WHISTLER, BC – Whistler Blackcomb has been named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers, just in time for Earth Day (April 22). This nomination recognizes the company’s some 3,800 employees for their dedication and contribution to sustainability in Whistler.

Launched in 2007, the Canada's Greenest Employers competition is organized by Mediacorp Canada Inc., the nation's largest publisher of employment-related periodicals and online directories, and published in Maclean’s Magazine. This special designation recognizes the employers leading the nation in creating a culture of environmental awareness in their organizations.

“This recognition could only have happened through the commitment of each one of our staff, to whom I am profoundly grateful,” says Arthur DeJong, Whistler Blackcomb’s Mountain Planning and Environmental Resource Manager. “The road to becoming truly sustainable will be long and difficult, however the growing commitment and action at all levels of our company inspire me to believe this is possible.”

Whistler Blackcomb has set the benchmark for environmental initiatives in the ski and mountain resort industry. Its environmental management strategy began in 1992 and has evolved into a core pillar of the company’s goals and objectives. To date Whistler Blackcomb has been recognized 17 times in the last 10 years by a variety of organizations for efforts in working towards sustainability.

The judges recognized Whistler Blackcomb for its largest environmental initiative to date: the Fitzsimmons Creek renewable power project, which will be completed by the end of 2009. This $32 million hydro-electricity project is located entirely within Whistler Blackcomb’s operating area, and will produce 33.5 gigawatt hours of hydro electricity per year. This is the equivalent of powering the ski resort’s winter and summer operations including 38 lifts, 17 restaurants, 269 snowguns and countless other buildings and services.

Meanwhile, Whistler Blackcomb has also been operating an aggressive recycling and composting program since 2005 with recycling alone reducing waste by 50 per cent. The food and beverage department recycles more than 80 per cent of its beverage containers. Efforts to reduce energy consumption through building retrofits, behavioral changes, along with automated and energy efficient equipment conserves more than 4,500,000 kWh of electricity per year or 16 per cent of our consumption.

Community involvement is a major focus for Whistler Blackcomb as well. The bear viewing and ecology tours operated each summer teach guests about Whistler’s ecology and encourages them to become environmental stewards in their own communities.

Working closely with the community, the Whistler Blackcomb Habitat Improvement Team (HIT) has been involved in 89 projects since 1997 to restore fish and wildlife habitat. Over the last 10 years, its "Operation Green-Up" program has invested $1.5 million in the protection and restoration of mountain ecosystems at Whistler Blackcomb.

More than 40 Whistler Blackcomb employees participate in a carpool program using company vehicles – saving an estimated 640,000 kilometres of driving or 200 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. Employees also volunteer for the annual Mountain Clean-Up to clear rubbish off the ski runs during the summer. Many Whistler Blackcomb employees also donate $2 off every pay cheque for the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation Environmental Fund, contributing over $40,000 to fund local non-profit environmental groups in the Sea to Sky Corridor.

“WhistlerBlackcomb is very honored to receive this award and thank the judges for this distinction,” continues DeJong. “We also firmly recognize the need to accelerate our actions especially in energy conservation and renewable energy production.”

Mediacorp Canada Inc. manages the Canada’s Greenest Employers competition and selection process. Winners of this competition are mentioned in a special green issue of Maclean’s Magazine, which hit newsstands April 16. For more information about Whistler Blackcomb’s environmental initiatives, please visit whistlerblackcomb.com/mountain/environment.

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