WHISTLER, BC, Dec. 10 – Whistler Blackcomb’s PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola will officially open to the public December 12, 2008. The launch of this mountain marvel is set to become a new Canadian tourism icon and will forever revolutionize the way visitors experience this all season resort. A live webcast of the grand opening will broadcast at whistlerblackcomb.com starting at 10:30am PST on Friday, December 12.
While preparations are in the final stages for the launch, fresh snow is providing the final touch. In the past week 23 centimetres has fallen and up to 10 centimetres is in the forecast this Friday. Adding to that, the snowmaking crew has turned over nine million gallons of water into snow within the last week.
With the official opening just days away, launch celebrations for both visitors and locals alike are set to provide an unforgettable day for the momentous opening of this world record-setting gondola.
The live webcast will get underway at 10:30am PST and will include a surprise visit as Red Bull drops in and gives wings to the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola Launch. At 11am the moment everyone has been waiting for will finally happen as the official ribbon cutting takes place by government dignitaries, and the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola departs from each of the Whistler and Blackcomb terminals with its first guests on board.
image: Paul Morrison
The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola Grand Après in the village will close the day with a community-wide celebration featuring live art, a performance by entertainer Norman Foote for the kids, fireworks and a Red Bull DJ to kick the unofficial celebrations off at Whistler Blackcomb’s famed après bars Merlins, Dusty’s and the Garibaldi Lift Company.
Consistently ranked as North America’s top ski and snowboard resort, Whistler Blackcomb continues to raise the level of mountain excitement for its guests. With the landmark PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola project underway, the return of the popular Symphony Amphitheatre, and a host of other on-mountain improvements, this winter promises to be one of the most exciting yet. Located a scenic two-hour drive north of Vancouver up the spectacular ‘Sea to Sky’ Highway, this resort is home to the continent’s two greatest vertical-rise ski mountains – Whistler and Blackcomb. With over 17 alpine bowls, four glaciers, 200 trails, 8,171 acres of skiable terrain and a one mile vertical rise, the choices of where and what to ski/ride at Whistler Blackcomb from beginner to advanced terrain are staggering. Joined at the base by a
vibrant pedestrian village filled with restaurants, patios, cafes, shops, galleries and spas, and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, this four season resort is spectacular. Check it all out at whistlerblackcomb.com.
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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 intrawest.com
Proud to be a venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
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