January 10, 2005

Whistler Blackcomb to participate in 7th Annual Avalance Awareness Days

Local event Jan 15 on Whistler Mountain

Whistler Blackcomb, the big-mountain resort well-known for incredible lift-accessed backcountry terrain, will host an Avalanche Awareness Day this Saturday, January 15, part of the Canadian Avalanche Centre's (CAC) 7th annual event to be held across Canada this week.

"Our mountains access some of B.C.'s best backcountry for ski touring and riding. Before heading beyond our boundary ropes, every skier and rider should arm themselves with a transceiver, shovel and probe as well as a solid awareness and education about avalanche terrain and how to stay safe while visiting the backcountry," says Bernie Protsch, Ski Patrol Manager for Whistler Mountain.

According to Clair Israelson, Executive Director of the CAC, "Avalanche Awareness Days is a great opportunity for everyone to learn some basic backcountry know-how in a safe environment." Events at Whistler Blackcomb include transceiver and pit digging demonstrations, as well as demonstrations with the Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog Association (CARDA), and avalanche awareness tours on the mountain.

The Roundhouse Lodge at the top of the Whistler Village Gondola will act as the hub of activity. Visitors can check out the CAC tent at the Roundhouse for information about avalanche awareness and tips on how to use public avalanche bulletins produced by organizations such as the CAC and Parks Canada.

Over 30 Canadian communities are slated to participate in the 7th Annual Avalanche Awareness Days January 14-16, which are proudly presented by the Canadian Pacific Railway. Avalanche professionals and volunteers will share their expertise to help people Learn, and Live in the mountains. Events are planned at ski resorts and snowmobile areas in mountainous areas across Canada, from Vancouver's North Shore to the Yukon and Quebec.

Intrawest Corporation (IDR:NYSE; ITW:TSX) is one of the world's leading destination resort and adventure travel companies. Intrawest has interests in 10 mountain resorts in North America's most popular mountain destinations, including Whistler Blackcomb, a host venue for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The company owns Canadian Mountain Holidays, the largest heli-skiing operation in the world, and a 67 per cent interest in Abercrombie & Kent, the world leader in luxury adventure travel. The Intrawest network also includes Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Florida and Club Intrawest - a private resort club with nine locations throughout North America. Intrawest is developing five additional resort village developments at locations in North America and Europe. Intrawest is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.intrawest.com.

Proud to be a venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.