Whistler extends spring ski season

 May ideal for trifecta of ski, tee and bike in same day

Whistler, B.C. - On the verge of becoming the second snowiest season on record in Whistler, the skiing and boarding season has been extended to the end of May, colliding with spring and allowing visitors to experience the ultimate Whistler trifecta of ski + bike + golf.

With current cumulative snowfall totaling 1,483 centimetres (585 inches or 49 feet) and the alpine base siting at a hefty 372 centimetres (146 inches), Whistler Blackcomb announced today the extension of operations on Blackcomb Mountain to May 30. In addition to spectacular spring snow conditions, guests are celebrating the arrival of the mountain bike and golf seasons. Unique to Whistler, the months of May, June and July provide visitors the opportunity to experience what's become known as the ‘Whistler Trifecta': a full round of 18 holes at one of four signature golf courses, glacier skiing atop Blackcomb Mountain and mountain biking in the world-famous Whistler Mountain Bike Park - all in one day! And with an extensive selection of activities, plus a vast range of restaurants, spas and shopping in Whistler visitors can enjoy a new take on the 19th hole.

Mother Nature has blessed Whistler with its third snowiest winter on record (only three inches away from earning the status of the second snowiest winter ever) and with more than six weeks now available in the season, there is still time to experience some of the best spring conditions in years. 

Eight centimetres of new snow has fallen in the alpine over the last 24 hours, with a total of 46 centimetres in the past week. The resort's average annual snowfall of 33.7 feet was shattered more than five weeks ago.

Whistler Mountain is open for winter skiing and boarding through to April 25; Blackcomb is open until May 30 and then re-opens for glacier riding and skiing on June 18.

Late-season packages are available with amazing rates starting at $185 per person for a two-night stay in moderate accommodation plus a two-day lift ticket. Step it up to deluxe accommodation with packages starting at $215 per person and luxury accommodation packages starting at $249 per person. Three-night accommodation and two-day lift ticket packages start at $214 per person for moderate accommodation, $240 per person for deluxe and $318 for luxury. For five-night accommodation and four-day lift ticket packages, rates start at $396 per person for moderate accommodation, $460 for deluxe and $654 per person for luxury. 

April is also time for the annual wrap party that celebrates Whistler's dynamic mountain culture. Now in its 16th year, the 10-day TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival features sport, music and the arts with high-calibre sport competitions, free daily outdoor concerts, endless after parties with internationally-acclaimed DJs, fashion shows, photography and art exhibits, film screenings, theatre and of course the best skiing and riding in the world. www.wssf.com 

Great accommodation rates are also available during the festival period and through Easter. Moderate rooms start at $99 per night, deluxe rooms at $111 a night and luxury rooms from $159 a night. Visitwww.whistler.com/wssf for details.

Experience the best mountain bike park the world has to offer with the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, open May 20. Summer sightseeing begins May 28 and the Blackcomb Base Adventure Zone runs from June 18 to September 5. 

The Whistler Golf Club will open its driving range on April 22 with a grand opening scheduled for Saturday April 23 and Sunday April 24, featuring a barbecue, fun competitions and events with lots of great prizes and live entertainment by Brother Twang.

Big Sky Golf and Country Club in Pemberton is expected to open late April with the Whistler courses - the Whistler Golf Club, Nicklaus North and the Chateau Whistler Golf Course - all planning for May openings. To book your last-minute winter package, an upcoming golf getaway or any other summer vacation package, visit www.whistler.com or call 1.800.WHISTLER to speak to a local reservation agent.

To see real-time conditions via on-mountain webcams, visit here: http://www.whistler.com/webcam/

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