Whistler, B.C., October 16, 2003 -Snow is falling in Whistler this morning.
A strong frontal system brought over 12cm, or 5 inches, of snow overnight in
the alpine and the first snowfall to Whistler Village this morning. Snow is
falling from the mountaintops to the valley, over a mile below. Big fluffy
flakes have covered the Village of Whistler with a blanket of white.
Environment Canada is forecasting an additional 10-15cm of snow at the
mountaintops today. The new snow, in addition to 33cm over the Thanksgiving
weekend has created an excitement in Whistler, as everyone is itching to
start making turns on the mountains.
Snow at this time of the year is reassuring to the staff at Whistler
Blackcomb. "We're all very excited about the early season snow," said Bob
Dufour, Director of Operations for Whistler Blackcomb. "Preparations for
winter are under way. The snowmaking team is eager to get going and augment
what Mother Nature brings us and everyone is looking forward to a great
season ahead."
With no El Nino or La Nina to affect the weather patterns this winter,
Whistler Blackcomb is anticipating a return to a traditional Whistler
winter. That means lots of snow. With an average of over 30 feet of snow
every winter, and a December that averages 212cm of snow, Whistler Blackcomb
is the place to be at the start of the winter season. Tony Crocker, renowned
snow expert, in an article in Skiing Magazine Entitled "Top 18 Early-Season
Resorts" describes Whistler Blackcomb as "the best big-mountain choice in
North America before Christmas."
The Environment Canada forecast is calling for more snow in the alpine this
week. With a cool and wet October and November expected, Whistler Blackcomb
is anticipating a very snowy lead in to the start of the winter season.
Opening day on Blackcomb Mountain is November 22, 2003 and Whistler Mountain
opens 5 days later for the American Thanksgiving weekend on November 27.
Whistler Blackcomb is owned and operated by Intrawest Corporation.
Intrawest Corporation is the leading developer and operator of
village-centered resorts across North America. The company owns nine
mountain resorts, including Whistler Blackcomb, North America's most popular
mountain resort. Intrawest also owns Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in
Florida and has a premier vacation ownership business, Club Intrawest. The
company has a 45 per cent interest in Alpine Helicopters Ltd., owner of
Canadian Mountain Holidays, the largest heli-skiing operation in the world.
Intrawest is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia and is located on
the World Wide Web at
www.intrawest.com.
