Winter 2008.2009

What's New

Whistler Blackcomb Revolutionizes Guest Experience For 08.09 Season

PEAK 2 PEAK grand opening, green power project and 2010 Games countdown set the stage for an unprecedented winter.

On December 12, 2008, the dream to link Whistler and Blackcomb mountains becomes a reality with the grand opening of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. The world-record breaking gondola is the first lift of its kind in North America and is destined to become Canada’s newest tourism icon. During the winter, skiers and riders will enjoy infinite opportunities to experience the side-by-side mountains. In the summer, the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola will bring sightseers and hikers into the high alpine to experience breathtaking scenic views of Garibaldi Provincial Park. Spanning 4.4 kilometres (2.73 miles) in total distance from mountain to mountain, the Doppelmayr 3S tri-cable gondola boasts the world’s longest unsupported span of 3.024 kilometres (1.88 miles), as well as the world’s highest lift of its kind at 436 metres (1,427 feet) above the valley floor.

The Fitzsimmons Creek Hydro Project

Whistler Blackcomb launched a very exciting green energy project this September. Construction is underway on the Fitzsimmons Creek Hydro Project, which will offset the total annual energy consumption at Whistler Blackcomb. The project, located entirely within Whistler Blackcomb’s operating area, will produce 33.5 gigawatt hours of hydro electricity per year – the equivalent of powering the year-round resort’s winter and summer operations, including 38 lifts, 17 restaurants, 269 snowguns and countless other buildings and services. The 7.5 megawatt hydro project is being developed by Fitzsimmons Creek Hydro Limited Partnership, part of a joint venture between Innergex Renewable Energy and Ledcor Power Group.

Countdown to 2010

February 2009 marks the one-year countdown to 2010 and Whistler Village will be filled with live entertainment and animation. In 2010, Whistler Blackcomb will be the venue for the men’s and women’s Olympic and Paralympic alpine skiing disciplines of Downhill, Super-G, Giant Slalom, Slalom and Super Combined. The men’s downhill will take place on the Dave Murray course, while the women’s downhill and all Paralympic alpine skiing events will take place on a newly designed race course on Wildcard and mid to lower Franz's Trail.

It will be business as usual at Whistler Blackcomb for guests planning to hit the slopes in 2010. More than 90 per cent of the mountain will be open to the public during winter 2009/2010, and the Whistler Village Gondola will be open throughout the winter, while the Creekside Gondola is closed during the month of February and from March 12 to 21. Construction for all 2010 venues in Whistler is now complete and venues are open to the public.

Evolution Whistler

Evolution Whistler opened July 1, 2008. Located a short walking distance from the Creekside Gondola, this contemporary condominium-style hotel has 70 rooms - a mix of one- and two-bedroom suites, plus one spacious three-bedroom penthouse suite. Developed by Intrawest Placemaking and represented by Lodging Ovations, Evolution Whistler is pet friendly and offers complimentary wireless internet. Visit evolutionwhistler.ca for more information.

Nintendo Terrain Parks

The Nintendo Terrain Park rangers have come up with a creative and environmentally responsible way to enhance their arsenal of jib features by cutting up and re-welding old rails. The Terrain Parks department has spent $40,000 this year on building new rails and re-designing old ones. Rangers are also constructing new industrial-style features out of old PEAK 2 PEAK construction materials. Riders can look forward to 100+ jib features this season.

Meanwhile, park skiers and riders will experience unprecedented terrain park access with the launch of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. In just 11 minutes, they will be transported from Whistler to Blackcomb to experience all five Nintendo Terrain Parks and the Superpipe.

Food and Beverage

Whistler Blackcomb’s Food and Beverage department has updated some of its mouth-watering menu items and is undertaking new sustainability initiatives.

Pemberton’s Across The Creek Organics, is growing approximately 25,000 Russet potatoes exclusively for Whistler Blackcomb’s baked potato stations at Glacier Creek and the Roundhouse Lodge. Steep's and Christine's will be using their Yukon Gold varieties.

