Whistler voted best ski resort in North America
B.C.’s biggest winter resort is taking it to the next level for 2014/15 — and the snow hasn’t started falling yet.
Whistler Blackcomb rides into the season named the top overall ski resort in North America, according to a Ski Magazine readers’ poll.
The online survey ranks the top 50 North American ski resorts.
In addition to being voted No. 1 in overall ranking, Whistler Blackcomb received top marks in the terrain variety, off-hill activity and après categories.
“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,” Whistler Blackcomb’s Dave Brownlie said in a release.
The resort also scored highly in a number of other categories, including No. 2 in the lifts, lodging and dining categories.
Whistler Blackcomb also revealed a number of improvements for the upcoming season.
New gondola cabins
The resort is investing $6 million to replace the existing Whistler Village Gondola, cabins which have been transporting guests up the mountain since 1988.
All eight passengers will be able to sit comfortably on bench seating. The new configuration should also improve capacity for the gondola through greater loading efficiency.
Radio-frequency technology
A $5.9-million investment allows the introduction of a radio-frequency identification system with lift access control gates on most mountain lifts.
Expected benefits of the technology include reduced waiting times at Whistler Blackcomb’s main access points.
Crystal Zone trail improvements
Spurred by customer feedback f rom l ast season, Whistler Blackcomb has widened the narrower sections of the Crystal Glide trail which leads from the Glacier Creek Lodge area to the base of the new Crystal Ridge Express.
Further trail work has been done on Rock ’n’ Roll, Backstage Pass and Ridgerunner.
Grooming fleet
Grooming an average of 1,300 acres every night during the winter season, Whistler Blackcomb has invested in two new state-of-the-art machines.
The first has the ability to groom slopes of 100 per cent grade ( 45 degrees) winch assisted, and the second will allow operators to further develop and enhance the resort’s eight terrain parks.
Terrain-based learning
The concept is a proven way to increase ski and snowboard participation with first-timers.
It involves building small terrain features so beginners can experience the true feelings of skiing and snowboarding in a safe environment.
Kids’ night out
These programs will be available during holiday weeks, including Christmas/ New Years, Chinese New Year, President’s Week and Easter.
The programs offer a convenient solution for the many parents who are looking for some grown-up time during their vacations.
Covered carpet lift
Replacing the handle tows currently at the Children’s Learning Centre on Whistler Mountain, the covered Magic Carpet will create a safe and comfortable learning environment for new skiers and snowboarders (children only) with protection from snow, rain, wind and cold.
Early birds
Guests can save up to 42 per cent on their ski vacation with five-night stay and ski packages. The offer is valid to Nov. 15, with details available at whistlerblackcomb.com/deals. Whistler Blackcomb’s official opening day is Nov. 27.