January 23, 2009

Long Awaited Alpine Terrain Opens this Weekend at Whistler Blackcomb

Total Skiable Terrain at Whistler Blackcomb Increases to 7,000 acres

Symphony Bowl and the Peak Chair on Whistler Mountain are set to open Saturday, January 24 in addition to Blackcomb Glacier which opened Thursday, January 22. These three areas combined add over 1,700 acres of skiing and riding terrain, bringing the total skiable acres at Whistler Blackcomb to 7,000. 

"I was in the Blackcomb Glacier area skiing today and it was great," says Doug MacFarlane, Whistler Blackcomb Mountain Manager. "Conditions are soft packed and really nice. With the Peak Chair and the Symphony Amphitheatre opening on Saturday, guests will have access to truly spectacular areas of the mountains and with the sun in the forecast, the views will be breathtaking."

All operations crews at Whistler Blackcomb from groomers, to snowmakers, to patrol and forecasters have been working hard every day to safely open more terrain for guests. A deep seated instability in the snow pack has been a challenge this season. Extensive avalanche control work by the patrol team, coupled with a warmer then cooler weather pattern this past few weeks has resulted in a more stable snow pack allowing the terrain to open. Despite the terrain openings the underlying weakness has not gone away so it is important for guests to obey on-mountain signage and initiate backcountry access with appropriate equipment, knowledge and partners.

Whistler Heli Skiing is also open and available for excursions. All heli-adventures are lead by a professional, certified heli-ski guide with an average of 19 years of experience. For package information visit whistlerheliskiing.com.

With the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola open guests of Whistler Blackcomb this weekend will be able to check out Symphony Bowl, then ski Spanky's in an afternoon for the first time this season. Accommodation and lift ticket packages such as a three night, two day package starting from $106 per person, per night is available at whistlerblackcomb.com.

Lift status, grooming and weather and snow information can also be found at whistlerblackcomb.com or by calling the Snow Report at 604-932-4211.

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 December 12, 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, Canada 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 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers, 200 trails, and 8,171 acres of skiable terrain, 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 award-winning après bars,  restaurants, patios, cafes, shops, galleries and spas, and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, this four-season resort is spectacular. For more information 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

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. Please contact the Whistler Blackcomb PR team at 604-938-7668.
 
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Proud to be a venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games