Meanwhile, the Food and Beverage department is also working with Coca-Cola to grow its existing recycling program and to encompass other areas of waste reduction, including growing its organic waste disposal program. Currently, Whistler Blackcomb’s restaurants recycle 90 per cent of their beverage containers.

Steeps Grill is working with numerous local suppliers and growers to feature the best of British Columbia, and now offers a list featuring BC wines exclusively. The Steep's wine program will feature Okanogan wineries and will represent these special products through features, tastings, and wine après. Whistler Blackcomb has joined Eat BC and engaged the Vancouver Aquariums’ Ocean Wise program in a quest for local and sustainable food. To round out the transformation, Steep's has a brand new furniture package on its way.

Whistler Mountain’s Chic Pea will continue to offer Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, and is also adding BBQ to its menu. Meanwhile, Raven’s Nest is serving up toasted artisan sandwiches.

On Blackcomb, Horstman Hut is introducing a new European alpine-inspired menu, featuring hearty goulash and soups, fresh baked breads, select cured meats and cheeses, apple and pear crustados, and daily brewed mulled wine & apple cider.

Whistler Blackcomb is also introducing new selection of pastries and muffins, as well an expanded selection of soups and a 6 oz Angus Burger, available at Glacier Creek and Roundhouse Lodge.

For further information about PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola construction, or any other Whistler Blackcomb products and services, check out whistlerblackcomb.com.

Activities

Winter Activities

Whistler Blackcomb boasts 8,171 acres (3,307 hectares) of skiable terrain and an immense backcountry, from vast powder-filled bowls to expertly groomed corduroy. Whistler Mountain's newest drawing card is the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, which carry a total of 4,100 skiers and riders between the mountains each hour, forever changing the way the experience the mountains. Meanwhile, the Symphony Express Chairlift gives guests an “in-bounds” backcountry experience. Originally accessible only by hiking in, Symphony boasts stunning views of Garibaldi Provincial Park, access to Flute Bowl, gladed runs and epic off-piste riding. The Symphony Express high-speed quad chair accesses 1,000 acres of intermediate and advanced terrain.

Whistler Blackcomb's five terrain parks, Superpipe and quarter pipe, are world class. Designed for all ability levels, the parks offer 150-plus features, including rails, kickers and table-top jumps.

Fresh Tracks, presented by Nature’s Path

Early birds can grab fresh turns on Whistler Mountain and a delicious hot buffet breakfast - before the lifts open to the public. Skiers and riders can purchase tickets for early morning access, allowing them to ride the Whistler Village Gondola to the Roundhouse Lodge where a hearty breakfast awaits. Once patrol gives the go-ahead, they can then head out to track fresh lines before the mountain opens to the public. Fresh Tracks tickets are available for through Guest Relations.

Coca-Cola Tube Park

The Tube Park, which debuted during the 05/06 season, is the perfect place to experience the mountain without strapping into bindings. Located at Base II on Blackcomb Mountain, the Tube Park offers 7,305-metre (1,000-foot)-long lanes ranging in speed from green to black, just like ski runs. The park, which is open even after the ski lifts close for the day, also offers a Mini Zone with mini-tubes. There's no skill or equipment required - just a sense of adventure. The Coca-Cola Tube Park is sure to please the young as well as the young at heart.

Whistler Heli-Skiing

You don’t have to be an expert skier or rider to experience the exhilaration of shredding untouched powder on distant mountain peaks. Whistler Heli-Skiing offers packages for skiers and riders with intermediate ability levels or higher. Professional heli-ski guides bring guests to a whole new height – and we mean that quite literally. More Information http://www.whistlerheliskiing.com/

Rental/Retail

Rental and Retail Stores

Having the right gear is crucial at Whistler Blackcomb. And don't be fooled, it can be as much about sporting the right trend as it is about finding the best fat ski for those super-deep pow days. Thankfully, Whistler Blackcomb's retail and rental selections cover all circumstances.

