WHISTLER, B.C. - Hostelling International - It took over 40 years of hopes and dreams for Whistler to get the Olympics and it took just as long for Hostelling International - Canada - Pacific Mountain Region (HI-C-PM Region) to get the Whistler hostel they always wanted.

Opening July 1, the new purpose-built HI-Whistler hostel will significantly enhance budget travel in Whistler for the first time. HI has been in Whistler since 1969 in a small, 25-bed hostel on the shores of Alta Lake. Since then, Whistler has grown from a nearly inaccessible summer fishing spot to arguably the best winter ski destination in North America. HI-Whistler, a fishing lodge built in 1945, has witnessed it all.

"HI has played a big role in making Whistler accessible to young travellers for decades," says Alistair McLean, CEO of HI-C-PM Region. "But the demand has far surpassed what we currently offer so we're excited to be opening a new property at this high point in Whistler's history."

Back in the 60s, HI was eyeing up the destination as the home for a new hostel when Garibaldi Lifts Ltd. set about developing the mountain as a Winter Olympic host resort. HI saw the need for a 100+-bed hostel in the area but funds were limited and the association settled on leasing a fishing lodge in 1969, which it eventually purchased in 1972.

For 38 years, not much changed and HI-Whistler continued to operate year-round on the shores of Alta Lake. Meanwhile, Whistler morphed into a dual-mountain, world-class resort, now covering over 8,000 skiable acres with more than 200 trails, three glaciers, 38 lifts and 12 alpine bowls

The four-storey building in the new Cheakamus Crossing subdivision first served as athletes' housing during the Games. It has room for 188 in four-person shared rooms, private ensuite rooms and family rooms. There is a large self-catering kitchen and dining room; a TV lounge; a games room; state-of-the-art ski, snowboard and bike storage; outdoor decks with BBQs; an on-site café with an outdoor patio; mountain views and internet and free WiFi.

Shared rooms start at $30 per person, per night for Hostelling International members (including taxes) and private rooms start at $99 per room. The hostel is located on Legacy Way, just off Function Junction, about 7 km south of Whistler Village. New bus routes run from outside of the hostel to the village.

Find out more and make reservations at www.hihostels.ca/newwhistlerhostel . See exterior photos at http://www.hihostelspm.ca/blog/2010/05/13/just-photos-new-hi-whistler .