WHISTLER BLACKCOMB’S SUMMER MAKEOVER IS A BEAUTIFUL THING

Ski runs become hiking trails and mountain top lodges serve up wine tastings and sunset barbeques while the PEAK 2 PEAK Alpine Experience connects it all

WHISTLER, BC – Whistler Blackcomb will begin full summer operations Saturday, June 27 with the launch of the PEAK 2 PEAK Alpine Experience and the kick off of a variety of memorable mountain top dining experiences. With the Peak Chair open, hikers and sightseers can access the top of Whistler Mountain for sightseeing viewpoints and a network of hiking trails opening as weather and snowmelt permits.

“The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola links not just two mountains for skiing and snowboarding but also two spectacular mountain ranges, providing the canvas to unveil inspiring alpine walks, hikes and treks that will rival any mountain range in the world,” says Arthur DeJong, Whistler Blackcomb’s Mountain Planning and Environmental Resource Manager. “Currently the early snow melt is allowing us to open several ‘close in’ trails and by mid-July the first phase of this world class experience will be entirely open to our guests.”

Hiking is just getting underway with new trails Alpine Walk and the Overlord Trail open on Blackcomb, and West Loop Trail and Mathew’s Traverse descending from the peak on Whistler Mountain. Snow is still covering some of the alpine but trails are clearing quickly with the cooperation of Whistler Blackcomb’s trail crew, a very warm spring and recent rain.

The PEAK 2 PEAK Alpine Experience enables hikers and sightseers to experience high alpine adventure spanning 4.4 kilometres/2.73 miles between two mountains. Via the world’s longest continuous lift system and they can travel from lift-to-lift with gentle walks and stunning look-outs branching out on either mountain. Guests travel 8.7km/5.4 miles with four open air quad chairlifts and two gondolas. Whistler Blackcomb’s extensive trail network offer a range of distance and difficulty for all levels of fitness and boasts the added benefit of cooler temperatures on those sweltering summer days.

Hiking enthusiasts can embark on 19 marked trails of varying difficulty spanning over 50 kilometres on both mountains. All alpine hikes range from “green” to “blue” to “black” rated trails and will open as snowmelt permits. Six newly opened trails extend across Blackcomb’s south facing aspect affording incredible views of Overlord Glacier and Piccolo and Flute Peaks. Over on Whistler Mountain, trails depart from the top of the Whistler Village Gondola or the top of the Peak Chair.

After working up an appetite a variety of mountain top dining options present deliciously memorable experiences. Every weekend from June 27 to September 6 the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler will host Mountain Top BBQs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. These lively open air affairs will feature barbequed beef, chicken or salmon with all the fixings; live music entertainment; alpenglow on the Coast Mountain Range; and of course a breathtaking sunset at 6,000 feet to cap off the evening.

An exceptional daily dining experience is the Great Estates of the Okanagan Wine Tasting Bar at the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain. Twelve fine British Columbian wines will be offered in small tasting portions, flights, glasses or bottles. Over on Blackcomb Christine’s, in the Rendezvous Lodge, is the only full service restaurant located in the alpine. Well known for amazing views and wonderful food and service in the winter, Christine’s summer debut will specialize in a daily brunch designed to showcase fresh local ingredients.

There are few places in the world that can match the endless adventure and entertainment Whistler Blackcomb squeezes into summer. Activity information, ticket information, weather, the weekly activity report and accommodation packages are available on line at http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/summer.

Consistently ranked as North America's top ski and snowboard resort, Whistler Blackcomb elevates summer adventure to new heights. On-mountain activities include high alpine hiking and aerial sightseeing via the world’s longest continuous lift system featuring the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola; epic riding in North America’s number one ranked lift-accessed mountain bike park, and summer skiing and riding on Blackcomb’s Horstman Glacier. In the valley, sparkling mountain lakes and beaches, four championship golf courses, and Whistler’s vibrant pedestrian village filled with restaurants, patios, cafés, shops, galleries and spas are all surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Located a scenic two-hour drive north of Vancouver up the spectacular Sea to Sky Highway, this all season resort is truly spectacular by nature. Check it out at 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