Follow the clues to join the hunt for weekly prizes and the grand prize of a 5 day Whistler Blackcomb lift ticket!

Each week a new question/clue will be posted on alluraDirect.com. The first person to submit the correct answer to that question by tweeting @alluradirect or posting on our wall at facebook.com/alluradirect will win a $10 USD Amazon.com gift card.

We're also posting a bonus clue each week. Collect the answers to all ten bonus clues and submit them before the contest closing date to info@alluradirect.com and you'll be entered in our draw to win a 5 day Whistler Blackcomb lift ticket!

Anyone can play, it doesn't take much time and you've got great chances of winning a prize! Learn the full details and get your first clue by visiting our Amazing Vacation Rental Race Contest Page now. Hurry, the first correct answer wins!

At least that's what the experts say.

AccuWeather.com Chief Long-Range Meteorologist Joe Bastardi predicts that the Pacific Northwest will see a much colder and snowier winter than last season: Get the full low-down on Joe's super snow predictions.

Another AccuWeather.com expert Meteorologist predicts up to 20% more moisture (meaning snow!) for the Pacific Northwest for the 2010/11 winter season: Get the full snowy details.

So who do we have to thank for all this anticipated snow and a powderlicious 2010/11 ski season? Her name is La Nina.

La Nina (translated: "the girl") is the weather pattern that develops when the sea surface temperature drops 3 to 5 degrees Celsius below normal. La Nina is El Nino's (translated: 'the boy's") darker half, bringing cold wet weather to the areas she touches. She tags along behind her brother, chasing his above average temps and dry weather with her frosty wet touch. The two operate in a cycle, taking turns playing with the world's weather.

As a woman, I'm not sure I appreciate this description, but as a snowboarder, I'll get over it.

Do you feel a chill in the air?

Posted by Adrienne

Love 80's rock and free outdoor concerts?

Then head to Sun Peaks Resort for three days of tribute band entertainment, August 13 - 15!

Friday, August 13

• 6:00pm: ZZ Top Tribute Band, Fandango ZZ

Saturday, August 14

• 2:00pm: Tragically Hip Tribute Band, Hipponymous
• 4:30pm: Bon Jovi Tribute Band, Blaze of Glory
• 7:00pm: ACDC Tribute Band, BCDC

Sunday, August 15

• 10:30am: Check out Guys and Dolls, a band covering many artists. Members rotate dressing up as the artists they are covering.

Cheap accommodation, paired with free entertainment makes for an affordable weekend! Try a Sun Peaks accommodation search now. You'll find two bedroom condos starting at only $125/nt. Book today, arrive tomorrow!

The 7th annual Crankworx Freeride Mountain Bike festival is coming back to Whistler this August 7th to the 15th and if you are a mountain biker you won't want to miss this 9 day competition and non-stop party. Boasting everything under the sun, including: dual slalom, downhill, air dh, giant slalom, trials, and much much more; this years event promises to shock and entertain with bigger jumps, more air, and steeper slopes.

Even if mountain biking isn't your scene, Whistler is buzzing with other activities during the event to keep everyone entertained. Deraylor Music Festival is going on august 11th to 13th. Among the many artists from around the world, check out local talent Kyprios and Said the Whale. Gnarly mountain biking and great music: what more could you ask for?

To kick off the whole event, Kokanee Crankworx is throwing a Block Party featuring a screening of the epic old school freeride mountain bike movie, "New World Disorder 1" The Block Party starts august 7th at 8:30pm at the Skier's Plaza and is an all ages, free event.

What's better than a sunny summer weekend getaway to Whistler?

How about a sunny summer weekend indulging in a variety of delectable dishes!

Head to Whistler, July 30 - Aug 1 for two yummy events: The Canadian National BBQ Championships and Feast in the Mountains. Both allow Guests to sample the culinary creations of talented chefs and grill masters for a very reasonable price.

Here's the deets:

Canadian National BBQ Championships: July 30 - August 1

Buy a $5 Visitors Pass (proceeds go to charity) for the opportunity to sample the delights of the BBQ competitors. Keep in mind, samples are issued by cooks and are not always available to everyone, every time.

July 30

• 4pm: BBQ Judging Class - Get certified to judge the BBQ contest. Open to the public! Contact jkearns@intrawest.com
• 7-8pm: Learn how to cook a whole hog. Watch for free. Enjoy dinner for $15.

July 31

• 1pm: Backyard Burger Championship
• 2pm: International Chili Championship
• 3pm: King of the Grill Competition
• 4:30pm: Awards
• 7pm: Slow Smoked Whole Hog Dinner - Reserve your seat for this feast by attending the demo on Friday evening. Dinner includes BBQ'd hog, baked beans, corn on the cob, coleslaw, tossed greens and buns and butt rub mayo!

August 1

• 11am - Port Butt turn-in
• 11:30am - 3rd Annual Cork & Pork turn-in
• 12pm - Beef Brisket turn-in
• 1pm: Chicken turn-in
• 2pm: Ribs turn-in
• 4pm: Awards

Feast in the Mountains: August 1

Roam around Rebagliati Park sampling the delights of local chefs, farmers, brewers and vintners. The event runs from 1pm - 5pm so stop by for some quick bites or savour the flavours all afternoon. Either way, adult tickets are only $50!

Buy tickets here.

Book Whistler accommodation here (rates starting at only $70/nt for a one bedroom condo!)

Ok, so it's 30 degrees outside and your brain (if not your whole body) is probably on the beach. The sun's sucking your energy from you like a vaccuum and every inch you move creates a new bead of sweat.

Snap out of it!

Think cool thoughts of gliding down a powdery white mountainside. The air is crisp and when you exhale, your breath forms a cloud before you. The wind is at your goggles and a light snowspray against your face.

Cooled off a little?

Now let's get down to business - the business of how you're going to make your ski vacation dreams a reality this winter.

Saving on a ski vacation is not for the spontaneous. Planning ahead gets you the best deal on lift tickets, gear rentals and usually accommodation.

We've just posted our best deals of the season (we promise they won't get better) on Whistler lift tickets and Whistler ski and snowboard rentals.

Book by November 15, 2010 to snag these specials:

Lift Tickets - Save up to 43% and kids ski free*

Ski & Snowboard Rentals - Save up to 38% and kids rent free**

*Receive a free date-matching child lift ticket for each adult 3+ day ticket purchased (sorry, Christmas season excluded).

**Receive a free date-matching child ski or snowboard set rental for each adult 3+ day ski or snowboard set or high performance ski/snowboard rental (sorry, Christmas season excluded).

You'll need accommodation too. Search Whistler vacation rentals now and book a great place from the biggest selection.