Showing posts with label Whistler Blackcomb. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Whistler Blackcomb. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Robert Mondavi Winery to Hold Mountain Wine Tour at Whistler Blackcomb March 11 to Celebrate 50 Years For Both

Whistler Blackcomb and Robert Mondavi Winery are celebrating their joint 50th anniversaries with a mountain top wine tour and food pairing event on March 11. The Robert Mondavi Mountain Wine Tour is the first time Whistler Blackcomb has held an event of this kind.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Whistler Blackcomb Looking to Get Photographers, Filmmakers, Artists and Volunteer Involved in the 2016 World Ski and Snowboard Festival

The 2016 World Ski & Snowboard Festival (WSSF) is a 10 day and night showcase of some of the best of mountain culture, music, arts and snow sports. With an action-packed lineup of events, there is no denying that WSSF requires a lot of helping hands to ensure that Whistler’s favourite festival is executed smoothly. 

Go Behind the Scenes

On average, the World Ski & Snowboard Festival sees over 400 volunteers lend a helping hand to ensure that WSSF is the best 10 days of the year. Volunteers get a behind-the-scenes perspective of the largest annual celebration of snow sports and music in North America. Volunteer opportunities exist in all aspects of WSSF, ranging from on-mountain ski and snowboard events to the Fido Outdoor Concert Series at the Main Stage in Skiers Plaza. Those interested in lending a helping hand

Saturday, February 6, 2016

EVENT TICKETS FOR THE 2016 WORLD SKI & SNOWBOARD FESTIVAL IN WHISTLER, BC ON SALE NOW

 Event tickets for the 2016 World Ski & Snowboard Festival (WSSF) are available for purchase as of today, February 1, 2016. With ticket sales formally released to the public, the official countdown to the most anticipated party of the year starts now. WSSF celebrates all things mountain culture and perfectly showcases the resort’s diverse personality and energy.

WSSF will take place April 8 to April 17, 2016. Ticketed events include:

Friday, November 13, 2015

Whistler Blackcomb to Open A Week Ahead of Schedule

Due to good snow fall and optimal temperatures for snowmaking, our good friends at Whistler Blackcomb have announced that they will now be opening November 19th.  Read all the details at Awesome Lifestyle Design:  Whistler Blackcomb Opening November 19

Monday, November 9, 2015

First Tracks on Blackcomb Mountain - Nov 3

Whistler Blackcomb's first big storm of the season has come and gone, leaving their mountains with a beautiful new snow line and 35cms of fresh snow. On November 3, they sent the helicopter out with, Mike Douglas and Robin Van Gyn to lay down the first tracks of the 2015.16 winter season off the back of Blackcomb Mountain. This video is them floating through powder. 

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

28th ANNUAL SKI MAGAZINE READER’S POLL NAMES WHISTLER BLACKCOMB No. 1 SKI AREA IN NORTH AMERICA FOR 2016

Whistler Blackcomb Also Tops Survey Results For Terrain Variety, Off-Hill Activities, Après and Terrain Parks

Whistler Blackcomb has been named the No. 1 overall best ski resort in North America by the 28th annual SKI Magazine Reader’s Poll. This is the third time in four years and the second year in a row Whistler Blackcomb has topped the survey results. The SKI Magazine Reader’s Poll is the longest running and most comprehensive survey of its kind.

Monday, September 21, 2015

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB TO CELEBRATE 50TH ANNIVERSARY DURING 2015.2016 WINTER SEASON

What’s New Highlights Include Newly Renovated Rendezvous Lodge and New WB+ Platform

Whistler Blackcomb is looking forward to the 2015.2016 winter season for many reasons, not the least of which is an upcoming 50th anniversary. The resort has been lauded for advancements in the skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking industries over the years; but this year, Whistler Blackcomb will let the accomplishments speak for themselves.

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Stowe and Taos Join the Mountain CollectiveTM for 2015-16 Season

Passholders Now Have Access to the Best Terrain on the East Coast and in New Mexico

STOWE, Vermont; TAOS, New Mexico – August 11, 2015 – The Mountain Collective™ has widened their geographic reach with the addition of two iconic destinations to its roster. Stowe joins the Mountain Collective as their first resort on the East Coast, while Taos extends passholder access into New Mexico. The resorts join Sun Valley, AltaSnowbird, Aspen Snowmass, Ski Banff-Lake Louise-Sunshine Village, Jackson Hole, Mammoth Mountain, Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows, Thredbo and Whistler Blackcomb in offering unparalleled access to the best ski and snowboard terrain the world has to offer.

Stowe Mountain Resort, located just outside the vibrant city of Burlington in northern Vermont, offers the best of East Coast skiing and riding between the inter-connected Spruce Peak and Mt. Mansfield, the highest elevation in the state. Stowe regularly receives over 300 inches of snow each season and covers 80% of their diverse terrain with world-class snowmaking, offering the very best snow surfaces east of the Rocky Mountains.