Convenient locations on the mountain and in the Village boast the latest in excellent hard and soft technology and are manned by locals who know the equipment and better yet, know how to use it. Every ski, snowboard, boot and bike that makes it into Whistler Blackcomb's Retail and Rental shops has been tested and approved by Whistler Blackcomb employees.

Showcase Snowboards and Burton Women's Store

Established in 1989, Showcase Snowboards is the oldest and largest snowboard shop in Whistler and the only one of its kind in Canada. Showcase Snowboards also hosts legendary parties each year during Whistler's many events. Showcase carries everything a snowboarder might desire, including hard goods, soft goods and accessories. The Burton Woman's Store is a new addition to the Showcase store catering to the women of snowboarding, offering women's only gear and apparel. Featuring the west coast's largest selection of core snowboard, skate and surf gear, Showcase in the Whistler Marketplace and on 4th avenue in Vancouver has your needs covered from mountain to ocean and everything in between.

The Glacier Shop

The Glacier Shop features the latest in freeride ski equipment and apparel by the most popular brands, including Oakley, Armada, and 4front.

CAN-SKI

CAN-SKI has the largest selection of ski gear in Whistler. CAN-SKI's specialty is boot fitting, and the fit is guaranteed. Look for CAN-SKI in the Creekside Village, in the Deer Lodge and the Crystal Lodge in the main Village, and at the base of Blackcomb Mountain.

Quiksilver

From summer to winter, the Quiksilver store has all the latest gear including DC shoes, Roxy and Quiksilver apparel. Quiksilver is located beside the Village North Can-Ski under the Crystal Lodge.

Salomon @ Whistler

A first in North America, Salomon @ Whistler carries Salomon, Bonfire and Oakley brands. Salomon @ Whistler is located in the Pan Pacific Mountainside.

Whistler Blackcomb Rentals

Leave your equipment at home - visit one of Whistler Blackcomb’s' 9 rental locations and experience great service and 2008-2009 gear from Whistler's largest and newest rental fleet. To reserve gear guests can book in advance online at whistlerblackcomb.com. With locations on the mountain and in the Village, guests head out onto the mountains equipped with the latest gear with the Whistler Blackcomb mountain top service guarantee; if you have an issue or question, guests don’t have to trek down the mountain. There are rental locations on-mountain to fix or adjust the equipment.

Whistler Kids

Conveniently located steps away from the base of each mountain; Whistler Kids offers children's equipment, outerwear and accessories. They are located at Creekside base, Whistler Village & Blackcomb base.

Whistler Blackcomb Outlet Store

Whistler Blackcomb's Outlet Store is located in Squamish and is a great place to get equipment, outerwear, accessories and Whistler Blackcomb logo wear at reduced prices.

Whistler Blackcomb Accessory and Logo Stores

Whistler's best selection of accessories to make your ski day better. The weather can change quickly, we have everything you need to stay warm dry and comfortable, we're located on the mountains in all of the main restaurants (Roundhouse Lodge, Rendezvous Lodge, Glacier Creek Lodge) and at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb. Your No. 1 source for official Whistler Blackcomb logo wear and souvenirs.

More Information

Dining/Après

Dining and Après

Whistler Blackcomb operates 17 restaurants on and at the base of the mountains. A perfect day at Whistler Blackcomb goes a little like this: eat, ski, eat, ski, drink (and eat!!).

• Start your day off with a delicious hot breakfast buffet at Fresh Tracks
• Shred through fresh snow all morning on Whistler or Blackcomb mountains.
• Take a break and sit down for a delicious lunch at one of many great on-mountain restaurants.
• Shred powder, hit the terrain parks, glide over groomed runs or through gladed sections.
• Rip down the mountain and walk right into the GLC, Merlin's or Dusty's to warm up with great après snacks and libations!

On Whistler Mountain

Roundhouse Lodge Our biggest restau­rant with three open food courts; Pika’s, The Mountain Market, and Expressway. We feature great variety - from Asian dishes to artisan sandwiches – and are conve­niently located at the junction of the Whis­tler Village Gondola, Emerald and Big Red Express.

