Whistler Blackcomb Ranked No. 1 North American Ski Resort In Skiing Magazine For Unprecedented 12 Years In A Row (29-Sep-08)

WHISTLER, BC, September 29, 2008 – SKIING Magazine readers have named Whistler Blackcomb No.1 ski resort

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.”

SKIING’S Best Après Scene award went to Whistler Blackcomb, with the Garibaldi Lift Company receiving accolades for its great food and variety of live concerts. Whistler Blackcomb also received a Top 5 ranking for Backcountry Access, Steeps, and Park; as well as a Top 10 ranking for Trees.

“We survey our readers annually and ask them what they think is the best resort. But this year we tweaked the question. We asked readers where they would go if money were no object. Essentially, where they want to ski most,” says Jake Bogoch, editor of SKIING Magazine. “The answer was Whistler Blackcomb. On a personal level, I get it. I’ve skied at Whistler for the past seven winters and can’t seem to stay away.”

In addition to a No.3 overall ranking in SKI Magazine’s Top 50 Resort Guide, Whistler Blackcomb also received a Top 5 ranking in 8 categories: Terrain/Variety (No.1), Après-Ski (No.2), Off Hill Activities (No. 3), Lifts (No.3), Lodging (No.3), Dining (No.4), Terrain/Challenge (No. 5) and Terrain Parks (No. 5).

Meanwhile, the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola received the award for best North American Resort Development 2008 by leading UK publication, Where to Ski and Snowboard.

Hardy's Skiing and Snowboarding Guide 2009, another UK-based publication, has given the Garibaldi Lift Company the award for Best Après-Ski Venue in North America. The awards are judged by a panel of experts, including the authors of the guide, and take into account nominations supplied by readers.

Winter is just around the corner, and opening day is set for November 27, 2008. Guests who book by November 15 can receive up to 33 per cent off their holiday. As part of the family package, kids 12 and under stay, ski, rent, and transfer for free. For more information, visit whistlerblackcomb.com.