Whistler Blackcomb on Track for Record Breaking Snowfall

After an early opening with plenty of fresh snow, Whistler Blackcomb prepares to open Creekside and Garbanzo Express on Whistler Mountain this weekend.

WHISTLER, BC, Wednesday, November 18, 2009 – The current storm system has blanketed the mountains with over 204 cm (80 inches) of fresh snow in the past week. Operations crews are hard at work preparing more lifts and terrain to open this weekend as conditions allow.

It may still be early in the season but don’t tell that to Mother Nature. With over 362cm’s (142.5 inches) of snow so far this month Whistler Blackcomb has more than doubled its average November snowfall of 148cm (58 inches). With almost two weeks left in the month, as well as over 100cm (40 inches) in the forecast for the next five days, Whistler Blackcomb is well on its way to the possibility of breaking the record of snow in the month of November, 416cm (164 inches).

“I’ve skied here for over 15 years and I’ve never seen this much snow so early in a season, it seems like every day’s snowfall is topping the last,” say’s Stephen Butt, Communications Coordinator and voice of the Snow Phone for Whistler Blackcomb. “We have already received one third of our average annual snowfall for the entire season and it’s only four days into the season, it’s unbelievable!”

With all this new snow, operations crews are hard at work getting ready to open Creekside Gondola and Garbanzo Express, in anticipation of what should be another amazing weekend. On Saturday, in addition to the Whistler Village Gondola, guests will be able to upload and download Whistler Mountain via the Creekside Gondola with access to Red Chair, Emerald Express, Franz’s and Garbanzo Chair.

The heavy snowfall does pose challenges for the operations crews opening the high alpine. With the current blizzard-like conditions in the alpine, crews have not yet been able to access this area of the mountain. Once crews can get to the alpine, lots of work will begin to prepare the area for skiing and riding which includes: avalanche control, and hazard marking and signage. Whistler Blackcomb appreciates guests’ patience as crews work to safely prepare the terrain before opening.

Though there is lots of snow early season conditions do apply. The Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol posted “Temporary Boundary” signs throughout the ski area indicating that the terrain beyond the ropes is not yet “ready” to ski or ride, even if that terrain is “normally” within our ski area boundary. Whistler Blackcomb would like to remind guests; though terrain may look appealing from where the ropes are, the terrain may include hazards such as ditches, exposed rocks etc. where more snow is needed before the terrain is considered safe. To see examples of signage used at Whistler Blackcomb click HERE. Whistler Blackcomb would also like to remind guests’ to be aware of tree wells. Skiing and riding in a group is always recommended.

In addition to Whistler Village and Blackcomb Base Guest Relations locations, Creekside Guest Relations and ticket windows will be open starting this weekend from 8am to 5pm.

Follow the Whistler Blackcomb Snow Report, updated 5 times daily, by calling 604-932-4211 in Whistler, 604-687-7507 in Vancouver, or free-phone at 1-800-766-0449.

Be sure to follow this and other ski holiday twitter at rocky-peak Holidays official tweet @HolidaysCanada. You can also view Whistler Blackcomb Ski Pass Rates at rocky-peak.com.

Whistler Blackcomb Ranked No.1

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. Book your Whistler Ski Holiday before November 15 2009 for excellent early-bird ski package deals!

Whistler Ski Holiday Package

Perfect for a family of 2 adults, a youth and 2 children and no one has to sleep in the living room!

What you get:

2-bedroom unit in the Aspens on Blackcomb Mountain - this is perfect for families and the unit included in this ski package was renovated in 2006. The Aspens is a ski-in/ski-out property.

You get everything else you would need on a Ski Holiday in Whistler including airport transfers, ski passes, ski rentals and ski lessons. Children ski and rent FREE.

Applicable dates: Checking in on December 18 2009 for 9 nights. Check out December 27 2009.

Property Summary:

• Two Bedroom, 2 Baths, ~881 sq ft
• Bedding: 1 Double Bunk, 1 King, 2 Queen
• Style: Condo
• Entrance Style: Elevator
• Fireplaces: Gas Fireplace
• Layout: 2 large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Beautiful living area, fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, six person dining, ground floor patio
• Living Area: Beautiful living room furniture, sofa, loveseat and chair/ottoman, fireplace. New flooring in 2006! Many personal touches.
• Dining Area: Large table with six chairs.
• Kitchen: Full Kitchen with all amenities, new dishes and cookware, granite counter tops.
• Property Amenities:
• - Heated Pool, Two Hot Tubs
• - Unique Features
• - Ski-in, Ski-out / Free Ski Valet Service
• - Internet

Discounted "early bird" package below:

- 9 nights - 2-Bedroom renovated unit in the Aspens described above.

