September 29, 2008

Whistler Blackcomb Ranked No. 1 North American Ski Resort In Skiing Magazine For Unprecedented 12 Years In A Row

SKI Magazine maintains No. 3 ranking, while PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola and GLC receive accolades from UK publications

SKIING Magazine readers have named Whistler Blackcomb No.1 ski resort in North America for the twelfth year in a row. Meanwhile, SKI Magazine's annual "Top 50 Resort Guide" named Whistler Blackcomb No. 3 for the second year in a row.

"Whistler Blackcomb continues to strive for innovation and guest service excellence. On December 12, the grand opening of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola will set us even further apart from other North American resorts," says Stuart Rempel, Senior VP of Marketing and Sales for Whistler Blackcomb. "This year, we are set to make significant changes that will forever alter the way our guests experience the mountains. These top rankings are a very encouraging indication that we are continuing in the right direction and are a great start to this landmark winter season."

SKIING'S Best Après Scene award went to Whistler Blackcomb, with the Garibaldi Lift Company receiving accolades for its great food and variety of live concerts. Whistler Blackcomb also received a Top 5 ranking for Backcountry Access, Steeps, and Park; as well as a Top 10 ranking for Trees.

"We survey our readers annually and ask them what they think is the best resort. But this year we tweaked the question. We asked readers where they would go if money were no object. Essentially, where they want to ski most," says Jake Bogoch, editor of SKIING Magazine. "The answer was Whistler Blackcomb. On a personal level, I get it. I've skied at Whistler for the past seven winters and can't seem to stay away."

In addition to a No.3 overall ranking in SKI Magazine's Top 50 Resort Guide, Whistler Blackcomb also received a Top 5 ranking in 8 categories: Terrain/Variety (No.1), Après-Ski (No.2), Off Hill Activities (No. 3), Lifts (No.3), Lodging (No.3), Dining (No.4), Terrain/Challenge (No. 5) and Terrain Parks (No. 5).

Meanwhile, the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola received the award for best North American Resort Development 2008 by leading UK publication, Where to Ski and Snowboard.

Hardy's Skiing and Snowboarding Guide 2009, another UK-based publication, has given the Garibaldi Lift Company the award for Best Après-Ski Venue in North America. The awards are judged by a panel of experts, including the authors of the guide, and take into account nominations supplied by readers.

Winter is just around the corner, and opening day is set for November 27, 2008. Guests who book by November 15 can receive up to 33 per cent off their holiday. As part of the family package, kids 12 and under stay, ski, rent, and transfer for free. For more information, visit 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. With the landmark PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola opening in December 2008, the return of the popular Symphony Amphitheatre, and a host of other on-mountain improvements, this winter promises to be one of the most exciting yet. Located a scenic two-hour drive north of Vancouver up the spectacular 'Sea to Sky' Highway, this resort is home to Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, which boast  one vertical mile of incredible skiing. 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. Check it all out at www.whistlerblackcomb.com.


About Intrawest ULC

Intrawest is a world leader in experiential destination resorts.  The company has interests in ten 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 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

MEDIA NOTE:  Whistler Blackcomb is pleased to provide high resolution photographs available for editorial use, and downloadable at the following link. Please credit the appropriate photographer and Whistler Blackcomb.  /photo/index.htm.
 
Check out the progress on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola at www.whistlerblackcomb.com/peak2peak. Opens December 2008.

Whistler Blackcomb is the Official Alpine Skiing Venue of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.