Olympic Gold Medalist Ashleigh McIvor to Receive Whistler Blackcomb Lifetime Season Pass Thursday, November 25 (25-Nov-10)

Blackcomb Mountain’s Opening Day increases terrain to 1,200 acres  

WHISTLER, BC, November 24, 2010 – Blackcomb Mountain opens tomorrow, Thursday, November 25 with Ashleigh McIvor, local gold medal Olympian in skier cross, receiving a lifetime season pass from Whistler Blackcomb and “first ride up” Blackcomb Mountain.

Blackcomb Mountain will officially open for its 30th winter season at 8:30am tomorrow. Six lifts will be turning on Blackcomb Mountain including the Excalibur Gondola, Wizard Chair, Solar Coaster Chair, Excelerator Chair, Catskinner Chair and Jersey Cream Chair. The Whistler Village Gondola, Creekside Gondola, Emerald Express and Big Red Express will be running on Whistler Mountain bringing the total lifts in operation to 11, including the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.

The last upload from the valley for both mountains is 2:30pm. The window lift ticket price is $69 CDN.

Media Photo and Interview Opportunity

Where: Base of Blackcomb Mountain near the Wizard Chair base

When: 7:45 to 8:15 am on Thursday, November 25

What: Dave Brownlie presenting Ashleigh McIvor with Whistler Blackcomb Lifetime season pass

On-site media contact: Tabetha Boot, 604-698-6654

With new snow in the forecast for the weekend, early season conditions still apply and caution should be exercised at all times while skiing and riding. With early season conditions it is important for guests to obey mountain signage, ski and ride on piste staying within the early season marked operational boundary; marked by “Temporary Boundary” signage during the early season. Guests should also be aware of rocks and other hazards below the snow surface.

For Canadian and Washington State residents, Whistler Blackcomb offers the EDGE Card, allowing guests to ski/ride from $60 (CDN) a day. EDGE Cards also offer additional perks including 20 per cent off retail/rental products and $35 (CDN) off snow school lessons. EDGE Cards are valid for use all season long, and are available at early bird pricing until November 30 at whistlerblackcomb.com/save.