Whistler Mountain opening Saturday � five days early

Whistler, B.C. – Mother Nature and mankind have joined forces to provide ample early season snow at Whistler – enough for an early start to the 2012/ 2013 winter season.

With snow in the forecast and Whistler Blackcomb’s fleet of snowmaking equipment in overdrive, Whistler Mountain will open Saturday, November 17 – five days ahead of the original November 22 opening date.

Over the past 10 years, Whistler has enjoyed an average annual snowfall of 40 feet! With the forecast being supplemented with snowmaking efforts, Whistler is getting an early start on the upcoming winter season. Whistler Blackcomb crews have used their fleet of 220 state of the art snow guns to convert more than 70 million gallons of water into snow. Environment Canada is forecasting up to 16 centimetres of snow in the alpine for Friday and Saturday.

The Whistler Village Gondola will open at 8:30 a.m. November 17. The Emerald Express, Big Red Express and potentially Franz’s Chair will operate with a possible total of six runs open to the public including Ego Bowl, Upper Whiskey Jack, Upper Franz, Papoose, Orange Peel and Pony Tail. For webcams, visitwww.whistler.com/webcam/

To celebrate the original opening weekend, November 22-25, Whistler Presents: Winter Kick Off with events and entertainment both on and off the slopes. Blackcomb Mountain opens November 22. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola opens for winter sightseeing on November 22. Musical acts and street performers will add to the village vibe from 8 a.m. until noon November 22-25. Winter kick off fireworks will take place in Skier’s Plaza on Saturday November 24 at 7 p.m. and local performers David Myles and Ali Milner take to the stage at Millennium Place Saturday evening. In addition to these events, opening weekend welcomes the annual Bizarre Bazaar at the Whistler conference Centre November 24-25. Celebrating its 24th year, this annual craft fair features 100 artisans from Sea to Sky and B.C. The two-day market features paper goods, food, ceramics, jewelry, clothing, Christmas décor and more. New this year, the Whistler Arts Council welcomes Bratz Biz, featuring Whistler’s youngest artisans.

The world’s top bobsleigh and skeleton competitors will converge at the Whistler Sliding Centre November 23-24 for the Viessman IBSF World Cup Bobsleigh & Skeleton World Cup events. Watch athletes perform at high speeds at the 2010 Winter Games sliding venue. Tickets are $10 (there is no charge for children six years old and younger) and are available at the Whistler Visitor and Information Centre.

SAVE THE DATE
In addition to the exciting events of opening weekend, Whistler has a number of not-to-be missed events on its robust calendar.

Whistler Film Festival
November 28 – December 2
Featuring innovative and original films from around the world and opportunities to connect with the people who made them, this year’s festival will be filled with more premieres than ever before, competitions, celebrity guests and lively celebrations.

Whistler’s Festival of Lights and Art Exhibit
December 18 – January 7
The Whistler Arts Council, in partnership with the Resort Municipality of Whistler, is holding its third annual Whistler Festival of Lights Exhibition at Millennium Place. More than 200 lanterns that have been created over the past two years by children, adults and artists from around the world will be on display.

Whistler Holiday Experience
December 21 – January 6
Each holiday season, the Whistler Conference Centre is transformed into an indoor entertainment zone for families. Operating from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily (closed December 25 and 31), the Whistler Holiday Experience features a mini putt course, table games, bouncy castles, crafts and video games. Parents can relax in the lounge area and enjoy a coffee or hot cocoa while the kids
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