Passholders will have access to 485 acres of terrain over a 2,360 foot vertical drop. “Stowe Mountain Resort is delighted to be part of Mountain Collective,” says Robert McEleney, President & CEO of Stowe Mountain Resort. “As the only Eastern resort amongst 11 distinctive and iconic destinations, Stowe offers a superlative overall experience both on and off the mountain to the most discerning skiers and riders traveling in this part of North America.

Stowe Mountain Resort, a place we call ‘bigger than a mountain,’ combines skiing’s most storied history with new enhancements that range from outdoor ice skating to a new children’s Adventure Center and base area village at Spruce Peak.” Taos, New Mexico has long been appreciated as an authentic, big mountain experience, from wide-open groomers and bowls to tree-lined glades, bumps and chutes. Topping out at 12,450 feet, their Kachina Peak Lift gives guests direct access to expansive terrain along with spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range.

Passholders will enjoy newly renovated base area facilities and a world class ski school. "Taos Ski Valley is extremely excited and proud to join Mountain Collective and such a legendary group of resorts that make up the Collective," said Gordon Briner, CEO of Taos Ski Valley. "With some of the most unique terrain in the southern Rocky Mountains and exciting new resort developments and improvements happening, including the newly added Kachina Lift that delivers skiers and riders to over 12,400', we cannot wait to share our legendary terrain and authentic experience with a new group of guests."

Mountain Collective passes are now on sale for $399 US. The Mountain Collective™ Pass includes two days of skiing or riding at each of the eleven destinations (AltaSnowbird, Aspen Snowmass, Jackson Hole, Mammoth Mountain, Ski Banff- Lake Louise-Sunshine, Stowe, Sun Valley, Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows, Taos, Thredbo and Whistler Blackcomb), plus a 50 percent discount on all additional days with no blackout dates. Pricing for kids aged 12 and under is $99 for the 2015- 16 season, making the Mountain Collective™ Pass an ideal option for families.

The Mountain Collective™ Pass grants access to 21 mountains with more than 43,400 acres of terrain and 271 lifts and an unmatched reputation for snow quality, quantity and steeps. Passes are available online through an exclusive technology, distribution and marketing partnership with Liftopia at www.MountainCollective.com. A limited number of passes are now available for only $399 US while supplies last.

In addition to being able to ski or ride at eleven leading destinations, extra benefits available to Mountain Collective pass holders include exclusive lodging deals and two bonus days at Valle Nevado, Chile and the Hakuba Valley, Japan. Additionally, passes come with a complimentary, one-year Protect Our Winters (protectourwinters.org) membership. The Mountain Collective is committed to being in business forever and proudly partners with Protect Our Winters with the mission of uniting the winter sports community on the important issue of climate change.

The partnership also offers a 50 percent discount on lift tickets to premier season pass holders at the participating resorts throughout the season.

Visit www.MountainCollective.com or call (800) 705-6286 for more information.

About Mountain Collective The Mountain Collective™ is an international alliance of premier ski destinations providing the Mountain Collective™ Pass, a lift ticket that includes two days of riding at all partner resorts and 50% off additional days at each resort. The Mountain Collective™ includes AltaSnowbird, Aspen Snowmass, Jackson Hole, Mammoth Mountain, Ski Banff-Lake Louise-Sunshine, Stowe, Sun Valley, Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows, Taos, Thredbo and Whistler Blackcomb – resorts that are focused on providing the best in snow terrain for skiers and snowboarders.

Friday, May 15, 2015

Whistler Blackcomb to Celebrate World No Tobacco Day by Installing New Smoke-Free Policy!

This is super great news - I'd love to see more businesses become smoke-free!

On May 31, 2015, Whistler Blackcomb will celebrate World No Tobacco Day by introducing a new smoke-free policy. The policy will prohibit smoking anywhere on Whistler Blackcomb property, including lift lines, chairlifts, gondolas, ski runs, hiking trails, valley base areas, parking lots, Whistler Mountain Bike Park trails and all Whistler Blackcomb bar and restaurant locations, including patios.

“We have made the decision to introduce a smoke-free policy at Whistler Blackcomb to preserve the pristine alpine environment our guests come here for,” says Dave Brownlie, President and CEO at Whistler Blackcomb. “We also recognize as a leader in the outdoor adventure and wellness industry and as the largest employer in the Whistler community, we have a responsibility to our guests and staff to provide a safe and healthy environment for work and play. We believe implementing this new policy aligns with this goal.”

