Whistler Blackcomb Breaks November Snowfall Record With 418 Centimetres (165 Inches) Of Snow So Far This Month

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB BREAKS NOVEMBER SNOWFALL RECORD WITH 418 CENTIMETRES (165 INCHES) OF SNOW SO FAR THIS MONTH
With 11 days left in the month, the prior November snow record will be “blown out of the snow” with the forecast calling for another 65-95cm (26-37 inches) to fall by Monday

WHISTLER, BC, Thursday, November 19, 2009 – Whistler Blackcomb has officially surpassed the previous record of snow in the month of November with 418cm (165 inches) of snow falling as of Thursday, November 19. The previous record, set in 2006, was 416cm (164 inches). The snowfall record dates back to 1979.

“This is an unprecedented start to the season,” says Anton Horvath, Whistler Mountain weather forecaster. “The excitement of locals and guests alike is palpable, and the timing of this record breaking event happening this year as we prepare to be a host venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, is just icing on the cake. Whistler Blackcomb is well known for the copious amount of snow it receives on an annual basis. The fact that we’re only 87cm (34 inches) from reaching the half way point of our annual average snowfall, shows how incredible the start of this season really is.” The annual average snowfall at Whistler Blackcomb is just over 10 metres or 33 feet.

With 11 days left in November, there is plenty more snow on the way. The Environment Canada Alpine Forecast is calling for 50- 75cm (20-30 inches) of snow in the next 24 hours and the long-range outlook is also calling for more snow throughout the weekend, with a possible 65-95cm (26-37 inches) by Monday.

Guests looking to visit Whistler Blackcomb this season and take advantage of the incredible snowfall can book an early season Stay and Ski package for two nights, two days (lift tickets and accommodation) from $103 per person per night available until December 21 at http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/deals_packages/packages/2night2day/index.htm.

For Canadian or Washington residents still waiting to get their passes, EDGE Cards are available at early bird pricing until November 23, offering skiing/riding from as low as $58.40 per day on a 10-day EDGE Card. One-day, three-day and five-day cards are also available.

Stay up-to-date on what’s open, mountain conditions, temperatures, snowfall accumulation, forecasts and last minute hotel deals at www.whistlerblackcomb.com. Be sure to follow this storm as it continues by checking the Snow Report, updated 5 times daily, by calling 604-932-4211 in Whistler, 604-687-7507 in Vancouver, or toll-free at 1-800-766-0449.

And, if you’re on Facebook, head to our official Fan Page at www.facebook.com/whistlerblackcomb or follow us on Twitter: @whistlerblckcmb.

Consistently ranked as North America's top ski and snowboard resort, Whistler Blackcomb gets ready to welcome the world in 2010 as a host venue for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. With uninterrupted skiing, riding and sightseeing available throughout the winter, season two of the highly acclaimed PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, and the best deals of the season guaranteed before November 15, Whistler Blackcomb continues to raise the level of mountain excitement for its guests. Located a scenic two-hour drive north of Vancouver, Canada up the spectacular, newly-finished Sea to Sky Highway, this resort is home to Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, which boast one vertical mile of incredible skiing and riding. With over 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers, 200 trails, and 8,171 acres of skiable terrain, the choices of where and what to ski/ride at Whistler Blackcomb from beginner to advanced terrain are staggering. Joined at the base by a vibrant pedestrian village filled with award-winning après bars, restaurants, patios, cafes, shops, galleries and spas, and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, this four-season resort is spectacular. For more information, visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com.

About Intrawest
Intrawest is a leader in the development and management of experiential destination resorts. The Company has interests in a network of resorts at North America’s most popular mountain destinations including Whistler Blackcomb, a host venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and Canadian Mountain Holidays, the largest heli-skiing operation in the world. In addition, Intrawest markets and sells real estate at its resorts in North America and at other third-party locations around the world. Intrawest is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia and is a portfolio company owned primarily by private equity funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group LLC. For more information, visit www.intrawest.com