mile relay race (a.k.a the K-100) will go down once again in the foothills of Alberta's Rockies. This year, HI staffers are putting their own endurance to the test and entering a team. Staff from hostels across the region, as well as from the regional office in Vancouver, will head to Kananaskis with their running shoes. If you're interested in joining them (and believe us, they need all the help they can get), get in touch with us.

If you want to sign your own team up, head to the K-100 website.Funds generated from HI Races go right back into hostel improvements across B.C. and Alberta.

5. HI-Hilda Creek Wilderness Hostel Comes Back to Life
HI-Hilda Creek Wilderness Hostel was destroyed by a fire back in 2003 but has recently reopened to many cheers by former Hilda fans. The hostel is only open on a keylock system, which means experienced outdoor enthusiasts need only apply. You can get keys at HI-Jasper, HI-Lake Louise Alpine Centre or HI-Nordegg, Shunda Creek Hostel. The hostel adds a nice break for cyclists between HI-Rampart Creek and HI-Beauty Creek and is only 8 km from the Columbia Icefield Centre.