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Annual Magazine Rankings Are Out and Whistler Blackcomb Tops Lists Again - 13 Years and Counting

Resort Takes No. 1 in SKIING for 13th year, No. 1 in FREESKIER and No. 2 in Ski

WHISTLER, BC, September 18, 2009 – For the 13th year in a row, readers at one of North America’s premier ski magazines, SKIING, have ranked Whistler Blackcomb their choice for No. 1 resort and the resort they want to ski more than anywhere else. FREESKIER Magazine has also ranked Whistler Blackcomb No. 1, and in SKI Magazine, the resort has moved up one spot to the No. 2 position.

“We are thrilled to be on top again this year. These rankings reflect an appreciation of the unwavering commitment from our staff and the community to deliver the most incredible mountain resort experience on the planet,” says Dave Brownlie, president and chief operating officer at Whistler Blackcomb. “We are extremely fortunate to be blessed with the incredible physical attributes that our mountains offer – their size, scope and variety of terrain tops the rankings every year. Add to that a dedicated and passionate group of employees providing an exceptional guest experience, as well as the innovation of the record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, and it obviously all has an impact on our guests and those who aspire to ski here.”

The annual magazine rankings rate resorts on a variety of set criteria, and Whistler Blackcomb consistently scores high in what the results cite as the resort’s greatest attributes. Terrain quality and variety always top the charts, referring to Whistler Blackcomb’s 8,171 acres of glaciers, alpine bowls, steeps and cliffs, plenty of tree skiing, and long, wide-open runs snaking down a vertical mile on both mountains.

“It’s a poll of our readers, not the editors. And the readers overwhelmingly chose Whistler,” says Jake Bogoch, editor of SKIING Magazine. “When our readers think of Whistler, they think of dark storms, granite-lined bowls, blocky cliffs, and long, long runs. That’s why they want to go there more than anywhere else.”

In addition to the terrain variety, nightlife and après ski activities always rank high. The après and nightlife scenes in Whistler Village are legendary, and it all takes place only steps from the base of the mountains. “Whistler exudes an energy that is difficult to replicate anywhere else, and guests love it, citing it as one of the key reasons they come back year after year,” continues Brownlie.

With the resort on the cusp of hosting the world as a proud venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, this could be the beginning of the most defining year yet. Whistler Blackcomb is open throughout the winter, with 90 per cent of its 8,171 acres of terrain available throughout the Games, accessed from three of the four base areas. Early booking offers provide opportunities to save up to 39 per cent on a vacation package this winter, and includes a best price guarantee for those concerned about committing early. If guests find a better deal later in the season, Whistler Blackcomb will take care of the difference.

Whistler Blackcomb’s official opening day is November 26, 2009. Follow weather forecasts and snow conditions, as well as information about visiting Whistler Blackcomb this winter, including package prices and Olympic travel information, at www.whistlerblackcomb.com or by calling 1-800-766-0449.

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

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