Steep’s features fabulous full service lunches with a taste of B.C., afternoon tea service, and a great wine list. Find us up the stairs in the Roundhouse Lodge. Reservations at 604.905.2379.

Raven’s Nest Cappuccino bar, signature toasted sandwiches, hearty soups, and daily BBQs. Raven’s Nest is perched over the valley at the top of the Creekside Gondola.

The Chic Pea A funky cabin with a Mediterranean flavour featuring toasted signature sandwiches, pizza, and a great patio BBQ. Ski by on Upper Whiskey Jack at the top of the Garbanzo Express.

Harmony Ridge Snack Shack A ski-in ski-out opportunity for grab ‘n go snacks. For those days when you just can’t stop. Slide by the bottom of Harmony Express.

Harmony Hut Warm-up with hot cider and refuel for your next epic run in Harmony Bowl or Symphony Amphitheatre. Find us at the top of Harmony Express.

On Blackcomb Mountain

Rendezvous Lodge A big, spacious and classic ski lodge. Skiers’ breakfast and lunch includes soups, a fresh salad bar, sandwiches, hearty pastas and fajitas. Located at the top of the Solar Coaster Express.

Christine’s Mountain-top full service dining in style. Enjoy panoramic views, great food, and friendly service inside the Rendezvous Lodge. Reservations available at 604.938.7437.

Glacier Creek Lodge A spectacular lodge setting with two restaurants. Fantastic Asian stations and a custom sandwich deli. The “Expressway” downstairs offers paninis, fresh salads, and more. Located at the base of Glacier Express and Jersey Cream Express Chairs.

Crystal Hut A cozy log cabin on Crystal Ridge famous for all-day Belgian waffles and wood-oven baked lunch specialties. Recognized by Sunset Magazine for Top 10 Mountain Top Restaurants, you will find us at the top of the Crystal Chair.

Horstman Hut Stews, hearty home-style fare and a great BBQ on our ridge top patio at the top of Blackcomb Mountain. Take Horst­man T-Bar or 7th Heaven Express.

In The Valley

Wizard Grill No better place to start, The Wizard is a friendly place for fresh baking and breakfast bagels for the ride up as well as lunches and lattes in a lively atmosphere. Find it at the base of Blackcomb Mountain.

EBCB Fuel up with a latte and a ‘grab n’ go’ breakfast or lunch and snack for the Gondola ride. Alternatively, people watch at our patio BBQ! Located across from the Whistler and Excalibur Gondolas at Essentially Blackcomb in the village.

Starbucks Coffee – Creekside Committed to serving the worlds best coffees and the finest coffee experience. Conveniently located near the base of the Creekside gondola.

Dusty’s Backside Home of the All-day Breakfast! Offers a great lunch menu in a cozy environment. Located at Whistler Creekside inside Dusty’s.

Après

What’s better than winding down over a few drinks and food after a long day on the slopes? Après is a not-to-be-missed tradition in Whistler. Venues are open for lunch and dinner, and offer both child-friendly après, and adult-only nightlife.

Garibaldi Lift Company is located at the base of the Whistler Village Gondola and is open for food and drink from 11 am to 1 am. The GLC is ranked North America’s best mountain bar by SKIING magazine and Top 10 après-ski in the world by Forbes Traveler.

Dusty’s Bar and BBQ Whistler’s original watering hole rocks with après, lunch, dinner and late, late nights. Dusty’s features award-winning authentic barbecue, rockin’ tunes and friendly locals. Start and finish at Whistler Creekside.

Merlin’s Bar and Grill Our amazing patio features “Whistler’s Best Nachos” and spirited après-ski action. We serve you lunch and dinner daily in a great location at the base of Blackcomb Mountain in the Upper Village.

