November 25, 2003

Whistler Recognized by Conde Nast Traveler Readers as Blackcomb Opens to Best Snow Conditions in Recent Memory

Whistler, BC  - Condé Nast Traveler readers rated Whistler "number one" overall for "town ambiance" among North American ski resorts in the December 2003 issue - likely no surprise to skiers and snowboarders who hit the slopes during last Saturday's banner opening of Blackcomb Mountain.

Whistler's winter season officially started with a fresh blanket of snow on a 90 centimetre (35 inch) base on Blackcomb Mountain. The mountains have received a total of 65 centimetres (26 inches) of snow in the past seven days with up to an additional 87 centimetres (33 inches) forecast by the weekend, which will mean an equally superb day for Whistler Mountain's opening this Thursday, November 27.

"We had an incredible opening day on Blackcomb this year - definitely the strongest in recent years." says Barrett Fisher, Interim President and CEO, Tourism Whistler. "With all the snow of the past week, the entire Whistler area is a winter wonderland and the excitement for the winter season is piquing with visitors and locals."

Adding to the winter season buzz this year are top ratings from the December 2003 issue of Condé Nast Traveler where readers rated their favourite ski resort hotels. In addition to top marks for "town ambience", four Whistler hotels made the grade with Condé Nast readers in the Top Ski Resort Hotel category. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler earned top spot in North America at #1, while The Westin Resort & Spa came in a close second, followed by the Pan Pacific Lodge at #6 and the Delta Whistler Resort at #12.

"It is a great accomplishment to have so many Whistler hotels in the top spots out of 187 resorts rated," says Fisher. "It demonstrates Whistler's high standards and dedication to service excellence, coupled with the overall mountain and resort offering. Congratulations to all Whistler businesses who continue to raise the bar and enhance the guest experience in Whistler."

Whistler Stay and Ski Packages are a great way to take advantage of the early season snow conditions. Starting from $409 Cdn ($314 US) per person for five nights accommodation and a four-day lift pass until December 19, 2003, packages may be booked by calling 1-800-WHISTLER. Full details are available at myWHISTLER.com.

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.