Whistler - Symphony Amphitheatre

WHISTLER, BC, August 22, 2006 – Whistler Blackcomb has announced that the new 1,000 acre lift-accessed area in the high alpine of Whistler Mountain will be crowned the Symphony Amphitheatre to reflect its spectacular natural amphitheatre-like terrain. A new name for the high speed detachable quad that will open on Whistler Mountain this November has also been announced. The previously announced Piccolo Express will be renamed Symphony Express to reflect the zone’s new branding.

“Piccolo Express was an appropriate name for the new lift as it was named for the mountain peak it was accessing, but it didn’t inspire the story of this incredible area,” says Stuart Rempel, Whistler Blackcomb’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales. “After receiving community input in support of the magnificence of the area, we decided to revisit the branding process and determined that the Symphony Amphitheatre offered much more potential.”

The zone’s new name was inspired by the area’s natural theatre with its unmatched views, vast open bowls, deep snow and gladed finales. Drawing further inspiration from its symphonic similarities, the area also features new run names such as Rhapsody Bowl, Adagio, Founders’ Run, Staccato Glades, Glissando Glades, Encore Ridge, Flute Bowl, North Flute Bowl and Hidden Chute adding to the established runs in the region such as Burnt Stew Trail, Symphony Bowl, Sun Bowl, Harvey’s, Robertson’s, and Crescendo. Founders’ Run will be dedicated to the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation who will auction the run name annually to the highest bidder. Proceeds from the auction will benefit Whistler Blackcomb Foundation charities.

The Symphony Amphitheatre, Whistler Blackcomb’s newest orchestral maneuver, brings to the fore one of Whistler Mountain’s favorite in-bounds backcountry experiences. Long referred to by locals as being part of the Musical Bumps – Piccolo and Flute, along with Symphony Bowl are the encore to Whistler’s Harmony Bowl, but until now have been reserved for those willing to hike for their turns. This winter, the addition of the Symphony Express – a detachable, high speed quad chair connecting the bottom of Flute Bowl to the peak of Piccolo, will provide access to over 1,000 acres of intermediate and advanced terrain.

Part of the incredible beauty of the Symphony Amphitheatre is that it is surrounded on three sides by Garibaldi Provincial Park, one of British Columbia’s great natural wonders of incredible mountains, glaciers and turquoise colored lakes. Guests can’t get any closer to the great beyond than from this incredible area.

As skiers and snowboarders enter the top of Whistler’s Burnt Stew Trail, they will be greeted by a welcome sign that signifies their arrival at the Amphitheatre’s edge. The Amphitheatre’s north-facing bowls are well known by locals as a cache for great powder snow, stable conditions and classic Whistler Blackcomb backcountry performances. An environmentally protected area, this pristine region still features hike-in opportunities to the peak of Flute, but eliminates the need to hike out of the zone. Arguably, a fitting compromise for one of Whistler Mountain’s most special places.

Construction is well underway on the new Symphony Express and the lift towers are expected to be flown in by mid-September in time for the lift to open with the winter season this November. For the leagues of Whistler Blackcomb faithful, this year’s expansion announcement is music to their ears. For those less familiar with North America’s largest winter resort and its unmatched high alpine experience, the unveiling of the new Symphony Express lift and Symphony Amphitheatre zone will serve as added motivation for exploring everything Whistler Blackcomb has to offer.

For further information on Whistler Blackcomb deals and packages for the 06/07 winter season, visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com.

Consistently ranked as North America's top ski and snowboard resort, Whistler Blackcomb continues to raise the level of mountain excitement for its guests, and has unveiled plans for a new high speed quad accessing Whistler Mountain’s spectacular high alpine for the 06/07 season. Located a scenic two-hour drive north of Vancouver up the spectacular 'Sea to Sky' Highway, this resort is home to the continent's two greatest vertical-rise ski mountains – Whistler and Blackcomb. With over 17 alpine bowls, four glaciers, 200 trails, 8,171 acres of skiable terrain and a one mile vertical rise, the choices of where and what to ski/ride at Whistler Blackcomb from beginner to advanced terrain are staggering. Joined at the base by a vibrant pedestrian village filled with restaurants, patios, cafes, shops, galleries and spas, and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, this four season resort is spectacular by nature. Check it all out at www.whistlerblackcomb.com.

Intrawest Corporation (IDR:NYSE; ITW:TSX) is a world leader in destination resorts and adventure travel. The company has interests in 10 resorts at North America’s most popular mountain destinations, including Whistler Blackcomb, a host venue for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Intrawest owns Canadian Mountain Holidays, the largest heli-skiing operation in the world, and an 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 develops real estate at its resorts and at other locations across North America and in Europe. Intrawest is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.intrawest.com.

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

MEDIA NOTE: Whistler Blackcomb is pleased to provide high resolution photographs available for editorial use, and downloadable at the following link /photo/index.htm.

Please credit - Photographer: Randy Lincks, Location: Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia.