June 4, 2008

Whistler Mountain Bike Park Introduces 'The Sampler' to Target the 'I am not a Park Rider' Crowd

New focus in Bike Park on all-round riding experiences for different levels of riders

The Whistler Mountain Bike Park has introduced a new ticket product designed to attract more all-round riders to the park. The Sampler, as the name implies, offers riders a chance to get their feet dirty before fully jumping in, by providing them with three runs in the Park.

"The Whistler Mountain Bike Park is not just for the hardcore downhill mountain biker," says Rob McSkimming Vice President of Business Development at Whistler Blackcomb. "While it's true that the Park appeals to this element, it also offers fantastic riding experiences for all kinds and levels of riders. This ticket has been designed to encourage those riders who say "I am not a Park rider" to give it a try. We believe that they will be surprised and impressed with the breadth of riding experiences we have to offer."

Recently, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park has focused on building and enhancing trails designed for a wide variety of riders. New additions like Crank It Up, Karate Monkey, and Blue Velvet as well as improvements to B-Line, Angry Pirate, Devil's Club and other trails are providing smoother, more rhythmical riding, perfect for the emerging trend of lightweight, medium travel all-mountain bikes. 
 
In total there are more then 25 intermediate or beginner trails in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park and two intermediate/beginner skill zones to practice in before heading out onto the trails.  Furthermore, construction plans for 2008 call for the addition of more intermediate and beginner trails and riding experiences both in the lower Park and in the Garbanzo zone, so stay tuned.

"Riders shouldn't let the massive features in the Boneyard and GLC drops give the wrong impression; the Whistler Mountain Bike Park offers amazing trails for all kinds and levels of riders," says McSkimming. "The Sampler is an inexpensive way for riders to come on up and check it out."
 
The Sampler costs $22 for adults, $20 for youth/senior and $11 for children and is available until June 27.  The lift ticket is valid for three lift rides per day, resulting in more than 3,400 vertical feet of riding pleasure, and can be purchased at ticket windows at the base of the Park.


Consistently ranked as North America's top ski and snowboard resort, Whistler Blackcomb elevates summer adventure to new heights. On-Mountain activities include high alpine hiking and sightseeing via the Peak Chair on Whistler, epic riding in North America's number one ranked lift-accessed mountain bike park, and summer skiing and riding on Blackcomb's Horstman Glacier. In the valley, sparkling mountain lakes and beaches, four championship golf courses, and Whistler's vibrant pedestrian village filled with restaurants, patios, cafés, shops, galleries and spas are all surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Whistler Blackcomb continues to raise the level of mountain excitement for its guests, introducing a world-record breaking Peak to Peak Gondola connecting Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain's alpine. Opening December 2008, the Peak to Peak Gondola will revolutionize the winter skiing and riding as well as summer sightseeing and alpine hiking experience. Located a scenic two-hour drive north of Vancouver up the spectacular Sea to Sky Highway, this four season resort is truly spectacular by nature. Check it out at www.whistlerblackcomb.com.

ABOUT INTRAWEST
Intrawest is a world leader in experiential destination resorts.  The company has interests in eleven resorts at North America's most popular mountain destinations including Whistler Blackcomb, a host venue for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Intrawest network also includes Canadian Mountain Holidays, the largest heli-skiing operation in the world, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Florida and Club Intrawest—a private resort club with nine locations throughout North America.  In addition, 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

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