- 7 of 8 day lift passes - 2 adults, 1 youth, 2 children *children ski free*

- 8 day ski adult rentals - 2 adults, 1 youth (Beginner skis/boots/poles) *children rent free*

- Return scheduled airport transfers (door-to-door): 2 adults, 1 youth, 2 children

- Lessons - 5-day Ski Esprit Weeks starting Monday DEC 21 (Group Lesson ski level 2-6) - 2 Adults

- Lessons - 5-day Ski Adventure Camp starting Monday DEC 21 (Group Lesson ages 7-18 years) - 2 Children, 1 Youth.

Discounted package price including all discounts, promotions and taxes: CDN$8,475 (~US$7,656). Price is based on 2 adults, a youth and 2 children. No further discounts permitted.

For more information on this Ski Holiday in Whistler send a ski holiday booking request.

Whistler Blackcomb OPEN 2008

WHISTLER MOUNTAIN OPENED TODAY: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26 2008!
Blackcomb Mountain will follow tomorrow, Thursday, November 27

Whistler Blackcomb officials have announced that Whistler Mountain will open early on Wednesday, November 26. Whistler Mountain will open for daily operations with access to Emerald Express, Big Red Express and Franz’s Chair via the Whistler Village Gondola. On Thursday, the Creekside Gondola will open for the American Thanksgiving weekend, providing access to Whistler Mountain from the Creekside Base.

Blackcomb Mountain will join Whistler Mountain on the official opening day Thursday, November 27, with access to Solar Coaster Express, Jersey Cream Express and Catskinner Express. The Wizard Chair, Excalibur Gondola and Excelerator Chair will operate through the weekend for uploading.

“We’ve been blasting every snow gun on the two mountains to add to what Mother Nature has deposited in the past few weeks,” says Jodie McCutcheon, Whistler Blackcomb snowmaking manager. “Grooming staff have been working to manicure the snow to make for some great corduroy skiing and riding on opening weekend.”

Guest Relations in Whistler Village is currently open from 10am to 6pm. On Wednesday the village ticket windows and Village Guest Relations will be open from 8am to 7pm to assist guests. On Thursday, November 27, Creekside Guest Relations and Blackcomb Daylodge Guest Relations will open from 8am. Lift ticket pricing will be $55 on opening day.

“The 2008/2009 season is finally upon is, and we’re gearing up for Whistler Blackcomb’s most exciting season yet,” says Stuart Rempel, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Whistler Blackcomb. “With the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola grand opening set for December 12, and the one year countdown to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games taking place in February, we’re thrilled to kick this season off and start skiing!”

Guests should be aware that early season conditions apply and caution should be exercised. Terrain is recommended for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders and guests should stay within the ski area boundary, ski and ride with care and obey all mountain signage.

The Snowphone will be updated five times daily. Reach the Snowphone by calling 604.932.4211 in Whistler, 604.687.7507 in Vancouver or toll-free at 1.800.766.0449. Reporting information such as new snow, mountain temperatures, wind speed and snow conditions; these are the most up to day sources of current conditions on the mountains.

Be sure to book your accommodation, lift tickets, rentals, transfers, tours and more through rocky-peak Ski Holidays!

Winter Storms Leave Plenty of the White Stuff at WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

Consistent snowfall spoils skiers and riders

WHISTLER, BC, February 07, 2008 – Whistler Blackcomb receives an average of 33.5 feet of snow each year but this season is shaping up to surpass that mark once again. Since the beginning of the winter season Whistler Blackcomb has received 734cm/24 feet of snow and more than 20 days with over 10cm of new snow.

Over the past seven days Whistler Blackcomb has received 51cm/20 inches of new snow. The five day forecast is calling for a possible 85+cm by Sunday as a strong frontal system hits the coast. The long-range forecast is calling a series of disturbances to pass over the area bringing even more snow to the Coastal Mountains by the end of the week. The snow base is currently sitting at 289cm at mid mountain on Whistler and there is more snow on the way.

“The freezing level has stayed consistently low and with all this snow it means great conditions all the way to the village,” says Ryan Proctor Whistler Blackcomb Public Relations Coordinator. “I’m not sure when the last time that I had to look for powder was, it feels like we’ve been getting fresh snow almost everyday.”

Incredible snow conditions and great events mean February is shaping up to be one for the books. February 12 is the two year countdown mark for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Also, make sure to check out the Canadian National Snow Sculpting Team showcasing their work on Whistler Mountain, February 27-29.

Book your ski holiday now with rocky-peak Holidays!