Extras

Fresh Tracks Breakfast, presented by Nature’s Path features an awesome Breakfast Buffet, fresh corduroy or pristine powder with first up privileges on the Whistler Village Gondola to the Roundhouse Lodge. Fresh Tracks runs December through April from 7:15 am – 8:30 am. Tickets are available at any Guest Relations desk.

Fondue Dinner at Crystal Hut Let Canadian Snowmobile Adventures take you on an adventure up Blackcomb Mountain for a cozy and decadent dinner experience. For reservations call 604.938.1616.

Parks

Terrain Parks

With five parks and over 32 hectares (80 acres) of terrain to choose from, Whistler Blackcomb's terrain parks provide something to satisfy the cravings of all jumpers and jibbers.

Whistler Blackcomb's terrain parks now boast over 200 features including a massive fleet of over 100 rails, boxes, pic nic tables and wall rides, all custom built by our own team of welders and painters.

Blackcomb Mountain boasts three parks ranging in difficulty from the Big Easy Terrain Garden and Nintendo Terrain Park to the Highest Level Park. Meanwhile, Whistler Mountain has the Habitat Terrain Park, which includes beginner, intermediate and advanced features. The skier/snowboard cross track, located off the Nintendo Terrain Park, is also a favorite spot for those with the need for speed.

The Whistler Blackcomb Terrain Park Rangers have an impressive resume, winning 30 top three Park and Pipe Awards since 1996, unmatched by any resort park team in the world. In 2007 -2008 the parks reclaimed the coveted Transworld Readers Poll best Park award.

The Park Rangers also team up with the Events Department crew to put on competitions and jam sessions that range from grassroots events like the monthly "King of the Rail" to the more intense Telus Park Rider Sessions Pipe and Slopestyle events and of course the infamous "Showcase Showdown Pipestyle" and "World Ski and Snowboard Festival". If there is a jump being built or a rail being put in, the Park Rangers are the ones to build it and tune it to perfection. Their handy work can also be seen each year in the crop of new ski and snowboard movies that get filmed on massive custom built mega features every spring.

Lessons

Whistler Blackcomb Ski and Snowboard School

Whistler Blackcomb attracts the world's top ski and snowboard instructors. Whistler Blackcomb's Ski & Snowboard School has programs for everyone: kids, teens, women, those looking for private instruction and those looking to forge new friendships on the mountain in a group lesson.

Instructors have the highest training possible in Canada, and many have competed or coached in the Olympics and on the World Cup circuit. More importantly, instructors go above and beyond the call of duty, forming close relationships with many of the visitors they work with.

Whistler Kids (ages 3 to 12 and toddlers ages 18 months to 48 months)

Private Lessons - The ultimate learning experience for kids and teens as well as the best way to explore the mountains. Go one-on-one or make a group with up to five kids or family members of similar ability. Ski (ages 3 and older) or snowboard classes (ages 7 and older) are available for all abilities. Language preferences can be considered and classes receive lift line priority. Full day or half day private lessons are available.

Multi-Day Adventure Camps – Whistler Blackcomb offers Monday to Wednesday Adventure Camps and weekend camps for snowboarding. The same instructor and group make for lasting friendships and amazing progression. Available to every ability level of skiers 3 to 12 and snowboarders 7 to 12. The groups will do it all, from basics to terrain park and Kids Zones.

Daily Lessons - Full day group lessons are available for skiers 3 to 12 and snowboarders 7 to 12. Whistler Kids Pros are experienced in teaching children and show students the mountains best kept secrets - runs, trails and Kids Adventure Zones, all while working on skills progression in a fun learning environment!

Toddler Childcare – For ages 18 months to 48 months. Parents can relax and enjoy themselves out on the slopes, knowing their little ones are well taken care of in licensed childcare facilities (in three locations). Staffed and run by professional Early Childhood Educators, our daycare centres provide a fun and stimulating environment for infants, toddlers and preschoolers who are not quite ready to ski. Parent Pagers are available to provide parents with total peace of mind.