Whistler Blackcomb’s new smoke-free policy will apply to both guests and staff. While the policy will prohibit guests from smoking on Whistler Blackcomb property effective immediately on May 31, 2015, Whistler Blackcomb staff will be permitted to smoke in designated smoking areas for one year as they adjust to the company’s new policy. During the one year period, Whistler Blackcomb will provide tools and resources to assist staff with quitting smoking. As of May 31, 2016, Whistler Blackcomb’s smoke-free policy will also apply to all staff.

An information booth will be set up in Skier’s Plaza on Sunday, May 31 to launch the new policy. Whistler Blackcomb leaders will be on-site to answer any questions as well as representatives from Vancouver Coastal Health, who will have cessation resources and information about the health benefits of quitting smoking on-hand.

“By taking this important step, Whistler Blackcomb is demonstrating it is a strong ambassador for health. We know many young people ski and snowboard, and youth who haven’t started using tobacco by the time they are 26 years old will most likely never start,” says Vancouver Coastal Health Medical Health Officer, Dr. Paul Martiquet. “Eliminating smoking in public places, such as on our mountains, creates healthy role modeling so youth, and others, are less likely to even consider using tobacco.”

The decision to become a smoke-free recreation area and employer aligns with Whistler Blackcomb’s core values of Safety First and We Care, as well as the company’s goal to be health-oriented and family friendly. In addition, the smoke-free policy will help mitigate the risk of forest fires on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

For more information about Whistler Blackcomb’s smoke-free policy, visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com/smokefree.

Information about the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s smoking policy is available at www.whistler.ca/sites/default/files/bylaws/1884_2008.pdf.

Guests looking to plan a trip to the consistently rated No. 1 Mountain Resort in North America can visit whistlerblackcomb.com/deals_packages  or call 1-888-403-4727.

About Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb, the official alpine skiing venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, is situated in the Resort Municipality of Whistler located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia 125 kilometres (78 miles) from Vancouver, British Columbia. North America’s premier four season mountain resort, Whistler and Blackcomb are two side-by-side mountains which combined offer over 200 marked runs, 8,171 acres of terrain, 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers, receives on average over 1,164 centimetres (458 inches) of snow annually, and one of the longest ski seasons in North America. In the summer, Whistler Blackcomb offers a variety of activities, including hiking and biking trails, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, and sightseeing on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Michelle Leroux Hired as Director of Public Relations at Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Michelle Leroux, Whistler local for over ten years, joins Fairmont from Whistler Blackcomb, the No. 1 ranked resort in the world, where she managed teams for Public Relations, Communications and Social Media.

Leroux’s experience as a public relations professional within the sport, tourism and destination travel industry spans almost thirteen years. Three of those years were spent as a consultant where Leroux represented a wide variety of clients including luxury hotel, spa and major sporting events in the media relations and social media realms.

Now at the helm of Public Relations for the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Leroux will work to leverage the strong media relationships she has made through her career, and develop new connections and partnerships, to ensure North America’s largest ski in, ski out hotel is known as Whistler’s preeminent luxury hotel. With a passion for community and environment, Leroux is excited to bring her brand of story telling, engagement and awareness building to the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

Leroux earned her Bachelor of Communications, with a specialty in Public Relations, from Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Jonesing for Fresh POW? Winter Still Going Strong at Whistler Blackcomb with Lots of Fresh Snow

[caption id="attachment_10106" align="alignright" width="240"]Photographer: Paul Morrison, Location: Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Date: April 13, 2015. Photographer: Paul Morrison, Location: Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Date: April 13, 2015.[/caption]

Spring Skiing And Riding On Whistler Mountain Until May 18

WHISTLER, BC April 14, 2015 – April showers bring May flowers in the valley, and at Whistler Blackcomb they also bring powder days to the alpine for skiers and snowboarders. With a snow base of 206cm and 35cm of new snow in the last four days, winter is far from over at Whistler Blackcomb*. March delivered a total of 123cm of fresh snow, and two weeks into April, Ullr shows no signs of slowing down. With flurries in the forecast later this week, April is shaping up to be a snow-filled month at Whistler Blackcomb. Blackcomb Mountain’s last day of winter operations is April 19 but Whistler Mountain will remain open for spring skiing and riding until May 18, 2015.

“Whistler Blackcomb is known for offering the longest terrain park season in Canada,” says Brian Finestone, Terrain Parks Manager at Whistler Blackcomb. “Despite a below average snow season, the snow in the high alpine has been consistent and on point all season long. Because the Nintendo Terrain Park on Blackcomb is west facing and sees a lot of sun, we have decided to move the Spring Nintendo Terrain Park over to a more protected zone on Whistler where we will be taking over the T-Bars for a full park offering until late spring.”

The new Whistler Spring Nintendo Terrain Park boasts a higher elevation and a north-facing slope, creating the best possible conditions for spring skiing and riding. The new location offers enough snow for a set of Small, Medium and Large jumps, a banked slalom, and some creative jib lines.

With less than one week left of skiing and riding on Blackcomb Mountain, this is the last week for the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. The last day of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola’s Winter Operations is April 19. The PEAK 2 PEAK will re-open for Summer Sightseeing on May 23, 2015.

*Snow base and snowfall measured at Pig Alley Weather Station, 1650m on Whistler Mountain

For the latest updates on the Nintendo Terrain Parks, guests can visit whistlerblackcomb.com/the-mountain/terrain-parks

Guests looking to plan a trip to the consistently rated No. 1 Mountain Resort in North America can visit whistlerblackcomb.com/deals_packages  or call 1-888-403-4727.

The 20th annual World Ski & Snowboard Festival (WSSF) is happening in Whistler, BC April 10-19, 2015. Visit www.wssf.com for more information.

About Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb, the official alpine skiing venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, is situated in the Resort Municipality of Whistler located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia 125 kilometres (78 miles) from Vancouver, British Columbia. North America’s premier four season mountain resort, Whistler and Blackcomb are two side-by-side mountains which combined offer over 200 marked runs, 8,171 acres of terrain, 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers, receives on average over 1,164 centimetres (458 inches) of snow annually, and one of the longest ski seasons in North America. In the summer, Whistler Blackcomb offers a variety of activities, including hiking and biking trails, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, and sightseeing on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.

For more information, visit http://ww1.whistlerblackcomb.com/media

Proud to be a venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Bobby Brown & Yuki Tsubota Win Men's and Women's World Skiing Invitational Slopestyle and Vincent Gagnier & Giulia Tanno Win Gibbons Big Air at World Ski & Snowboard Festival in Whistler

World Ski and Snowboard Festival 2015 Whistler BCThe World Skiing Invitational (WSI) continued yesterday at the World Ski & Snowboard Festival in the Blackcomb Terrain Park at Whistler Blackcomb. Bobby Brown and Yuki Tsubota took the wins in the men’s and women’s Association of Freeskiing Professionals (AFP) World Tour Finals Slopestyle and Vincent Gagnier and Giulia Tanno came out on top at the AFP World Tour Finals Gibbons Big Air.

In the best-of two run Men’s Slopestyle Finals, Bobby Brown (USA) held on to the highest score of 88.67, landing him on top of the podium with an $8,000 cheque. Taking home $4,500 in second place was McRae Williams (USA) with a score of 87.92 and rounding out the podium in third place for $2,000 was Antoine Adelisse (FRA) with an 86.25.

Whistler local Yuki Tsubota (CAN) brought her top game to the Women’s Slopestyle Finals earning her a score of 80.50 and a well-deserved first place and $5,000. Finishing the slopestyle season strong in second and third places for $3,000 and $1,500 was Katie Summerhayes (GBR) with a 78.33 and Kim Lamarre (CAN) with a score of 74.00.

Although the location of the Gibbons Big Air jump may have changed this year, the game was the same as skiers wowed the crowd on Blackcomb Mountain Saturday afternoon. In the average score from the best two out of three jump format, Vincent Gagnier (CAN) showcased his signature smooth style with a perfect right 1620 with a genie grab and a right 1260 with an octo grab earning him the top score of 88.50 and the grand prize of a 2015 Arctic Cat M 800 153 sled, valued at approximately $16,000. James Woods (GBR) grabbed second place and $4,000 with a switch right 1080 with lead octo grab and a well-executed right 1260 tail grab for a score of 84.83. In third place winning $2,000 was Elias Ambuehl (SUI), stomping a left double 1260 tail grab and a switch left 1260 mute Japan grab for a score of 82.33.

The Women’s Big Air competition was run simultaneously with the Women’s Slopestyle and it was Giulia Tanno’s (SUI) switch 900 that earned her a score of 83.50 for first place and a new GIANT Reign bike. Katie Summerhayes (GBR) threw a 1080 with a japan grab for a score of 79.50 to earn second place and $1,000 and Sennheiser Momentum headphones. In third place, winning $500 and Sennheiser Momentum headphones was Yuki Tsubota (CAN) who threw a 720 tail grab for a score of 77.50.

Complete results from the World Skiing Invitational can be found at www.wssf.com.

Tickets to the evening gala events are now available for purchase at www.wssf.com.

To connect with the World Ski & Snowboard Festival online, Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

The World Ski & Snowboard Festival has a brand new mobile app called WSSF Live. It is available for FREE in the App Store for Apple and Android phones.

