WHISTLER, BC, March 19, 2009 – Spring is a season of transitions at Whistler Blackcomb. From powder to parties during the TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival April 17-26; and from boards to bikes when the Whistler Mountain Bike Park opens May 16; spring is the season for adventure hedonists.

A frontal system has been pounding the West Coast for the last week, resulting in 102cm/40” of fresh powder snow in the last seven days and another 45cm forecasted through to Monday. With another storm stacking up behind the current cycle, Whistler Blackcomb is set to enter the spring season snowy and strong.

"Spring just might be the best time of year in Whistler,” says skier Mike Douglas, Whistler Blackcomb Pro Team. “You can ski powder up top, then après at the GLC at the end of the day in your T-shirt. The Nintendo Terrain Parks soften up and this year the Highest Level Park will be going until the end. Just as the snow scene starts winding down, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park kicks into action. What more could you want?"

Important Operational Dates

Skiing and Riding

Whistler Mountain’s last day of winter operations - April 26

Blackcomb Mountain’s last day of winter operations - May 18

Skiing and snowboarding on Whistler Mountain - May 19 to June 14 (snowpack permitting)

Spring skiing hours of operation 10am to 4pm from April 27 to June 14 (snowpack permitting)

Glacier skiing and riding on Blackcomb Mountain will begin June 20

Sightseeing

-Whistler Mountain sightseeing begins - May 16, 10am to 5pm

-PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola closed for scheduled maintenance - April 27 to June 5

The TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival returns to the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb April 17-26. Going into its 14th year as the most significant spring event in the snowsports calendar, this action packed festival will feature a host of new programming merging art with action – on and off the snow.

Deals and Packages

Get here with WestJet and enjoy 15 per cent off seats to Vancouver

Book a lodging package with receive an additional 15 per cent off all WestJet flights to Vancouver. Valid for travel until May 31, 2009. The discounted fares are only available when booked in conjunction with a minimum of three nights accommodation.

These flights are only available by phone. Call 1.888.403.4727 to book your flight today.

TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival April 17 - 26, 2009

Two Nights Accommodation - Two Day Lift Ticket

From $82 CAD per person per night - $69 USD per person per night

Valid April 17 - 26, 2009

Terms and conditions apply – go to website for full details.

http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/twssf/index.htm

Third Night Free

Three night stays receive a third night free. Rates starting at just $199* a night.

Terms and conditions apply – go to website for full details.

http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/deals_packages/deals/3nightfree/index.htm

Detailed spring operation information, including specific lift access information and mountain amenities including food and beverage and rental or retail options will be available and updated weekly at whistlerblackcomb.com/whatsopen. Daily operation information will also be available on the snowphone 604-932-4211 and on the Today on the Mountain report.

Consistently ranked as North America's top ski and snowboard resort, Whistler Blackcomb continues to raise the level of mountain excitement for its guests. With the landmark PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola opening December 12, the return of the popular Symphony Amphitheatre, and a host of other on-mountain improvements, this winter promises to be one of the most exciting yet. Located a scenic two-hour drive north of Vancouver, Canada up the spectacular 'Sea to Sky' Highway, this resort is home to Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, which boast one vertical mile of incredible skiing. 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 http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com.

About Intrawest ULC

Intrawest is a world leader in experiential destination resorts. The company has interests in ten resorts at North America’s most popular mountain destinations including Whistler Blackcomb, a host venue for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Intrawest network also includes Canadian Mountain Holidays, the largest heli-skiing operation in the world, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Florida and Club Intrawest—a private resort club with locations throughout North America. In addition, Intrawest develops real estate at its resorts and at other locations across North America and in Europe. Intrawest is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information, visit http://www.intrawest.com.