Snow + special events + savings = sensational at Whistler

Whistler, B.C. – Mother Nature is giving Whistler an early season gift, with snow currently falling in the Village and up to 35 centimetres in the alpine forecast.

Whistler Blackcomb announced this week that Whistler Mountain would open this Friday, November 18 –
six days in advance of the original planned opening (Blackcomb will open, as scheduled, on November 24). In addition to Mother Nature’s bounty, the snowmaking team at Whistler Blackcomb has contributed, turning more than 50 million gallons of water into snow; the equivalent of covering 250 football fields with up to one foot of snow, bringing the base at Pig Alley to 57 centimetres.

In addition to the early season opening, Whistler has a number of events taking place to mark the start of the 2011/ 2012 winter season.

Special events kick-off November 24, in time to welcome our American visitors for U.S. Thanksgiving.

Whistler Presents: A winter fireworks display
This complimentary event takes place at 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 24 with a dazzling display of fireworks (best viewed from Skiers’ Plaza).

Whistler Presents: A winter kick-off concert
On Saturday, November 26, Canadian bands Loverboy with special guests Trooper will take to the stage at Whistler Olympic Plaza. Tickets are available for purchase at www.whistler.com; capacity is limited! Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with Trooper taking to the stage under the pavilion at 7 p.m. and Loverboy at 8:45 p.m.

Whistler Presents: Pixar Shorts
In celebration of Pixar Animation Studio’s 25th anniversary, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, in association with the Whistler Film Festival, presents a never-before-seen program of Pixar Shorts under the roof of the Whistler Olympic Plaza pavilion as part of the Whistler Presents series. From 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., enjoy several of the Pixar feature film characters. There is no charge for this event.

Whistler Sabbatical Project
Tourism Whistler presents the ultimate contest with the Whistler Sabbatical Project. Running for 15 weeks throughout the winter, The Whistler Sabbatical Project is the opportunity to win a one-month all-expenses Whistler Sabbatical, complete with airfare, ground transfers, accommodation, lift passes, equipment and a salary … not to mention a series of unique Whistler experiences. Would You Do It?

Last year was one of Whistler’s snowiest on record with the resort tallying a whopping cumulative snowfall of more than 51 feet. This year, meteorologists are predicting another La Nina weather pattern bringing cooler temperatures and plenty of snow to the Coastal Mountain Range.

Whistler Mountain opens at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, November 18 with skiing and riding open on the Emerald Express, Big Red Express and Franz’s Chair. Upload access from the Creekside Gondola and the Whistler Village Gondola. Mountain officials warn early season conditions should be expected and that caution should be exercised as the terrain available this early in the season is best for intermediate to advanced skiers and riders.

Remember, if you’re looking for the inside track on what makes Whistler tick, be sure to visit the Whistler Insider, Tourism Whistler’s blog where local writers provide the inside scoop on all things Whistler.

At www.whistler.com, Whistler’s official source for visitor bookings and resort information, guests can create custom vacation packages. Whistler-based travel consultants have unbeatable local experience andWhistler.com offers the largest selection and one-stop shopping with no booking fee for accommodation, lift tickets or activities. Call 1.800.WHISTLER (1.800.944.7853) to request a no-obligation quote or visitwhistler.com for more details and offers.

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