Season 2008-2009

TransWorld SNOWBoarding Magazine readers have named Whistler Blackcomb the best overall resort in North America for a third year in a row; have given its Nintendo Terrain Parks the coveted No. 1 designation in the Top Ten Best Parks category; and have named Whistler Blackcomb Top 5 in an additional nine categories.

Inspired by letter to the editor, long time local George Huxtable secures first "first ride", with 20 more spots available. Whistler Blackcomb has launched the "Ride of Your Life" competition inviting Whistlerites to nominate who they think should be on the first sky cabin when the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola opens December 12. In a recent letter to the editor in Pique Newsmagazine, Tavia "Tavalanche" Pursell shared why she thought that 89 year-old George Huxtable should be one of the first to ride the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Whistler Blackcomb jumped at the suggestion, and has launched a competition to find out whom else the community believes should ride first on opening day.

Lucky winner and three friends will receive a prize valued at $25,000, comprised of enough winter gear to fill a PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola cabin and a trip to Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb launched a huge contest last week to celebrate the equally epic grand opening of the world-record breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, which takes place on December 12, 2008.

Everything to get ready for the upcoming season, from skis to jackets to goggles offered at up to 70 per cent off

Whistler Blackcomb's legendary Turkey Sales returns October 10-13. The largest sale of its kind in Canada packs 20,000 square feet with ski and snowboard sporting equipment at up to 70 per cent off. The Blackcomb Daylodge at the base of Blackcomb Mountain is the home of the sale and is staffed by Whistler locals ready to help source the right equipment for customers' needs this winter.

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.”

Current Westbeach stores will evolve into SHOWCASE Snowboards stores. Whistler Blackcomb has announced the integration of the Westbeach retail stores under the banner of the well known Showcase Snowboards brand. Showcase Snowboards has been the premier snowboard retail brand on the Whistler landscape since 1989. It has grown significantly in the past nineteen years and is projected to deliver significant growth in the coming years. A piece of Whistler is being transplanted to Vancouver with the rebranding of the Vancouver Westbeach Store as a Showcase Snowboards location, as well as the Westbeach Whistler location.

Whistler Blackcomb has announced details of a commemorative PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola poster competition. Artists are invited to submit a design for a commemorative poster to celebrate the upcoming grand opening of the record-setting PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Like so many now-legendary posters that have marked Whistler milestones and events over the years, the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola commemorative poster will no doubt take its place on the hallowed walls of Whistler ski cabins throughout the resort.

Whistler Blackcomb's PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola will officially open to the public December 12, 2008. This engineering marvel is set to become a new Canadian tourism icon, and will forever revolutionize the way visitors experience this four-season resort.

Construction has begun on a renewable energy project that will offset the total annual energy consumption at Whistler Blackcomb.

Ninja Cougar has pounced, joining its fellow fighting animal friend, Karate Monkey, in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park's quest to develop intermediate all mountain trails.

Whistler Blackcomb's employees were recently recognized for delivering exceptional guest service during this last winter season. The company has been named National Winner of the 2008 Canadian Ski Council Industry Recognition and Excellence Research Award

The Canadian National Barbeque Championships return for their eighth year at Dusty's in Whistler August 1-3, 2008. Already the highlight of the Pacific Northwest competitive BBQ circuit, the BBQ Championships are adding a new event this year called the "Pork and Cork."

"The rope works crew has installed and tensioned the first track rope across the valley and they are currently working on the second one," says Rick Temple, Whistler Blackcomb's PEAK 2 PEAK Construction Manager.

Kokanee Crankworx announces the largest prize purse in the festival's five-year history. Totaling more than $70,000 in cash a prizes, Kokanee Crankworx has increased prizing for all events while adding a "Cash Grab" element to the VW Trick Showdown.