The World Ski & Snowboard Festival (WSSF) is produced by Watermark Communications, a Whistler‐based event production & communications company, and presented in partnership with Tourism Whistler and Whistler Blackcomb. April 2015 marks the 20th annual World Ski & Snowboard Festival and will celebrate how the event has grown over the years into the largest annual winter sports and music festival in North America. WSSF is a 10 day and night showcase of the best of snow sports, music, arts and mountain culture. Featuring major professional ski and snowboarding competitions, the largest annual free outdoor concert series in Canada, photography and film showcases, and spring skiing at Whistler Blackcomb, the World Ski & Snowboard Festival is the poster child for the ultimate ski and snowboard festival experience. In blazing the way for the youth of tomorrow, the World Ski & Snowboard Festival embodies the mantra: ‘Party in April. Sleep in May.’

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

MSTRKRFT and Swollen Members Added to the World Ski & Snowboard Festival Music Lineup

World Ski and Snowboard Festival 2015 Whistler BCPlus New Events: The Monster Energy In The Beginning Party At The Bearfoot Bistro, The Whistler Comedy Showdown and Girls Gettin’ It Done Movie Night 

WHISTLER, BC – March 27, 2015 – Even more music has been added to the Outdoor Concert Series and Kokanee Freeride Club Series lineup at the World Ski & Snowboard Festival (WSSF) in Whistler, BC.

MSTRKRFT will play a free show in Skier’s Plaza at the base of Whistler Mountain on Sunday, April 19 to close out the WSSF Outdoor Concert Series. MSTRKRFT will turn the energy up and have the crowd dancing one last time before the 20th annual WSSF begins to wind down for another year.

Swollen Members will play a free show in Skier’s Plaza on Saturday, April 11, following the Gibbon’s Big Air which will be held in the Nintendo Terrain Park on Blackcomb Mountain. Swollen Members has close ties with the Festival and have been a part of the WSSF Outdoor Concert Series lineup more times than any other band in WSSF’s 20 year history.

Longstride has joined the Outdoor Concert Series lineup on April 15 and will also play a Kokanee Freeride Club Series show at the Longhorn later that night.

Smalltown DJs, DJ Pump and Illo have all been confirmed to play Monster Energy’s In The Beginning party at the Bearfoot Bistro on Saturday, April 11. In The Beginning is a new event for 2015 and has been added to the WSSF schedule of events to kick things off in true Whistler style. Tickets are available for purchase at wssf.com/In-the-Beginning.

Also new for 2015, the Whistler Comedy Showdown is happening on Tuesday, April 14. The Whistler Comedy Showdown is a stand-up comedy competition featuring a lineup of both newbies and well-known comedians from the Sea to Sky Corridor. The competition will be held at Buffalo Bills with two preliminary rounds, the first on March 31 and the second on April 7. The top three comedians from each show (plus wildcards) will move on to the finale round on April 14 during WSSF. Details and ticket information available at wssf.com/Whistler-Comedy-Showdown.

Girls Gettin’ It Done: Monday Movie Night is another new event on the WSSF schedule for 2015. The event will celebrate women in sport and film and will leave viewers feeling empowered and inspired. The night will feature two films: The Little Things and Pretty Faces. The Little Things, by Darcy Turenne and Marie-France Roy is a snowboard movie project with a serious environmental message, while Pretty Faces from Unicorn Picnic Productions is an all-girl ski film that celebrates the women who are pushing the sport of skiing and living life to the fullest. More information about the event and the films is available at wssf.com/Girls-Gettin-It-Done.

For those who want to get involved with the World Ski & Snowboard Festival:

Registration is now open for the Monster Energy Shred Show Boarderstyle. Entry is free but interested athletes must register online in advance at wssf.com/The-Shred-Show. This year’s event will see a new women’s category and over $6,000 in total prize money. Online registration closes April 14 at 5pm PST.

Filmmakers can now register to compete in the OLYMPUS 72 Hour Filmmaker Showdown. Participants have 72 hours to film, edit and deliver a three to five minute short film all shot within 100km of Whistler beginning April 10. Up to ten films will be selected by an esteemed review panel and screened at the Whistler Conference Centre in front of a live audience on Wednesday, April 15. There is over $10,000 in prizing on the line for the team that wins Best In Show and Olympus is offering a bonus prize of an additional $5,000 if the winning film is shot entirely using Olympus cameras and lenses. More information available at http://www.wssf.com/filmmaker-registration.

WSSF is always looking for volunteers to help out behind the scenes to help put on Whistler’s biggest party of the season. People interested in volunteering can register at wssf.com/Volunteer.

For those who want to make a difference:

The Sea to Sky Walk a Mile in Her Shoes fundraiser returns to WSSF on Sunday, April 12, where men from up and down the Sea to Sky Corridor will rally together to raise awareness in our community about the serious causes, effects and remediation of violence against women. Participants will don bright red high heels and march through Whistler Village at 4pm. Advanced registration is available at wssf.com/Walk-A-Mile-in-Her-Shoes or men can sign up on the day in front of Moguls Coffee House at 3pm. All proceeds from the event go to support the Whistler Women’s Centre.

