MASSIVE WINTER STORM HERALDS EARLY OPENING AT WHISTLER BLACKCOMB Whistler Mountain set to open this Saturday, November 18  WHISTLER, BC, November 13, 2006 – A massive winter storm that has blanketed Whistler resort since Thursday night in 75 centimeters or 30 inches of snow, has precipitated the announcement that the resort will open earlier than expected. Whistler Mountain will open for the season this Saturday, November 18 from 8:30am to 3pm. Blackcomb Mountain will open as planned on Thursday, November 23. “This latest weather system has been a huge boost for our early season conditions, helping to create excellent opening weekend conditions, as well as building a solid base for the rest of the season,” says Doug MacFarlane, Whistler Blackcomb’s mountain operations manager. “We couldn’t be happier with what we can offer our guests this coming weekend.” Weather forecasters are predicting that this is only the beginning of a period of snowy, stormy weather over the next several days in the resort. Environment Canada’s forecast calls for snow throughout the week. Bestskiweather.com is also reporting an active weather pattern for Whistler well into late November. Whistler Mountain will open on Saturday with access from the Whistler Village base. The Whistler Village Gondola, the Emerald Express and the Big Red Express are all scheduled to open. The resort’s new fleet of grooming machines will be hard at work this week preparing the slopes for skiers and riders. Guests should be aware that early season conditions will exist off-piste and so extreme caution should be exercised when venturing beyond the ropes. “There has been huge anticipation in the resort for weeks as opening day has drawn closer,” says Stuart Rempel, Whistler Blackcomb’s senior vice president of marketing and sales. “With the unveiling of our brand new Symphony Express high speed quad in the back bowls of Whistler Mountain, this season’s excitement level is through the roof. We’re thrilled that we can open the mountain early for everyone to get up there and get in some turns.” The Symphony Express grand opening is scheduled for December 16.    Guests interested in visiting Whistler Blackcomb this season can save up to 36% on their vacation if they book by November 15. Huge savings are currently being offered on a variety of hotels throughout the entire season. For example, a four night package with three days of skiing or riding is available from just $81 CAD per person per night if booked by November 15. Bookings can be made through whistlerblackcomb.com, or by calling 1-888-284-9999.  Edge Cards for Canadian and Washington residents are also on sale now, and the early bird price is in effect until November 15. Skiers and riders eager to keep an eye on Whistler Blackcomb as the storm continues, can stay up to date by checking out web cams and operational updates at whistlerblackcomb.com. The snow phone will also be updated daily and can be reached by calling 604-687-7507 (Vancouver) or 604-932-4211 (Whistler).