Whistler, B.C., November 26, 2003 - - Whistler Blackcomb announced this week that Mark Abma, one of the top newschool skiers in North America, will join the 2003-2004 Whistler Blackcomb Pro Team. Abma joins a prestigious list of skiers, including Godfather of New School Mike Douglas, big mountain superstar Hugo Harrisson, two-time International Freeskiing Champion Jen Ashton, four-time X-games gold medallist Aleisha Cline, and World Cup racer Britt Janyk.

"Mark had really impressive contest results last year, including 4th in the Big Air and 5th in the Slopestyle at the U.S. Open, as well as a marquee segment in Poor Boyz' film, 'Ready, Fire, Aim," said teammate Mike Douglas. "He has quickly proven that he deserves to be in the upper eschelon of professional skiing."

Mark spent most of his summer on the road -- he fought forest fires in the B.C. interior before joining Matchstick Productions on their east coast movie tour. Now back in B.C. and ready for another busy winter, Abma looks forward to a stronger relationship with Whistler Blackcomb.

"I've lived in Whistler for quite a few years now - it's my favorite place to be in the winter,? said Abma. "I?m psyched to be on the Pro Team, and when I look at my fellow team members, it?s kind of unbelievable.?

Whistler Blackcomb is equally excited. "Mark is a great addition to the team, he rounds it out really well," said Stuart Rempel, Whistler Blackcomb Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "Our goal was to create a diverse team to represent all of our strengths - legendary big mountains, award-winning terrain parks and world-class racing facilities. We've accomplished that goal."

Whistler Blackcomb's new youth site, http://www.ridetribe.com, includes information about all of the Pro Team's skiers and riders, and will feature monthly interviews with the athletes, written by Skier magazine editor Leslie Anthony and Snowboard Canada associate editor Colin Adair.

Whistler Mountain opens this Thursday, November 27. For more information on opening day and snow conditions please call 1-800-766-0449 or visit us online at http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com . The snowphone report is now updated 4 times daily (at 6:00am, 7:30am, 11:00am and 3:00pm) and can be reached at 604.932.4211 (locally), 604.687.7507 (Vancouver), and 1.800.766.0449 (toll-free).