Whistler Dog Fest returns to WSSF on Saturday, April 18. Dog Fest has been a part of the WSSF schedule since 1998 because Whistler knows canine companions like to party too. A fundraiser for the BC Humane Society, this year’s event will include a dog parade, exhibitions, agility demonstrations and competitions. More information will be posted to wssf.com/Whistler-DogFest as it becomes available.

WSSF’s annual Best of the Fest event will take place at the Garibaldi Lift Co. (GLC) on Sunday, April 19. Tickets are available at wssf.com/Best-of-the-Fest with all proceeds from the event going to Playground Builders, a charitable organization that builds safe play areas for children in underprivileged or war-torn regions. The winning shows from the Olympus 72 Hour Filmmaker Showdown, Olympus Pro Photographer Showdown and Intersection will be shown at the event.

For the kids and the young at heart:

Big Air Bear, the World Ski & Snowboard Festival’s official mascot, will celebrate his 13th birthday with his cuddly companions at Mascot Mayhem on Sunday, April 19. Families are welcome to join Big Air Bear and his best friends for cake, games and good times in Whistler’s Village Square at 12:30pm. More information available at wssf.com/Mascot-Mayhem.

Tickets to the evening gala events are now available for purchase at www.wssf.com.

To connect with the World Ski & Snowboard Festival online, Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

The World Ski & Snowboard Festival has a brand new mobile app called WSSF Live. It is available for FREE in the App Store for Apple and Android phones.

The World Ski & Snowboard Festival (WSSF) is produced by Watermark Communications, a Whistler‐based event production & communications company, and presented in partnership with Tourism Whistler and Whistler Blackcomb. April 2015 will mark the 20th annual World Ski & Snowboard Festival and will celebrate how the event has grown over the years into the largest annual winter sports and music festival in North America. WSSF is a 10 day and night showcase of the best of snow sports, music, arts and mountain culture. Featuring major professional ski and snowboarding competitions, the largest annual free outdoor concert series in Canada, photography and film showcases, and spring skiing at Whistler Blackcomb, the World Ski & Snowboard Festival is the poster child for the ultimate ski and snowboard festival experience. In blazing the way for the youth of tomorrow, the World Ski & Snowboard Festival embodies the mantra: ‘Party in April. Sleep in May.’

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Blackcomb Mountain and Peak 2 Peak Gondola to Open at Whistler Blackcomb Thursday November 27

On Thursday, November 27, Whistler Blackcomb will complete its winter kick-off by opening Blackcomb Mountain to skiers and snowboarders.

In addition to the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, Blackcomb Mountain will have six lifts running including Wizard Express, Solar Coaster Express, Excalibur Gondola, Excelerator Express, Catskinner Chair and Jersey Cream Express. Skiers and snowboarders will have access to 730m (2,395ft) of vertical skiing and six runs, including Cruiser, Upper ZigZag, Green Line, Express Way to Easy Out and Wishbone. The Nintendo Choker Terrain Park will also be open with two jumps and 12 rails.

Dining locations open on Blackcomb Mountain as of November 27 include the Wizard Grill and Merlin’s Bar and Grill at the base of Blackcomb and the Rendezvous Lodge and Glacier Creek Lodge on the mountain.

Since its early opening five days ahead of schedule on November 22, Whistler Mountain has opened the Children’s Learning Centre and a ski out to Olympic Station via the Expressway run. Whistler Mountain is currently offering 750m (2,369ft) of vertical to skiers and snowboarders.

First upload via the Whistler Village Gondola, Creekside Gondola, Excalibur Gondola and the Wizard Express Chair will be at 8:30amwith the last ride up from the valley at 2:00pm. Mandatory download is in effect from the top of the Wizard Express and Excalibur Gondola on Blackcomb Mountain and from Olympic Station and Creekside Gondola on Whistler Mountain. Sightseers can access the mountain and the PEAK 2 PEAK via the Whistler Village Gondola.

Guests are reminded early season conditions still apply, especially off piste. It is important to obey mountain signage, ski and ride on open runs only and stay within the operational area marked by “Temporary Boundary” signage.

Lifts tickets will be available from the Whistler Village, Creekside and Blackcomb Daylodge ticket windows or online at www.whistlerblackcomb.com. Edge Cards are also available at the early bird rates until November 30 for Canadians and Washington State residents.

Guests looking to plan a trip to the consistently rated No. 1 Mountain Resort in North America can visit whistlerblackcomb.com/deals_packages  or call 1-888-403-4727.

About Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb, the official alpine skiing venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, is situated in the Resort Municipality of Whistler located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia 125 kilometres (78 miles) from Vancouver, British Columbia. North America’s premier four season mountain resort, Whistler and Blackcomb are two side-by-side mountains which combined offer over 200 marked runs, 8,171 acres of terrain, 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers, receives on average over 1,165 centimetres (459 inches) of snow annually, and one of the longest ski seasons in North America. In the summer, Whistler Blackcomb offers a variety of activities, including hiking and biking trails, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, and sightseeing on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.

For more information, visit http://ww1.whistlerblackcomb.com/media

Proud to be a venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Whistler Blackcomb Opening on Saturday November 22nd Ahead of Schedule

Much to the delight of eager skiers and snowboarders, Whistler Blackcomb will be opening five days ahead of schedule on Saturday, November 22. The decision to kick off the winter season early was made possible after natural snowfall at higher elevations was followed by a streak of below average temperatures, providing prime conditions for snowmaking.

“Our snowmaking team has been working hard to take advantage of this early season cold snap in Whistler and has converted over 60 million gallons of water into snow over the past few weeks,” says Doug MacFarlane, Director of Mountain Operations at Whistler Blackcomb. “Their efforts, combined with the natural snowfall we have already received at higher elevations, has enabled us to get things rolling early again this year. And with more natural snow in the forecast for later this week, it should be a fun opening weekend.”

Whistler Mountain will be opening five days ahead of schedule on Saturday, November 22 with five lifts running. Guests will have the option to upload from either the base of Whistler Mountain via the Whistler Village Gondola, featuring brand new cabins, or the Creekside base via the Creekside Gondola. Blackcomb Mountain will open, as scheduled, on Thursday, November 27, 2014.

“With all the excitement of opening day, we want to remind guests early season conditions will apply, especially off piste,” says MacFarlane. “It is important to obey all mountain signage, ski and ride on open runs only and stay within the operational area marked by ‘Temporary Boundary’ signage.”

First upload on the Whistler Village Gondola and Creekside Gondola will begin at 8:30am, with last upload at 2pm on November 22, with mandatory download off the mountain. Emerald Express, Big Red Express and the Franz Chair lifts will be running, allowing access to 1800 vertical feet of skiing and riding terrain. Runs set to open include Upper and Lower Ego Bowl, Upper Whiskey Jack, Upper Franz’s, Papoose, Orange Peel and Pony Trail. There will also be a small terrain park accessible from the top of the Emerald Express chair and green learning terrain serviced by a Super Carpet at Olympic Station. Guests can keep updated on the most current lift status information at www.whistlerblackcomb.com/the-mountain/lifts-and-grooming or from mobile devices via the Whistler Blackcomb LIVE app, powered by TELUS.

Opening day guests will have the first chance to experience the brand new Whistler Village Gondola cabins installed this fall. The new Sigma “Diamond” level walk-in cabins dramatically improve the experience for skiers, snowboarders, and sightseers with eight passengers able to sit comfortably on bench seating. The new cabin configuration also gives guests the option of bringing their ski/snowboard equipment inside with them or storing it themselves in the outside racks provided.

Opening day will be the first time skiers and riders at Whistler Blackcomb will experience the benefits of the newly introduced RFID technology around the mountains, including mountain access gates at most lifts. Guests are reminded to store their new RFID Access Cards in a left-side pocket away from cell phones, credit cards and foil in order to reduce signal interference at the access gates. For more information about RFID at Whistler Blackcomb, visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com/rfid.

Whistler Mountain dining locations set to open on November 22 include Essentially Blackcomb Cappuccino Bar and Garbo’s Grill in the Carleton Lodge, Dusty’s Bar & Grill and Dusty’s Backside in Creekside, the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain, and the Garibaldi Lift Co., Whistler’s world-famous location for après.

Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations in Whistler Village is currently operating daily from 9am to 5pm. The Blackcomb Day Lodge and Creekside Guest Relations will also be open from 9am to 5pm daily beginning Wednesday, November 19. All three locations will be open from 9am to 7pm on Friday, November 21 and from 7am to 5pm on Saturday, November 22. From November 23 onwards only the Village and Creekside Guest Relations will operate daily from 8am to 5pm until Wednesday, November 26 when the Blackcomb Day Lodge will open again in preparation for Blackcomb Mountain opening for skiing/riding on November 27. The Hours of Operation for all Guest Relations locations can be found at www.whistlerblackcomb.com/the-mountain/hours-of-operation.

Ski and snowboard rentals will be available at the base of Whistler Mountain at Gondola Rentals, from 8am – 5pm, Essentially Blackcomb from 7am – 5pm, the Salomon Store from 8am – 8pm, and the Fairmont and Can-Ski Westin from 8am-6pm. Can-Ski Creekside will be open at the Creekside base from 8am – 5pm.

