December 30, 2003

Whistler Blackcomb's Big Mountain Experience kicks off Tuesday, January 7

Whistler, B.C., December 30, 2003 - Conditions at Whistler Blackcomb are ideal for this year's Big Mountain Experience - this December's snowfall accumulation is close to record-breaking. The abundance of snow guarantees increased drama at this year's Tylenol Canadian Freeskiing Championships, more competitors in the second ever Canadian Life-Link/Dynafit Randonnee Rally, and incomparable skiing and riding for everyone who visits Whistler Blackcomb. The Big Mountain Experience, showcasing Whistler Blackcomb's unmatched terrain with unique competitions, clinics and of course parties, is presented by Stella Artois and takes place January 7 to 11, 2004.

In addition to premium snow on the mountains and premium beer at one of the many Big Mountain Experience parties, the following events will take place next week at Whistler Blackcomb:

  • Tylenol Canadian Freeskiing Championships (CFC) presented by Dynastar, January 7 to 10 - This competition strays from man-made courses and terrain parks, and tests skiers' strength using the mountain's natural features. CFC competitors choose cliffs, steep terrain and speed to increase the difficulty and technicality of their run. Visit www.freeskiingworldtour.com for registration information.
  • Life-Link/Dynafit Randonnee Rally, January 10 - Participants in the alpine ski touring competition navigate a course that winds its way up, down, and across our mountains. A potential Olympic sport in 2010 , the Randonnee is open to professionals and amateurs. Visit www.life-link.com or the Telus Conference Center on January 7 to 9 from 9 to 5pm to register.
  • Avalanche Awareness Day, January 10 - Hosted by the Canadian Avalanche Association, this free event includes avalanche awareness seminars, transceiver workshops and rescue dog demonstrations.
  • Backcountry Tours, January 7 to 11 - Venture outside of the ski area boundary for a full day of vertical and a true taste of coastal powder with a professional guide from the Whistler Alpine Guides Bureau. No experience is necessary.
  • Extremely Canadian Ski and Snowboard Clinics, January 7 to 11 - Specializing in all-mountain guiding and coaching, the Extremely Canadian programs are all about improving and refining off-piste techniques. They're also about finding the best chutes, bowls, couloirs, trees and steeps.
  • Telemark Clinics, January 7 to 11 - Try out free-heeled skiing for the first time, or improve your technique with Whistler Blackcomb professional telemark ski instructors.
  • Demo Days, January 9 to 10 - Be the first to test next year's ski and snowboard gear from Rossignol, Salomon, Dynastar, Atomic and many other brands.

The Big Mountain Experience is presented by Stella Artois. Event sponsors include Goretex, Tylenol 8 Hour, Dynastar, GMC, Suunto , Skier magazine, the Canadian Avalanche Association, Pique newsmagazine, and Whistler estays.

For more information about the Big Mountain Experience, visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com or call 1.800.766.0449. For lodging, please call 1.888.583.8091.

Site of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

Whistler Blackcomb is owned and operated by Intrawest Corporation. Intrawest Corporation (IDR:NYSE; ITW:TSX) is the leading developer and operator of village-centered resorts across North America. The company owns nine mountain resorts, including Whistler Blackcomb, North America's most popular mountain resort. Intrawest also owns Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Florida and has a premier vacation ownership business, Club Intrawest. The company has a 45 per cent interest in Alpine Helicopters Ltd., owner of Canadian Mountain Holidays, the largest heli-skiing operation in the world. Intrawest is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia and is located on the World Wide Web at www.intrawest.com.