March 20, 2006

Whistler Blackcomb On Track to Post Record Regional Numbers

Growth in regional market share attributed to recognition of value and epic snow conditions

 

 

WHISTLER, BC, March 20, 2006 – Following a successful spring break where Whistler Blackcomb posted over 150,000 visits throughout the period, the resort is forecasting that a record number of regional guests will visit the resort this season, growing its share of this highly-courted market. The regional market is defined primarily as Greater Vancouver, Washington State and the Sea to Sky corridor.

 

“We are on track to see more than one million visitors from the regional market ski or ride at Whistler Blackcomb this season, which would be a record for this resort,” says Stuart Rempel, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Whistler Blackcomb. “This can be attributed to the fantastic snow conditions we have seen this winter, but even more importantly, we attribute this to the great value we have been able to offer through reasonable hotel rooms and discounted skiing and riding through the Edge Card and 7-Eleven ticket offers.”

 

Whistler Blackcomb has seen an increase in Edge Card sales of 41% this season. Edge Card holders can ski/ride for less than $50 per day at any time of the season, which is less expensive than many other BC resorts.

 

“With great deals such as the Edge Card, regional skiers and riders are choosing to head to Whistler Blackcomb over Interior resorts in greater numbers this season,” continues Rempel. “There is no comparison anywhere in North America to our terrain variety, lift capacity, incredible scenery and vibrant village. Having one of the top resorts in the world, literally in Vancouver’s backyard, is something special that our regional friends are taking advantage of in record numbers this winter.”

 

The highly anticipated opening of the brand new Peak to Creek run – North America’s longest intermediate ski run at 5.5 kilometres in length with a 5,000 vertical feet drop – has been very popular this winter. “One run down Peak to Creek is like skiing an entire day at other resorts,” says Rempel. “This run showcases everything that Whistler Blackcomb is famous for. Starting from the top you experience spectacular alpine views and wide open bowls. Then you descend into Whistler’s famous coastal rainforest for the run of your life. Luckily Dusty’s Bar & BBQ is conveniently located at the bottom to refuel before heading back up.”

 

Whistler Blackcomb’s winter season continues to June 4th at which point the glacier skiing season kicks off on Blackcomb Mountain’s Horstman Glacier through to the end of July. With a 288 centimetre (9.4 feet) snow base at mid-mountain (1,650 metres) and the forecast calling for up to 50 centimetres (20 inches) of snow this week alone, the spring skiing and riding season is officially kicking off with epic conditions.

 

Whistler Blackcomb will play host to such world-class events as the Pontiac GMC Canadian Championships where Canada’s current Olympians and rising stars compete for senior and junior titles (March 19-24); the Sierra Wireless Whistler Cup which, in its 14th year, brings together 350 athletes aged 11-14 from over 20 countries for North America's premier international juvenile ski race (April 7-9); plus the legendary TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival delivering 10 days of concerts, photo and film events, sporting events and much more, including the return of the Festival’s famous night-time Big Air (April 14-23).

 

Spring deals are available at www.whistlerblackcomb.com:

·          Last minute “Hidden Treasures” deals are available from $129 per night;

·          Hotel rooms are available from $99 per night (minimum three nights stay required);

·          Mid-week ski and stay packages are available from $107 per person per night (minimum three nights stay required);

·          TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival packages are available from $79 per person per night (minimum two nights stay required).

 

Stay tuned for 06/07 Edge Card renewal offers to ski next season for less than $50 per day. The campaign will kick off April 1.