Private and adult Max 4 ski and snowboard lessons will be available on Whistler Mountain, and can be booked online or by calling 1-800-766-0449. Discover Whistler Days are on now through to December 14 offering 25 per cent off select group snow school lessons.

Beginning November 22, Whistler Blackcomb’s Snow Report will be updated daily throughout the season and can be accessed online or by calling 604-932-4211 in Whistler, 604-687-7507 in Vancouver, or toll-free at 1-800-766-0449.

For Canadian and Washington State residents, Whistler Blackcomb offers the EDGE Card, allowing guests to ski/ride from $69 (CDN) a day. EDGE Cards are valid for use all season long, and are available at early bird pricing until November 30, atwww.whistlerblackcomb.com/save. 

About Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb, the official alpine skiing venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, is situated in the Resort Municipality of Whistler located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia 125 kilometres (78 miles) from Vancouver, British Columbia. North America’s premier four season mountain resort, Whistler and Blackcomb are two side-by-side mountains which combined offer over 200 marked runs, 8,171 acres of terrain, 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers, receives on average over 1,165 centimetres (459 inches) of snow annually, and one of the longest ski seasons in North America. In the summer, Whistler Blackcomb offers a variety of activities, including hiking and biking trails, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, and sightseeing on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Ski Magazine Readers Name Whistler Blackcomb #1 Ski Area

The 27th annual SKI Magazine Reader’s Poll has named Whistler Blackcomb the No. 1 overall best ski resort in North America. The online survey saw 41,000 resort rankings submitted by SKI Magazine readers and ranks the top 50 North American ski resorts in a variety of categories valued by ski and snowboard enthusiasts. In addition to being voted No. 1 in overall ranking, Whistler Blackcomb also received top marks in the terrain variety, off-hill activity and après categories, solidifying the resort truly has something to offer everyone.

“We are honoured to receive this recognition from the readers of SKI Magazine,” says Dave Brownlie, President and Chief Executive Officer at Whistler Blackcomb. “As the longest running and most comprehensive survey of its kind, we know the SKI Magazine rankings influence people’s decisions when planning their ski vacations around the world so we are grateful to be recognized as No. 1. Our size, terrain variety and on-mountain experiences combined with our resort lodging, dining and off-hill activities create a unique, unmatched experience in North America for all skiers and riders.”

The annual Reader’s Poll was revealed today on social media and on SKImag.com, and will be published in SKI Magazine’s Resort Guide, hitting newsstands at the end of September. Along with being named No. 1 overall, in variety of terrain, off-hill activities, and après, Whistler Blackcomb also scored highly in a number of other categories, including No. 2 in the lifts, lodging, and dining categories.

"Congratulations to Whistler Blackcomb on this well-deserved honor," says Andy Bigford, SKI's publisher. "Our readers are smart, savvy, well-traveled and consistently blown away by Whistler's vastness and variety, both on and off the hill. I wholeheartedly agree with the reader who wrote: ‘Every skier should have Whistler on a bucket list.'”

Whistler Blackcomb also saw huge gains in a number of categories over last year’s Reader’s Poll. Whistler Blackcomb moved up 13 spots over last year in grooming, 27 spots in value and three spots in the lifts category, likely a nod to Whistler Blackcomb’s $18 million investment into the new Crystal Ridge Express and Harmony 6 Express chairlifts in 2013-2014.

In its continuous effort to consistently elevate the guest experience, Whistler Blackcomb will be introducing a number of upgrades and improvements across the resort for the 2014-2015 winter season. Highlights include new eight passenger gondola cabins for the Whistler Village Gondola and new radio-frequency identification (“RFID”) technology with lift access control gates on most mountain lifts. For more information about everything new and exciting at Whistler Blackcomb for the upcoming ski season, visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com/about-us/news-releases/sept-15-2014.

Whistler Blackcomb’s official opening day is November 27, 2014, but with good early season conditions the resort can always be counted on to open early. 

Guests looking to plan a trip to the consistently rated No. 1 Mountain Resort in North America can visit whistlerblackcomb.com/deals_packages  or call 1-888-403-4727.

About Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb, the official alpine skiing venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, is situated in the Resort Municipality of Whistler located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia 125 kilometres (78 miles) from Vancouver, British Columbia. North America’s premier four season mountain resort, Whistler and Blackcomb are two side-by-side mountains which combined offer over 200 marked runs, 8,171 acres of terrain, 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers, receives on average over 1,165 centimetres (459 inches) of snow annually, and one of the longest ski seasons in North America. In the summer, Whistler Blackcomb offers a variety of activities, including hiking and biking trails, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, and sightseeing on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.