Whistler Mountain Closes Snowsports Earlier Than Planned (02-Jun-09)

Whistler Blackcomb, Canada, June 2, 2009 - The last day of skiing and riding at the last ski area

The last day for skiing and riding at the last ski area still open for the 2008/2009 season in Canada, Whistler Mountain will be Sunday, May 31st, two weeks ahead of the publicised closing date of June 14th.

“Epic spring conditions that were enjoyed up until this past weekend have deteriorated very quickly over the past few days,” says Bob Dufour, Whistler Blackcomb’s vice president of operations. “The snow quality is quickly diminishing and posing more hazards by the day. Looking at the warm weather and sunshine in the forecast, the conditions will obviously deteriorate further.”

A number of closures had already been forced, including popular runs in the Emerald zone such as Green Acres, Bobcat, Chipmunk and Beansprout. Deterioration of conditions has also required crews to close the terrain park located on the Upper Dave Murray; a few park features were relocated for the final days to upper Jolly Green Giant. Crews continued to work hard to maintain ski outs to the bottom of the Emerald and Red Chairs through to Sunday.

In addition, the Peak Chair had to be closed intermittently last week due to high avalanche danger because of warming conditions.

“Guest and employee safety is obviously our number one concern and there are just too many hazards that are emerging to operate safely. With a season as long as Whistler Blackcomb’s, it is always a race against the weather to the very end.” continued  Dufour.

There’ll now be a near three week break for Canadian snow sports before glacier skiing begins on Blackcomb Mountain on Saturday, June 20th. A variety of ski and snowboard summer camps kick into high gear, and public skiing and riding will be available on the Horstman Glacier through July, weather permitting.

 www.whistlerblackcomb.com