Winter is here! Whistler Ski Resort prepares for the one year countdown to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. This season promises to be more epic than ever with the much-anticipated opening of Whistler Blackcomb’s record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola on December 12.
The showcase event of the 2008/ 09 winter season – Whistler Blackcomb’s PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola will officially open to the public December 12, 2008. The launch of this mountain marvel set to become a new Canadian tourism icon will forever revolutionize the way visitors experience this all-season resort.
Plenty of activities and celebrations are planned for opening day, beginning with an official ceremony and performances atop of both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Following a traditional ribbon cutting at 11 a.m., the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola will depart both terminals with its first guests on board.
Those guests will include ‘Ride of Their Life’ winners, 22 well-deserving Whistler citizens who were nominated by the community for their passion for life in Whistler. The Gondola will then run throughout the afternoon, open to all guests – skiers, snowboarders and sightseers. After a historic day on the mountain, the celebration continues into the evening, with a ‘Grand Apres’ in Skiers Plaza, live performances, film, DJs and family-friendly entertainment.
The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is a phenomenal feat of engineering and will break three world records, including longest unsupported span for a lift of this kind (3.024km/1.88miles), highest lift of its kind (435m/ 1,427 feet) and longest continual lift system (guests can ride up Whistler Mountain Gondola, across the valley to Blackcomb Mountain on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, and down Solar Coaster and Wizard chairs, a unique all-season experience for sightseers.) www.PEAK2PEAKgondola.com
7-Eleven Fire and Ice Show
Every Sunday starting December 14, 2008 – April 5, 2009
Whistler Blackcomb will be kicking off the Fire and Ice season with a special show during the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola Grand Opening December 12 (weather and snow permitting). Following the kick off, Whistler Blackcomb will turn up the heat every Sunday night at 6:30 p.m. at the base of Whistler Mountain.
Ski and snowboard schools’ hottest pros throw down big air and tricks to music with fire spinners, fireworks wrapping it all up with Johnny Cash’s familiar voice and the famous ring of fire. This is a free, family friendly event not to be missed.
Kokanee Valley Race Series, starts December 18
The Kokanee Valley Race Series is held on Thursdays throughout the season and is open to skiers, telemarkers and snowboarders with different gender and age divisions. No racing experience is required, just come along and have some fun!
The Whistler Holiday Experience, December 19, 2008 – January 4, 2009
This FREE family fun zone is unparalleled for indoor entertainment and fun! Running daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. over the holiday season at the TELUS Whistler Conference Centre, enjoy mini-golf, bouncy castles, kid’s movie screenings and video games for the whole family to experience; Santa arrives on December 20 at 11 a.m. for the official opening party. Please note: Due to alternate programming, the Whistler Holiday Experience will be closed December 24, 25, and 31.
Dress like Santa Day – and ski for free, December 20
Don ye now your Santa Claus apparel. To get in the Christmas spirit, Whistler Blackcomb welcomes all holiday enthusiasts to ‘dress like Santa’ on December 20 and ski or board Whistler or Blackcomb mountains for free!
Whistler First Night, December 31
Whistler’s First Night is the legendary come one, come all New Year’s Eve celebration that takes over Whistler’s Village Stroll and the TELUS Whistler Conference Centre, to say goodbye to the old and to welcome the new. This year’s program promises new, fun and fresh ideas, featuring an inspiring program of great live music, art workshops and street entertainment for people of all ages. www.whistlerfirstnight.com
Packages…
Whistler is the holiday winter wonderland everyone dreams about, and there’s incredible packages to take advantage with great value offerings.
If you book before December 19 enjoy two nights’ accommodation and two days skiing from less than CAD $200 per person! Visit www.whistler.com or call 1.800.WHISTLER for more information and additional ski and stay vacation packages. Skiing Magazine readers recently voted Whistler Blackcomb as North America’s #1 ski resort for the 12th consecutive year – so what are you waiting for?
