BLACKCOMB MOUNTAIN TO OPEN EARLY NOVEMBER 5 & 6 Daily operations to start November 11 - cold temperatures and back to back systems in the forecast WHISTLER, BC, October 31, 2005 - As October draws to a close and Halloween is celebrated in usual Whistler style, thoughts are more about powder than poltergeists at the resort tonight. Whistler Blackcomb has announced that Blackcomb Mountain will open this Saturday, November 5 much earlier than planned, in fact it's one of the earliest openings in the resort's 40 year history. Blackcomb Mountain will remain open through the weekend (November 5 and 6) and plans are in place to open daily as of Friday, November 11. Special opening weekend pricing will be in effect.A series of Pacific frontal systems over the past weekend brought a total of 60 centimetres (24 inches) of snow to the mountains at the Rendezvous Lodge elevation located at 1,860m/6,102ft, and the forecast is calling for even more snow through the week."This is a major boost for early season conditions at Whistler Blackcomb," says Bob Dufour, Vice President of Mountain Operations. "The long range forecast over the coming weeks is for normal, or colder than normal temperatures plus normal or greater than normal precipitation.This is very good news for us."The new snow, a stormy forecast over the next five days, and Whistler Blackcomb's powerful snowmaking system are lining up to deliver the solid early season conditions that Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains have become famous for. With anywhere from 25 to 40 centimetres (10 to 16inches) forecasted to fall through Friday, indications of what's to come this season are promising."Things are looking very winter-like on the mountains today," says Mike Douglas, Whistler Blackcomb Pro Team member and long time Whistler resident. "Halloween night is typically one of the best nights in Whistler and I think tonight will be even more fun than usual as locals celebrate winter's return and this weekend's early opening."Whistler Blackcomb crews have been working hard all summer preparing for this season. Summer grooming and brush cutting on the runs will ensure that more runs can open with minimal snow. Increased investment into high-tech snowmaking infrastructure provides added assurance that snow coverage will be solid. "Many of our guns now turn on automatically when the temperature dips allowing us to take advantage of every snowmaking opportunity no matter what time of the day or night," says Dufour.Hours of operation this weekend will be from 8:30am to 3:00pm. Uploading will take place from the Blackcomb base. The Wizard Express, Solar Coaster Express, Jersey Cream Express and Catskinner chairs are expected to open.Great early season pricing is in effect. Offers this winter include a family package where kids ski and stay free (must be booked before December 5). Discover Whistler Days during 11 weeks of the season also offer guests many ski and snowboard lessons at 50% off. Please visit whistlerblackcomb.com to view the snowy conditions and to find out more about Whistler Blackcomb's special offers and upcoming events.