WHISTLER, BC June 15, 2006 – As a long and incredible ski and snowboard season winds down, thoughts in the alpine resort of Whistler, British Columbia turn to hot summer days filled from dawn to dusk with outdoor activities that enrich the body and soul. This summer in Whistler will not disappoint as Whistler Blackcomb reveals a lineup of summer adventures designed to thrill.

A stunning chairlift ride to Whistler's peak, twilight barbecues at 6,000 feet, an adrenaline-fueled mountain-top scramble, and a serene alpine teahouse experience overlooking snowcapped peaks and ancient glaciers are all part of the summer lineup. Add to that Whistler Blackcomb's revolutionary lift-accessed Mountain Bike Park featuring over 200 kilometres of trails, an energetic summer glacier ski and snowboard scene, a kids' zone that will keep them adventuring for hours, and 61 kilometres of alpine hiking trails, and Whistler Blackcomb delivers a summer mountain resort experience like no other.

"A trip up into the alpine is an invigorating and rejuvenating experience for anyone at any age," says Stuart Rempel, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Whistler Blackcomb. "We have developed a range of activities to ensure that each of our guests can enjoy themselves regardless of whether they crave adrenaline-fueled fun, or prefer a more tranquil, low impact experience. Winter, summer, spring or fall, we share our mountain paradise with guests from around the world to offer them a soul enriching experience that you can only get from a trip into the mountains."

Along with Whistler's natural assets of beautiful clean lakes, fresh mountain air, cool alpine breezes and breathtaking scenery, the resort offers four world-class golf courses, black bear viewing excursions, an outstanding valley biking and hiking trail network, and relaxing lakeside parks. But a trip up Whistler or Blackcomb Mountain is not to be missed as Whistler Blackcomb offers countless adventures for every guest, regardless of fitness level or interest.

Whistler Mountain offers 61 kilometres of spectacular alpine hiking trails which range from short scenic walks to challenging day-long hikes and scrambles. The trails offer sweeping views of ancient glaciers, lakes, snowcapped peaks, dormant volcanoes and the Coast Mountain Range. Starting with a scenic gondola ride to 6,000 feet, then an optional open air chairlift ride to the very peak of Whistler Mountain at 7,160 feet, the trip up is exhilarating before even stepping out of the lift.

New for 2006, guests can join complimentary daily guided hiking tours to navigate Whistler Mountain's vast alpine environment. Whistler Mountain has also introduced two new trails this summer. The Peak Scramble is the ultimate cross between hiking, climbing and mountaineering. This moderate scramble will get hearts pumping and challenge any 'hard core' hiker. The second new trail will begin from the top of Whistler Mountain's Peak Chair and will offer spectacular views of the brilliant blue Cheakamus Lake thousands of feet below. The trail links up with the popular Singing Pass trail where hikers can make their way back to the Roundhouse Lodge or continue on down to Whistler Village. Alpine trails will open throughout the summer as the melting snowpack allows.

Nestled on Little Whistler Peak, tea and scones at the Harmony Alpine Teahouse offers a perfect break amid the alpine adventures. Refreshments are served overlooking spectacular views of the beautiful Coast Mountain Range. The Tea House is accessible via a 20 minute walk from the top of the Peak Chair.

Other new activities this summer include dog sledding tours, a Painting on the Peak outdoor workshop, and Mad Science indoor science show on Sundays through July and August.

Ranked as the premier lift-accessed mountain bike park in the world, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park offers over 200 kilometres of trails ranging from meandering beginner trails winding through the lower mountain forests, to steep expert downhill single track and everything in between. Experts' favourite A-line features tight, banked turns, dozens of jumps and steep, winding sections. Intermediates will love the continuous flow of B-line and the all-new Crank It Up, a mini version of A-line, getting the adrenaline pumping and improving skills on every lap. Beginners will thrill at the smooth, winding Easy Does It trail, and all ability levels will appreciate the incredible views, scenic trails and the convenience of not having to pedal uphill.

Extended hours, a new covered training facility and new trails have the Park gearing up for another record mountain bike season. Two new trails will be added in the upper part of the park, the Garbanzo Zone. The new trails will be mostly intermediate with advanced and expert off-shoots, offering a variety of riders more to choose from. Previously the Garbanzo Zone has only offered black and double black trails, so intermediate riders are in for a treat this summer as more trails open up for their ability level.

New this season the Park will be open from 10am to 8pm seven days a week starting June 17. Guests can also take their bikes to the top of the Whistler Village Gondola this summer, and ride down through the sub-alpine on an unguided, 4,000-foot descent. In addition, more man-made advanced/expert features like wall rides and elevated bridges are sprinkled throughout various trails. Variety truly is the spice of life in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. A Triple Play Card is available for $99 CAD providing three days of riding plus the option to buy unlimited additional days for just $33 each day.

Earlier this year, Summer Gravity Camps at Whistler Blackcomb announced the introduction of the Air Dome, a massive covered mountain bike facility that will open this summer. The Air Dome features a foam pit, resi ramp and trampoline. Located at Base II on Blackcomb Mountain, the Air Dome is the first mountain bike training facility of its kind in Canada and will position Whistler Blackcomb as the ultimate training ground for summer campers.

Whistler Blackcomb is one of the few places in the world where you can bike in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, hike via the Peak Chair on Whistler Mountain, and ski or ride on Blackcomb Mountain, all in the same day. With the longest snow season in North America and fantastic glacier conditions for the 2006 summer season, skiers and snowboarders can put on a t-shirt, grab some sunscreen and their boards, and head up to 7,000 feet and Blackcomb's Horstman Glacier this summer. A scenic 45-minute trip up the mountain reveals a winter scene that is incredibly hot.

Glacier Camps, featuring a veritable who's who of top pro athletes as coaches, reveal what's new and trendy in the scenes of sport and youth fashion. In close proximity is the public skiing and snowboarding area, complete with a full-sized half pipe. The Horstman Hut completes the scene and provides chilled refreshments, nourishing lunches, and some of the best views down the valley. The glacier skiing season runs from June 5 through the end of July.