Irish eyes will be smiling at Whistler Blackcomb on St. Patrick’s Day. Anyone named Pat, Paddy or Patricia will receive a $10 discount on a full priced single day lift ticket at any Whistler Blackcomb ticket window. Any person holding a valid Irish Passport will receive a free lift ticket for St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2004. As St. Patrick is believed to have driven snakes out of Ireland, anyone named Snake will have to pay $2 extra, with money going to the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation.

Stanley Kelly, longtime local and Grooming Manager on Blackcomb Mountain is planning to celebrate the greenest day. “I grew up in Shannon, a small town in Quebec that is Irish through and through,� said Kelly. “St. Patrick’s Day is when I celebrate my heritage with good friends, an Irish song or two and maybe even a little jig.�

March 17th is sure to be fun day on the mountains as skiers and snowboarders will be sporting their green colours and more than one chairlift conversation will be started with “Kiss me, I’m Irish!� After a day of skiing, find your own pot of gold at the base of the mountains. Guitar Doug will be hosting a St. Patrick’s Day après at Merlin’s where you can celebrate the luck of the Irish.

Guests who qualify should present their valid photo identification or passport to any ticket window or Guest Relations office. Season Passholders and Express Card holders who are named after St. Patrick may use the discount for a friend. There is a limit of one ticket/discount per customer, valid only on March 17; leprechauns are excluded.

Erin go Bragh.