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Whistler Blackcomb senior Operations officials have announced that the last day for skiing and riding on Whistler Mountain for the 2008/2009 season will be this Sunday, May 31.
“Epic spring conditions that were enjoyed up until this past weekend have deteriorated very quickly over the past few days,” says Bob Dufour, Whistler Blackcomb’s vice president of operations. “The snow quality is quickly diminishing and posing more hazards by the day. Looking at the warm weather and sunshine in the forecast, the conditions will obviously deteriorate further.”
A number of closures have already been forced, including popular runs in the Emerald zone such as Green Acres, Bobcat, Chipmunk and Beansprout. Deterioration of conditions has also required crews to close the terrain park located on the Upper Dave Murray; a few park features have now been relocated to upper Jolly Green Giant. Crews will continue to work hard to maintain ski outs to the bottom of the Emerald and Red Chairs through Sunday.
In addition, the Peak Chair has been closed intermittently this week due to high avalanche danger because of warming conditions. “The conditions off the Peak Chair are fluctuating daily,” continues Dufour. “Guest and employee safety is obviously our number one concern and there are just too many hazards that are emerging to operate safely. With a season as long as Whistler Blackcomb’s, it is always a race against the weather to the very end. I’d like to compliment our operations crews on a job very well done this year, as they have worked magic while dealing with a very wide range of conditions.”
Whistler Mountain will continue to operate daily for sightseers and mountain bikers. The Whistler Village Gondola will operate seven days a week, and the Fitzsimmons Express will operate on weekends to access the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola will re-open for sightseeing on Saturday, June 6.
Glacier skiing will begin on Blackcomb Mountain on Saturday, June 20. A variety of ski and snowboard summer camps kick into high gear, and public skiing and riding will be available on the Horstman Glacier through July, weather permitting.
“We’d like to thank all of our guests for their patronage this season,” says Dufour. “We look forward to seeing everyone over the summer as Whistler Blackcomb offers up a wide range of summer activities including the re-opening of the Blackcomb Mountain hiking trails via the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. After that, we’re looking ahead to the excitement of next season and to welcoming everyone back as we get ready to host the Games, in what will be another momentous year in the Whistler Blackcomb story.”
For up-to-date operations information please visit the web site at www.whistlerblackcomb.com. The snowphone, which becomes the summer activity phone, will be recorded Mondays and Fridays throughout the summer, at 604-932-4211.
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 spectacular new PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, epic biking 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, the family-friendly Adventure Zone, sparkling mountain lakes and Whistler’s vibrant pedestrian village are all surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Located a scenic two-hour drive north of Vancouver up the stunning Sea to Sky Highway, this four season resort is truly incredible. Check it out at www.whistlerblackcomb.com.
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