Whistler Blackcomb smashes record for snowiest month EVER!

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB SMASHES RECORD FOR SNOWIEST MONTH EVER WITH OVER 5.5 METRES (18 FEET) OF SNOWFALL

Photo credit: Mike Mills / Location: Whistler Blackcomb

November 2009 takes the podium as Whistler Blackcomb’s snowiest month in recorded history.

WHISTLER, BC, December 1, 2009 – As the calendar flips over, it’s now official that November 2009 will go down in history as the snowiest month on record at Whistler Blackcomb, dating back to when the collection of weather data began 30 years ago.

November 2009 has seen a total accumulation of 560cm (220 inches) of snowfall, nearly four times that of November’s average snowfall of 148cm (58 inches). This is an increase of more than 19 per cent over the previous record of 469cm (185 inches) set in January 2006, and a 22 per cent increase over January 1992’s record of 459cm (181 inches).

“Whistler is already known for reliable early season snowfall and this year’s record breaking start sets us up for an unbelievable season,” says Stuart Rempel, senior vice president of marketing & sales at Whistler Blackcomb. “To begin the season with a record breaker the likes of 5.5 metres of snowfall has certainly heightened the level of excitement in the resort, especially in this year, as we prepare to be a host venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympics Winter Games in February.”

Photo credit: Scott Brammer / Location: Whistler Blackcomb

And now, with the record broken, there is still an entire season of skiing and riding to look forward to. With a season that offers 192 days of skiing and riding, Whistler Blackcomb is already over half way towards the resort’s average annual snowfall of just over 10 metres (33 feet).

“With amazing conditions and stay and ski packages starting from $103 per person per night, there are some great deals to be had,” says Rempel. “Combine this with plenty of availability leading up to and following the Games, the new PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola which opened to incredible reviews last winter, and slopes that are expected be quieter than usual, and there couldn’t be a better time to visit Whistler Blackcomb.”

Both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains are now open, offering thousands of acres to ski and ride at North America’s largest ski resort.

Source: Whistler Blackcomb

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.