Whistler Blackcomb To Open With 5 Lifts On Friday 19th (17-Nov-10)

Freezing levels lowering to the Village, snow in the forecast, and over 180 snow guns blasting snow; opening day preparations are in full-swing

Freezing levels lowering to the Village, snow in the forecast, and over 180 snow guns blasting snow; opening day preparations are in full-swing.

WHISTLER, BC, Tuesday, November 16, 2010 – Whistler Mountain will open six days early, on Friday, November 19 with five lifts including Creekside Express. Blackcomb Mountain will open on Thursday, November 25, Whistler Blackcomb’s official opening day.

“Couple the great natural snow with the truly incredible snowmaking infrastructure, hosting the Games afforded us, we’ll have a great opening weekend at Whistler,” says Doug MacFarlane, mountain manager at Whistler Blackcomb. “Early season conditions will apply, and we want to remind people, though opening weekend is full of excitement and fun, guests need to pay attention to and obey all mountain signage so we have a safe start to the season.”

Whistler Mountain will open on Friday, November 19 at 8:30am with access from the Creekside Gondola and the Whistler Village Gondola. Skiing and riding will be available from Emerald Express, Big Red Express and Franz Chair. A collection of parks features will be at the top of Emerald as well as a beginner area for those guests in a lesson. Detailed information regarding terrain and services available opening weekend will be announced Thursday, November 18. Check out whistlerblackcomb.com/whatsopen throughout the season for the most up-to-date operations information.

Early season conditions 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 21 at whistlerblackcomb.com/save.

Starting today, the Snow Report will be updated daily and can be listened to online or by calling 604-932-4211 in Whistler, 604-687-7507 in Vancouver, or toll-free at 1-800-766-0449.

Stay up-to-date on what’s open, mountain conditions, temperatures, snowfall accumulation, forecasts and stay and ski/ride deals at www.whistlerblackcomb.com.