Ride Tribe (Youth Programs for ages 13 to 18)

Private Lessons - The ultimate learning experience for teens as well as the best way to explore the mountains. Go one-on-one or make a group with up to five teens or family members of similar ability. Ski or snowboard classes (ages 13 to 18) are available for all abilities. Language preferences can be taken into account and classes are given lift line priority. Full-day or half-day private lessons are available.

Ride Tribe Camps – Five-day (Mon to Fri) and two-day weekend camps are available for beginner to expert skiers and riders aged 13 to 18 years, during peak weeks. Teens who can't handle another day on the slopes with mom and dad should check out Ride Tribe. Coaches are some of the best in the ski and snowboard industry and will give teens a full tilt experience on the slopes. Teens will get the same group and coach for the duration of the camp. Five-day camps include cool apres events around the Village.

Ride Tribe Daily Lessons - Full day group lessons are available for skiers and boarders aged 13 to 18. Teens won't want to stop at one day after experiencing the mountains with a Ride Tribe group. Teen-savvy coaches don't only instruct, they offer up a whole "culture" of their own.

Park Freeride Super Groups - Advanced (level 5 and 6) skiers and riders aged 10-18 can experience the Park, Pipe and mountains with no distraction! Maximum learning potential and mileage are the big benefit of these small groups (max three) geared introduce the Park and Pipe or take kids/teens to new heights! Powder and steeps are also part of the "curriculum" when conditions are right.

Adult Ski & Snowboard

Private Lessons - The ultimate learning experience and the best way to explore the mountains. Go one-on-one or make a group with up to five family or friends of similar ability. Ski, snowboard, telemark or ride the Park and Pipe with video analysis, language choice and lift line priority.

Learn to Ski/Ride - Our beginner program makes learning to ski or snowboard easier than ever with packages that include lesson, lift pass and rentals.

Ski Esprit – This popular mountain exploration program offers three or four days of mountain guiding and instruction. The program includes video analysis, a fun race, line priority, après receptions and lots of mileage. Perfect for any level of skier.

Women's Programs – Our women only ski and snowboard programs features top female coaches who will help build confidence, overcome fears and take your skiing and riding ability to the next level.

Backcountry Adventures - For some, 8,171 acres (3,307 hectares) of terrain just isn't enough. For those wanting to venture outside the Ski Area Boundary, Whistler Blackcomb formed a relationship with the Whistler Alpine Guides Bureau in order to offer backcountry ski and snowboard touring. Professional guides will give you a true taste of Coastal powder with a full day or multiple days of serious vertical.

Extremely Canadian Freeskiing Clinics - Confident intermediate and advanced skiers can refine their off-piste techniques with top guides in these big-mountain clinics.

Dave Murray Ski Camps - This legendary program combines gate training with all-mountain skiing, world-class coaches, a private training hill, video analysis and the latest training aids.

Park & Pipe Ski Camps - In a safe atmosphere, instructors will help you acquire the skills needed to shred the half-pipes and rip up the terrain parks.

Whistler Adaptive Ski Program - A unique program to provide people with disabilities access to the mountains. From the beginner who needs instruction on the basics to the seasoned skier who needs only a guide, we cater to all abilities.

Athletes

Whistler Blackcomb attracts world-class ski and snowboard athletes from around the world. They come because of this unique blend of consistent snow, challenging and varied terrain, and fantastic lifestyle. These featured athletes are just a few who are on the Whistler Blackomb Pro Team:

TWSSF

TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival

Each spring, Whistler hosts the TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival, one of the largest snow sports, music and entertainment festivals in the world. For 10 days, pro skiers and snowboarders impress with their biggest bags of tricks at world renowned competitions, free concerts rock the village, film and fine art events dazzle crowds, and parties pump up the beats.

With annual attendance of over 250,000 visitors, the TWSSF is the perfect time to discover the latest trends in snowsports, lifestyle and music. The energy is youthful, the intensity level is high, and the vibe is contagious.

TWSSF 2009 runs from April 17 to 26, 2009.