WHISTLER, BC, April 1, 2011 – Whistler Blackcomb announced today a new height restriction for all skiers and riders after record breaking snow this season.

From today onwards, guests shorter than 350cm/11.5 feet, the current snow base, will be prohibited from accessing Whistler Blackcomb without the required equipment: snorkel, a shovel and point of view camera.

The policy has come into effect after 315cm (124inches) of snow fell this past month, the second snowiest March on record. To date, mountain safety teams have been able to identify individuals immersed in the snow after using specialized audio equipment to detect their cries of “woohoo” and “yeehaw.”

“Having too much powder is a big problem here at Whistler Blackcomb,” said John McGroomer, senior vice president of Lame. “When we get a big dump of snow, not only do we encounter a lot of powder frenzy, many powder hounds adopt a ‘no friends on a powder day’ attitude, skiing or riding with only a select few, only reuniting with miffed boyfriends/girlfriends at après.”

Including the record-setting March, Whistler Blackcomb has seen nearly 14 metres (46 feet) of snow so far this season, well above the average annual snowfall of 10.25 metres (33.66 feet). With over 50 days of skiing/riding remaining this season, it’s shaping up to be an amazing spring. In order to take advantage of the great conditions at the best rate, 2011-2012 season pass or EDGE Card are available online. With a purchase guests can upgrade to unlimited spring skiing this season for as little as $49. And that ain’t no April Fool’s joke.

Events happening this spring include the TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival April 15 – 24th, 2011. Guests can take advantage of discounts with ski and stay with packages starting from $81 per person, per night. For more information about pass and card products, current weather and snow information, events and activities at Whistler Blackcomb please visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com.

About Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb, the official alpine skiing venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, is situated in the Resort Municipality of Whistler located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia 125 kilometres (78 miles) from Vancouver, British Columbia. North America’s premier four season mountain resort, Whistler and Blackcomb are two side-by-side mountains which combined offer over 200 marked runs, over 8,000 acres of terrain, 14 alpine bowls, three glaciers, receives on average over 1,090 centimetres (430 inches) of snow annually, and one of the longest ski seasons in North America. In the summer, Whistler Blackcomb offers a variety of activities, including hiking and biking trails, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, and sightseeing on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. For more information, visit whistlerblackcomb.com.