Season Opening Is Here!
There’s an excited buzz in Whistler Village these days about the early November 17 opening to the 2017/18 season. “We’re very pleased to have been able to open early,” says Marc Riddell, senior communications manager for Whistler Blackcomb. “Right now we have very favourable conditions so we’ve been able to blow snow constantly.” “I’m looking out my window right now and it’s snowing,” Riddell said earlier this week. All of that snow translates to the opening of 600 acres of terrain with 550 vertical metres, twenty runs and five lifts on Whistler Mountain. Blackcomb Mountain and the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola will open November 23. This weekend will be a great time to launch the full season at the Whistler Blackcomb Winter Kickoff, November 24 and 25. The festivities include the free Skier’s Plaza Celebration with live music, a beer garden, food trucks and fire pits at The North Face Base Camp. On November 25, participants entering the Lucky Ride Up contest could win a helicopter-skiing experience for two, and skiers, snowboarders and snow lovers riding selected lifts will automatically be entered to win. Later that same day, North Face Athletes will be available for a meet and greet at the Village store. Riddell says with such great snow weather in the forecast, there’s a good chance the opening weekends will be busy, so for your first day of the season, being organized really helps. Try to pick up your lift tickets and rental equipment the night before you hit the slopes. Find out information on everything of interest to you and your family for the visit—from the Coca Cola Tube Park, Magic Castle and the Tree Fort to lessons, Nintendo gaming lounges, activities and fun on both mountains. Know where you are going. On the Whistler Blackcomb website, social media pages and their Mobile Apps you can check the current status of your favourite lifts and runs. By doing this you can enjoy many more runs on busy days. Interactive maps can also help you locate lifts, restaurants, ski patrol, shops, and facilities, as well as designate meeting spots and plan your next run. Skiing and boarding at Whistler Blackcomb is about having the time of your life. Be courteous and kind to everyone on the mountain whether friends, family, or strangers you just met. It’s a magical place and it’s everyone’s job, along with Mother Nature, to keep it that way. Have a great season! More at whistler.com