March 16, 2009

Whistler Blackcomb Announces Spring Operation Plan

TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival and long spring season on the horizon

The calendar says spring on Friday but with 51 centimeters (20 inches) of snow in the past 72 hours and up to 80cm (31 inches) in the forecast between now and Friday, the ski and snowboard season goes on and on. Whistler Blackcomb announces the spring skiing plan for 2009; as well as summer sightseeing on Whistler Mountain and the Whistler Mountain Bike Park.

Spring operations at Whistler Blackcomb include:

  • The Creekside Gondola's last day of operations, Sunday, April 19.
  • Whistler Mountain's last day of winter operations is April 26.
  • Blackcomb Mountain's last day of spring operations will be Victoria Day, May 18.
  • Whistler Mountain will reopen for sightseeing on Saturday May 16 from 10am to 5pm.  Skiing will move to Whistler on May 19 if snowpack allows.
  • Last day of skiing on Whistler Mountain, snowpack permitting, will be June 14.
  • The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola will be closed for scheduled maintenance from April 27 and will reopen for sightseeing Saturday, June 6.
  • Spring skiing hours of operation from April 27 through to June 14 will be 10am to 4pm.
  • Glacier skiing and riding on Blackcomb Mountain will begin June 20.

The TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival returns to the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb April 17-26. Going into its 14th year as the most significant spring event in the snowsports calendar, this action packed festival will feature a host of new programming merging art with action – on and off the snow.

The Whistler Mountain Bike Park will open May 16 for daily summer operations, 10am-5pm, snowpack permitting. Extended Play will kick-off on June 20; daily hours of operation 10am-8pm until September 6.

Although Whistler Blackcomb's operations are providing almost year-round play for guests, a period of time is required for regular scheduled maintenance on both mountains.  Much of this takes place during the transition between winter and summer operations.

On Blackcomb Mountain maintenance crews will be conducting the following:

  • Line maintenance on Wizard Express, Solar Coaster Express and 7th Heaven Express.
  • Clear and prepare the road to the top of the Solar Coaster Express and 7th Heaven Express to allow for shuttle bus transport in the summer.
  • Prepare the Glacier for summer skiing operations with line maintenance on the Horstman and Showcase T-bars. Stockpile snow and build terrain park features and race lanes as snowpack permits.

On Whistler Mountain the following scheduled maintenance will take place:

  • Line maintenance on the Whistler Village Gondola.
    Line maintenance on the Fitzsimmons Express.
  • Maintenance on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.

Detailed spring operation information, including specific lift access information and mountain amenities including food and beverage and rental or retail options will be available and updated weekly at whistlerblackcomb.com/whatsopen. Daily operation information will also be available on the snowphone 604-932-4211 and the Today on the Mountain report.


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

 

-30-

 

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