December 6, 2003

Biggest snow base in North America at Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler, BC - Take 30 centimetres (12 inches) overnight, add 37 centimetres (15 inches) from the day before, and that’s equal to: POWDER. The snow continues to fall at Whistler Blackcomb, creating what are arguably the best early season conditions for skiers and riders on the continent. The mid-mountain base is now 150 centimetres (59 inches), putting more snow on the ground than at any other major North American resort.

”Two weeks ago we were saying early season conditions were the best we’d seen in years,” said Christopher Nicolson, Whistler Blackcomb Public Relations manager. “Since then we’ve received nothing but more snow. We meant what we said two weeks ago and we really mean it now, especially as more terrain opens. Early season conditions are the best we’ve seen in years.”

As of tomorrow, Whistler Blackcomb will have 5280 vertical feet and over 4500 acres open for skiing and riding, which is the most vertical and acreage currently open in North America. With more snow in the forecast the resort plans to open even more terrain over the next couple of days.

Many areas in the high alpine are already open. “Dropping into Ruby Bowl (on Blackcomb mountain) was unbelievable, ” one Vancouverite enthused on the chairlift. “The quality of snow is great.”

For current weather conditions visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com, or call the snowphone toll-free at 1.800.766.0449, from the Lower Mainland at 604.687.7507, and locally at 604.932.4211.

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.